Let me start by saying that i have the latest firmware and maps installed... does not matter. I have grown to hate the stock nav!

First, it is next to impossible to find anything in the darn system. I was searching for a plumbing supply store, had the name and everything- still couldn't find it despite changing the search radius to 50 miles. I got the exact address via 411 ($2.00 cost). Great, now I have the address... oh yeah- WHY CAN'T OUR SYSTEM JUST HAVE A SINGLE NAME FOR THE ROAD! The road in is Orlando... but I get two choices (road name, city or subdivision- none Orlando or even the County)... well how do I know? Guess what, i chose the wrong one... I ended up 10 miles away....

This seems to be a common problem for me... trying to find a store or restaurant should be so much easier... I have a Nuvi for business travel and the thing is so easy to use.... I don't care about the touch screen- but why is it so friggin hard to find anything or any place?

 

Yep. The POI on the BMW nav is a POS. It sucks, but not much you can do about it. Note that TheOfficeMaven used a third party s/w (Pimp my Nav??) to create an 'all search' category. It seemed to work for him.

 

Yes, the POI system sucks. I think it's pretty good at directions though... and it updates super-fast, not to mention that it does a good job of still keeping track of where you are when the GPS signal drops (since it ties into your wheel speed and turning angle)... and the larger screen is nice.

Pros and cons, for sure... but one added benefit is when you use the Nav screen for other purposes - such as Bluetooth info, back-up camera, iPod song information... some people even wire in a DVD player or PlayStation.

 

All true, Edge. I didn't mention that, but while the POI system sucks, the rest works very well. I also use the Nav screen with the Intravee II, and that is leaps and bounds ahead of the OEM ipod option.

 

Let's not get carried away. Its merits should stand for what it is out of the box. Yes the Nav works well when adding Intravee ($$$), rear camera ($$$$), or Bluetooth ($$$$$$). But in even those cases the Nav does little more than to serve as a passive display screen.

This is the first Nav I've owned, and I've found it very useful that I can always glance over and see where I am in relation to surrounding streets. The worst things about it are the POI and painful user interface.

 

I totally understand your NAV frustrations. I just purchased a 2009 Clubman S with every option available including the NAV and I have to say, the biggest disappointment is the NAV. It is not intuitive, the user interface is the worst I have ever seen, the maps and visual display is worse than the cheapest NAV system you can buy. People would do a lot better with one of the rinky-dink watch GPS devices. My only hope is MINI will come up with a patch (although I don’t think a patch will do, this needs a complete redesign). I LOVE my MINI but am so disappointed with the NAV system.

 

Anyone know where I could get info on showing movies, back up cam, and maybe even a game console?

 

Just to make sure there is no confusion, this is a 1st gen thread. For the 1st gen Nav, there are several aftermarket vendors (such as GNET) that make interface boxes to display generic video signals on the Nav screen.

2nd gen Nav is completely different and I have only seen products at newministuff.

 

Per the lack of posts here, Birdman must not be back from vacation yet...

 

thanks for the info.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...i_aquarium.JPG

 

http://www.vat19.com/dvds/ambw.cfm

 

Anything cheaper than $260 for an interface? Better pricing than Newministuff (especially after shipping) but that still seems high for what it is. I guess it's a supply and demand thing.

 

Try this http://www.navtv.com/

 

Thanks, but I can't find any pricing or real info for the MCS. It tells me they are reconnection the server when you go to the car selection screen, so maybe I'll try again later.

 

Try this one its where I got mine, after I looked into it more
http://tvandnav2go.com/bmw-tv-navigation.html

 

Hi: I have a 2005mcs with the original factory nav system. Would upgrading the Nav-OS or buying the Navteq dvd make any difference in the appearance of the screen in terms of resolution or details? I don't like the one-screen-at-a-time display while I drive the mini. In my 2007 Outlander the map scrolls with you and you get very nice details when you zoom in. I looked all over the forums and haven't seen a screen shot of what if any difference an upgrade does besides updated streets and POI's. Thanks.

 

They did make a number of (mostly subtle) improvements with the NavOS upgrades. I did notice the scrolling get smoother. I would definitely suggest starting with a NavOS upgrade, especially since you can do it yourself for free.