More help with options! Thanks!

[miniisfun]

Hi, already asked a few questions but just thought of a few more! Ive recently ordered my mini cooper but its still spec changeable, just wondered if anyone had any info or experience with these options? Cheers!

Rain Sensor,
PDC Park Distance Control,
Radio Boost Cassette,
Headlight Power Wash System

[Z1GZAG N]

Rain Sensor, I use my eyes. It rains a lot in Florida and I don't mind having to move my fingers to turn the wipers on

PDC Park Distance Control, If they didn't install those hidious looking round buttons in the rear bumper, I might want this item. As it is, there is no way I'll have them on a car of mine. True use for me would only be to prevent pulling up on those darn curb stops.

Radio Boost Cassette, I've got the HK CD player and love it. Cassettes here in the states are yesterdays news and I'm sure soon to be extinct.

Headlight Power Wash System, I've got them only because they came in the Sports package. Total waste of money if you ask me.

Merry Christmas to ya
Z1G

[miniisfun]

Quote: Originally Posted by Z1GZAG N

Rain Sensor, I use my eyes. It rains a lot in Florida and I don't mind having to move my fingers to turn the wipers on

PDC Park Distance Control, If they didn't install those hidious looking round buttons in the rear bumper, I might want this item. As it is, there is no way I'll have them on a car of mine. True use for me would only be to prevent pulling up on those darn curb stops.

Radio Boost Cassette, I've got the HK CD player and love it. Cassettes here in the states are yesterdays news and I'm sure soon to be extinct.

Headlight Power Wash System, I've got them only because they came in the Sports package. Total waste of money if you ask me.

Merry Christmas to ya
Z1G

great thanks for the advice! Think I'll not bother with all 4! Cheers!

[OregonCooper]

The rain sensor comes in a package with the auto-dimming mirror. For $150, the combo is probably the best deal of the four.

[Eric B]

I found several references on the net that say that Xenon headlights require washers (in Europe but not in the US). So if you get the Xenons, you will get the washers

[KenL]

The boost cassette gives you a higher power O/P and I think Dolby. Unless you are going for a CD changer in the boot option as well I would get the single CD player.

This in itself is a bit confusing as you need to order "boost" at £135 and "single CD player" at £70.

You can also get a single mini-disc player option.

PDC is a beeping system with sensors mounted in the rear bumper to help stop you reversing into things. Unless you are cr*p at parking you probably don't need it in the MINI.

[SoggyCornFlakes]

With regard the cassette boost, I went for that as I wanted the boost, but then had a CD multi-changer in the boot so I can play both types of media

[minisoopercooper]

The rain sensor wipers come as part of the visibility pack and everyone on here thinks this is great. Not only do you get the wipers but auto dimming rearview mirrror and most importantly in this damn country, a heated front windscreen. Even if the car is in a garage overnight you can leave it in a car park at the supermarket and come back to iced up screens.

well worth it.

Paul

[miniisfun]

Quote: Originally Posted by minisoopercooper

The rain sensor wipers come as part of the visibility pack and everyone on here thinks this is great. Not only do you get the wipers but auto dimming rearview mirrror and most importantly in this damn country, a heated front windscreen. Even if the car is in a garage overnight you can leave it in a car park at the supermarket and come back to iced up screens.

well worth it.

Paul

Ok great thanks think I'll go for that then especially with the heated front windscreen!

[Don Meyer]

Well, I don't know that I'd buy the headlight washers if they were a seperate item, but since they come with the Xenon headlights (at least here in the states...) I've got them.
Actually, if you like cool gadgets, they are worth it.

When my wife saw those little stalks protrude and spray like crazy, it actually made it easier to convince her I needed the Xenons. Even she thought that looked cool.

Haven't had much chance to use the rain-sensing wipers, but the auto-dimming mirror is the cat's pajamas! Worth the $150 alone IMHO.

I'll admit that one of the things that attracted me to the MINI in the first place was the surprisingly high-tech nature of the car. Seemed a shame to not get as many gadgets as possible to further that theme.

I did draw the line at PDC and Nav though. I do almost zero parallel parking, and I can't imagine losing the center speedometer!

Don

[Eric B]

Quote: Originally Posted by Don Meyer

I'll admit that one of the things that attracted me to the MINI in the first place was the surprisingly high-tech nature of the car. Seemed a shame to not get as many gadgets as possible to further that theme.
I did draw the line at PDC and Nav though. I do almost zero parallel parking, and I can't imagine losing the center speedometer!
Don

We think WAY too alike. I love all the gagets (and I don't even have my car yet )

[KDOG]

I say get the xenons! They are great to look at and work very well.
I would skip any extra stereo upgrades..as you can get much better aftermartket headunits for much cheeper.

The PDC looks ugly and I heat that the beep is very anoying.

I would condider the wiper/Auto-dim mirror combo..I didnt get it on mine and I sort of regret it.

MFSW- get it get it get it.

happy motoring and marry xmas.

[xplode]

people still use cassettes? can't remember the last time i even held one of those things, probably ten years ago...

anyhow, my $.02 would be to possibly get the vis pack if it comes as a pack. it wasn't available when i ordered mine, but i would have wanted the heated windscreen. rain sensor and auto dimming mirror i could do without though.

also, if you didn't already spec the MFSW, do it NOW! you want the mfsw, trust me.

actually just checked your profile and it's there. hey, AHPS II isn't standard? how much is it? would seem like a good idea to me... protect your noggin.

[miniisfun]

Quote: Originally Posted by xplode

people still use cassettes? can't remember the last time i even held one of those things, probably ten years ago...

anyhow, my $.02 would be to possibly get the vis pack if it comes as a pack. it wasn't available when i ordered mine, but i would have wanted the heated windscreen. rain sensor and auto dimming mirror i could do without though.

also, if you didn't already spec the MFSW, do it NOW! you want the mfsw, trust me.

actually just checked your profile and it's there. hey, AHPS II isn't standard? how much is it? would seem like a good idea to me... protect your noggin.

This is England! Theyve only just give us CD's! Only Kidding! I do use cassettes still! whats AHPS II? thanks

[morrisminiminor]

I understand that the MFSW option also gives you Cruise Control. I'd have liked that but the budget had to stop somewhere. Did get the Visability pack. It had just been made available in Dec 02 and I ordered in Jan 03. Should prevent scraping the windscreen during the frosty mornings. I feel that the auto dimming is a bit slow.
Got the Xenons though. Well pleased. The skooshers fairly use up the water cleaning the headlamps.

morrisminiminor