We are deciding to get a F55 (Cooper S) w/ the JCW exterior and interior appearance packages. Seems like decent upgrades as we like the sportier appearance.

Thunder gray w/ black accent stripes (bonnet and side)

18 inch wheels Two tone machine faced wheels

Getting the Wired package (as we want connectivity and the Navigation)

HK Audio and Sat Radio

Storage package, (We like the hidden cubby and flat floor with the rear seat folded down. Also the 12V power receptacle)

6 speed auto w/o paddle shifters (have them in the C7 and never use them)

I had optioned the LED w/ cornering, but rarely drive at night so it seemed like a waste since we'd only use them as daytime driving lights (and I understand replacements are expensive). I imagine the standard lights are bulb replacement types.

The debate I'm having with my wife is over the CF hood scoop. Personally I can't see $450 for something that is barley noticeable on the car, unless there is still the hood scoop heat deformation issue.

We are throwing on the JCW side scuttle and JCW rear view inside mirror cap, Gray and black checkered outside mirror caps and JCW mats.

Car looks very nice to my eye and the wife likes it too.

Just debating on the CF hood scoop

Anything I'm missing or advice anyone can give about an option I can't live without? This car will be an around town scooter and grocery getter. No racing or autocross. We want something that will look kind of racy, but drive comfortably. Live in SW Florida, w/ great roads and weather. Looking for good AC and music when we are out.

Thanks to all who contribute

 

HUD and LED lights! They look great. I assume you're getting the Premium Package?

 

How about the DDC, especially with the 18" wheels and runflat tires?

 

how important is ride quality? testdrive a car...on roads you know, make sure you can live with the 18 rims.....moon-smooth roads are needed unless you don't mind bruised kidneys...the gen3 cars are more refined, but a very narrow aspectratio tire =stiff ride. a sporty car is great...but if you hate the ride, the love will be short if you hate using it.
sounds like a nice car....enjoy!!

 

+1 on tires... the difference is very noticeable, not just on ride comfort but road noise... granted with the HK stereo you can always crank the volume up but the constant low rumble from tire noise can be madding.

Miss Susan (my neighbor 2007 R52 and a 2012 R56) she found some non run flat Nexen Tires that were inexpensive, wear great and very quite ... VERY quite, compared to my Good Years and my Yokohama tires... makes all the different for those long fun drives.

I will point out my Good Years and my Yokohama tires are performance oriented, but what a difference.

Motor on!

 

No premium package, just Wired package (and of course the JCW exterior/interior.)

Didn't order the HUD on my C7 and it would actually display on the windshield. So did not on Mini with it's small pop up screen $1000 for LED lights when 99% of driving will be during the day,just cannot get my head around that purchase.

Anyone have an opinion on the CF hood scoop? Any practical reason for ordering it (heat from motor affecting the stock scoop?)

I do realize lower profile equal rougher ride, but we do like those wheels and were hoping the ride quality wouldn't be radically changed from the smaller wheels.

I should probably go with 17's (and save $500) since we did test dive a car with the 17's and it was a pretty rough ride. I'll revisit the wheels selections and see if I can find something we think is appealing.

Thanks for all the input. I welcome more


Also, the bonnet strips for $100 seem like a reasonable deal from the factory. The side strips are dealer installed and I'm confident the labor on that option will be outrageous. Should I forgo that and take the car to a private shop for the side stripes? Guessing I could get a better deal and something more custom looking going that route.

 

Seeing as the hood scoop is non-functional, IMO it's a matter of personal preference. I've had 2 R55s (2009 S and 2010 JCW) and my wife currently has a 2011 R57S, and we've never had an issue with our stock scoops. I don't think this is an issue with the F56, unless it's speculation based on prior models.

I think stripes and graphics are also a personal thing. My personal preference is after-market, as there are many more options out there. And if you don't like the options you see, you can make a design of your own creation. The price may or may not be cheaper than OEM, but you can get exactly what you want and not a "one size fits most" design.

 

Thanks for the advice. I rather thought the CF hood scoop was unnecessary. Knowing the heat deformations is not an issue, thnik we will stay with the stock scoop.

I'm leaning more to aftermarket striping also. To my eyes a Mini without stripes is like a sundae without a cherry (at least on the bonnet).

Just hearing that dealers will charge $300 for the same bonnet stripe you can order for $100 is pretty outrageous.

Now I'm wondering what installation charges will be on the JCW floor mats I'm ordering.

