"Those waiting for a 2013" Support Group
The Internet is full of complaints about the metal seat belt tongue getting stuck between the seat and the door, causing trim damage when you close the door. (The plastic slide does it too, besides being prone to always being in the wrong place.)
While fooling around with the seat belt, I discovered there's a probably unintentional but still handy (and free!) seat belt "holder" on the B pillar. When you retract the seatbelt, the tongue fits perfectly upside-down in the slot in the trim for the belt. The tension from the retractor holds the tongue in place like it was magnetized, and it's very handy to grab the belt when you want it. I leave the passenger-side seat belt tongue stowed this way whenever that seat's empty, and it hasn't rattled or fallen out (although sometimes the belt flutters a little bit) at speeds up to 70 with the windows and sunroof open. I also unsnapped the plastic slide from both belts; the one on the passenger side always rattled against the B pillar trim, no matter where it was positioned.
Someone with a body style other than an R56 should see if this works in his or her car. BTW, the MINI/BMW seat belt holder in the accessories catalog that attaches to the headrest posts is worthless.

While fooling around with the seat belt, I discovered there's a probably unintentional but still handy (and free!) seat belt "holder" on the B pillar. When you retract the seatbelt, the tongue fits perfectly upside-down in the slot in the trim for the belt. The tension from the retractor holds the tongue in place like it was magnetized, and it's very handy to grab the belt when you want it. I leave the passenger-side seat belt tongue stowed this way whenever that seat's empty, and it hasn't rattled or fallen out (although sometimes the belt flutters a little bit) at speeds up to 70 with the windows and sunroof open. I also unsnapped the plastic slide from both belts; the one on the passenger side always rattled against the B pillar trim, no matter where it was positioned.
Someone with a body style other than an R56 should see if this works in his or her car. BTW, the MINI/BMW seat belt holder in the accessories catalog that attaches to the headrest posts is worthless.


Last edited by Spa2k; Jul 29, 2013 at 04:33 PM.
Very nice CR! Great color coordination . . . some of you guys have shown beautiful cars and some custom selection that make me jealous . . . I should have pushed my wife for something else than Kyte Blue with black strips (it wasn't my first choice :p but the car his primarily hers so it's good concessions). And I'll find ways to make it special somehow. I found that kite blue his hard to customize 
Actually, I'm probably the only person that has exterior chrome brake vent and rear light inserts in hand before the car
If anyone has suggestion on how to find kite blue color vinyl sheet let me know! thx

Actually, I'm probably the only person that has exterior chrome brake vent and rear light inserts in hand before the car

If anyone has suggestion on how to find kite blue color vinyl sheet let me know! thx
<<whistles>> sexy, Jack ! Very nice Clubbie. Of course, black/white/red combinations or any two of them really are my taste ! 
Spa... thanks for that tip. I had some seat belt rattle this morning when hitting even the slightest bump so that will come in handy. Never heard any of our first gens do that, must be an R56 thing (?).
TG... thanks very much, appreciate the compliment !

Spa... thanks for that tip. I had some seat belt rattle this morning when hitting even the slightest bump so that will come in handy. Never heard any of our first gens do that, must be an R56 thing (?).
TG... thanks very much, appreciate the compliment !
I don't want to have to remember to put it up into that slot.
[QUOTE=JackMac;3783068]I've been following this thread from the sidelines while waiting for my wife's 2013 Clubman S to arrive. Took delivery about 10 days ago. This is her first MINI.
Very nice JackMac from a fellow Clubby lover. I decided to go with the Clubman to fit my bike in. What was you and your wifes motivation?
Very nice JackMac from a fellow Clubby lover. I decided to go with the Clubman to fit my bike in. What was you and your wifes motivation?

We cross shopped a variety. Considered an X1, but she really liked the Clubman test drive. The decision was clear after the first mile or so, and we configured and ordered within a few days. I have the cross bars for it and plan to get the MINI touring bike holders.
Last edited by JackMac; Jul 29, 2013 at 07:48 PM.
With the sunroof and auto trans, it is one of the heavier configurations. We both felt that a bit more brake might help. Will bed in the pads and then decide in a week or two.
+1
I've seen the WS/CR combination in person and it really looks stunning. Well done!
I've seen the WS/CR combination in person and it really looks stunning. Well done!
Thanks. She picked the color, I helped with the details 
Really impressed by the versatility of the Clubman.
Already looking into the JCW brake kit. It could use a bit more bite when stopping.
We cross shopped a variety. Considered an X1, but she really liked the Clubman test drive. The decision was clear after the first mile or so, and we configured and ordered within a few days. I have the cross bars for it and plan to get the MINI touring bike holders.
Here are both of our 2013 MINIs


Really impressed by the versatility of the Clubman.
Already looking into the JCW brake kit. It could use a bit more bite when stopping.
We cross shopped a variety. Considered an X1, but she really liked the Clubman test drive. The decision was clear after the first mile or so, and we configured and ordered within a few days. I have the cross bars for it and plan to get the MINI touring bike holders.
Here are both of our 2013 MINIs

I guess I can join the club. Put down a deposit for the "last build slot" they had for an R56.
Had to drive a ways since the local didn't have any.
Also checked out the GP...bit too much $$$$ for me lol. Sick looking car though.
Had to drive a ways since the local didn't have any.Also checked out the GP...bit too much $$$$ for me lol. Sick looking car though.
Bitchin' black Clubby, JackMac, and the garage mate isn't bad either! BTW, the X1 (with the M package) was the vehicle I would have bought if I hadn't test-driven a JCW hardtop. Nice to know I'm not the only one with such exquisite (weird?) tastes! 
And nice of you to sneak in under the deadline, Project. We need to have someone here to shut off the lights when the last '13 R56 is delivered (although some of us may refuse to leave) ...
And nice of you to sneak in under the deadline, Project. We need to have someone here to shut off the lights when the last '13 R56 is delivered (although some of us may refuse to leave) ...
Last edited by Spa2k; Jul 29, 2013 at 08:28 PM.
I wonder if I can get one of the grocery story guys to let me use the temp gun and see how hot the bonnet gets.
Hey Jack did you Dip the ring around the headlight or paint them the matching black? They look really sweet thinking about doing that to mine once its here. Its Chile Red MCS HT and want to paint the grill, head light rings and tail light rings black.
You can plasti-dip the trim for a matte finish, or wrap them in vinyl too. Lots of options.
Hey, Zippy !! Good to see you again, my friend ! 
Thanks, appreciate. Very happy with the way it came out.


Thanks, Jack. Yeah, the pics do it no justice, the colors in person are outstanding together. The WS is gorgeous whether in it's white state or when it changes to the more silver look. And it really makes the chili red pop. Of course, black and red is stunning as well. 

Thanks, appreciate. Very happy with the way it came out.















