[peab1]

Hi,

Can someone please tell me how to retro fit a factor sat nav into my 2002 Mini Copper?

I know it's tricky but it can be done.

Are there any extra parts I need?

Thanks

[AprilWhine]

Check this thread: http://www.mini2.com/forum/interior-...retro-fit.html

[peab1]

HI AW,

Thanks for your post. I've already checked that thread, and someone mentioned they'd done it but it was a big job.

Does anyone else have any more info on this?

Thanks

[S33BBY]

Don't bother, it's too big a job and too expensive. I appreciate that you probably want a built-in solution, but it's just not feasible.

Speak to Mike from NewMINIStuff.com and get yourself one of those head units with a pop-up screen.

[AprilWhine]

S33BBY is right, my hubby is almost finished installing a Pioneer AVIC-N3 in my GP. Better function and cheaper too. I'll be posting pictures and a write up DIY soon.

[peab1]

Thanks for the replies!

S33BBY - Out of interest is the great expense buying all the kit?

And secondly what makes it a big job? Perhaps I am being a little naive.

I realise the Sat nav needs to be connected to electronics and stereo system. And installing the fin antenna and running the cables. Then reconnecting the smaller speedo over the steering column.

Would be interested to hear if anyone has done it.

AW - Look forward to seeing the write up.

Thanks

[S33BBY]

Quote: Originally Posted by peab1 (original)

S33BBY - Out of interest is the great expense buying all the kit?

I'm not sure off hand, but it's sure to run into the thousands!

Quote: Originally Posted by peab1 (original)

And secondly what makes it a big job? Perhaps I am being a little naive.

I realise the Sat nav needs to be connected to electronics and stereo system. And installing the fin antenna and running the cables. Then reconnecting the smaller speedo over the steering column.

Do you not think this is a big job?

The taking the car apart is a big enough job in itself, plus fitting everything, and the time to resolve potential for problems. It's just not worth the hassle unless you specifically want to undertake it as a project.

[mikeythemini]

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine (original)

S33BBY is right, my hubby is almost finished installing a Pioneer AVIC-N3 in my GP. Better function and cheaper too. I'll be posting pictures and a write up DIY soon.

Did you find the wire??

[AprilWhine]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini (original)

Did you find the wire??

He found a blue w/yellow trace on the left sill and hooked it up, but the unit says no speed pulse. I hope it's just a learning curve, the unit didn't recognize the handbrake signal at first either.

Mikey, he wouldn't have kept looking if not for your advice, THANKS! He also says sill trim installer at the factory must be the equivalent of purgatory.

But so far, everything is working well. Just have to finish tidying up for pictures then I can post the whole illustrated story.

[Jim Ray]

And she has to clean the blood from the sill trim.

Tomorrow to use a thousand wire ties and neaten up everything. I am saving the MFSW connection for a day when the skin on the back of my hands has healed.

Mikey, you earn every penny on one of these installs. I read every post you have made about ICE installs, and I would have never tackled it without your posts to refer to.

I have spent years working with electronics, computers, etc. Doing the install in not tough, I can do it in ten minutes on a sheet of plywood. Doing it in the car took a two days last weekend, evenings for a week, and most of two days this weekend. A spare car to drive is a must.

A second install would take a lot less time.

Power the car up with the seats removed, and then you have a trip to your friendly dealer.

[peab1]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all your helpful replies. Looks like the Pioneer might be the sensible option but I'm still interested in checking out the retro fit.

Looking forward to reading the Pioneer install.

Thanks

[DaFlake]

Definetly a huge amount of man hours to install and the unit alone is very expensive. The Pioneer solution is a cheaper and better solution.

[peab1]

I may seem a bit crazy but if I can get hold of the parts cheaply then I'd quite like to do it as a project over the Xmas holidays.

Would really like to know of the complications I may have.

Realise I need to get a shark fin dual gps and fm antenna which will need to be threaded round to the front console, and that once everything's connected up I'll need to get it coded at a dealer.

Does anyone know of any complications I may have?

[DaFlake]

There is more to this NAV than just a system. There are wheel sensors, gyros and such that have to be fitted along with the the unit, wiring harness and display. Basically, you are not stuffing a Tom Tom into the dash. This is a system that knows which direction you are facing at a standstill and can continue to track you even with a loss of signal. Most of the people that have actually done this swore they would never do it again.

That being said, if you like a challange, go for it.

The other problem is that this system could cost you well into 2 - 3 K (dollars) easily and you can get a much better after market for this amount.

[peab1]

I knew about all the harness cabling etc,. but didn't realise about the wheel sensors and gyro.

Getting hold of those isn't going to be easy.

[James]

It would probably be easier to make your own satnav system by integrating an aftermarket one behind the screen. It might not have the same display but it will save a lot of money and time.