I would hope so, and in rereading my post, I realize that my annoyance at the system could come off as annoyance at kgelner, which isn't fair, because of course he's just being helpful in relating his experience with the dev versions of OS5. So sorry to him for that. I really, really hope that boom, it starts working fully.

I'm just not encouraged by what I've seen so far. Between the lack of communication, the different versions of the car behaving differently, the different expensive, short cables, and the high price of the cradles that don't even seem to really work, I'm quite skeptical that the team has its act together. The software guys seem to be on track, but the hardware inconsistencies make absolutely no sense to me.

 

OK Gang, new to the forum. I have a light coffee Countryman with a white top and white bonnet stripes coming. Beige leather interior and I have never seen one of the road. I sell real estate so I need to be a bit subdued, but has anyone seen one? Do you think I will like it?

 

I'm in Tippy's kyak on this one. Our house has a history with BMW promises and MINI is following right along. I looked at the 2012 all MINI brochure and they're really pusing connected on all models. The video someone posted really sells it as the bee's knees of electronica. And yet 90% of us can't get it to work even after shelling out for all the hardware - and our local service and parts does not have an answer. I'll try IOS5 because that's the current only hope. But I'm skeptical.

Sealy - Who's adding BS promises to sub-par service and coming up with last MINI for me.

 

Sealy, who's going to keep ZAFTIG for 20-years or 1,000,000 miles, whichever comes first.

By that time MINI will be owned by Edsel and nothing will work.

Bill

 

Zaftig is on a 3 year lease. At that time I'll be retired and ready for no payments. Luckily, I have 2 dependable vehicles that will fit that status. Zaftig will have to shape up if he expects me to buy him out.

Sealy - Who knows the Edsel's history and there's no shame there.

 

with regard to color...which is an interesting subject since im a marketer...i wonder about the demographics...do guys choose more of one color versus gals? does age come into play? (younger and older may want to be more different?) does a lease versus purchase influences a person's color choice. for example, i'm a 47 yr old guy who is purchasing a Royal Grey with black top (considered the black with white top), and would have gone with the black with white top, a more radical choice for me, if i were leasing for three years. i tend to keep cars longer and i thought the less contrast may not be as exciting short term but potentially wearing/tiring long term and it may be tougher to find buyers in the future, where leasees wouldnt care about resale value. feel free to add your thoughts...

 

Interesting question: I have never leased a car, so I tend to always pick a color that I personally love, gives the most elegant look ( for resale), and shows dirt the least. This time, I threw all the rules out the window. Except for the leasing part. This is the first car I have bought just for me. I have always taken Hubby's hand-me-downs because he is a high mileage driver and I drive less than 5000 miles a year. Or I have chosen the car as a practical family hauler. I drive an eleven year old MDX now. This Mini will be just for me - the first car I have ever purchased brand new! It is my 40th birthday present.

Factors in my decision making:
1. I have always, ALWAYS wanted a midnight blue car. Cosmic Blue. Will show dirt. Practicality lost.
2. White top. I live in Florida. Practicality won.
3. Exterior chrome line. Went a little crazy, but it sure is going to look sharp against this gorgeous color. May be good for resale. Practicality neutral.
4. REALLY wanted Polar Beige leather. More of a Girly option. Husband vetoed due to dog and children. Practicality won. But did it? Carbon black lounge leather, in Florida = hot.
5. White bonnet stripes. I am feeling a little frisky lately, so I put them on. If I return to a more elegant and reserved self, I will pull them off. Practicality neutral.
6. Black 18" wheels. This was WAY outside the box for me. The silver wheels are gorgeous, but they felt safe. The glossy black wheels felt strong, a little dirty ( in a good way) and right. Practicality lost.
7. Ditching the run flats. No brainer. Michelin Super Sports for this girl. Merry Christmas to me. Practicality be damned!

 

Good for you

 

We originally purchased a light coffee with black top and wheels - a long term purchase, not a lease. After having the right front corner removed in a collision with a Honda Odyssey, we reconsidered our choice. When everything was put back together, we had the top painted white and added white bonnet stripes. The white top delivers cooler temperatures and both contribute to better visibility. We hope contrast makes for better long-term living.

 

I stand officially and joyously corrected! I just upgraded my iPhone 4 to iOS5, and all the Connected features started working through the regular Y-cable! Woo!

I haven't yet figured out whether I'll actually use them, but it's nice to see it all working as advertised.

 

Off to update my iPhone!