Hi folks, I've had my first Mini for almost 2 weeks. Though new to my husband and me, it's an 06 Cooper S convertible. White with hunter green top. It has 16,000 miles and plenty of options that I'm still working through ... It's a kick to drive.

My husband and I live in Culpeper, Virginia, and are semi-retired. I have a small kennel where I raise and show Welsh Terriers & Cairn Terriers in AKC events. My husband, Will, loves to tinker with electronics and motors, which can save us some $$ when he determines the glitch and can fix it himself

A few questions. Did I goof by ordering an '08 Navteq for the onboard navigation or could I have phoned the 800 # for an update? Has anyone modified the rear bike carrier to carry something other than a bike? My second question is if there an available type of a netting or cover for the backseat area to protect parcels when driving with the top down?

thanks,
DiAnn

 

Congrats & welcome!

MINI makes the Wind Deflector shown on this page, that can usually be had for less from other vendors.

Also, don't forget to visit the DC Metro MINIs section!

 

Welcome to the MINIverse! I highly encourage you to join some of the local motoring clubs -- a lot of the clubs in VA/NC area do really fun things, and often for charity work too!

Yes, you goofed. I highly suggest you call Navteq and get the right disc...I did that, too.

I also have a hitch on my car -- I don't have the wiring harness hooked up yet, but the hitch can be used for towing (w/the harness), or for the platform carrier, or the bikes. I got mine from the NAM vendor: MINIDoMore

I can't answer the backseat net question, but I would suggest that you might look into one of the hatchback pet-covers...they fit over the driver/front passenger headrests, and are heavy-duty canvas. Also tend to be stain-guarded or scotch-guarded.

Good luck, and welcome!

 

Congrats on getting a MINI and welcome to NAM. Can't help you with your questions because I don't have a NAV or bike rack or cabrio. But there are plenty of people here who can.

 

Actually, you cant get an "update" DVD from navteq. You just order the latest DVD and you stick that in your NAV DVD drive and you have the latest maps..

Of course, i didnt think you could order directly from NAVTeq, i thought you had to order it through BMW/MINI... but should be an identical DVD.

To update your NAV operating system, you can have the dealer do it. I have heard that some charge for this and some dont. Or you can update the NAV operating system yourself. If you are that saavy, i can provide a link.

How about going to Wal-mart and buying the plastic BIN's that come in different sizes that have the lockable tops? You can put your stuff in that, lock the top and put it in the back seat...

 

Bear in mind that the convertible in question might already have the Sport-Link system installed, in which case MINIDoMore isn't the site that moorgreenk9 is going to need... that would instead be MINI-Fini.

moorgreenk9 - you mentioned a bike carrier... does your MINI already have one installed? If so, does it look like this:


(note - two prong attachment to the car, one on each side)

Or like this:

(note - single attachment to the car, right in the middle)

If you already have a bike rack, which one you have makes a BIG difference in terms of which accessories you want to shop for. They are very different attachment systems.

 

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the NAMily!

It's nice to see another Virginian on here. Sorry I can't help with your questions (I don't even have my own MINI yet), but I just wanted to say hi and don't forget to wave!

 

You arnt allowed to drive in northern va, your car looks too similar to mine.

 

They are pretty close. I actually wouldn't mind seeing a few more MYers on the road. There is one here in Charlottesville, but I rarely see it.

Nice choice in color scheme though! How did you do your interior?

 

Its in my sig.

Anthracite,
Brushed alloy int
Cloth Seats.

 

Welcome to the list. My wife has a new '08 Cooper "S" she just got at the end of August. It is fun watching her she is like a proud parent with a new child. We also lived in Warrenton, VA some 21 years ago, have been in Charlotte, NC since then,
I hope you enjoy your new toy as much as my wife -

Good luck -

Gregg

 

Awesome. Sounds classy. No yellow color line? I was really bummed the 09's didn't come with that...so I'm buying some pieces and swapping them out as soon as my MINI comes in

Ok...back on topic...Welcome moorgreenk9! I hope to see you at some events!