Looking at a Cooper without climate control, can that be retrofitted by simply slotting in the auto climate control thing in and away it goes or it requires wiring mods? Will the dealer need to do the programming as well? Thanks!

No, there will be lots of extra wiring and sensors also required. It will probably require most of the dashboard to be removed so it won't be a quick job. Better to wait for a car with factory fitted Climate to become available IMO.

I've had both, auto on my MC and standard on my MCS, and I prefer the standard. The auto climate control didn't work as well as it did in my other cars. I found myself making manual adjustments more often than should be necessary. I also like the extra adjustments available on the standard system.