I'm looking at the 4-door hardtop, and have configured, reconfigured, and re-reconfigured a dozen times, to land on what seems like the car I want. Went to the dealer, and they tell me that they have more latitude to negotiate price on something they have in inventory (actually, in a dockyard somewhere), and of course, that car has options I'm not sure about -- and nearly all seem to potentially have hidden down-the-road costs...

Hoping to get some honest opinions on:

- Sunroof: Not in my must-have list (I live in Boston, and my 2004 MC didn't have one and was fine), but could be fun. Are they pretty reliable? I've heard reports of wind noise, and sporadic leaks.

- HK sound system: I love my tunes, but wasn't thinking about adding this. Also, sounds like if something goes wrong (with either the speakers or the head unit/amp), it costs a fortune to fix. How much better is the sound?

- 17" wheels: Is this just a looks thing? I like the 16" Black Victory Spokes. Are there advantages/disadvantages to the 17" wheel size? Looks like the tires are more expensive.

- LED lights: I like the LED headlights, not sure what these cornering lights are all about. And do people have opinions on LED fogs vs regular? And God forbid these lights need replacing! Not cheap. But I think I'd probably go for these anyway.

- Comfort access: Sounds nice, and something I think many cars have standard these days. While nice, again, the key fobs are much more expensive than the standard ones.

- Storage package: Any way this is worth $250?

- Satellite radio is included, which I'm sure I won't use.


So, overall, my thinking is that the sunroof, wheels, and sat radio, and storage package are the extras that I'd probably not include on a custom build, trying to figure out what to negotiate around this point.

Looking forward to hearing what you all think!

 

There are multiple threads on which options people like in their F56. I don't believe there are any F55 specific options.

 

Sunroof: skip it, people say it's a noisy windy mess.
HK Sound: buy it and don't think twice
Storage package: up to you entirely. I'd probably skip it myself
Comfort Access: the standard F55 will start with the key in your pocket which was the main attraction of comfort access on the R56. This lets you lock/open the doors using the buttons on the doors without the fob. Meh
Led lights: are a BIG favorite, with the cornering thing too. The standard lights are supposedly pretty ordinary.
How much are they willing to deal on one off the lot?

 

I can relate to your dilemma. Of course, dealers want to unload their inventory and such you could probably get a bigger discount on a car they already have. However, most likely you'll end up with options you don't really care about for which you will still pay.
In the end you will get a car with more options, at a higher price then if you'd order.
Imagine a car MSRP at $33K with extra options. Your build car would be maybe $30K MSRP. And let's say you get the dealer price down to $31.5K. Would you pay $1.5K more for all the extra options you don't really care about?
I'm in the same situation: my build car would be around $31K. Searching local inventory, couldn't find anything close to this price that includes the options I'd like. Of course, if I don't mind adding stuff that is $$$$, I can find a car at the dealer.
Bottom line, if you are cost conscious, go with the build. If you don't mind adding options, you could find a car at the dealer.

Re your options:
-sunroof: I'm in SoCal, can live without a sunroof = more noise and potentially more heat in the car; on the plus side, less black roof (if you choose black) to scratch when washing the car
- HK: not sure, didn't test it yet, not on my "wish list"
- 17" wheels: they just fill the wheel well better, so mostly "looks"; tires more expensive to replace, some minor improvements in handling
- LED lights and fogs: the consensus here is that they look good and offer improved visibility; cornering lights light up when taking corners under 45mph (If I recall correctly the specs).
- comfort access: nice to have, but should be included as standard with keyless systems
- storage: not sure about this option;I think it adds some extra storage space below the back seat level, good enough for some small travel bags
- sat radio: usually you can get a discount if you call Sirius directly after the free period; same as cable tv, you get tons of stations you won't listen to. Or you can hook up your phone and listen to whatever radio or music you desire.

 

Sunroof: They are incredibly noisy. I have yet to have one fail on me so I can't say anything on how much that might be to replace. The only advantage is that it makes the car feel larger inside when you have the anthracite headliner. However, it also turns your MINI into a greenhouse (especially with black leather seats).

HK sound: Having a MINI without and having a MINI with, I can say that the sound is much better than the stock unit/speakers. The base is deeper and richer and the tone of music is better overall. However, it isn't the best stereo system out there.

