[micahbones]

Just found out my '06 MCS is scheduled for production week 40! (BTW this is my first post on Mini2)

Here is the spec -- I went relatively "stripped":

Space Blue / Silver
Cloth Upholstery w/ Anthracite Headliner, Alloy Patina Interior Trim
Cold Weather Pack (it will be my only car and I live in Colorado)
Limited Slip Diff
Xenon Headlights
Front and Rear fogs
MFSW (I take frequent road trips and wanted cruise control for boring highway stretches)

Dealer says that Zephyr will be here by mid-Dec, but I am hoping earlier. I honestly can't remember the last time I have been this giddy with anticipation for a material good (maybe when I was promised a BB gun for Christmas when I was 8 -- many, many moons ago)!

Any more confirmed week 40s out there?

[Dawgfan]

When did you order? I placed an order with a dealer on Sept. 10. They haven't been able to enter my order into the system yet. They tell me something about allocations and maybe in the next 3-4 days.

[micahbones]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dawgfan

When did you order? I placed an order with a dealer on Sept. 10. They haven't been able to enter my order into the system yet. They tell me something about allocations and maybe in the next 3-4 days.

I placed my order on Sept. 3, and received word this week from both the dealer and a MiniUSA rep that production was confirmed for week 40. Website still says "on order" BTW...

What's the spec for you car?

[Dawgfan]

Here is what I ordered;

Base
Chili Red / Black roof
Chrome line exterior and interior
Premium Pack
Sport Pack
Space gray cloth
Interior Anthracite
Center arm rest
HK sound system

The dealer throws in floor mats, locking lugs, and cup holder as part of their dealer prep.

[micahbones]

Nice spec dawgfan. I was actually wavering between a MC and a MCS myself, in addition to either Chili Red or Space Blue as a color choice. In the end I decided to go with a MCS because I live at 5300 ft. elevation -- a motor with forced induction has less power loss at altitude than a normally aspirated motor. Went with Space Blue after seeing a color sample and thinking it would look good with a silver roof on the many sunny days we get on the "Front Range" of Colorado.

That's cool your dealer throws in some extras for no charge. My dealer has been straightforward in that they charge MSRP for the vehicle, but at the same time wants over $600 for an invisishield install -- so I have decided to go elsewhere for a clear bra. Don't get me wrong -- the experience has been great so far -- but I expected that everything would be different than a "regular" car dealer, and did not anticipate price gouging for dealer installed items (e.g., the Mini website quotes just over $200 for an upper and lower invisishield -- does this mean the dealer charges $400 for the install?)...

(BTW any dealer feedback is appreciated here)

[cajun]

Ok Here it is . Just orderd Monday the 12th at Checkerd Flag in VA Beach VA. Build week 42.


Base
CR/WR
Premium Package
Interior Anthracite
Nav system
HK sound system
Panther Black Cloth

[Dawgfan]

The stuff the dealer included is part of their $495 dealer prep. fee. As of yesterday they didn't have any base Mini that could be ordered or changed to my spec. They told me maybe next week. They did have MiniS that could be changed for me. I am after the mileage. I live about half way between Greenville, SC and Atlanta. I chose the Greenville dealer because I hate the Atlanta traffic. Both get MSRP plus dealer prep. Atlanta is $100 higher than Greenville.

[micahbones]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dawgfan

The stuff the dealer included is part of their $495 dealer prep. fee.

Thanks for the clarification...the "dealer prep fee" is just another way for dealers to pad their profits (they probably pay less than $50 for the extras they give you, it takes about 15 min to install, and then charge you $500 for a cool $425 of pure profit). IMO that's just BS -- another lame tactic to scam consumers and one of the reasons that car dealers have such a negative overall stereotype in people's minds. You should call them out on that, let them know that you know what they are trying to do, and say that the only way you will ever buy another item from them or patronize their business is if they eliminate that arbitrary charge. The only way that consumers can get a fair shake is if we play hardball back when presented with such tactics...

