Hello - I've been noting tips from this site for a few weeks, got completely overwhelmed, so figured I'd just post .

My father raced minis in the UK for years - the day he rolled his first, my mother went into labour with me. So I suppose the mini and I were meant to be . Dad's '67 cooper has been in my family for 30 years - I actually boycotted the BMW for a bit, convinced it lost key elements that made the mini a mini.

I'm 2 years older and wiser now - the test drive sold me. Wasn't quite used to hitting bumps and not feeling them, but am ok with that little change . Looking to purchase, but am confused on a few options - any insight would be appreciated.

- 2005 MCS JB/W
- Undecided leather(ette) (grey/blue/red)/anachrite or silver int
- chrome grille/mirrors/chrome line interior
- Premium and Sport Pkgs
- Double spoke wheels
- white bonnet stripes (adding extension of stripes on boot)
- driving lamps
- what'd i miss...?

Questions:
- which options are best done aftermarket?
- is the invisishield actually "invisible"?
- debating moonroof - is anything lost if a moonroof is present?
- i'm overwhelmed with the tire choices...
- not sure i understand the aero kit?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

If you have the extra cash, I would get the JCW package. The more options the better...

 

unless you want to keep the warranty, it's cheaper to hit 200-210 thru your nearest MINI aftermarket tuner. if you live in an environment that gets snow/cold weather in the winter months, i would really consider the cold weather package. the invisishield is invisible from a distance, but up close you can see where the lines are, and i always found it kinda tacky. the upside of the moonroof is the amazing amount of light and fresh air it lets in, but the down side is the large amount of weight it adds on (not sure but i think between 100 and 160lbs). as for the tires, the only thing the runflats have going for them is their run flat ability. they are inferior to other units, go with the performance tires. the aero kit just makes the car look kinda cool, but if you want to keep the chrome grills with the aero kit, it'll take some modification. i know chad at detroittuned.com has done this sort of mod, there might be a few others around. hope i could help you sort some stuff out

 

I am only 6 feet tall, and a bit long in the body and short in the legs.

My family car is an MCS with sunroof. The sun roof takes 2 inches out of the top.

When I go to Solo II (parking lots and pylons), I have to lean the seat WAY back to wear my helmet in the car. Then I have to pull the seat forward so I can reach the wheel, and my knees are into the steering wheel.

If I buy one to play with at the track I will be getting one with out the sun roof.

If you are going to compete, look into the Schroth harnesses built to snap into the Mini. Check to make sure your sanctioning body accepts them, for the class you will compete in.

John

 

You say you are going to race them, auto x, or track? If you are going to do auto x don't do any mods.
pretty darn close
60 lbs up high
go with 16" rims, street tires Falkens, better for beginers or R compounds if you have money to burn.
bling, bling will knock you right out of stock class and do nothing for you

 

Welcome to NAM, IMINI2! It is confusing with all the amazing options for personalizing your MINI! :smile:

I actually recommend that you get the clear bra for your Jet Black MCS. I have an all-Jet Black MCS, and with all the roadtrips I've taken, the bonnet has taken a lot of hits. I will repaint it at some point and have the bra installed. It is barely visible on Black MINIs!

I don't know where you're located, but I would also recommend the cold weather package...those heated seats are AWESOME, and I'm in Los Angeles! And the sunroof adds about 70 lbs. to the MINI's weight, but it is great! I love mine! My first MINI, a Cooper, didn't have it, and I've enjoyed it more than I ever dreamed possible.

The aero kit is a very attractive, but expensive option. You may want to consider painting the wheel arches and sill rather than installing the aero, and use the money for after-market mods.

If you plan to compete in auto-crossing, you'd better check on which class you'll be classified as if you do a lot of mods. It may be better to keep your MCS stock. But definitely consider the LSD (limited slip differential)!

As for leather vs. leatherette, that is really a toss-up! With the leather, you get additional lumbar adjustment. The leatherette is very attractive and looks like leather, and it really wears well. If you plan to race your MINI, go with leatherette and use the money for the LSD! :smile:

The chrome stuff is very nice and worth buying OEM. You will probably want to dump the 17-inch runflats and get non-runflats. There are quite a few wheel and tire experts here, and lots of related threads. Ask questions and people will respond.

I hope this helps a bit!


Clover