Mini Connected - Update with NAV?

[mackry]

Hi there,

I have a 2011 Cooper S with Mini Connected (Not with Navigation). Has anyone heard of or think that there will possibly be a purchasable software upgrade to include navigation (or even a third-party)?

Thanks,
Ryan

[simontay]

I wouldn't have thought so. MINI after all offer a navigation solution via the visual boost display in the first place. Once you order Visual Boost it's a relatively low-cost addition.

[mackry]

Really? I asked at the dealer and they told me this wasn't possible. Where can I find more information on this?

Thanks!

[simontay]

Not as an upgrade, but an additional £395 when you buy a car with Visual Boost. Makes sense to get it IMHO.

Obviously it could be retrofitted, but probably cost prohibitive.

[mackry]

I have Visual Boost with Mini Connected. I'm just wondering if anyone forsees them coming out with a purchasable upgrade for Navigation, I mean all thats missing is the software for it.

[simontay]

I expect it will need a GPS receiver and antenna as well!

It would be a bit like having a purchasable upgrade for heated front seats. Yes, you could do it, but much better to do it when you buy the car, you would throw away the old seats. Chances are you'll have to replace the visual boost control unit for a GPS one.

[mackry]

The iPhone could be the GPS. There is a SAT antenna already for radio. Anyways, I'll just keep my fingers crossed. Thanks!

[simontay]

iPhone GPS will be poor if it's in the armrest. The GPS antenna on the iPhone is within the iPhone itself, not extended into the car. There won't be a GPS antenna in the car if you didn't specify navigation. For example, on a convertible, you can't have the infra-red reflecting windscreen if you specify nav, as the GPS antenna is fitted in the dash on that car. GPS antennas need a clear view of the sky to operate.

For integrated navigation, your best bet will be to get a car with navigation - if you want to use your fingers in your lifetime! For £400 difference (UK), it's a no-brainer, and a limited market even if there was an upgrade option.

Only thing to do will be to use a PND or get TomTom for your iPhone.

[mennetalsma]

Since Two Weeks I drive the Cooper Clubman D with Full-wired and connected package. Great CAR!!!

But don't expect too much from the MINI satnav System. It's adequate, but that's it. It takes you from A to B. Graphics are kinda 90's Nothing sophisticated there. And It has has a few.. let's say.. design flaw's.

I thnik you'll be better of (and lower cost) to find a way to mount you Iphone so u can use Iphone satnav (GPS reception is great in any car i've tried it)

[BC Rob]

Quote: Originally Posted by mackry (original)

I have Visual Boost with Mini Connected. I'm just wondering if anyone forsees them coming out with a purchasable upgrade for Navigation, I mean all thats missing is the software for it.

Hi,

I'm new here and in the same situation. Wondering if anyone has found a way to acquire Nav if their car came with Visual Boost + Mini Connected, but not with Nav.

Rob
Victoria, BC

[abrycoop]

MY theory is you could hack the software itself to "mirror" the iphone's screen, after all, ipod out does that... that way you could download tom tom or whatever and have it on the screen... anyone with those skills interested? you could get some hard bucks selling it...

BTW, has someone found a confortable dock for the iphone, so you can use it as a gps? the RIDICULOUSLY expensive Y cable is to short to buy a windscreen mounted one... it has to be in a cupholder or in the back tray (and you would still have to look down for directions)

in my opinion, installing the GPS option in México was a big NO NO, as i get a monthly update on roads... Things change here every 6 months... and dealerships NEVER have updated maps...

that's way most of the cars have no GPS option (mini has to be custom ordered for it, where the "hot chilli" version has visual boost)...

and even if they do have the antenna and such, they disable it as they don't have the maps...even in expensive cars like a friends BUT UGLY Caddy CTS COUPE.

any comments will be welcomed as if the hacking could be done... i mean they already hack the system so you can watch videos on the move... which is pointless anyway.