Essential Interior Bits (shopping list ideas for new owners)

[MINIAC]

The following is list of accessories I've added to the interior of my MINI that I couldn't live without:

1. Whalen Shift Machine
   
   While you might think that $150 for an engraved shift knob is too expensive, these things are "works of art" and make shifting so much smoother. Doug Whalen is very accommodating in customizing the engraving on the knobs. Doug occasionally offers discounted pricing, but even paying full price you won't be disappointed.
   
2. Glove Box Organizer
   
   When I first got my MINI things would get all jumbled in the glove box and fall out when I opened the glove box door. This item remedied that problem.
   
3. Fischer C-Box
   
   While I chose to utilize the cubby hole below the toggle-switch row for CD storage, others have fitted the following accessories in this hole for added storage:
   • Center Console Organizer
   • Cubby Hole Box
   • Hot Pocket

[cletus]

For those on the US side o' the pond, the European Parcel Shelf which replaces the bolster under the steering column is well worth the price of admission (about $80 ... part #51-16-1-186-417 and mounting hardware). Anything that adds storage is a boon in my book.

Another additional storage option is the set of "saddlebags" which is affixed to the underside of the rear parcel shelf (a little dear, about $120 ... part #82-11-0-154-464). I was able to move several bulkier items out of the glove box and into the saddle bags, leaving the glove box available for smaller, more frequently accessed items.

[curmudgeon]

I agree, those are nice items to have in the MINI. I had a `02 Cooper and every time I opened the glove box most of the contents fell out into the door and the center console space below the switches was unusable. When I traded the `02 in for my `03 S I ordered the console organizer and the glove box organizer from Moss Motors. That's the best $80.00 I ever spent, both items fit and function perfectly and have that factory look to them. Highly recommended!

[jimskater]

I'm a body boarder. I've found that the rubber boot mat & boot mat extension very handy for containing beach detritus~~sand, grit, wet stuff. They're available directly from the dealer, and can be found on p 24 of the US Mini Motoring Accessories 2003 catalog. Don't know about the rest of the world. (D***ed egotistical Yanks!)

The boot mat protects the carpet in the boot. The boot mat extension fits right over the FOLDED rear seat & is conveniently exactly the size of my body board. The unmodified extension limits you to a two passenger set-up, which suits me fine, but may not be for you. I think you might be able to trim the extension, so that the seats can latched in the upright position.

Part #'s / Prices for in black--

boot mat 82 12 0 146 462 / $50 USD
boot mat ext. 82 11 0 147 394 / $75 USD

They're also available in Grey & Beige.

[ontheroadagain]

I appreciate this thread. As my MINI in about to arrive in December, I'm starting to think more seriously about these items.

It looks as though the center console organizer from MiniMania is made of felt or covered in it - is this true?

Thanks to you all, again.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by ontheroadagain

It looks as though the center console organizer from MiniMania is made of felt or covered in it - is this true?

I don't have the center console organizer, but since it's made by the same company that makes the glove box organizer, I'd assume it's also felt covered.

[ontheroadagain]

Thanks MINIAC, you're doing a great job here.