Hey guys,
I'm a Canadian that just bought a US spec'd 2005 Mini Cooper S. I haven't seen the car in person yet, I get to pick it up next week. However, I have lot of photos. It only has 2800 miles on it, so I'm not too worried about the condition of the car since it's pretty much brand new. It has most of the options I was looking for - 6spd, Navigation, Cold Weather Package, Automatic Climate Controls, Sports Package, Premium Package & H/K stereo. Now here are my questions:

1) The BMW dealer I bought this car stated it has the "the Electric Front Window Defroster, Auto Dimming Mirrors and rain sensors whippers" So basically the "Convenience package”. Can any of these options be seen to the eye? What I mean if I have lots of photos of the car – interior / exterior. Is there anyway I can tell from photos if I indeed have the convenience package?

2) What is the “Anthracite Roofliner”?

3) Does anyone have a list of the available packages offer on the 2005 models or are they the same as 2006?

3) I understand that only the dealer can activate some of the options – ie: daytime running lights. It kinda boggles me that no one has figured out how to hookup a laptop and do this themselves ….. anyone?

4) Is there a webpage out there that if I enter in my VIN number that tells me what options this Mini came with, any open recalls, etc ... or can I only get this from the dealer?

I’ve attached some pictures for you guys …..

Peepers
’05 Mini Cooper S
’03 Jeep Liberty Renegade – For Sale
’97 Mitsu Eclipse Spyder GST – dyno’d at 337 HP

 

Congrats on the car - looks like my dash! The anthracite headliner is a $200 option that turns the head liner (the material on the inside of the roof above your head) and pillar posts from the default white/gray color to anthracite (black like the rest of the anthracite interior on your car). I too wish somebody could come up with a method for activating the various options without involving the dealer. I don't have the convenience package but from what I've read (you can do a search for this), there is some sensor on the dash for this (besides the standard red button for the auto climate control).

 

I assume you havnt imported yet.Make sure you get all info before you pickup theirs some paperwork you have to do,and some clearace letters you need before going to border.Email me if you have any questions Ive brought in 2 Minis so far.

 

You will be able to see the rain sensor throught the windshield, also I think the auto dimming mirror will have a little dot on it that senses the light (which you can cover to stop the dimming).

As stated the anthracite headliner is basically a black headliner (which covers the pillars too) instead of the stock light gray one.

You might want to check Motoringfile.com on this, but as far as I know the packages are the same on 05/06 with the addition of a few packages like the Checkmate pkg combo. There were also a few new options like the Piano blk dash.

Yeah, it requires the propriatary dealer computer for this sort of programming - perhaps because it governs the safety and emissions equip as well and that would mess with the liability (?). Just guessing.

Dunno about a web page, perhaps you can call ASK MINI. When we purchased a used MCS we took the VIN to a dealer to get a complete read out about the car and service record in advance, perhaps you can do that.

Hope that helps - good luck with the purchase and import, you'll love it

 

I guess the only thing I wanted out of the Convenience package is the homelink system. I read you can install it yourself for about $200. All my other cars have it and I've come a custom to it. I don't really care for the rain sensors, auto dimming mirrors and auto-turn-on-lights, but if the car come equipped, I won't complain.

Thanks for your help guys!!
Peepers
’05 Mini Cooper S
’03 Jeep Liberty Renegade – For Sale
’97 Mitsu Eclipse Spyder GST – dyno’d at 337 HP

 

Go to www.miniusa.com ,click "owners lounge" in the top right corner. You will have to create an account for the owners lounge to sign in. Once you are signed in click "owners manual" on the lefthand list. Then pick your year & model & download the owners manual. It is the exact manual that comes with your Mini & should answer alot of questions.

I downloaded the manual before picking up my Mini & was able to tell the dealer exactly how I wanted things programmed (like daytime running lamps, etc...). Hec I was actually able to tell the dealer to program things he didn't even know could be programmed

 

[quote=bamatt]Go to www.miniusa.com ,click "owners lounge" in the top right corner. /quote]

No need to go through the aggravation of the OL. Just go to http://www.motoringfile.com and the .pdf file is a link on the right.