I'm curious what people's favorite cosmetic option is they decided to go for, either interior or exterior. Please, factory options only.
I have to say that interior, I am so happy with the way the piano black and chrome-line interior look together, also with the anthracite headliner. Exterior, I have to go with the white tunnel spoke wheels, even though I was apprehensive about ordering them. I've gotten so many comments on them, and they really haven't been that hard to keep clean.

 

Black roof, mirrors and wheels really give this vehicle attitude in the right body colors.

 

Connected. Besides being useful and cool, I couldn't stand the look of the regular speedo.

 

I don't have mine yet....but...I have the same chrome interior with piano black and the polar beige color line, glad you like it. Also, really think I am going to dig my white 18" Turbo Fan wheels!!

 

Inside: Polar beige color line inside doors (show the interior light show so much better!)

Outside: Chrome driving lights. They make the front of the mini for me - any mini.

 

It's hard to know what some combos will look like, if the dealer doesn't have a similarly optioned car on the lot. I'm definitely glad I went for the piano black / chrome combo.

 

I wish I had known about the polar beige, I'm a bit disappointed in the visibility of the ambient lighting against the black.
I agree on the driving lights, they just weren't in the budget for me. Maybe I'll add them somewhere down the road.

 

After the black roof and mirrors to go with our Light Coffee I really like the Dark Tobacco Colorline as it ties the exterior and interior together

 

The circular Navi screen was a must for me. First time I experienced it I felt like Captain Nemo in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

 

The polar beige color line. I brightens up the interior and comes really close to matching the standard headliner.

 

Hi Joe, long time no speak Sharon says exterior would be the black headlights, although I will point out that I noticed this, in combination with the black paint, the black temporary license plate filler Ray Catena (the dealer that Joe and I both bought our cars from) gives you, as well as his black license plate frames, makes the front of the car "disappear" on a bright sunny day like a black hole...maybe I should turn on the DRL's as a safety measure. She also mentioned that the dark headliner in combination the all black interior looks very rich, despite that all we have is the leatherette sport seats. We have the same headliner in the X5 and the effect is the same. As for me, I'm going to break your rule about the option having to be cosmetic, because for me the far and away best option is not...it's the Harman Kardon...it absolutely rocks!...especially when Bluetooth paired to the music on my Blackberry. It's significantly better than my expectations, just as good as the Harman Kardon in the X5, and miles and miles better than the Harman Kardon in the R53 (which we have always been dissapointed with). Sharon thought the option was a waste of money, but I persisted. She was not a fan of satellite radio either, but between that and the HK, she asked me today what a Sirius subscriptioin costs . BTW, you mentioned that the white wheels are not that difficult to keep clean. I've also noticed that there's far, far less front brake dust on the CM versus the X5 and the OEM R53 pads. With the other two, brake dust is/was usually the primary reason for needing a wash...I fixed that on the R53 with careful selection of aftermarket front pads. Hope you are well.

 

Hey Shark, yes it's been a while. Been spending a lot more time driving, and less time on the forums since picking up the car. Missed you t the Italian Job drive-in that the dealer put on.
I love the almost all black interior as well.
I'll let you slide on breaking my cosmetic-only rule, because I agree with you 100%! The HK system rocks, and in combination with the Sirius is totally awesome. I'm not looking forward to a year from now when I have to try to convince my wife that a subscription is necessary.
I also agree on the brake dust. It is MUCH less than my R53 with white wheels that I used to drive.

 

exterior: black w/ white top and white 18" turbofan wheels and checkerboard mirror covers (inside and ouside)

i get the most comments on the wheels, second on the mirror covers

scott

 

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Joe, what was the Italian job drive in the dealer put on? What did they do? Show the movie in the parking lot? Fun idea, but we never heard about it. Maybe they didn't invite us because we are so far away and they assume they will never see us again for service or anything else.

 

Yes, they showed the movie in the parking lot. Free food and drink, an ice cream truck where you could get whatever you wanted for free, and a band from 7-9, then the movie at 9. They are doing it again on August 11, this time showing Jaws. I found out about it on here first, on the MONJ club forum, and RSVP'd before I ever got the email from them about it. Free ice cream? The kids loved it! It was a good time, and cool to meet some other owners.

 

This may seem silly, but as a former R53 owner, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that I have a full bank of switches, even though I didn't go for lots of options. It always bothered me that I had empty spots in my R53. Made it look incomplete, and was a constant reminder that I was 'missing something'.

 

Surf blue color line. SO distinctive--and shows off the lights--especially my preferred blue--beautifully. I am loving the sunroof too.

 

You can thank the extra CM doors for filling up you switch bank !

 

IMHO, I love Matte Black/Carbon Fiber Vinyl. 3M makes an awesome product in their 3M Di-Noc Adhesive Vinyl. The price for the sheets seem a little steep, but considering the alternatives of pre-made overlays that cost a fortune, it's not a bad price at all. Patience and dedication are necessary of course, but there are a bunch of easy to follow videos on YouTube. I think it adds character, and more appreciation of your finished product.

Here's a good site: http://www.carbonfiberfilm.com/

 

Thanks, Sharon says the email may have come to her (we bought the car in her name) and she may have overlooked it. BTW, the R53 is up for sale if you know anyone who might be interested. It's on Ebay (item #120938327216) with lots of photos.

 

Interior - I think the Polar Beige colorline is fantastic with the same coloured piping on the Lounge Leather seats!

Exterior - I think my favourite cosmetic change was having the front air intakes painted to match the stripes...

 

I love my surf blue color line, the sunroof, the navi/connected screen, my wheels, and also the dark anthracite console and door trim. It all looks just really great inside and out. Oh and LOVE my surf blue paint.

 

Interior: anthracite head liner, red door panels, red color line, piano black and chrome interior.

Exterior: black roof and chrome line exterior

 

Agreed. They make the car look a lot meaner, as opposed to the white roof/wheels, which IMO make it look too cartoonish.