Okay, all things are go, the money is there and I was approved for a loan last month but I wanted to wait until April. My birthday is the 11th, so I'm likely to be in the dealership placin the order next weekend or the week after. I haven't yet decided who I'll finance with (credit is very good, so I just need to find the best APR.)
Could you all who have Coopers please help me with the spec here, let me know what you agree or disagree with strongly on what I'm thinking? I only have a few things I am still playing with, but I need to get them figured out before I order. Thank you!
The Spec:
Cooper S
Pepper White w/Black Roof
Black Leatherette Interior
Interior Surface - alloy patina
Black Bonnet Stripes
Chrome Line Exterior/Mirror Caps
Sport Package - (DSC, Xenons, front fogs, 17-inch S-lites with all-season run-flat tires)
Cold Weather Package - (heated seats, mirrors and washer jets)
Limited Slip Differential
Dual Pane Sunroof
Multi-Function Steering-Wheel
Harmon Kardon stereo
Rubber floor mats - included in dealer's delivery package
Warranty/Service Plan comes standard in the US
Isofix comes standard in the US
Current Options under consideration:
Floor mats - rubber, not cloth? I figure they'll get dirty either way, does the cloth look nicer? I don't know yet which I want.
Rear fog lamp. Seems like something that shoulda been standard, but it'll cost me $100 to fill in my spare toggle switch on the dash. It sounds like many people before me have spent this $100 already. Are you one of them? Should I?
Security System - Is the standard one any good in your opinion? I have a plain/basic one on my two cars now, but a) the one time I had my stereo jacked the alarm didn't help, and b) I hear no one steals minis really because of the smart key, so if I'm parking it in sensible areas and garaging it, is a security system a waste? I think the dealer-installed one is ~$300 but I'm not sure. What do you think? Get it?
Alloy patina dash - I'm considering anthracite now for that part...I need to see them both in person at the showroom I guess.
universal garage door opener -- tempting, very. I have a garage door now that came with 2 remotes and then it decided it wouldn't work with both at once, only one or the other, so at this point I need to buy a pair of garage door openers anyway if I get this car, no? Tempting.... Anyone have this, like it? love it?.
Union-Jack valvestem caps for the tires...okay, it's geeky, but I would really like to have those. Should I wait and get em off ebay or just get em standard? I do UK operations for my company, and it's a British car, so it all fits Haven't decided yet if I'll order them with the car.
Bumper protection /plastic strip - will I regret not getting this? I don't see why the boot would get very scuffed up, since I have another car for hauling....Not much should be getting loaded into this car really other than a few groceries, christmas gifts, one small suitcase once in a while, etc... Have you guys seen that your bumpers get scuffed up with normal use? Appreciate the feedback.
In-line MP3 Jack. I don't have an MP3 player right now, but most of my music collection is digital and it's a royal pain to burn cd's and then most don't work in my current car's head unit. Should I plan ahead and get the MP3 jack in the glovebox? Is it possible to get a head unit that plays MP3s or am I then messing up my whole H/K sound system design? Grrr. Maybe I should focus on the disc-burning part instead of worrying about a head unit that plays .mp3s. Jack worth getting considering how much things are changing in audio technology the last few years, or can I just have it done after the fact next year anyway?
Other things considered but not going:
Auto-AC -- i'm already getting sunroof so the Auto-AC and on-board computer together would be an extra $300. I don't think I care for the AC constantly trying to find the right temperature...mostly I like my car cool and I don't mind using my windows or a small bit of AC, but I really don't care much if it's automated. Some folks I've talked to said theirs is consantly ramping up and down trying to help them and so it feels over-engineered. If it was free I *might* take it to add to someday-resale value, but really, I don't want to sell the car anyday, I want to keep it and I don't think I need this... $300 is $300.
Wheels - I like the S-Lites. Not really considering any others at this point. The webspokes, bullets and R90s don't really do anything for me I guess.
Onboard computer I'd take for $100 maybe, but it's $200 if you get it stand-alone...I am happy with my temperature/trip tic on the main speedo. My minivan has the on-board computer and I only really use it on trips because it's there..estimatd MPG, distance til empty, etc. If it was standard, I'd like it, but seems unnecessary.
