I am thinking of buying a MC. I’d like to get the non-S because of the gas mileage, cost and I don’t need the extra oomph (I’ve got a sportbike for when I need to stoplight race, as one does occasionally). My fun driving usually consists of relatively low speed roads where the trick is consistent speed and handling. I already know I want a manual.

So I’m wondering about some options.

Should I just get the 15 inch wheels and go aftermarket? I don’t particularly like run-flats, and they might be cheaper.

What about suspension? I’m a big fan of beefier sway bars; should I go with their option or aftermarket? I am also a fan of limited slip diffs, although my experience has been that they wear out over time (but that’s on 4x4 trucks; don’t know if the same thing happens with cars).

What’s up with alarms and security? On that build your own on the miniusa site it seems to have two alarms, one at $500 and one at $250 or something. Again, is this something I can get aftermarket? The car I’m moving from is 30 years old (280zx if you wanna buy it) so I’m very unfamiliar with this power locks, windows etc. stuff. And I’m constantly losing keys; are the keys or whatever that comes with this easily replaceable? And I do need an alarm...I live in Oakland.

Does cruise control come without getting the fancier steering wheel? Can this be added to any car after it’s built? I really need cruise control.

Finally, what’s the situation with 12 volt power sources in the car? I need to hook up a Sirius Stiletto car kit; I’d use the aux but I’d like to directly wire to keyed 12v rather than use the cig plug.

Thanks for all your help; this is a very useful board.

Rob Gendreau

 

re: options

My options
I got the premium package which includes the remote control on the stearing wheel for the radio and cruise control.
Even if you don't get the package, I recommend the steering wheel. The remote on the wheel is not only convenient, but safer.
I also got heated seats but didn't think I needed the cold weather package since I live in SF. (big mistake)


keys are super expensive to replace at the dealer, but the hardware stores have started to be able to make computer chip keys (at least ACE hardware). I think they're $70 give or take $10. http://colehardware.com/hotline/2008/04/carchip.htm

What I wish I got: I got the pleather seats because cloth tends to get static, but the pleather gets hot in the summer (especially if wearing a skirt or shorts) and it's hard to find air-bag compatible seat covers.
I kinda wish I had got the sports seats to hug my back as well as my mini hugs the curves.
finally, I got the heated seats (my then boyfriend from the midwest laughed at me, but didn't take long to change his tune!) but I didn't think I needed the heated windshield wipers. Well, I've driven her to Lake Tahoe twice in the winter and while stopping to scrape the ice of the windshield every few hundred yards, cursed myself for not springing the extra $30 (it was $30 more than the heated seats to get the cold weather pckg.)

What I don't have:
alarms, I did a bunch of research about after-market alarms, but didn't end up getting one. I live a couple of blocks from the Potrero Hill projects in SF and (knock wood) haven't had a problem. I think as long as you don't leave valuable looking stuff inside, there's not much temptation 'cause the computer chip makes it undesirable to steal. I don't even know if it can be started without that chip.

I've heard bad things about run-flats. Specifically that they're expensive to replace and if you get a flat in Redding Ca or some remote place, they may not sell run-flats replacements.

 

Can you still get the 7 hole 15 inch rims AKA HOLIES? If so, go for them. The lightest MINI rim by far. RUNFLATS STINK!

on the first geneation MINI's you could swap MCS parts onto the MC. But on the second generation R56, they are not compatable. And you can't get a LSD on "Just a Cooper"

Go with the one from the interior part of the configurator. A factory alarm that is built into the car is better than even the best aftermarket install. MINI puts a decal on the interior winshield alerting you that any aftermarket modifications will not be covered by waranty and may void your waranty. Many dealers have voided the waranty when you add aftermarket NON MINI accessories.

Only you can decide if you need the alarm. I would never buy another car with out it personally. Also remember to that data is stored on MINI keys. So an aftermarket key might fit in the slot but probably will not be able to start the car.

you have to add it as they build the car, Can't be added at the dealer. Aftermarket does HACK job at best and will void the waranty

If you want Sirius, get it from the factory and never pay a monthly bill for satelite radio again! Atleast in your MINI. Many people have added 12 volt circuits to their cars but again, If you do such a thing and there is an electrical problem... MINI will not cover the repairs.

 

I'm still very new to all this myself, but I can chip in a few suggestions.

Run Flats: I've heard that they decrease your MPG, so if you're looking to maximize your MPG, maybe do some reading on this. I don't think they come standard on non-S models (they didn't with mine at least, and I could have sworn it was an upgrade on the builder at miniusa.com), so your cheapest option for both the MSRP and fuel efficency may be to avoid the run flats.

Btw, if you decide to stick with the 15" wheels, check out the non-standard $0 option MINI offers for 15" rims (15" Rotator Spoke is the name, I believe). It may not be the lightest option out there, but it's a nice free alternative to the standard.

Alarm: both my car insurance and a MINI dealer told me that alarms are not really worth it any more. They don't attract attention, and they don't really protect your car. If you want security, go for a LoJack or something of that sort. The more expensive LoJack option has a feature where it will call your cell phone if the car is messed with, giving you an immediate heads up. Most car insurance will lower your rates if you have something like LoJack, but no discount for alarms.

Cruise Control: I have the Multi Function Steering Wheel, and it's totally worth it. I don't know if you get cruise somewhere else if you don't have the MFSW, but with the MFSW it's right on the steering wheel, and very easy to use. The MFSW is also a necessity if you're intersted in Bluetooth, IMO, and is nice for controlling the radio/CD/aux audio input.

Good luck. I know you'll love your MINI!

 

Alarms - The factory installed alarm is the $500. The Dealer installed one is the $250. They are the same alarm but the $500 factory one is cheaper. HUH? The $250 dealer installed one is just the parts and does not include installation which is well over $250. There's also the issue of a quality install as there have been problems with some dealer installed alarms, but most dealers now have the process down. Another issue is how much progection an alarm really is. And LoJack's only work where the police support it. We got the alarms 'just because'. It also adds the car's voice - when you click the door locks she beeps and you can find your car hidden between the three SUVs.

Power for your Sirius - Sounds like you already have a Sirius in which case getting the factory one for a $1000 is nuts. There is a fuse box in the driver's footwell (left side). It's easy to connect up an add-a-fuse circuit to that. A number of posts, complete with pictures, is available in the electrical mods section. Simply go to radio shack and autozone for a couple parts. Half an hour and your done. No problem.

And lastly - welcome to the MINI society.