If I were in your situation, looking to buy from new I would personally see what could be installed after the car has been made. For instance the OBC can be retrofitted, you do need an additional stalk if I have read other forum posts rightly, but it can be done.
Chilli pack is a good package, also if you ever want to sell your car people look for this as a must have option.
I love my multi function steering wheel, really I couldnt live without it, cruise control comes with it too. I spent too much time in my other cars changing the station and not paying 100% attention to the road. Before I looked at the road and felt my way to the controls on the HU, now I just know where they are !
Continuing with the audio theme of things, I wouldnt bother with HK, it pretty much limits you to the mini headunit which is in my opinion is poor, and has an enormous price tag. You can of course use circuits created by gbmini and sold also by mikeythemini to use aftermarket head units though. Also you can get better sound by installing aftermarket equipment, and this you can do after you have bought the car...
I have manual air con, there arent many days in England, especially this year that require you to use the air con, and is in my opinion an added expense but I cant really talk about this feature much as I havent been in the situation where it is needed.
When I was looking for a mini, I really liked the idea of a sunroof, although when you get in one you have loads of head room anyway, I would like one, but can do without the extra 65lbs weighing me down !
The OBC is useful but I could live without it, I only really look to see what my range is and the temperature outside.
Chrome line interior option, looks very nice but the parts are available from the mini parts department, you will spend a little more equiping a facelift mini though than the factory option due to the tach bezel price including a new tach !
Hopefully that gives you a little insight, I have tried to be fair an unbiased
... So now the question is what options should i get with it. I know this is a personal preference, but sometimes an option that looks really cool at the dealer might not be that practical/useful/etc.. later on - So i'd really appreciate your comments/thoughts on the following:
03 Dark Silver MCS w/ White roof 