- 17" wheels: Tires will be more expensive the larger you go. I have heard that with 17"-18" wheels, the ride tends to be a little rougher. Paired with sport suspension and you're looking like a jackhammer while driving over bumps in the road. 'Course, the 17" wheels tend to look much sportier and aggressive compared to the 16". Depends on if you want the performance or aesthetics more. I have never had 16" wheels so I can't really tell you how they ride in comparison to the 17".

LED lights: Absolute must. Hands down. If you don't get any other options, at least get the LEDs. I would only recommend spending extra on the LED fogs if you use your fogs often. I turn mine on for added visibility at night but it's never foggy in my area, to be honest.

Comfort access: Again, having a MINI that had comfort and having a MINI that doesn't, this is one feature I sorely miss. It is so convenient being able to open my doors without fishing for my keys in my purse, if my hands are full it takes less effort to open the doors considering I don't have to find the fob. I can toss my purse behind my seat on the back seat floor... it's just... convenient. It's a comfort :P If you're used to using your key to start your car, then you can probably go without this and not even notice what you're missing out on. Also, the fobs aren't THAT much more. Fobs in general are already expensive, the standard one is about $200-$250 to order and program. The one with comfort access is about $300, I think. Maybe $350.

Storage package: This does not seem worth $250 but like TheBigNewt said, entirely up to you. I wouldn't pay for it.

 

You can also see if your dealer is willing to search the other local inventories for a better match. Who are you working with ... Chambers? Peabody? Warwick?

Options are indeed a personal choice, however there are a few that can/will make a difference.

Sunroof is personal. As a long-time convertible driver/owner, I would need to have it to let more light and air in - especially in the Boston area. Regarding heat issues, the newer style sun shades are not solid but definitely do a lot better blocking the sun and heat than both R55/R56 and R50/R53 models did. The MINI sunroof is noisy when fully open and even more so if you are using a roof rack.

H/K Sound: YES YES YES YES. There is a pretty big difference in sound between the base stereo and H/K. I would say that this is a must have/regret for later option.

Storage Pkg: Also a big YES. For me, at least, the flat load floor panel is worth it. Creates an additional hidden well and a flat floor when the seats are folded, or a vertical barrier if needed or a larger storage well when lowered. Very versatile and handy and cannot be retrofitted after the fact.

LEDs: YES YES YES YES again. Far better spectrum of light and better visibility. LEDs have a much longer life than halogen or xenon bulbs, so I wouldn't worry about replacement issues at all. The cornering feature is great as well, especially if you live or drive anywhere rural.

17" Wheels: I really really really love the look of the new (F55 only) Roulette Spoke wheels, however with run-flat tires, the 16" wheels will provide a much less punishing ride with little compromise in grip. I personally prefer the 16" Loop Spoke alloys.

Comfort Access: This really should be standard. I have had it in all of my previous BMWs and vehicles, so I would not be able to pass on this option.

Satellite Radio: Is not standard/included on the F56/F55. If the vehicle does not have it installed, it can always be added. If it's there, it's worth the $300 price (with a year free service). Again, I have had it in all of my previous vehicles but I could take it or leave it.

 

We ordered for this reason.

Sport suspension
Sport seats
LED headlights
White turn signals
Sun roof
White roof & hood stripes
17 wheels
Bluetooth only, no nav
Door trim options
Otheres..

 

Thanks for the great responses! Back to the configurator! :-)

Currently leaning:
- Sunroof: No. Apart from the wind noise people are verifying, doesn't help that it's a very cloudy, pretty cold day here in Boston!
- HK Sound: Yes -- sounds like people love it (no pun intended)
- 17" wheels: No. I like the way the Black Victory Spokes look (on Moonwalk Gray, black roof, black stripes), and not excited about a rougher ride on Boston roads
- LED heads: Yes (cornering -- still not sure; fogs -- probably not)
- Comfort and storage: Probably not
- Satellite radio: No

Overall, compared to what the dealer is offering, I'm about $1400 less with my build than theirs (seems like it should be a bigger difference, but they're getting discounts via packages that I'm breaking up). They indicated that they could probably do $800-1000 off of the car on the lot, and pretty much nothing off of an order. So I'm looking at saving $400-600 (and waiting 6-8 weeks) for an order, but I get exactly what I want.
Right now I'm thinking that ordering is the way to go.

