[minintrigue]

I am considering an MCS but I am unsure about the sport package. Generally I would always opt for it but I an not a fan of the run flats (I realize there is no way around this from the factory). I currently have coilovers on my VW and love them. I would want to install them on my Mini. If the MCS does't include a suspension upgrade, and i don't care about the multi function wheel, should I still get the #2 package?

[NEMINI]

personally I think you'll be sorry if you don't get the MFSW, most people have been who did not get it.

[azimmerm]

the mcs does include a standard suspension upgrade (over the cooper) but not as part of the sport package. IMHO i think the only things worth wile in the sport package are the headlights and the fog lights.

[stryder]

If you build your own on miniusa.com you'll notice you are correct in that Combo #2 (usually called sport package around here) doesn't include suspension upgrades.

Otherwise I'm confused. Combo #1 (premium) includes MFSW, not the Sport package. Whether you should get either of those are your own view - As G03 has said many people regret not getting MFSW (you can search for it on here and see why) otherwise its all about if you like the things in each package, (Premium - Sunroof, Climate control and trip computer), (Sport - DSC, Xenon's, Fogs and 17" wheels)

Generally, if you like one thing in the package its cheaper to get it alone, if you like two things, its cheaper to get the package and get the third approximately free.

MFSW is generally the only thing people majorly regret though, but its very common for people to get all 3 packages.

[RickB]

I didn't get MFSW, and don't miss it. Some people prefer the 16" wheel/tire package to the optional 17", but like the lack of MFSW, I can't miss something I've never experienced.

[milliethemini]

In North America (US and Canada), the MCS comes with SS+ standard. So the sport package will give you bigger tires, but no further suspension upgrades.

I believe that the MFSW is a MUST-HAVE. Having said that, I will do a turn-around on an earlier opinion and say that you should spend the extra bucks to get the MFSW in the 3-spoke form, not the standard two-spoke design.

Why? Safety. Last week, a van veered out into my lane. I managed to do an emergency manouver and went around the van, pushing down on my car horn furiously. Except - I wasn't pushing down on the horn buttons, I had my hand planted down firmly on the steering wheel hub!!! This is where the horn should be, and on the 3 spoke steering wheel it is. I'm convinced now that the 3-spoke wheel is worth it.

I would also suggest that you go with the standard 16" wheels, not the optional 17", unless looks really matter to you (the S-Spokes do look nicer than the X-Lites). Why? Save the X-Lites to use for winter tires, and get an aftermarket set of 17" or 16" wheels, which are lighter (and perhaps even nicer looking) than the OEM wheels, for summer use. Better to make your money improve the handling and perfomance of your MINI, rather than just looks.

[stryder]

I think you have two choices with MFSW - If you can learn to use the horn where the buttons are on the 2 spoke (I personally don't find it a problem, but I haven't been driving for all that long, so I'm not very set in my ways) and you like the looks of the 2 spoke, then get it. If you can't get used to horn placement, then get the 3 spoke, or get the 3 spoke if you prefer it of course.

[minintrigue]

Quote: Originally Posted by stryder

If you build your own on miniusa.com you'll notice you are correct in that Combo #2 (usually called sport package around here) doesn't include suspension upgrades.

Otherwise I'm confused. Combo #1 (premium) includes MFSW, not the Sport package. Whether you should get either of those are your own view - As G03 has said many people regret not getting MFSW (you can search for it on here and see why) otherwise its all about if you like the things in each package, (Premium - Sunroof, Climate control and trip computer), (Sport - DSC, Xenon's, Fogs and 17" wheels)

Generally, if you like one thing in the package its cheaper to get it alone, if you like two things, its cheaper to get the package and get the third approximately free.

MFSW is generally the only thing people majorly regret though, but its very common for people to get all 3 packages.

Sometimes when I type too fast all of my ideas run together...like in the above post. There were two separate issues I was curious about. Thank you for your input.

I stopped by my local Mini dealer tonight and they had NO Minis on the lot other than those in for service. They were closed so I couldn't ask any questions but I found this odd.

[stryder]

I haven't been to Cincy MINI, but from my experience most dealers have small lots, so they usually keep whatever stock they have somewhere else, and just have customer cars and demo cars on the lots. Also, 80% of so of MINIs are made to order, so dealers rarely have stock anyway, especially with people waiting until the '04s started coming out last month, its a busy time for ordering, I wouldn't be concerned.

Anyway, if you have more questions about option packages, just ask, but many of the things (like the sunroof + MFSW) are best experienced in person to decide.

[azimmerm]

as far as MCSs go, dealers in many parts of the country usually do not have stock on hand as there are still waiting lists at the majority of them. i have heard a couple of stories about people buying a cooper off of the lot, but even in those cases they are paying $1000-$2000 over MSRP or have been required to purchase a similar amount of dealer installed accessories. Even then it is still not exactly what they had wanted. I don't know how it is in the midwest, it may be different.

[d2create]

I bought everything a la carte. I didn't want the sunroof, and i didn't want the s-lights. I wanted the 16" with runflats instead. That's one very cool thing about ordering a mini. You really can customize it and they don't make you get things you don't want.