"Essential" options for the convertible

[rentagas]

A few people have asked for help with speccing their convertible so I thought i'd start a thread with "essential additions"

eg
Wind deflector £160
Because it is so difficult (and expensive) to fit aftermarket

Air Bag disconnection £30
Adds a key switch to do this and costs £30-if you don't want it the next person might!

TLC £100
Why not

Then it gets debateable:

A/C -yes in a convertible (hot raining and humid or just hot)
Heated Seats -crisp autumn days
DSC- for drivers like me who don't concentrate
MP3 CD

Anyway thought I'd start it off.......

[JB77]

Hi I am a minie newbie so forgive the naive questioning here...

When I specced my MCS conv asked about the airbag option. dealer told me that the airbag will be turned off permanently and can only be reconnected thru the garage.. Are you saying that its a switchable in car option?

What does DCS and TLC stand for?

[Kinster]

Chilli Pack and TLC

[rentagas]

DSC is dynamic stability control. It is an addition to traction control (standard on cooper s). TLC is free servicing for 3 years.
The previous passenger airbag option was permanent dewiring. The new option installs a key switch in the passenger door pillar to disable the airbag-at the same time a warning light shows on the instrument panel. I cannot see why it is not standard (as it is on the 206CC, all mercedes cars etc.). In a convertible it seems sensible to put a child in the passenger seat and use the wind deflector.

[BrantV]

I think you've covered the necessities and more..

Wind deflector
should make things quieter and calmer.

Air Bag disconnection £30
Very useful in a convertible. I was just asked about this. Thanks for the pics. Will have to see if it's offered in the USA.

TLC £100
No more need on convertible than any other MINI. If you want it it's worth it.

A/C
Yes definitely. Your car's is going to get wet someday.

Heated Seats
Especially in a open car, when driving by moonlight in the cold crisp air.

DSC
Not specific to convertible, but it should help you discover your car in relative safety.

MP3 CD If you're going to turn it up start with clean audio. MP3s give me headaches. Wish it played AAC. But that's what iPods are for.

[MsLodStar]

I ordered air bag disconnection but was told it's only available later in the UK model year. Bit annoyed at that - but being realistic how many baby seats are there going to be in a convertible Mini? Rationalising I know.

LOD xx

[rentagas]

My S convertible is coming 16/7 (I hope-see other threads) and is on the computer as having airbag disconnection. My rationale is that if you have one child in a convertible you will want them in the front with the wind deflector on the back seat. I appreciate that things are differant in the US. ............Oh and another essential a supercharger.........................

[Kinster]

When are the S convertibles officially released in the UK?

[Paul]

Spec something more powerful than a MINI One if you can afford to!

[rentagas]

There is no official launch date for the S convertible but production starts the first week of July so they will not get to dealers before the 2/3rd week. Mini UK and my dealer have promised they will not be held back till some predetermined date-but with the ONE/Cooper fiasco who knows?. Clearly any problem now could have an effect on those of us patiently waiting.

[dinger]

I heard the Cabrio S wont be launched until September .?




dinger.

[usaminicooper]

Love to have those electric folding mirrors.
Small garage. what a hassle foldiing them every time I get out of the car.
I just hoping that it might be an option in the U.S. in Jan/2005.
Anybody have some info on this.

[rentagas]

My car is week 27, build 16/7-BMW and my dealer have told me it will not be held back-so far

[spur]

ESSENTIAL ITEMS NEEDED? ONLY TWO MORE; Sun Glasses, and a must have for all us girlies driving Convertibles, a HAIR NET

[dinger]

Sun Tan Lotion...



Then



After Sun Lotion...



dinger.