Comments on: 2007 Nav’s iDrive-like Controller

By: radiationman

radiationman — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:43:52 +0000

Somehow I feel like this is a Manual v Automatic type of argument.

You hit that nail right on the head… Personally I’m excited by the new system. I am however very concerned about the placement of the controller. Depending on just what the system controls, that location could be a HUGE problem. You shouldn’t need to take your eyes too far off the road to use it, you don’t need to watch the controller to use the system. You do however need to keep the screen in your peripheral view… I like it, but the final decision for me will be when I can see and use it in person…

By: alpinamike

alpinamike — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 19:54:12 +0000

iMINI

By: duncan

duncan — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 20:16:31 +0000

@brian,

i have to disagree, the nav system in the mini while helpful is an atrocious example of interface design. one need only look at what honda and toyota are doing with their sat navs to see how it should be done.

By: O(=^=)O Capn

O(=^=)O Capn — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 06:52:24 +0000

You are right that the up front cost is less for aftermarket even when you take into consideration breaking into it. I just hate my stuff getting jacked even if insurance pays for it. Somehow I feel like this is a Manual v Automatic type of argument. I hate that I have to put my stuff in the boot to keep thieves from having a reason to break in to it. But I do anyway.

By: O(=^=)O Capn

O(=^=)O Capn — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 06:48:39 +0000

So, is it not like iDrive? Or it is and they just aren’t calling it that?

By: revkibosh

revkibosh — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:05:46 +0000

$280 installed for a new front passenger window. Found that out the hard way when someone broke in to steal my iPod charger (the iPod wasn’t in there… just the charger).

By: Hai

Hai — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:15:20 +0000

^ and $500+ on a new gps each time.

By: blalor

blalor — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 01:12:24 +0000

Yes, but no one is going to break into your car to steal your built in nav. How much does a it cost to replace a new window?

$70 for the rear quarter glass, another $60 for installation. You can buy a lot of windows for what they're charging for nav!

By: O(=^=)OCapn

O(=^=)OCapn — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 22:27:23 +0000

Yes, but no one is going to break into your car to steal your built in nav. How much does a it cost to replace a new window?

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 21:47:13 +0000

A big part of what I use my nav for is to find the best twisties ;) Set it to perspective mode and off I go! Of course it's true that cheaper after market navs will do the same.

By: petsounds

petsounds — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 20:32:08 +0000

SB — when I got my MINI, every option was focused on whether X feature would give me a better driving experience by letting me focus on driving instead of fiddling with things. So I took the auto-A/C, the auto dimming mirrors, auto rain wipers, etc. Pulling out huge maps, hunting for some street, and trying to navigate and pulling my attention away from the road ahead — no thanks. The extra money is worth it. I didn’t get one on my current MINI, the S was just getting a tad too expensive. But if I get another MINI, this will definitely be an option for me, especially since it includes traffic data.

By: mike

mike — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 17:11:24 +0000

I think part of the MINI charm is the center-mounted, plate-sized speedo, so I wouldn’t get the Nav. either.

By: Brian Robertson

Brian Robertson — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 15:47:05 +0000

The current Nav system is fine for the Mini. It's extremely easy to use and intuitive. I even upgraded the firmware to give me the 3D perspective view. Moving to the joystick I think is a mistake. Its technology for technology sake. Mini is a distinct product from the rest of the BMW range - no need for too much technology crossover.

The new interior is a step in the right direction but placement of minor controls around the gear shift is never a good idea - usually it entails taking your eye off the road.

I also will miss having the two pods above the s/w. It distinguished non-sat nav mini's from the others.

By: FrankInMiami

FrankInMiami — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 15:14:59 +0000

It seems to me that no matter what immediate improvements BMW makes to these systems, they still have to deal with the stigma of the original i-Drive configuration.

While I am a gadget junkie, this is one of those gizmos I can do without.

By: SB

SB — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 14:59:38 +0000

Way to go MINI for always making improvements … even though navigation systems are not for me. Even with today’s lofty gas prices, I’d rather spend $2,000.00 on 48 $3.00 road maps for each contiguous state in the U.S. and spend the rest on over 600 gallons of fuel to motor through each state in search of it’s best twistys.