[Sunster]

Hello all, I have a newbie question. Apart from the obvious screen difference, what are the other differences between getting the visual boost and the media XL add ons?

I've been trawling the forum and I've seen that the VB doesn't get the under seats subwoofers (can someone confirm this) - but am not sure even software-wise what differences there are.

Many thanks,
Sunster

 

[jeremybingham]

Think you're wrong. Vis boost gets subwoofers just the std system doesn't but may be wrong. With xl you get sat nav and excitement modes plus you can have the head up display. Would need to research this though as I may be wrong!

 

[profiteroles]

Visual boost
* 6.5" TFT screen
* Joystick with left and right motion and rotate only

Optional - MINI Navigation system:
* No split screen functionality
* Joystick has up and down as well.

Media XL
* 8.8" TFT widescreen
* Split screen navigation
* 3D landmarks
* Joystick with handwriting recognition pad on top
* Video (AVI, MP4) playback when handbrake is on
* 20GB hard drive for storing music

It may be worth noting that I think the "Extended Bluetooth" option is only a hundred pounds more than Visual Boost and - as well as including VB - also includes the enhanced Bluetooth with audio transfer, and a front armrest with fitment for a snap in adapter.

 

[jeremybingham]

That;s what I was trying to say but didn't have the time to find out! Thanks Profiteroles-did you research it or did you just know it, from spending so long deciding (if so am v impressed with your knowledge)! I reckon one or two of us may well know more than mini sales people! But not me on this occasion!!!! J I seem to have become an expert on all things winter wheels/tyres and tpms !!! Reluctantly I have to say!

 

[Hat]

It may be worth noting that I think the "Extended Bluetooth" option is only a hundred pounds more than Visual Boost and - as well as including VB - also includes the enhanced Bluetooth with audio transfer, and a front armrest with fitment for a snap in adapter.

you're correct here. If you are speccing visual boost it's well worth going for Extended Bluetooth as you essentially get a free armrest.

dont ask me what th difference is between standard & extended bluetooth though

 

[profiteroles]

you're correct here. If you are speccing visual boost it's well worth going for Extended Bluetooth as you essentially get a free armrest.

dont ask me what th difference is between standard & extended bluetooth though

Standard - one phone at a time, phone calls only

Enhances - two phones at once, SMS messages and calendars displayed in "Office" option on screen. Also allows you to play music via Bluetooth from a supported phone.

Jeremy - Fevio had VB + Nav + Enh BT, and Luke has Media XL... so I can directly compare the two having owned both

Media XL is definitely worth the extra, because VB+Nav+Enh BT is about £900 and Media XL is £1175 with Chili or JCW packs.

 

[TheScotsman]

Visual Boost does come with the under the seat subwoofers. I have Visual Boost and have physically seen them on the floor when moving the seat back. However I have no proof that they actually work as I have never played music with my ear to them or anything, and currently I don't have my car here to check. But the sound is full enough that I am confident that they do work, plus MINI isn't in the habit of adding things and removing the usage of them.

As for the Extended Bluetooth allowing music playback over Bluetooth. I have that function without actually having the Extended Bluetooth. I never opted for it, I don't have the armrest that they force you to take, but I do have music playback as confirmed by my own tests and similarly by BMW while trying to replicate my stereo issues. I suspect it is there for everyone but they don't advertise it.

 

[Hat]

Much bigger price difference if you dont want nav though...

 

[quiller]

Great information! Thanks.

I didn't know I can play movies! I should break out the manual. ;-)

Funny, I just went back to the configurator and my car is $250 less to buy it today. :-O Go figure.

JP

 

[2 in the family]

Gutted to find out visual boost added subwoofers. I would've really like that if I'd known.
Also wanted the centre armrest and forgot to find out I could have got it within another pack for added value is also annoying.
(It's an F 55, though. So I got two extra
doors for 600 quid!😋).

 

[Angib]

According to the Real OEM parts diagram, all cars get two woofers under the seats, but cars with HK stereo get different "HiFi" woofers:

 

[Sunster]

Been working all day so not been on the forum - just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their help and advice. Should mention that I'm pretty sure the visual boost does come with the ability to stream audio through bluetooth as I tried this in the showroom with the demo I ended up buying (though still haven't received).

Many thanks again you lovely lovely people.

 

[kenl]

I don't think that anyone said that you don't get subwoofers without visual boost?

Visual Boost is REALLY worth having though, makes a big difference to the inside of the car even if it doesn't make the sound better.

If you can still change the spec of the car then consider it even if it means dropping something else.

 

[profiteroles]

visual boost will add value at the other end too, given most minis have it - those without may be less attractive.

 

[Sunster]

Another question for you. I've gone for the Visual Boost unit - but we'll be buying another car which is why I really wanted to know the differences to see if was worth going for the media XL setup in the future.

I don't have the navigation for the visual boost though. Is this just a software update or is there something extra required - i.e.. is this something the showroom can do before I collect the car which is waiting for me to collect on the 1st December?

 

[Hat]

no, sat nav needs the media XL package as the screen is bigger than with visual boost. in reality its the same screen with some plastic trim round the edges removed but the functionality of the screen is different (XL gets a split screen display) plus the controller pad is different

 

[Sunster]

no, sat nav needs the media XL package as the screen is bigger than with visual boost. in reality its the same screen with some plastic trim round the edges removed but the functionality of the screen is different (XL gets a split screen display) plus the controller pad is different

Are you sure about this? If you go onto the mini configurator you can select visual boost and mini navigation as options. The screen stays the same (smaller visual screen) and it shows a maps display.

 

[Hat]

i could be wrong there then, apologies.

 

[profiteroles]

i could be wrong there then, apologies.

See my garage pic of Fevio for 6.5" Sat Nav (non XL) fun


Also the 6.5" screen is just that - 6.5" - it's taller in height than the 8.8.


Two separate LCD panels with different resolutions

 

[MintMark]

You get navigation system with visual boost and navigation system XL with media pack XL.

Not sure about all the differences, but ordinary navigation system can't use the split screen of the larger display and you don't get the 3D view. And as Hat says the controller is not quite as full featured (up-down only, no touch surface for character recognition or map pan and zoom).

I pondered a lot over this choice and it was the split screen that swung it for me. Basically you can see two things at once. When using sat nav I have the map and the arrow view. Normally I might have minimalism and the trip computer.