My 2015 Mini is in "hostage mode." I get it. I accept it. However, it's interesting that the MiniUSA site is dynamic! Seems as though configurations, promised features come and go. i.e. One can configure their custom Mini, order it (based on the features described at the given time), budget accordingly with the assumption that the vehicle will be delivered, as ordered, as specified. But alas, no! Most of my Minis have been manual transmission; none have been ordered with the navigation option. I was drawn to the options of automatic transmission along with navigation ($3,000 of options), primarily because of "Mini Predictive Drivetrain." At the time I ordered my Mini, this fantastically exciting feature was described on the website....and was standard equipment when both Automatic and navigation were configured. So.....I splurged. Correct me here, but it seems as though the features "Mini Predictive Drivetrain" has mysteriously evaporated, disappeared from the website. I am now stuck with two options, at a total of $3,000, I was "bait and switched" from......at the same price. I certainly hope Mini will "make good" on these options when my car, which is in detention, will ultimately be delivered to me. Christmas?

 

What does your actual build code from the dealership state? The one you paid the deposit for?

 

Hi. Thought I sent two thumbnails from MiniUSA. I will post the second one shortly.

 

Hi. I have the VIN and the production #. Reluctant to post here though. I am in discussion with my dealership. They're great!

 

Put your VIN in the BMW VIN Decoder. It should tell you how your car is configured.
You can get a PDF. It's pretty cool.

http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

 

One tip...
Blame the EPA and the government for the delay....mini is ready to ship...but must meet the standards set...and the standard are changing...lol..
Next...
Ever see the disclaimer that says "specifications subject to change"?
Since you retain right of first refusal..if the car is no longer what you want, you can reject it.

 

You people are starting to depress me. I configured mine in early June, ordered it, got the as build specs from the dealership and the notice it is in transit. Not happy to wait but willing to do so to get my Mini. Now you are saying it might not be what I want?? Dang.

 

Just did the vin number as mentioned above & the info shows exactly what I ordered. Hope that holds true.

 

The wording is different. No matter though: I order my car exactly the way the website indicates. Then I revisit the website almost two months later. The advanced feature is GONE. Prices remain the same though. No one notified me!

The EPA hiccup is bad enough.....not into the "blame game." But advertising features, taking orders, and then silently, surreptitiously expunging the feature from the website, is........what? Unprofessional? Devious? Having the wrong folk manage your site? I should say I hold the website, my dealership, my sales team to a "higher standard." This is not my career position. MiniUSA makes a living by knowing what they are selling. MiniUSA makes a living by complying with EPA standards so that their vehicles are released when promised to their buyers. And most importantly, configured and delivered as ordered, as promised. It's not enough to quote legalize saying "customer has the right to cancel." Some of us have sold vehicles, expecting the vehicle we ordered, as ordered, within the approximate timelines promised by the manufacturer. I do not like being told, essentially, to "take a hike" because the manufacturer misrepresents.

I am expecting MiniUSA to "eat it" on these two options. Hopefully, they will learn from their mistakes. I did not sign up for the Beta run while they get it together. Much of the MiniUSA campaign has been individuality, i.e., getting the vehicle exactly as the customer wants, in a multitude of configurations. Not so. Again, false advertising.

 

Boy....
Way to pick a user name....after reading that last post...ouch!!
Not trying to razz you...
But anytime you order an item preproduction....things change...like mini states, as does every carcmaker, specifications subject to change.....
If you are this unhappy predelivery....I fear you will never be a happy camper....
I suggest you just chill....wait...and as the delivery date approaches, gather the info...
Tip...you will not get a discount on "features" that did not come to fruition due to package changes....I bet the dealer would LOVE to have you walk and have a optioned car to see...
In the end...it is better to have the options WORK and they introduce them when the bugs are worked out...bet the feature was not as good in testing and was deleted as troublesome....
Has happened before (gen1 cars 2005+ were all delivered with Bluetooth buttons, but the kitvcame out about two years later...lol)...will surely happen again.....and the Bluetooth as an OEM implemenion still sucks...bad mic locations...lol....could go on...like the DI gen2 motors...carbon...
Just like your kinndergarder teacher said "You get what you get and you don't get upset " holds true....if you don't agree, go pick up a toaster....I hear velosters and fiat500l's are waiting on the lot!!
I can tell you....once you drive a mini, it is easy yo overlook "faults".... That's why folks love them...character... Heck some folks are on their second tranny on gen3 2014 cars....lol. Character!!

 

Serious...big purchase....lots of stress...I understand....give it time...you will love it when you get it.relax, and enjoy the wait!! It makes it better when you get it....lol...

 

So, how was your car invoiced and what is the dealer telling you? All I see is venting about a car you have not even taken possession of yet.

 

Zippy & George.....I thought we subscribe to this forum for support? We all share an enthusiasm for these cars. It's not a privilege to own one, to endure one. I am sure that this "Altruist" person didn't post here to have his/her screen name analyzed and critiqued by any of you. He/she is completely correct, in my opinion. This person did not take the time to go on this forum, formulate his/her ideas, to be given an amateur forecast of his/her never being satisfied. I'd be pissed too if I went through so much crap....he/she sells a car, enthusiastically waiting for the new Mini, only to find out on his/her own that his car is not equipped as ordered. There's also no approximate date for delivery, after given a date?

