[Drillslinger]

Hello,
The Frau (i.e. my wife) and I have pretty much decided what we want for our Mini and plan to make the order in the next week or so. My question to y'all is... how "Useful" is the Chrono pack in reality?

If it helps, here is what we're looking at ordering:
Astro Black "Checkmate" MCS, Silver Roof / Mirrors w/ Bonnet Stripe
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
LSD
Harmon Kardon

Now the On Board Computer is included in the Premium Package AND the Chrono Package, so I'd essentially be paying for it twice The dealer's response was that he'll throw in the floormats
I test drove an 05 MCS and the speed function on the Computer was adequate, so I don't think I'd NEED the Speedo on the steering column. I was also thinking that I could take the $300 for the Chrono and apply it instead towards the $325 for the Boost / Voltage Aux. Guages on the column, but the Boost would be the only "Useful" one

Anyway, after all that babble, I guess what I'm asking is if those with the Chrono pack feel that the Oil Pressure / Temp gauges are worth the cost?

If you made it through all of that, congratulations, if you still feel like giving any advice, THANKS

[Paul]

I really don't like the chrono pack, I feel it looks out of place and serves little day to day purpose. There are plenty who disagree though!

[bimini]

if your talking about the thing that replaces the speedo in the centre of the dash....erm, it not to my taste :

a) the speedo large and central is classic mini

b) "i" think the other thing looks a bit ugly

I find the speed readout on the above the wheel useful as its only a quick eye flick from the road rather than a turn of the head.

[AidenL]

I'm not keen on the Chrono to be honest.........

[DEMINI]

Just to give you another point of view - I could not give a damn about the classic Mini look.
I went for the chrono pack, because I like to know as much as possible as to what is going on under the hood of my car. But having said this, I have to add that in Oz the MINI comes with a huge central tacho, and the speedo is the small gauge...it is all about design rules, and crap over here.
So, as far as I am concerned, the only way to keep an eye on the all - important rev-counter, I HAD to have the chrono pack. And I don't give a damn what others think, I love the way it looks, and works.

So there


Eddie S.

[Olly.]

It does look like a bit of an after thought to me. Just my opinion though

[Drillslinger]

I currently drive an Audi A3 Quattro (2001) and I know that it's important that the oil be up to temp before caning it since the main turbo spindle uses oil as a bearing (Forget what it's called). Does the MCS SC use anything similar? If not, wouldn't oil temp be less important than oil pressure? And would there be anyway to have an oil pressure gauge fitted to the steering column pod INSTEAD of the Voltmeter? Because if so... I really wouldn't have a need for the Chrono.

Oh, and the main reasons we were considering the Chrono was because Nav is a bit steep ($$$) and until I drove the MCS with the digital speed display, I thought I needed the Speedo on the column.

Thanks again

[brett]

Hi I have the chrono pack on my second Mini mmmm not to sure still In Oz we never got the centre speedo option just a massive Rev counter.

The main reason I went for Chrono pack was something different

[Wierd Bob]

I have to say i hate the central speedo on the car and it actually put me off buying the car. It was only when I saw the chrono pack did I actually finally make a purchase. I just think the central speedo is a bit "telly tubby" looking. I know the original had a central speedo but I just don't like it on the new car.
The chrono is also good at keeping me behave until the oil and not just the Coolant has warmed up!

[brett]

Quote: Originally Posted by Wierd Bob

central speedo is a bit "telly tubby" looking. !

The Mini is not Gay unlike twinky winky or what ever his name is

[nikos1890]

My MCS is coming by the end of February.I ordered the chrono cockpit because personally i dont like this huge gauge in the center of the dashboard.Even when was looking for a used car,before i take the decision for a new one,my main object besides the color of the car was to have the chrono cockpit.In my opinion,the two gauges on the steering column look more symmetrical and more beautiful.I dont care so much about oil readings of the chrono.Others say that the center tachograph refers to the classic design but i really dont care about that.
So i think that you should ask your self if you like or not the center speedo.

[spf]

I did not want the speedo in the middle and so I got the chrono pack. Looks wise I don't mind it and it is useful. I would not have my speedo there so was pleased when it was a new option.

[CHRIS COOPER]

I have it on my 05 MCS, I wouldn't have bought it without it!

Its a hot hatch/sports car, the more gauges the better!

Having the speedo on the column does help you keep a more closer eye on it, speed wise if you know what I mean.

Its a novelty after all, your choice but I'd always get it!

[smartbomb]

I've had non-chrono Copoer and now chrono'd S. I prefer the dual dial above the steering wheel and the larger fuel gauge in the chrono dials.
I would opt for it again as I like the 'busy' look of the centre dials and with the chrome pack it looks awesome.
It's a personal choice of course but for me it looks great and works well and to glance dwon for a speed-check feels more natural than looking sideways.....

[MINIAC]

A real MiNi has a center-pod speedo

The OBC in my MINI is inaccurate and I wish I hadn't spent $200 on this option

[Cooper54]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

I really don't like the chrono pack, I feel it looks out of place and serves little day to day purpose. There are plenty who disagree though!

I agree with you on that one. Personally I hate the chrono kit and prefer the speedo in the middle. Mini never had the chrono kit available until August 04 and we all have been alright before with out it..

[Zarrik]

I got the chrono pack because I didn't like having to look to the right to see my current speed. It's habit to just make a quick glance down. At the time I ordered the car, I didn't realize there was a digital speed readout in the tach.

Would I do it again, hard to say. I like having both sets of needles in one place, but it's not a must have type of thing. Personally, I'm happy with the choice.

[Roofas]

Love the chrono pack for two reasons

1 I want the speedo in front of me, not to the left in some big grandfather clock style display.
2 I like to know when the oil is ready for a thrashing.

[SalemMINIDriver]

I very much like:

(1) Large central speedometer/odometer. We've done quite a bit of travel in our MINI, and now that we've gotten used to having the trip odometer/speed accessable to the person doing the navigation, it's hard to go back to a car with more contemporary instrumentation. My 1961 Morgan +4 (see my gallery), a successful rally car in it's heyday, actually has the speedo located on the passenger side to facilitate this. (Morgan's contemporary tourer, the 4/4 has a driver's side speedometer). The size of the instrument is nice as it maintains the proportions of the original Mini in what is a much larger re-creation, and is easily readable at a quick glance.

(2) Big, central rev counter with no distractions. MPH, distance, etc. is the navigator's concern. I can buy that engine information such as boost pressure or oil pressure should be in front of the driver, if anywhere, so, for that reason, I'd be more tempted by MINI or atermarket accessory gauge pods.

[:: Jon ::]

i do like the chrono pk.. but then again i cant see the top of the rv counter or speedo with where i have my seat postioned..