Hi all--I'm about to become a Mini owner for the first time and am trying to choose between a 2012 Mini Cooper with Connected and one without. The one without has Xenon headlamps and HK sound.

I'm really torn. I've been longing for a car in which I can simply get in and press play, or select a playlist via the car's screen, and my music would stream by Bluetooth straight to the car with no cables and no hassle, and with the ability to change tracks via the steering wheel (if Connected can indeed do this?).

On the other hand, I love good sound and the HK is tempting. Plus I've read lots of threads describing usability issues with Connected.



So I realize it's down to personal choice, but maybe some owners can help by telling me if the Connected system will actually provide me with the ease of use I'm looking for and if you think I'd regret not having it, or whether it will drive me crazy and that HK sound will be more valuable?

Thanks in advance!

There used to be a great APPLE App for it (MINI Connect), but they ruined it by making a facebook account required.

It was a really fantastic App... so sad they ruined it, I know 20 or so people that used it and no longer do because of it.

As for the HK upgraded stereo, I have listened to both and the HK does have a much richer more substantial sound.

As for all the other new technology... if you use it great, if not... then... well...

Motor on!