You write as though you have shares in the company, or that it's a privilege to be in a special club. In the process, you offer zero support. You're saying if you don't like it, get out. That's BS. In a court of law, BMW has a responsibility to this passionate person. Ever hear of good will?

 

Good luck with that

 

I appreciate whatever form of support you put out there. Thank you "Minilegal." I like how "gender correct," "PC" you are! The rest of you too. You're entitled to your views. Maybe you're right. Maybe I am this OCD guy who will never be satisfied! Perhaps I am furthest away from being an "altruist" based on the content of my post? I will not allow you to diminish my enthusiasm for the car.

 

FYI... the standards haven't changed. It looks more like something was not right about the internal test BMW did on the F56 back in 2013 and now has to do it over again. They should have known this awhile ago.

I guess I'm at a loss here... it looks to me that this feature is still there. Yes the wording is slightly different but the feature itself looks the same to me.

http://www.miniusa.com/content/miniu...l/hardtop.html

 

BMW in a court of law has a responsibility to this passionate person? I recommend that you view the MiniUSA site again for the disclaimers that are clearly posted for all to see. Here, I'll post them for you to read.
"The Build Your Own MINI experience is an ongoing development and expansion. Actual prices and available options are subject to change and may vary from the Summary listing."
"All prices are suggested retail prices and are subject to change. Actual prices may vary and depend upon MINI Dealer. Prices do not include installation or painting, if required. Prices exclude taxes and/or shipping and handling charges. Check with your authorized MINI Dealer for complete accuracy of information and availability."
"There's always the chance that we've made an unintentional mistake with our numbers and calculations, so just be aware that this web site is not the final word on all pricing."
"All the illustrations and specifications contained in this web site are based on the latest product information available at the time of posting. MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, in colors, materials, and equipment."

Orders/configurations should ALWAYS be reviewed with your local dealer. If there is an issue post-ordering, discuss it with your local dealer. If you are unhappy with pricing, changes, delays and other issues, discuss them with your local dealer. If after discussing the above with your dealer and you're still unhappy, contact MiniUSA. But be aware of the above disclaimers and understand that MiniUSA does have the right to make changes. That won't please every customer, of course. But legally, MiniUSA covers themselves. In the end, they will usually do as much as possible to satisfy their customers. And in the end, the vast majority of Mini customers will be very pleased with their Minis. I know I am.

 

As an owner of a 2014 F56 that arrived in April, their first month in the US, perhaps if they had called them "2015s," MINI wouldn't be having these problems. It still irritates me that they had plans to sell 2015s here just 4 months after the 2014s started arriving.

 

Maybe it's just because I am slow or something, but I am confused with this thread. This is what I saw on the MINI site today.



There might be difference in wording, but the feature is still there. When I purchased my car, I assumed that I will be getting this feature. I wasn't given any conditions on how I am supposed to get this feature.

Do we actually have this feature?

 

This^^^

When we ordered our Mini (May of this year) the adviser at the delearship told us that the Harman Kardon system and a contrasting hardtop color were not available at the time. My response to him was, "OK. Let us know when they are and we'll place the order then". Lo and behold, 10 minutes later" "Yes, we can order it that way", so we placed our order. Part of me thinks they, themselves, were not sure if they could actually order the car this way and did not want us to get up and walk out without giving them some money, so just gambled and hoped it would work out later (which it did), but that was their problem, not mine. And the car did indeed arrive as invoiced.

Point being that I was OK with the potential outcome that they would mis-configure the car and that I might have to walk away from the whole thing. If the car arrived and was in fact, not configured according to the way it was invoiced, there might have been a different discussion but on the other hand, I wasn't sitting around biting my nails on the internet about what might not ever actually happen. And the car did arrive exactly as we had agreed.

It's just a car. Why get bent out of shape about something that has not even happened yet?

 

I saw I few posts about checking the VIN, did the OP check it?
We don't need to know your VIN but it might give some insight.
And if you ordered it, and it comes in without something, don't sign for it.
Say thank you and walk away.

I've looked at this feature and I can't say that having 2 MINI's in the garage, that I wouldn't want the shifting to be controlled by anything/one but me while driving. But that's just me and not you.

The FULL factory aero kit for the JCW Clubman changed as an option after being up for 2 years without any notice, it happens.
We have to read......but I got what I wanted with conversation at my dealer and cooler heads agreeing on this item.

Good luck with your MINI.
The waiting can make people very cranky......it's history.

Lastly......check your build sheet, look up the VIN as posted here, and if for some reason they don't match, calmly tell your MA about it, show them, and let them know you want exactly what you ordered.......or........you'll make you purchase and service else where!

 

Thanks, Bubba. I appreciate your help. As an FYI, my dealership, particularly the internet manager, is as good as it gets. He totally looks out for my best interest. No one tries harder. Thanks again!