I'm going with a custom build for my first mini (which I've been waiting a decade for) and would like some advice on my choices. I'm really excited to be finally joining this awesome community and counting on you guys for some good advice here!

Disclaimer: Before anybody comments on the lack of Turbo and/or manual, this is going to be a DD that I need to depend on so I am going for the Base engine and since I will be driving in the city (and the wife wants to be able to drive it as well) the Automatic. Don't worry, my next one will be S or JCW need something to upgrade to, right?

British Racing Green II Body Color $500.00
Anthracite Headliner $250.00
Carbon Black Color Line $0.00
Dash Surface in Piano Black $250.00
Door Panel in Carbon Black STD
Black Bonnet Stripes $100.00
Black Headlamp Housings $100.00
White Turn Signals $100.00
Black Roof/Mirrors $0.00
Leatherette: Carbon Black STD
Sport Seats $250.00

PACKAGES
Cold Weather Package $750.00

PERFORMANCE
6-Speed Automatic $1,250.00
Retractable Headlamp Washers $0.00
Xenon Headlamps $500.00
16" 6-Star Twin Spoke Black $750.00
All-Season Tires $0.00

MINI Short Antenna $33.00

Anything you would add? Remove?

-I wouldn't call myself an audiophile, but I do like listening to music. I tried, but I can't justify $750 to upgrade the stereo.

-Xenons: I will be driving a lot at night. I have read everywhere that these are much better.

-Center arm rest: I don't like clutter but I do like storage... don't know what to do about this.

-Piano Black: Love how it looks, but hear smudges/fingerprints/scratches are issues. Anyone with experience with those things?

I love the blackout look, but don't want to have to do too much modding, I'm not really into that. (Yet?) However, I do plan on trying to find a blacked-out grille since I much prefer the more aggressive S grille look to the standard MC chrome grille.

Does anybody have any advice for getting that grille on the Justa, where to look for it... or if Plasti-Dip is really good for this purpose, or any pictures on how it looks with a BRG/Black design? I looked at Outmotiring, but they only have this "black slat grille" which would be better than the chrome but not what I'm looking for.

Thanks! Website configurator photos attached.

 

That is currently the only black grille available for 2012 and 2013's. Plasti Dip is okay. I've done it and have taken it off as it looks cheap. It is the only choice except for Outmotoring's. Besides that you have a pretty thorough and useful list of options.

 

Great color! In my center arm rest I have two pens, a tiny USB flash drive, and two packs of 5Gum. I struggle to slide the top closed lol. So it's not really for storage.

I would really suggest the interior chrome line option. I know you said you like the black-out look and that usually means less chrome but they will stick you with some gray plastic in place of the chrome. It's cheap and it looks really great! Especially with the piano black surfaces.

And on the topic of the piano black. I had a loaner with 8k mi and piano black dash. The dash was all in pretty good condition with very minimal scratches especially for a loaner. I know fingerprints were awful but that's to be expected.

 

Xenons...

 

Thanks for the tips, everyone!