No DSC - I thought about working around this, getting the sport package without it piece by piece and it just seems like a lot of work to avoid a rare situation of the car nannying me once in a while when I dont' want it to... and maybe saving the time of eventually getting Ian's circuit (if I can) to have the DSC default to OFF, not ON. All things considered, I'm not going to autocross or track (well maybe driving school lessons eventually, but no definite plans yet), I just want to cater to my normal quick, some might say aggressive, driving style. Given that I'm human and we all can make mistakes, I think I'll get the DSC in case I need it sometime when I overstep my abilities. It's possible, so let's be safe.
rain-sensing wipers/auto headlamps...okay, they sound cool. $200 though. ouch, i'm trying to keep cost down.
Driving lamps - I've been told to go after-market and do these myself once I get the car. I would like some. I also would like them to come on automatically with the brights. This can be done, no? Anyway, not getting the overpriced dealer-installed ones.
Future plans:
Invisishield/clear coat front - as soon as possible after getting the car. I wasn't going to get BMW's version, a local guy does them for the local MINI club, and it seems like a good idea. Do you agree they're worth it?
Performance tuning. Eventually.
A pulley upgrade , a remap of the ECU, and one of the reasonable intake/exhaust kits (something that isn't too loud but gives me some more performance.) JCW-lite I guess. I would love the JCW package but ouch, pricey! Maybe brake upgrades if they're warranted at that time as well. All this TBD if I feel I am comfortable with it warranty-wise and if I can keep the costs down, do some of the work myself.
Well, theres an awful lot there to finish on, I'll try to stay to the point!
Mats:
Cloth is probably better unless your car is definately going to get mucky inside. The MINI has a nice quality looking interior and rubber might be a little too "utilitarian" for it.
Rear fog lamp:
Does it get foggy where you live? Personally I think its almost worth it to fill in that blank in the dash, but I'm a perfectionist! I have it, but you really do need it in England!
Security:
MINIs are hard to steal, so many dont try to, especially this side of the pond. However it is quite important to have good security. However if you do what you suggest (sensible areas and garage) then I doubt its worth the $300.
Alloy Dash: Yes, down to what you prefer the look of.
Garage Door opener:
I've never heard of this before! It sounds pretty good, especially if you are driving in and out all of the time. Especially in your situation.
Union Jack caps:
Its a nice little detail. However if its any cheaper on ebay, get them there. Its far too small a thing to pay BMW prices for.
Bumper protection:
Isn't the MINI the shortest car sold in the US? Being used to larger vehicles, you definately wont need this! A MINI is a piece of cake to drive and park, and is also robust. A waste of money in my opinion!
MP3 Jack:
Dont swap out the head you get with the car, it will spoil the looks. It sounds like you would be investing in an mp3 player in the future, anyway. As you Americans say (I believe) "Go figure".
Auto AC:
I have it with a sunroof as well. Its a gadget. Wont be getting it on my new MINI next year.
Wheels:
S-Lites are lush. Stick with them! 16" ones? 17" S-Spokes look better, but are REALLY heavy.
Onboard computer:
Its £130 here, and thats for something that you will never use anyway. According to these forums even the MPG clock is inaccurate! Definately a rip off.
DSC:
Are you going to be driving the car that hard? Dont get it, and preserve the smile on your face!
Driving lamps:
Depends on price. Its nearly £100 (about $175) difference between BMW and aftermarket. I want these too on my car but the BMW price is hard to swallow on these.
As for the modding, you will have to juggle the warranty vs JCW cost yourself. Most people seem to use TLC (free servicing for 5 years - presume its the same in the US?) as the decider.
Hope it helps, if only a little. Good luck!
Paul (100th post! Wooo!)
Still online, but not here... Find MINI2 on facebook for details!
few thoughts: financing: my credit union came in 6 percent below mini financing. mini was running about 9 to 10 percent. yikes. of course, i also got radically different rate quotes from two different dealers.
dash: go with anthracite. looks better, i think. imho. but yes, take a look at both of them in the showroom.
bumper protection: not necessary. people think minis are special cars and tend to be nice around them. nothing like driving a European toy
iPod/MP3 adapter. Add it if/when you get an iPod. It's $400 when you figure in the labor. Anyway, a cd with mp3s will hold 250 songs.
Floormats: this is one of those things they'll throw in one of each as a bargaining thing. I have both. I've used the rubber in winter. Because of road salt. I'll switch to carpet once spring comes.
Computer: don't bother.
Security: my gut says don't bother for now. The mini has the place where the alarm system goes (the box) and they can put it in easily at any time. Of course, having this might lower your insurance rates ... call and ask your agent. If it makes a big difference, it might pay for itself in a year or so.
Garage door opener: i have no idea. i don't have a garage door.