 

You could always wrap the hood scoop in carbon fiber vinyl.

 

Actually wasn't going with the CF scoop for appearance. We had read that the regular standard scoops were deforming due to heat from motor. CF scoop would not deform as they are not plastic.

Have since heard the heat and scoop deformation is not longer an issue, but wife wants to play it save for $450 extra. Me, not so much

 

This may be irrelevant since you have a c7 but I do think the flappy paddles are a worth while upgrade. When spec'd with paddles you actually get an upgraded sport transmission with launch control.

also I assume your name is US Army Retired? I'm almost at my 10 year mark and considering jumping ship to the civilian side.

 

You can get the carbon fiber scoop for about $365. At about $82 you can replace the stock scoop 4 times for the price of the carbon fiber one, however there is no evidence that this is a problem with the 3rd Gen MINI.

 

The hood scoop is horrifically overpriced. I would never consider it personally. Aside from it calling attention to an already non-functional aero bit, it's not even real carbon fiber. Unless they've changed it, it's just the regular scoop with a thin CF overlay.

 

As is any JCW branded accessory

 

I have to comment on tires. I have owned 3 MINIS, an '08 with 17's and sport suspension, a '12 with 16's and std. suspension, and my current '15S with 17's. I changed to non-runflats on the '08 after 11,000 miles. The tires were horrible for everyday driving, especially on freeway expansion joints on corners. The change to non-runflats was extremely noticable and a the ride was vastly improved. I changed the tires on my '12 to non runflats at 30,000 miles and there was an improvement, but not so significant.
My '15s with 17' runflats rides and handles better with the runflats than either of my previous cars even the change to non runflats. If I were to reorder my new car, I would still order 17's.

 

I just spent a week driving a truck with a backup camera. I would like to find one that works with an IPod.

$850 on top of the wired package gets you a lot.

 

Tell your dealer to add the universal garage door opener (option code 319... requires auto-dimming rearview mirror, option code 430). I don't know why this option isn't in the configurator, but if you have a garage it's really convenient.

Also, comfort access is really nice.

 

Excellent info, thank you

 

Honestly wish the C7 didn't have those things, the 8 speed auto is crazy fast shifting and can really slam gears. Don't know how many times I've hit them when backing the car into a parking space and having to jockey the wheel. Guess they are fine if someone likes to play with up and down shifting. Not so much for me.

You're half way home buddy, I'd stick it out for 20 (I spent over 27). Cannot tell you how much the Tri-care saves you and your family after you leave. Not many jobs offer you a life time retirement w/ low cost family medical coverage where you actually can choose your doctors. You'll also have many good years ahead of you to start a second career and draw that check from DFAS every month. (I wasn't even in recruiting)

 

Definitely true, other than maybe the aero kit.

 

Whatever you do don't get the floormats, horribly overpriced and not so great looking. I have mine away after buying Cocomats, the best looking floormats out there, and great quality. You never need to vacuum them either. Check it out (don't settle for knockoffs either). And I agree the hood scoop is a waste of money. If you think the ride's too harsh consider the adjustable suspension. It's not that pricey and it's the only subcompact car to offer it.

 

So am I to understand the ride dampeners can actually softenthe ride? I assumed these type of additions usually only stiffen the ride for enthusiasts that like to track or auto-cross their cars.

If this option can genuinely soften the suspension, I'm down with as an add-on for sure.

A shame to hear the mats are not up to snuff. I really like the JCW mats for their color and pattern.

 

You have three options for suspension, especially if you're getting the JCW exterior kit:
- Standard suspension - standard
- Sport suspension - $0 option with the JCW exterior kit. Stiffer than the stock springs by 30%
- Dynamic Damper Control - $500 option: the dampers are 10% softer than stock in MID and GREEN modes, in SPORT mode, they stiffen to 10% over stock. There is also an option to not stiffen in SPORT - which I like on mine because the roads aren't always smooth and I never take my car out of SPORT.

The JCW mats are pretty subpar...the Cocomat recommendation is a good one and they have a black/red option.

For wheels, stick with the 17"s - the 18"s will be a bit harsher and when the time comes to get new tires, they are harder to find and more expensive.

 

Does anyone know if the reverse is true: is there an option to be in MID and Green modes and *not* have the dampers make the ride 10% softer? I'm thinking about getting DDC but I want the option to drive in Mid and Green modes with the "normal" suspension.

 

No, it's only changeable in SPORT.