Wow, that pretty much covers life in general.

Thanks!

 

I try , i have my smart moments

 

Unless the "MINI after-market people" can make the full rail turn into a split rail when I need it to be split, I'll stick with the split rail.

To each his own, even moreso with MINI.

 

I got mine with a rail mounted expresso bar and barista. Never could have fit her on the split rail.

 

I still say the rail in the front, if you have the arm rest, is good as a mini tray for small items like gum, penlight, usb in the slot hidden with an empty gum package. The front part of the rear rail (that you don't get with the split system) is useful for a cup holder which is very reachable between the seats and to hang a small trash bag from a rail hook.

You also have the light show if you want.

Bill

 

What about the accessory e-brake handle. On the configurator it looks different from the stock e-brake in as much as it is straight as opposed to the stock "L" shaped handle. Just can't see exactly how it interfaces in the vehicle. If it is off to the side of the rail then it's worth the $49 plus the cost of the matching boot to give you more room on the front rail. That means you'd have 2 boots in your CM but I don't think you'd be able to cram anything into it.

 

I was told that accessory e-brake handle was not actually a configuration option you could have on the CM... I had selected originally.

 

Thanks, I'm going to inquire about it tomorrow with my MA. Looks like you can get the automatic shifter in Tuscan Beige too which may contrst well with the Gravity Polar Beige seats and Polar Beige color line.

 

Seems like the sunglass holder is very limited on the glasses it can hold. Pretty much not for sunglasses . . . . . appears to be sized more for regular glasses. So far for me it is a bust for the rail accessories. Only ones I have installed that I can actually use are the rear cup holders. The rest seem very limited on what you can actually use since the sizes seam very strange.

 

I am learning to make the most out of the full one piece center rail even though I wish MINI would have more types of accessories. Made my own iPhone 4 holder for the front, used the open space in the back to hold an umbrella between the rails, modified the bag holders to put in a small trash bin/bag, and store the GPS bits and bobs in a bag under the center rail.

Makes things reachable from the front seat and keeps them off the floor so people don’t step on them when they use the back.

Anyone else do something different or unique?

 

I went for the full rail purely for the concept. I think it's pretty KooL!
IMHO though, the included accessories all need a major revision.
And don't even get me started on the cradle insert
I'm working on that one.

I came up with this:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nter-rail.html

 

heya this is my 1st post,ive been lurking here since i ordered my countryman,took delivery a week ago. I went with the 2 part rail, i think its a cleaner look imo. Im not a fan of the design of the front rail, the ebrake and armrest really limit the function of the center rail, and the stops are too limiting as well. I have considered possibly removing the stops and ebrake handle. I live in LA hills are not an issue for me hence the ebrake is just wasted space. I had an escalade before this car and while i love the responsiveness and amenity's, i really dislike the lack of driver storage and physical convenience of the design

 

I went with the full rail and I have two young kids (4 & 8 yr olds). They love the rail because it separates their space and we were able to prop my iPad on it, plug it in, have the kids watch a movie (with headphones!) while my husband and I were able to listen to the Pandora station we preferred with our MINI Connected w/ Nav. LOVED IT!

 

jenkess - what are you plugging your iPad into? The power outlet? If yes, what are you using?

If something else, more details please!

Thanks!

 

We plugged it into the back seat outlet that is just under the rail, near the center armrest, but in the back seat area. We just used a car power adapter that plugs into a cigarette lighter and has a USB connector. There are tons of them out there. Here is an example.

 

Thanks for sharing! Just what I was hoping you'd say.

 

Split rail, full rail.....


I'm getting my with three rails - just be careful not to touch the third rail.

 

I just picked up my new countryman, and I agonized over the rail too. In the end I went with the full rail, and I'm happy with my decision. However, I don't have kids, and I certainly may have chosen differently if I did.

As far as the lighting effect goes, if this is important to you, then you should definitely go with the full rail. The split rail lights up significantly less then the single rail, even more so if you have the accessories in place. If this isn't important to you, then don't worry about it.

Also, there is a large hump in between the 2 rear seats, so you can't really put things in the middle of the floor anyway. Just a thought.

 

Remove the stops...I did mine right at the dealership in front of my MA. She thought I was crazy for breaking my CM before I even drove it off the lot. As I drove off the lot I wish I would have just thrown them out the window for dramatic effect, but alas, I cannot bring myself to litter.

I have the 2 part rail and I use the front cradle for my iPhone and thats about it. The back rail had two cup holders and thats it. How do I feel about the rail system? Meh. At least it has nice colors.

 

lol minifide thats epic, im going to check it all out this weekend, did you just gently pry them out? the 747 throttle lever ie ebrake handle drives me crazy, i figured id get used to it but that hasnt happened yet...we have simillar setups, im all black w leatherette,anthracite headliner and piano 18 spoked black wheels, nav/connect sunroofs and auto, how you liking yours?

 

Yup, I brought a very small flathead with me and just pulled them out. Give it a little umph and dont be scared to just rip those babies out.

 

As far as the size of the cupholders being too small to actually hold a drink....why doesn't MINI just make a cup with a lid, or a water bottle that will fit in the holder? I'd bet they'd sell a lot of them!

 

I got one of these in my "Welcome Package" when I bought my 2004 MCS. Fits fairly well in those tiny cup holders.

 

I got the split rail, and have not been sorry. I too am disappointed with the hand brake being so big and in the way. The add on cup holder is fine, but should have a bigger diameter for the bottom of the cup. the sunglss holder is a waste, and another kind of small box would be good, for loose change and stuff.

 

"Also, there is a large hump in between the 2 rear seats, so you can't really put things in the middle of the floor anyway. Just a thought. "

that hump is not that big. split is much better if you have kids or full grown back seat passengers. If you dont have back seat passengers, just stick with the regular mini. much peppier.