Mini Cooper S MKIII vs. MKIV
 

Hyas all,

Took me literally months to to find out which nav system I had... Am I glad I found you guys.

Anyways, I asked my dealer to upgrade my system in order for it to have actual traffic information and congestion avoidance etc (TMC?). They said it wasn't possible. Reading here I read that upgrading your MKIII to a MKIV is really easy, it does raise a couple of questions though which I hope you guys will be able to answer (I did read http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/all-...ystem-faq.html).

What benefits will I gain from upgrading my MKIII to a MKIV?

Things I know:
1. Able to load all of Europe from one dvd instead of all the cds.
2. Faster.

Things I'd like to know:
1. Will it be TMC enabled or does the MKIV need an additional upgrade for that?
2. Is the screen I have 4:3 or 16:9, is there a way to tell?
3. Will I be able to retrofit bluetooth and an ipod connector once I upgrade to a MKIV (currently not possible due to having a CD changer; it's either an ipod, bluetooth or CD changer with my Mini).
4. Does the Mini support the rearview camera as well (assume I have 4:3 screen).
5. Does anyone have a link to the official part/pricing?
6. Can I get any MKIV to replace my current MKIII or are there differences I should be on the lookout for if I get a second hand?
7. What are the differences between High and Professional?
8. Anything else I should know?

Appreciatte your input!

Cheers,
DA

Hi DA
I am not an expert on all your questions, and definitely not on Mini's. However, here goes.
1. I believe TMC is included in the MK4, but requires a radio signal and as I don't know what system you have in a Mini I cannot tell for sure.
2. The screen format as indicated 4:3 or 16:9 is the relationship between height and width ie. 4:3 would make the screen 1,33 times wider than it is high and 16:9 would make it 1,77 (does that make sense?).
3. Sorry, I dont think you can have both. I believe the Ipod retrofit is easy (though would set you back GBP 200) and would mean the CD changer would have to go.
4. I dont know if you have an external video connector on your system. It has nothing to do with the Nav.
5. Not I.
6. I would go for a more current version as I believe there are better reception in the newer ones. But you can update all to the latest firmware as per this Forum (e.g. V32) and do personalization.
7. High is using I-Bus interface, whereas Professional is using a different system (cant recal which). If you currently have the Mk3, you should be using High!
8. There are plenty of threads to help you out if you decide to go for the upgrade. But it is a straight forward job. Unplug/replace/plug in. Load new firmware - and you're in business.

Plus:
3D perspective view
Better graphics
Heaps faster
Did I say heaps? Lightening fast!
Can read dual-layer DVDs
Easy to customise
Less bugs, more reliable

Q: 1. Will it be TMC enabled or does the MKIV need an additional upgrade for that?

A: Mk4 is always TMC enabled. No changes needed.
but you will need map disc that supports TMC, and radio that has the TMC receiver built in.

Q: 2. Is the screen I have 4:3 or 16:9, is there a way to tell?

A: To tell - look at it! But all Minis have widescreen.

Q: 3. Will I be able to retrofit bluetooth and an ipod connector once I upgrade to a MKIV (currently not possible due to having a CD changer; it's either an ipod, bluetooth or CD changer with my Mini).

A: Cd changer does not exclude bluetooth. Bluetooth is an easy add-on.
To have iPod + CD changer is not impossible, just requires some trickery...

Q: 4. Does the Mini support the rearview camera as well (assume I have 4:3 screen).

A: If you have TV fitted, adding reverse cam is dead easy. Plug in to the TV's reverse cam input. Without TV you need extra modules. Both are available from BMW as factory kits. Or DIY it.

Q: 5. Does anyone have a link to the official part/pricing?

A: www.realoem.com

Q: 6. Can I get any MKIV to replace my current MKIII or are there differences I should be on the lookout for if I get a second hand?

A: Any Mk4 will work. If the Mk4 came from an E46 with RadioNav, then it will need recoding to Colour mode. Use my NavCoder (www.siegenthaler.co.nz/NavCoder/)

Q: 7. What are the differences between High and Professional?

A: High = nav map for use in Mk4, Mk3 etc. Professional is next generation nav system, different maps.

Q: 8. Anything else I should know?

A: Don't hesitate upgrading to Mk4, it's easy and quick.

Awesome, ty very much.

1. Harman Kardon set but I don't think that's what you meant is it?
2. I just went to have a look at my screen and I'm inclined to believe it's a 16:9.
3. Ok, so normal mini rules apply; I was affraid of that but one could always hope heh... :)
4. Ah, ok, I thought it was controlled with the sat nav system as well. Thx for clearing that up.
5. Found this http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...03&hg=65&fg=50 no pricing info though but at least the official part numbers.
6. Cheers, newer = better.
7. Rgr, i-bus it is.

1. Sweet, TMC on itself is enough reason to go for it from my perspective (not to mention the ability to mod in speedcams hehehe).
2. Ty for confirming, I allready thought so having looked at it.
3. Ty.
4. No TV fitted (unless you mean my nav display).
5. Thx, just found it prior to your post... :)
6. Cheers.
7. Cheers.
8. Cheers.

Ps. you guys rock! GREAT answers!

By "TV" I mean Television

Add it to you "wanted" list if you don't have it...

Standard fitment in Japan, but I don't think any other market had it as standard...??
Maybe I'm wrong.
But possible to retrofit :-)

How would you add the Traffic capability to an E38? You've peaked my interest...

I had MKIV in MCS and highly recommend it.

Unfortunately TMC (traffic notifications) does not work in the US, only in Europe.

Cheers guys, I went ahead and bought a MKIV unit (of a forum member no less). Anyways I was wondering how I can see if TMC is working, i.e. test it. I'm suspecting that my radio (mini harmon kardon) is missing the it's TMC unit but how would I know for sure?

Edit: co-worker of mine suggested I should check if I had my rnd inf enabled, I did not. Let's see if this does the trick, the traffic information option is still greyed out but I'm assuming it needs to actually get a traffic update first. I'll update the post to see if this fixed it.

Edit2: nope didn't do the trick... any ideas/suggestions are more then welcome.