[roymo]

Got the word from AskMini today - our MCSC is scheduled for build week 40 - can't wait!
Here's our spec:
2006 MCSC
Chili Red
Black Leatherette upholstery
17" Web Spoke wheels
Black racing stripes (boot and bonnet)
Convenience, Premium, Sport, and Cold Weather Pkgs
Interior body color
Chrome line exterior
Rear fog lamps
Driving lamps
iPod Auxiliary input


Micahbones, we're planning on adding the clear bra. I'm not so convinced the markup from your dealer is that outrageous. I understand the application is pretty time-consuming if they do it right - that's a lot of labor cost....
We got a price quote from another dealer that used an independent body shop to apply the clear bra, and the rate was about the same.

[micahbones]

Quote: Originally Posted by roymo

I'm not so convinced the markup from your dealer is that outrageous. I understand the application is pretty time-consuming if they do it right - that's a lot of labor cost.... We got a price quote from another dealer that used an independent body shop to apply the clear bra, and the rate was about the same.

Thanks for the feedback. I have checked with the next closest dealer in N.M. and they quoted me around $400 for the full invisishield. Independent local shops have quoted me around $450 (and that includes the headlights, which are not done with the factory invisishield). So if I do a clear bra at all, I will go with someone other than the dealer.

In fact I have actually been leaning toward bagging the clear bra install in favor of some upgrades like spark plugs and wires, rear sway bar, crank pulley, and/or supercharger pulley/air intake. The reason is that I have recently looked at some clear bras where the paint damage begins where the edge of the clear bra ends, and to me this looks just as bad as if there was even paint damage across the whole front end. Either way the cosmetic resoration to new condition involves a repaint... Plus it seems that in the true tradition of motoring, a few "battle scars" just add character to the car, and I should spend my money on mechanical upgrades.

Nice spec on your MCSC BTW -- I just saw some web spokes in person on an '05 MCS, and they looked outstanding! I will look forward to seeing photos when our cars start to arrive!

[roymo]

Thanks Micahbones! We're still leaning toward the invisishield, though your points are well made - lots to think about there. I've also been told by other MINI owners that if a rock does get through the shield, there's no way to make a repair other than a complete shield replace at that point. Decisions... decisions....
We checked with the next nearest MINI dealership in Portland, and they told us the independent installer they use applies a product with a 10-yr warranty, much longer than the 4-yr MINI-installed product. I'd like to find a local independent place, but I'm not sure how to find one we can trust with our new baby!!

Sounds like you've got a real performance car on the way... planning to do some racetrack time?

Any guesses on a delivery date yet? I've been scanning the August and September build threads hoping for clues on when we might see our cars. I'm hoping for early December.....

[micahbones]

Quote: Originally Posted by roymo

We checked with the next nearest MINI dealership in Portland, and they told us the independent installer they use applies a product with a 10-yr warranty, much longer than the 4-yr MINI-installed product. I'd like to find a local independent place, but I'm not sure how to find one we can trust with our new baby!!

Roymo I would recommend you post a question in the regional forums on NAM or Mini2 to see if you can get some recommendations from Mini owners in your area. From what I understand it takes a real professional to do the install on a Mini because of the many curved surfaces on the front of the car.

Quote:

Sounds like you've got a real performance car on the way... planning to do some racetrack time?

Yes I kept the spec light and simple with performance in mind, and I do plan to hit some of the local tracks -- we have a really tight, twisty one called Second Creek that is perfect for Minis! In fact local legend has it that Randy Webb (of Webb Motorsports) driving his highly-tuned test mule MCS chased down and passed a Ferrari 360 Stradale driven by an ex-pro driver at that venue! My personal dream is to do Rally Newfoundland, but to accomplish that I need to find a good co-driver and a sponsor for the entry fee.

Quote:

Any guesses on a delivery date yet? I've been scanning the August and September build threads hoping for clues on when we might see our cars. I'm hoping for early December.....

Early December is what the dealer told me, but some other folks on NAM told me it could be here as early as mid-Nov!

