[shedend]

Am just finalising my new MCS and just trying to work out exactly what to spend my last few pennies on (as there is not a limtless ammount ), have the exterior sorted (apart from wheels - webspoke or bullets ) so just finalising the enterior bits and bobs

So was thinking - those of you lucky enough to have already got your new car, what optional
extra(s) have you been most/least impressed with?
(I know this will be down to personal preferance)

for example:-
is the comfort access worth getting?
do i need a MF steering wheel (wasn't ging to get one but hearing how the new radio/CD controls are fiddly is it better to have it?)
rain sensing wipers/auto-lights on?

etc etc........

so whats your thoughts/experiences?

[minicabrio]

Hi Dave,

Not an owner but have had a good play

Comfort access doesn't really seem worth it tbh, how hard is it to push a button on the key to unlock it

MFSW would be a good option... certainly keeps your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The stereo upgrade seems worth it as the standard unit isn't great (I know how loud James likes it )..

So what's your spec?

[ru81]

I'm a mark 1 MCS owner and have just ordered an R56 MCS. Specification on your car is very much a personal choice. From experience, the more extras you put on at the start, the more you stand to lose when you resell it (if that is something that will concern you). The 'must have' is the chili pack, other than that you will be losing money the more you spec it up. However, on the upside, the more options you have, the more personal, unique, luxurious etc your car will be for you to use. All in all it basically boils down to your financial situation.

I hope that helps.

[shedend]

Quote: Originally Posted by minicabrio (original)

So what's your spec?

Lightening Blue (body coloure roof/mirrors)
Cloth/leather ray - Pacific Blue
Interior lights pack
Manual air conditioning
Front fog lights
On-board computer
Velour floor mats
sports suspension
bi-xenon headlights
muti function steering wheel
coloure line Pacific Blue
interior trim - standard checkered (or piano black?)
tinted rear windows
DSC
DAB Digital Radio Module (for radio 5 on way home form the footie )
additional spot lights (black body if out in time)
Viper stripes (black)
17” web spoke alloy wheels or bullets (?)
Full Aero body kit

i know the LB/Black stripes may be dark - but think it will tie in with tinted windows better and can put black mirror covers on latter.


and yes James likes the music LOUD.....which is why i wasn't planning on the upgrade

[minicabrio]

Smart That really will look good!

It's a good spec too, picking out the best bits of the chilli pack...

[shedend]

So come on guys what are the must haves and have nots

[R60 Mike]

If you get the MFSW you get cruise control which i have found very usefull especially with years to come with motorways with those speed cameras which take you average speed you may find this very usefull,

I havent got comfort access but really like having to put the key in the slot etc makes it more fun.

Not sure about wipers and lights lets face it if you cant tell its raining and its getting dark maby u should not be on the road,

But you spec is very good and thats coming from a gooner, check out my gallery shedend as i have got the tinted window option. Stereo upgade is very goodas well the speakers in the a piller and great.

[minicabrio]

Chrome line interior, especially if you tick the piano black option....

[Olly.]

Quote: Originally Posted by shedend (original)

So come on guys what are the must haves and have nots

The visibility pack is a bit of a must have for me. The heated windscreen is really useful when its frosty, and the auto dimming rear view mirror is great for the many many cars that follow you with poorly aligned headlights.

[BENJ]

Quote: Originally Posted by R60 Mike (original)

If you get the MFSW you get cruise control which i have found very usefull especially with years to come with motorways with those speed cameras which take you average speed you may find this very usefull.

I agree with R60 Mike about the cruise control and the average speed cameras on the motorway It is now so easy just to set it at 40mph or whatever and just let the car keep the speed correct.

How many times recently have I have been overtaken by other people going 50-60mph in the 40mph average speed camera area of the roadworks then you get out of the roadworks and a bit further down those cars are still doing the same speed!!

[djtex]

Quote: Originally Posted by Olly. (original)

The visibility pack is a bit of a must have for me. The heated windscreen is really useful when its frosty, and the auto dimming rear view mirror is great for the many many cars that follow you with poorly aligned headlights.

Right on mate, have this on my 05 Cooper, and have specced in on my new MCS (delivery sometime next week). The heated screen is essential. Also I would add these....

Heated Mirrors & Washer Jets
Stereo Upgrade

The new Boost is pants.

[Ryephile]

I'll go on a limb and say the following are must-haves for performance:

*Limited Slip Differential
*Sport Suspension [or keep the base sways and wait for coilovers!]
*Not the stock tires!

[Griffer]

Quote: Originally Posted by minicabrio (original)

Smart That really will look good!

It's a good spec too, picking out the best bits of the chilli pack...

Is it the Chili pack you have specced as addding the bits individually adds up to £2500 ish instead of £1875?

[popey]

After a couple of drives I would say Sat Nav adds a great look to the dash and it can help you find places too I believe . Also the HiFi kit seems to been a good value option.

Ive also gone for darkend rear glass, that worked out cheaper then retro fit. And if you really wana push the boat out full leather (punch leather).

[m1m0]

Quote: Originally Posted by minicabrio (original)

Comfort access doesn't really seem worth it tbh, how hard is it to push a button on the key to unlock it

Comfort access is essential when it's raining hard and you have a wife with a bottomless handbag

Plus it's really nice to be able to leave your keys in your pocket, bag, whatever and just get in and drive the car on a day to day basis. Probably saves about 10 seconds of key fumbling a day - how much does that add up to over the lifetime of a MINI?

[shedend]

Quote: Originally Posted by R60 Mike (original)

If you get the MFSW you get cruise control which i have found very usefull especially with years to come with motorways with those speed cameras which take you average speed you may find this very usefull,

I havent got comfort access but really like having to put the key in the slot etc makes it more fun.

Not sure about wipers and lights lets face it if you cant tell its raining and its getting dark maby u should not be on the road,

But you spec is very good and thats coming from a gooner, check out my gallery shedend as i have got the tinted window option. Stereo upgade is very goodas well the speakers in the a piller and great.

Excellent point re average speed cameras, had not considered that - so that has convinced me on that one Thanks

I had the auto wipers on an old Xsara VTS but half the time i had actually put them on before the system would have activated, the speeding up function due to strength of rain was usefull, but not sure thats really worth the extra bucks, I mean it don't take much to flick a switch

Cheers

[shedend]

Quote: Originally Posted by Griffer (original)

Is it the Chili pack you have specced as addding the bits individually adds up to £2500 ish instead of £1875?

No - standard Chili pack - did i leave something off

[phil_wkl]

Is the Boost CD really that bad? I don't care much for hi-fi quality but I do listen to the radio and some CDs.

[rec]

ok, things i'd recommend:

Sports Suspension
At least 16" rims
At least 1 upgrade on the stereo
Rear tints, cos it looks cool
3 Spoke MFSW (wish i'd specced this)
DSC, or at a minimum ASC+T
White indicators

[Paul]

I think I'll never spec a MINI again without the auto dimming rear view mirror. It's the only option I can think I REALLY missed on my VERY base spec S last time around, and I'm so glad to have it back. But then I drive a lot at night on unlit roads.