Remember, these are my opinions and like they say, opinions are like _____, everybody has one.
Floor mats: I would go with the JCW checker flag floor mats...adds a little white to the interior of your PW MINI
Dash: I'm a big fan of the piano black dash. It would look sharp in a PW car.
Rear fog lamp: It fills in the back nicely and it will get rid of the annoying blank in your toggle panel.
Security system: Had it in my 03 MCS and NEVER heard it go off. For my 06 cabrio, dealer quoted $1100 installed...two words: NO THANKS!
In-line MP3: If you know the MP3 play you will get is not going to be an ipod, then get it. Otherwise I would get the ipod plug. Despite the fact that the factory unit can play MP3s on CD, it's very nice to just plug the ipod in.
Auto AC: I would skip it...I have it because of the package, but in hind sight, I would prefer the manual knobs.
Wheels: S-lites are classic, but heavy. Bullets are only available for cabrio. R90's are add-ons. Web spoke are lighter, but a $500 surcharge.
On-board computer: It's nice. I use it to watch my fuel consumption average and to tame my lead foot.
DSC: I have it with LSD. Was told that DSC needs to be switched off for LSD to work effectively. When I had my 03, LSD was not available and DSC did save my butt once or twice.
Rain-sensing wipers and auto lights: I have them and love them.
Driving lamps: Go aftermarket with a set of PIAAs.
Invisishield: A must in my book. Had it on my 03 and have it on my 06.
I think Cordoba Beige interior in the PW w/black is extremely classy looking. Along with chrome line interior.
I got the rear fog light and have used it twice. I love having it there, just in case, but really love having all toggles accounted for. I think having one missing would really bum me out.
Not a fan, but that is a question of tastes. I really love Anthracite personally.
I told my MA (sales person, if you don't know) that I would rather he throw our checkered flag valve stems in for free, and he went for it. Hooray $15 savings!
As for the S-Lites, I love them. Yes they weigh more than anything else. Yes they are beyond strong. Yes you could go lighter, yes 9 out of 10 people on this site will tell you to scrap them. I love them. My car goes fast enough (for now) and I think they look the best, hands down. They sum up the look and attitude of the MINI, classic styling, yet very modern in size, 17", a far cry from the little guys on the Classic Minis.
would have to say alloy patina is far nicer than anthracite IMO
would def say this is solely down to your choice though, you should go and take a look at both and see which you prefere i just really like the brushed alloy look, think its very smart
Nice going there! I would suggest the Cockpit Chrono package! Having two guages on the dash is very good looing indeed! Also, i would recommend the anthracite interior, as I've found the immitation brushed metal interior which most people have (sorry if i have tread on any toes here) looks just too plastic! Also, most other additions such as brackets are black and the anthracite will really compliment it.
In terms of mods, I have had all of my performance mods except for my MTH ECU software upgrade done by the dealer. It also helps to maintain a healthy relationship with your service manager, as if they install the parts most likely any faults won't void your warranty, but that depends on your dealership. I have had CVT transmission problems several times and not once did my service manager blame any of my mods. It never harms to ask...because JCW will cost you a pretty penny, and the gains you get as compared to selectively modifying parts you want is arbitary. In any case, I think you can get more out of the car by putting on parts that you've shopped around for, but some like everything "original"...so it really depends on you.
Thanks all for the feedback - Spec is almost done.
Making a lot of progress...I'm about ready to order.
Thank you all for the help.
The Spec:
Cooper S
Pepper White w/Black Roof
Black Leatherette Interior
Interior Surface - leaning anthracite--need to see them again to be sure.
Black Bonnet Stripes
Chrome Line Exterior/Mirror Caps
Sport Package - (DSC, Xenons, front fogs, 17-inch S-lites with all-season run-flat tires)
Cold Weather Package - (heated seats, mirrors and washer jets)
Limited Slip Differential
Dual Pane Sunroof
Multi-Function Steering-Wheel
Harmon Kardon stereo
Rear Fog Lamp
Cloth floor mats - included in dealer's delivery package
Warranty/Service Plan comes standard in the US
Isofix comes standard in the US
Goodies to try to get free with my order if I can (not confident I can get anything)
bootbox
union jack valvestem caps
some extra rubber floormats in addition to the cloth
apparel/keyrings/a diet coke.
Things to get later:
clearcoat ultrashield on front
upgrade head unit stereo
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
It's Go time. Help me Spec my S? 
Haven't decided yet if I'll order them with the car.
i just really like the brushed alloy look, think its very smart 
