[Boge]

I drove a Cooper S this last Saturday and loved it. I'm going to order one this week and I'm wondering about a few things. What options are a "MUST HAVE"? I'm deffinately going for the Premium package, but not sure about the sport package. Is it better to get the 17" mini wheels or go for some aftermarket wheels? I'm also wondering about the JCWorks Cooper. Is it worth the extra $4500+, or should I just go for the Cooper S?

This will be my first brand new car purchased and I want to get it right. I need many opinions here so I can make the right decision on what I'm getting. Thanks for any replies.

[goonermini]

Just posted on your other thread about the Chili pack and came across this one.

My list of 'essentials' were as follows (don't know what package you would need in the US):

Chrome bumper inserts
17" alloys
Sports seats
Silver trim (dashboard etc)
Fog lights (even though pretty useless!)
Spoiler
Air con (manual)

My extras tended to make the car look more cool - I didn't bother with things like CD changer, auto air con, etc

gm

[MiniCyclist]

I am with you Boge...same exact questions. Would it be better to skip the sport package and buy after market wheels? And the works kit...is this just the law of diminishing returns at work or what?!

[emerika]

I ordered mine about a month ago and here are some thoughts...

The stock 16" wheels are significantly lighter than the 17" wheels.

A lot of people have complained about the Auto air as it seems to have a mind of its own -- I got the manual air. You might skip the premium package and order the parts you want. (The usefullness of the computer has been debated as well.)

I got the fog lights to fill out the buttons -- don't like blanks.

emerika

[minirossa]

A lot of S owners complain about the harsh ride of the 17" wheels.
I test drove an S with 16" and another with 17" and there was quite a difference.
Suppose it depends on how you drive and the condition of your local roads?

I was skeptical about the auto air but have no problems. It really holds the set temp. well.

If you are interested in the JCW, then try to drive one "back to back" with a stock S.

Good Luck!

[Binky's Mini]

My two cents...
I hate the auto a/c. I do not like to have to look away to see which tiny button to push. I want the three knobs you turn. And it seems to offer more control of where you send the air - and at what speed. But my wife wanted it, so we compromised.
I love the look of the 17" S-Lites. Reminds me of the old MiniLites. So I had to have them. They ride quite firm and are expensive to replace. If the look isn't a must for you, get the 16s or get aftermarket 17s and sell the 16s when brand new to someone upgrading their 15s.
The rest of the stuff in the packages (I got all three) I would want. The cold package is a MUST in the Midwest (bunwarmers are good)
Cheers!
John L