Online features in my new Mini

Welcome to the forum!

What trim level SE did you purchase? The Iconic trim comes with more "services" than other trim levels, such as the MINI Concierge, but I don't know which services, such as free NAV updates, expire or when. The Iconic trim I purchased came with a free year of Sirius/XM satellite radio and I renewed that subscription when it was about to expire, but the other services I figure I'll just pay for when they, too, expire. I wasn't offered any options regarding the length of MINI's services.

 

I was also told "free forever" which seems kind of hard to believe. Mine is Iconic.

I don't think I've ever used the services though, unless there are just things going on in the background. For example I'm sure that showing the current speed limit requires the online service to be active?

 

From the length of time it takes for the app to “process” a Connected request, I’m guessing the built-in cellular uses 3G or possibly even Edge, and costs BMW almost nothing.

 

Is this the same BMW that will be charging subscription fees to turn on your heated seats?

 

Here in NZ, below are the online services offered:

Expires after 3 yrs:
- connected services, these are the services you get from the mobile app, i.e. charging level & range
- RTTI
- News, weather, guidance to petrol locations, yup we definitely need that, we might get lost without petrol, sic
- online speech
- concierge
- USB map updates

These don’t expire:
- teleservices, i.e. notifications of when you are due for a vehicle check, brake pads
- apple CarPlay
- emergency calls
- remote services, i.e. locking your SE with the app or controlling the AC or headlights flasher with the app

 

Does the SE have a 5G connection? Curious when the sunset may occur for internet data.

 

MINI Connected - Navigation and Technology System has all the details (well, maybe not enough technical details). And there's a PDF showing the service availability for each model and trim, including the SE.

 

I didn't know the 2020 Iconic SE offered "Navigation Package" but the 2021/22 (and, I assume, 23) models received "Navigation Package Plus." Does anyone know what's better with Plus? Does Plus hide the location of gas stations? Here's a condensed version of the table @Puppethead linked.



Edit: This site claims to explain MINI's packs. Are these features what make the Navigation Pack Plus better than the Navigation Pack in the 2020 SE? I'm clueless what the second two bullets are.

• Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI)
• ConnectedDrive Services
• Remote Services

 

I found an article explaining MINI "infotainment", it says ConnectedDrive gives online search and weather. Which would seem to indicate anyone with a non-Iconic trim can't search for a destination? And those trims don't get traffic conditions? It's the main reason I use MINI Navigation.

 

Other than choosing your trim level, you didn't have any choices regarding the online features. You'll quickly forget about these minor details as soon as you start driving your SE.

 

If you're an iPhoner, you'll be able to use that device with CarPlay to do more than MINI's other online services offer. Hopefully, an iOS update won't obsolete CarPlay on the SE, because MINI may not update their customers' existing infotainment systems to catch up.

 

In another cost cutting measure years ago (I'm guessing), Mini stopped including the "Navigation / Entertainment / Communication" manual in the glove box. If you have the Mini app, click on the "MINI Motorer's Guide". On my iPhone, this prompted me to then download the separate "MINI Guide" app where I logged in with my Mini app credentials.

Once in there, I went to the PDF menu and was able to download the entertainment manual.

EDIT: I have not read the entire manual, but I would be surprised if it addressed any costs or terms of service for the features.

 

I've wondered how to find a manual for the NAV system. I followed your procedure but when I opened the Motorer's Guide app, I saw this menu. Where is the PDF menu?

Edit: Is my Android Motorer's Guide different than your iPhone Motorer's Guide?

 

Seems so…

 

I have arms too. Maybe that’s it.