I've been shopping online for a 2011 Preowned Countryman all4 for the past couple of weeks and I have a question that I haven't been able to get an exact answer on. Most of the websites, whether dealer or otherwise, don't do a good job of saying whether models with Xenon headlights are adaptive or not. I've found many that simply don't know and don't seem to want to take the time to find out.
I read a post here that said the bump behind the washer port is black on adaptive models. Can those of you that have adaptive xenons verify that that's the case?

Thanks!
Phillip

 

don't mind the dirt, its been a nasty winter in the PNW.

With Adaptive

 

But given how few used CM are out there, especially all4, waiting for the right transmission, color and other options should come before the adaptive part. Its nice, but I wouldn't wait for it

 

I have the plain xenon's and my washer bump is black as well so it's not how you can tell.
My $.02 on adaptive vs not: I have adaptive xenons on another car and they're nice, but unless you do a lot of driving on small rural roads with poor lighting, the regular xenons are fine. In all other driving conditions the adaptive part is hardly noticeable.

 

While the adaptive xenons work well and are fun, I'd say the important part is to get the xenons rather than the halogen headlights. I'd say you're not giving up much if you don't have the adaptive feature.

 

I agree completely with ghamma. I have adaptive xenons on my CMS and they are great, however its mainly the Xenons that are great. The adaptives' do move when you turn, to a limited degree which help in turns, but they are nowhere as good a dedicated cornering lights such as those in our Porsche Cayenne. Not even close.

Get the Xenons for sure, but don't sweat it to much if they are not adaptive. And yes, I do live in a rural area with poor/no street lightning.

 

Thanks for excellent advice. I guess the truth is, I just wanted the adaptive feature for the coolness factor. However, as previously mentioned, that shouldn't be a del breaker if all the other features are there.

Phillip

 

I too looked for a used 2011 CMS All4 and had a difficult time finding one. The one thing I couldn't live without was manual transmission. I got lucky and found one with low mileage, manual transmission, cold package, premium package in absolute black. Not the color scheme I wanted but after test driving it, I fell in love with it. I guess the bottom line is to figure out what you can live with and without. I am very happy with my purchase and "Torito" is running like a champ. I have had it for almost a month now and put over a thousand miles on him. No regrets. Good luck!

 

Keep in mind that changes are possible, if deslired; e.g., turning the top red to match other JCW bits, if desired. Fenton started out with a black top, but it got changed to BMW Alpine White along the way...
It seems like lots of MINIs get you-ified

 

Your absolutely right about personalizing the MINI. But I was just speaking of finding a used 2011 CMS All4 and my experience. I live in PA and bought my MINI in Long Island, NY. Researching took weeks.

I was thinking of maybe matte black strips and getting my windows tinted. I have had my car Simonized and I am not sure if it nullifies the 5 year warranty I have if I added strips to the MINI.

 

The really frustrating part is it seems that most of the used car dealers Ive spoken to so far have no idea what packages or options they're selling. I can sorta figure it out by looking at photos but not completely.
For example, I can tell by the photo (assuming theres one that shoes the climate control area) if it has heated seats or not but is there a way to tell by looking if its just the heated seats option or the cold package?
Sorry for the newb questions.

Phillip

 

Hmmmmm..... when I searched for my used MINI the options were listed. In fact the used car salesman was very knowledgeable about the MINI. Most of my question I asked he had answers for and he knew how to operate the car inside and out.

The bonus was when I bought my MINI the original sticker price tag was in the glove box so it only confirmed what options the previous owner had added on and what he actually paid for the MINI. I got an awesome deal!

I can understand your frustration. Maybe you should consider buying one from a MINI Dealer? I bought mine from a Volvo Dealer. I would recommend them in a heart beat.

 

This is true. I was in Upstate NY last weekend and they came in very handy in the unlit back roads. On the open road, I never notice it.

 

I have non-adaptive xenons. I find the foglights a very useful supplement to the headlights on rural roads. They do a great job of filling in the area near the vehicle and cover a wider field than the headlights. They've helped me find the road's edge in a couple of challenging circumstances. I may try the software mod that allows them to run with the high beams.

 

I have a set of R60 Xenons for sale if anyone is interested - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...washers&cat=28

 

I coulda used them when putting Fenton together after the Odyssey carved the front corner off...

 

Ditto with Jurni's comment. I definitely noticed the difference with my adaptives last week while driving the back roads in No. VA. But I also have the driving lights and with everything on full blind mode it really does a good job lighting up the woods.