[kcollins]

At my local dealer today checking status on my car -happened to notice a MINI dealer notice about ordering anthracite headliners - it looks like it's going to be discontinued after the September run of cars (at least for the US).The memo I saw cited the excessive cost of the headliner as being the reason for removing it from the ordering checklist.

[Wetworth]

Shouldn't the cost of the item have been factored in when it was decided that it would make it into production?

[BrantV]

Interesting.

So those who make it in before the deadline will have something exclusive?

[BitRot]

I would have hoped that Mini wouldn't bring in an option without even knowing how much it would cost them. And really, a different color headliner can't cost them more than some of the other options they have for it.

Also, what about replacement parts? Do they really expect the people who already have an Anthracite headliner to total their car if a sunblind breaks?

[kcollins]

That's like saying they only made 1000 MC40 cars and that those cars are exclusive and one of a kind and parts can't be ordered. I bet you'll see the antrhacite option as a "cost" option in the future.

[BLUE BEAUTY]

I told you so ....

We got it for free, under the wire, good ordering

It will be on the convertibles still

[steebo777]

Damnit this es me off even more. My dealer told me it wasn't an option yet, so I couldn't spec it

[lukebuzzy]

I got it added to my order when i found out it was available. There is a mock-up pic in my gallery.

[kcollins]

Quote:

Damnit this es me off even more. My dealer told me it wasn't an option yet, so I couldn't spec it

Steebo - is your car ordered yet? If so see what production status it's in.. provided it hasn't been painted yet - you should be able to reconfigure some of your options - including anthracite.

[speed_racer]

kcollins -

My MA had e-mailed me yesterday saying the same thing that you found out your dealer, although she didn't mention the Sept. part. I spoke to MINI USA this a.m. to see if my spec changes took, and I mentioned that we were all fed up with the anthracite nonsense. He said the anthracite liner was never intended to be used in US production cars, only in other markets, but during the '05 roll out some US MA's figured out how to spec it.

Then my MA just e-mailed me the bulletin you spoke of as I have been harrassing her about getting the anthracite liner into my order (it didn't make it in earlier, although it was available at the time). It does say after Sept. no more anthracite. Until then I guess it depends on your MA and your timing if you can get it.

I attached the memo in case anyone wants to see it with their own eyes.

[steebo777]

Quote: Originally Posted by kcollins

Steebo - is your car ordered yet? If so see what production status it's in.. provided it hasn't been painted yet - you should be able to reconfigure some of your options - including anthracite.

It's being loaded onto the FREEDOM freight ship within a few days, so I think I'm SOL.

[MINIAC]

The bulletin states:

Quote:

4AA - Anthracite Headliner will NOT be offered in the Cooper or Cooper S due to cost issues beginning with September allocation. All orders made before September allocation are unaffected by this change.

Dealers will be getting September allocations the last week of THIS month. Those with [very late] July and August builds who want this option should make sure it's included before the ordering system is changed to block it.

[BitRot]

Quote: Originally Posted by speed_racer

Then my MA just e-mailed me the bulletin you spoke of as I have been harrassing her about getting the anthracite liner into my order (it didn't make it in earlier, although it was available at the time). It does say after Sept. no more anthracite. Until then I guess it depends on your MA and your timing if you can get it.

What wonderful BS... One side saying it's a cost measure and the other saying they just dont want to sell it to americans. Hell, I dont care if it has to be a $500 option, just let us chose the color of our headliner like everyone else! They're all made in the same factory, what's the big problem?

[speed_racer]

Quote: Originally Posted by BitRot

What wonderful BS... One side saying it's a cost measure and the other saying they just dont want to sell it to americans. Hell, I dont care if it has to be a $500 option, just let us chose the color of our headliner like everyone else! They're all made in the same factory, what's the big problem?

Exactly! It's just a headliner for heaven's sake - why can't we have the same option as everyone else??? It should be a simple thing. Heck, we can choose how many colors now for our dash and trim, but we can't have two choices for a headliner???

[lukebuzzy]

Is it available in canada? I'm sure it could be imported from the if it was...

[kfmuller]

My HB/B MCS is being built as I write this with a production/completion date of 7/22. My spec calls for anthracite headliner. I just hope it makes it on the car.

[kcollins]

Check with your motoring advisor and see if option code "4AA" is still on your build order. If it is then it will most likely make it through production.

[kfmuller]

I'm calling now - thanks for the heads up

[alinnes]

I took delivery of my '05 Cooper in Astro Black this morning -(photos in private gallery). Had and MCS last year which I sold when my wife was pregant with our now 8 month twin boys, and I have to say that without any doubt, the best thing about my new Cooper is the anthracite headlining - awesome !

Costs £100 in UK and worth every penny and more. I guess it's because as Mini owners we actually spend more time in the thing driving it than looking at the exterior - yet most of us fuss and deliberate more about exterior appearance than interior.

If you can get it - JUST DO IT !!! ..you will not regret.

End of sermon.

[stryder]

Congratulations on your deliver alinnes, but you don't have any pictures of the headliner!

Anyway, my MCS which finished production yesterday is specced with the Anth interior, so I guess it is now that more exclusive.

And I imagine the cost is the change cost, of offering two different interiors the extra labor, inventory and effort to keep track of it. Presumably, unlike $450 for metallic paint, MINI doesn't think they can justify $200 (about what GBP100 is) for a different color of the same exact part. I kinda agree with them, I'm not sure I would have gone with it if it cost more, and if only a few people order something, its not worth even offering it because its just a pain.

Of course exactly as with the 2 spoke wheel, some people liked it, so its sad to lose the choice.