Garmin Options

[Apial]

How did you get on with the fitting? Did it work?

[55JWB]

My bracket "dead in the box" literally fell apart before I even attempted an install, replacement ordered, will be next week sometime now :-/ J

[caveman_dave]

Quote: Originally Posted by Apial (original)

I got thr MINI Portable Navigation System with the above part number and have left it with the dealer for him to fit.

In the meantime I am wondering which nav unit to fit? The outside of the box mentions a couple. the nuvi 205,255, 265,1250, and 550 from memory as I don't have the box.

I didn't see any instructions, unless they are on the SD card, and the box doesnt' mention anything about the TOM TOM adapter which I assume is the other black disc thing.

Which navs should I be looking at? The Ecoroute seems like a good idea, as does lane changing. Which TOM TOM? They will have to pick their power up from the mini-usb plug that is hard wired in.

The Ecoroute is a complete waste of time, it is far too general to be of any great use.
I have a 1340 which is widescreen and a 255, both have fully european mapping.
Because of the size the widescreen unit is only effective if you have the bracket straight up, if it is used to one side not all the screen can be seen and if you have it to the right it blocks light to the sensor in the rev counter and the displays for fuel etc go dull.
Because of the position of the USB connector on the 255 you cannot us it with the bracket twisted to the right, so its straight up or covering the vent to the left.
I had a 1240 with is a standard screen as apposed to a widescreen and the USB connector was in a better position allowing the unit to be used anywhere, but it kept losing its maps and its replacement's touchscreen would not work, hence why I ended up with a 1340 (the Halfords manager swapped the 1240 to a 1340 at no additional cost to me as they did not have another 1240 in stock and I was going on holiday the following day).
I find using the sat navs in the upright position, looking at the screen over the steering wheel works well until its dark, but then even with night time colours its a bit distracting.

My personal opinion is go for a 205/255 or a 1240.

The MINI SD card only contains data for the Garmin, it gives you MINI's to choose insteed of using an arrow etc on the screen, a MINI splash screen, and MINI dealer POI.

The additional TomTom mount will fit any TomTom unit but be aware that TomTom use a shaped deep USB connector that is unique to their units only and the one supllied with the mount kit will NOT fit.

[55JWB]

Well.... I had my Garmin Nuvi 1340T installed today... I had a replacement mount from BMW but after having a good look at how it will sit and work I decided against it and took it back for a refund..

Instead I had a local chap hard wire a 'hidden' cigarette lighter (Maplins) behind the dash, wired up to come on and go off with the ignition. The then standard cable is plugged in and tucked behind the dash and the whole thing just sits at the base of the A pillar, the traffic signal boosting cable/antennae is tucked invisibly into the base of the windscreen and there is only around 3" of cable showing.

I have used the 'sticky disc' that comes with the unit and stuck that to the dash and intend to leave that and the sucker mount in situ and simply remove the unit for security.. very neat and tidy and nicely out of the way but still very visable, I now get speed cams and traffic which was the main thing I was after

The last of the pictures below I have managed to retrieve the end of the FM antennae that picks up the traffic master reports, its a really neat install and instead of the £74 for the BMW bracket it cost me £15 inc parts with a local chap Oh and I should say it only took him around 20 mins to do

Hope thats useful....

J

[55JWB]

Quote: Originally Posted by caveman_dave (original)

The MINI SD card only contains data for the Garmin, it gives you MINI's to choose insteed of using an arrow etc on the screen, a MINI splash screen, and MINI dealer POI.

Bugger, I should have copied that whilst I had the chance

[sleepyboy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Apial (original)

I got thr MINI Portable Navigation System with the above part number and have left it with the dealer for him to fit.

In the meantime I am wondering which nav unit to fit? The outside of the box mentions a couple. the nuvi 205,255, 265,1250, and 550 from memory as I don't have the box.

I didn't see any instructions, unless they are on the SD card, and the box doesnt' mention anything about the TOM TOM adapter which I assume is the other black disc thing.

Which navs should I be looking at? The Ecoroute seems like a good idea, as does lane changing. Which TOM TOM? They will have to pick their power up from the mini-usb plug that is hard wired in.

I have this bracket with Garmin Nuvi 765 fitted in my MCS cabrio.