 

Chambers (they're nearby). For my previous MC, I was a die-hard Peabody guy, loved their service.

I was told that the cars aren't actually in the dealers' inventory, but rather in some sort of port-of-entry type place, where different dealers can bid on them (or something like that, it was a little hard to follow). What I gathered is that different dealers could potentially get the exact same car, and to your point, could offer different prices. They made it sound like there were quite a few F55s to choose from, and that delivery time would be either end of Dec/1st week of Jan (versus 6-8 weeks for an order).

 

Oh cool - when I lived in Boston (which is where I am from), I only dealt with Chambers for my MINIs, mostly because I have a connection there with the GM. I bought one of my BMWs from Peabody and one from Chambers as well. Richie was my MINI guy (ironically, he is now at Peabody) and I think Kaif is still there. Mark at Chambers MINI service is THE BEST and has been with the brand since 2002 - he knows his stuff and is a great guy.

The "VDC" is the port where the boats dock to unload the MINIs from England. Each vehicle is destined to a certain dealer, but until they are placed onto a transport truck to that particular dealer, any other dealer in that region can request to "trade for it". That process still has to be approved by the dealer who was originally assigned the vehicle, so it is not always a given. If you want a popular color, model and options, the other dealer may not want to let it go. However, at that point there are no costs involved, since it is just put on a different truck to the appropriate dealer. It is less expensive than doing a "dealer trade".

 

Sunroof: Maybe its less of a noise maker on the F55...who knows. But on the F56, like most have said, its loud. I used the tilt feature on my civic's sunroof all the time...almost never on the F56. The front windows might as well be down with the noise it makes.

HK: Get it!

LEDs: If there is one option you're going to listen to the collective majority on...get these headlights. You will thank yourself every time its dark out. And the cornering lights are BRIGHT!

17s: I have them...no complaints about ride quality on the standard run flats.

Comfort Access: The system is finicky at best for me, I use it to unlock it from the door handle, but usually end up using the fob to lock it as I walk away from the car.

Storage Pack: I'd say get it...I quite like it.

Sat Radio: Didn't get it, listen to my iphone through USB or bluetooth 95% of the time.

 

I went through this via email last spring when I wanted an F56. The dealer )(Mini of Tempe near Phx) looks at cars in transit on ships destined for dealers inventory. They found one destined for Ontario CA that matched my stuff, but by the time I got down there to put down a deposit someone else had hijacked it and he didn't see any similar cars en route to the west coast. And BTW the people recommending Comfort Access are driving older cars which without it you have to put the fob in the slot to start it. That's not true on the 2015 cars: they all start with the fob in your pocket or purse. That's standard. I don't think there is a slot to put it in. I used to have it now I don't, and I do miss it, but I don't have your car either.

 

Our choices were like most everyone here's but want to add one thought: I decided against the LED's for the reason that should one fail outside the warranty period, they are non-serviceable and are about $1,000 each.

The halogen low beams have been fine for my needs and (as has been discussed before) the high beams suck but I've driven the car on rural highways a number of times and while, sure, it could be brighter, it's not like you cannot see anything. To me, the risk in having to replace one of the headlights down the road and 100% out-of-pocket did not make sense for the potential value they added now. Just my opinion and best of luck with your search.

 

So, to close the loop here -- it's ordered! Thanks for all your help!

I went with what's above, except changed color (BRG ), and went with the comfort and storage. Also went with the rear fog, but not the fronts.

So now instead of re-re-re-configuring, I'm checking the Owners Lounge every couple of hours

 

The MINI Owners Lounge has been out of date by days at each stage of my order. Best information comes from Ask MINI. Give then a call a they will keep you posted. Once you are on the boat you can track progress to the VDC port using Marine Traffic web site. From placing the order to the dealer took about 4 weeks. I pick up Mrs_Peel tomorrow and trade in the Countryman All4.

 

just so you know if you got the LED headlights option it includes front LED fog lights

 

My car is on it's way! And wouldn't you know it, even the ship is British Racing Green! Would have been perfect if I'd have gotten a white top...

 

It is worth the wait.