[siriato]

I'm ordering my MCS JCW Convertible this week (US) and would like some advice with 3 questions:
1. Is there any major drawback to the SatNav system? The forums seem to indicate mixed reviews. I also saw quite a few aftermarket systems. I personally like the way the factory system looks (not sure about functionality).
2. Stereo system. What is the best dealer offered sound system? (Purest sound clarity / speaker system, etc.) I am interested in integrating my iPod into whatever I order and would like advise on the best equipment / system to make this happen...It would be great if the iPod display information could be shown on the stereo display...
3. Sat Radio. Any options available through Mini? If not, what's the best way to get it without making the inside of the car look like the lunar landing module?

[Bugged]

Quote: Originally Posted by siriato

I'm ordering my MCS JCW Convertible this week (US) and would like some advice with 3 questions:
1. Is there any major drawback to the SatNav system? The forums seem to indicate mixed reviews. I also saw quite a few aftermarket systems. I personally like the way the factory system looks (not sure about functionality).

No there isn't. It's not as good as say the Hertz NeverLost or some of the other systems, but it does work pretty well. I know of very few people who have it and actually hate it.

Quote:

2. Stereo system. What is the best dealer offered sound system? (Purest sound clarity / speaker system, etc.) I am interested in integrating my iPod into whatever I order and would like advise on the best equipment / system to make this happen...It would be great if the iPod display information could be shown on the stereo display...

You only have two options here, and the best is the Harman Kardon system. As for integrating the iPod, you can get the MINI/Apple/BMW kit which has some limitations, or wait for Dension to figure out how to get their kit to work with the MINI. Nobody supports ID3 tags on the HU (but that may change)

Quote:

3. Sat Radio. Any options available through Mini? If not, what's the best way to get it without making the inside of the car look like the lunar landing module?

Not yet, but it should happen soon. Be warned though it's possible that what MINI comes out with for the '05s may once again not work with Nav. I was speaking with a local dealer and they think that is the current hold up on the new system. Don't be surprised though if there are cheaper options that work just as well with the MINI as the "official system" yet cost half the price even after installation.

[Pepper'D]

take a look at alpines website their new headunits will control the ipod and they also do sat nav tv headunits which will probs work out cheaper and better looking than mini's and play dvd too

[miniboyblue]

Hi

I have the Denison i Pod cradle linked into my MCSC head unit running through the Harmon Kardon speakers and the results are superb, the only limitation is that it will not display the track names/artists etc through the head unit. Personally this is no big deal as I have the i Pod mounted in a position so that I can see the dispaly, and therefore all the inforamtion I need on the i Pod dispaly unit. It also charges while in the cradle and retains the audio controls on the multifunction steering wheel, which is brilliant.
It is true that Alpine offer head units that control the i pod, but when I tried them the controls were really fussy to get want you want from the i pod.

Would realyy recommend the denison/i pod

[siriato]

Quote: Originally Posted by miniboyblue

Hi

I have the Denison i Pod cradle linked into my MCSC head unit running through the Harmon Kardon speakers and the results are superb, the only limitation is that it will not display the track names/artists etc through the head unit. Personally this is no big deal as I have the i Pod mounted in a position so that I can see the dispaly, and therefore all the inforamtion I need on the i Pod dispaly unit. It also charges while in the cradle and retains the audio controls on the multifunction steering wheel, which is brilliant.
It is true that Alpine offer head units that control the i pod, but when I tried them the controls were really fussy to get want you want from the i pod.

Would realyy recommend the denison/i pod

thanks for the info...great help. where and how do you have the ipod mounted such that you are able to read it while driving? Is this part of the Denison cradle? Do you have it mounted via the cup holder? I didn't expect that it would be seamless and your response gets me to where I want to be...I take it that you like the HK sound system? Did you opt for the CD changer mounted in the boot or does the iPod defeat this purpose and expense for you? Thanks!!

[stryder]

The Nav system has a few drawbacks, none of which are really related to MINI, but more Nav systems in general -

Its expensive, $1700 at last check, when you can get an aftermarket one for a fair amount cheaper.
It's a square screen in a round spot, so if you go to one that is in a head unit, its at least a bit less out of place.
It can't be removed, because its built into the car, so if you sell the car, the system goes with it, and you'll likely get no where near what you paid for it back, residual value on these systems are pretty low.

The Boot CD changer is expensive, and most people don't feel the need to use it, also, if you get a 2005 model as you're getting, it plays MP3 cds, so one of them, has way more then 6 cds of normal music.

There's plenty of iPod mounting options, most people use a cup mount, or something that mounts on the downtubes next to the radio. If you search for ipod mount, you'll find lots of examples, its personal preference really.