[micahbones]

I was reluctant at first to give my MCS a name, but am starting to have a change of heart and am leaning toward Zephyr (Greek god of the west wind)...

The reasoning is that I live in (and love) the West, and the car is space blue/silver, which has a certain airy quality to it -- plus I just like the sound of Zephyr.

Anyone else kickin' around ideas for a name?

[Ferroequine]

I put my deposit down on an MCS on Sept 15th.

Spec:

British Racing Green / White Top
White bonnet stripes
Xenon headlamps
Fog Lamps, front & rear
Heated mirrors & washer jets
Heated seats
Black Panther leatherette
Anthracite roof liner
Cruise Control
Manual Air
Multifunction steering wheel
CD player with boost
Chronopackage / on board computer
6 speed steptronic automatic transmission with paddles
16" X-Lites (I stayed away from the 17" S-Lites)

Now the waiting begins...

[tampaguy001]

In 2002 I went to our MINI dealer in Palm Harbor Fl. They wouldn't let me test drive a car because they didn't have dealer plates yet (whatever). They also proceeded to tell me there was a waiting list and that I was 678! I ended up buying a Honda Accord coupe. On September 17th 2005, I placed MY ORDER with the MINI dealer. On Monday the 19th, I received my production number! The Owners Lounge still indicates it's for a Red Chili MINI but I'm calling customer service tomorrow!!!! I struggled between Space Blue and Hyper Blue but went totally opposite.

Pepper White MCS
Black roof/mirrors
Black Bonnet stripes
Premium Package
Harmon Kardon sound system
Center arm rest
Auxillary plug
Fog Lamps
Auto w/agitronic paddles
Classic beauty!!!!

...and I can't wait! I'm driving my friends. co-workers, everyone crazy causet I can't stop talking about it. LOL I just hope with the holidays coming, it doesn't halt production.

My first post by the way too.

[tampaguy001]

I just called MINI this morning. They looked up my production number and to my surprise, it's in production. She also said that it's scheduled to be done on the 29th of September. Holy buckets!!! She's thinking the car should be here around Halloween. How quick was that. I guess I shouldn't get too excited because anything could happen. Just thought I would share.

[micahbones]

Quote: Originally Posted by tampaguy001

I just called MINI this morning. They looked up my production number and to my surprise, it's in production. She also said that it's scheduled to be done on the 29th of September. Holy buckets!!! She's thinking the car should be here around Halloween. How quick was that. I guess I shouldn't get too excited because anything could happen. Just thought I would share.

That's super exciting -- congrats! I must admit I'm a bit jealous given that you placed your order on 9/17, it's already in production a week later, and may be in your hands in late Oct...while I placed my order on 9/3, it's scheduled for production week 40, and estimated to be in Denver late Nov/early Dec. What explains such discrepancies?

Please post pics as soon as you get yours!

[Washy]

My MCS is scheduled for wk41 build:

Pure silver/pure silver
Black/grey leather
Alloy patina trim
Chili pack
Factory fit JCW package
Recaro seats
White indicators
Climate control
Chrome line interior
Multi function wheel
Mirror pack
Visibility pack
Radio CD boost
Harmon Kardon Hi fi
JCW Suspension
JCW Strut brace
JCW wheels
Spotlights
Aero kit
JCW sils

Can't wait

[micahbones]

Excellent spec Washy -- you will have one fast tricked out MCS! I want those factory Recaros in the states -- the usa regs are so dumb. (kinda like our incompetent president -- oops, did I just say that?!)

Anyway back on subject, if you know anyone selling some of those recaros please feel free to have them get in touch with me...

[Washy]

Quote: Originally Posted by micahbones

Excellent spec Washy -- you will have one fast tricked out MCS! I want those factory Recaros in the states -- the usa regs are so dumb. (kinda like our incompetent president -- oops, did I just say that?!)

Anyway back on subject, if you know anyone selling some of those recaros please feel free to have them get in touch with me...

The seats are soon to be available as a dealer fit option here so I guess you could import some at a price