Interior/Exterior Interior and exterior modifications for Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S (R56), and Cabrio (R57) MINIs.

Interior/Exterior Aftermarket add-ons/doodads - what's really useful?

Old Apr 3, 2008 | 02:48 PM
  #1  
thulewx's Avatar
thulewx
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Unadilla, GA
Aftermarket add-ons/doodads - what's really useful?

Now that my clubman is here (pick it up Monday), I can start indulging in aftermarket stuff but I'm not sure what's really useful or over-hyped - For instance:
Glove box organizer
Console rubbers
Console organizer
others...
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2008 | 02:53 PM
  #2  
MINIchaser's Avatar
MINIchaser
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
That's a good question..I would like to know as well

((awaiting input...))
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2008 | 03:49 PM
  #3  
JAceMin's Avatar
JAceMin
4th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY
Wow, that is sooo subjective,

for example my concept of useless is the stereo, unless for some bizarre reason I get stuck in traffic, power windows -- really who cares?, A/C -- steals power, mood lighting -- christ interior lighting at all, in fact all the comfort crap, yea, I really need power door locks, a sunroof adds massive amount of useless weight.

Important stuff to add:

Suspension parts, shocks, struts, stabilizer bars, tower supports, stiffer springs, etc

Engine pieces: intake, exhaust, intercooler, piping, gauges, ECU, ceramic coatings, improved internals

The list of what is important depends entirely upon why you own car, and what you want out of it.
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2008 | 04:23 PM
  #4  
jimmieshear's Avatar
jimmieshear
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Cupertino, CA
Well if you're asking like what kind of stuff you want in the interior of your car after you buy it, I would suggest some basic travel items (road side kit, maybe a first aid kit).

Additionally, I bought a flashlight for my car that fits in the lighter socket LED Lighter Socket Flashlight

For the center console I did get a Center Console Storage Liner for that, I just didn't like having stuff rattle around down there.

I also switched out the interior lighting with LEDs.

You of course have a lot of options and there's plenty of external and internal modifications / additions you can put on your car.
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2008 | 06:26 PM
  #5  
chili_red07's Avatar
chili_red07
5th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
Pick up an 1/8" cable to attach an MP3 player (if you have one) to the aux jack. $5 as opposed to whatever they get you for the ipod jack.
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2008 | 08:03 PM
  #6  
FortyTwo's Avatar
FortyTwo
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota, FL
The center console tray is pretty useful, thats the only thing i have on your list...
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2008 | 08:05 PM
  #7  
masterd78's Avatar
masterd78
MANIAC
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
console rubbers, and glovebox tidy!
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2008 | 08:56 PM
  #8  
Minidrivr's Avatar
Minidrivr
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 6
I got the glovebox organizer with my Cooper S. I find I don't carry all that much in there so I stopped using it. I don't have change and other loose ends rolling around so I didn't bother with the rubber trays. I got the little "extra shelf" that fits below the toggle bank. A Scangauge II is a nice add-on as well.

The sun shade is a good idea too.
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2008 | 09:27 PM
  #9  
Robin Casady's Avatar
Robin Casady
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,578
Likes: 5
From: Paradise
I found the factory glove box organizer didn't fit properly, so I returned it. GoMiniGo.com has a much better one. I use it and find it useful. User manual and papers fit on the bottom. Tire pressure gauge and other odds & ends on top. I also have their third brake light pulsar, and no-holes license plate holder.

Not sure about the Clubman, but the boot box for the Coupe is great for grocery bags.

I like the rubber console box.

A standard upgrade is for a stubby antenna.

IMO, the clear vinyl headlight and foglight protection is a good idea. MINIs seem to attract rocks.

If you like leather, I've installed a Wheelskins steering wheel cover, and Redline leather shift boot, ebrake boot, and door armrests. I think they are all excellent enhancements. The boots look much better with my ***** than the cheap vinyl factory stuff.

You can replace the interior lights with LEDs from FastMINI.net. The come in red, blue, or white. I've installed red to preserve night vision for astronomy star parties.
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2008 | 10:11 PM
  #10  
Xerxes's Avatar
Xerxes
1st Gear
15 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Ditto on the rubber console box and boot box. I think they're both great.

I bought the alactantra shift boot and ebrake boot before I received my car. I thought the vinyl would look awful. It really isn't bad and I'm still trying to decide if I should swap them.
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2008 | 12:40 AM
  #11  
thulewx's Avatar
thulewx
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Unadilla, GA
I like that wheelskins cover - am getting it in red & Black!! Thanks for the info.
Now - about the boot - redline looks great but those swapping instructions are intimidating for a clutz like me...
The gominigo organizer was the one I was interested in since it comes in red
Thanks for the info Robin
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2008 | 04:43 AM
  #12  
Rommel's Avatar
Rommel
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Robin and XerXes where did you get your boot box? Also, is it well made, and is there a way to stash the box cover if you need to put something in the box that doesn't allow for the cover to fit properly? I've seen boxes like this where the top can not fit in the back of the vehicle unless it is on the box.

Thanks,
 
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2008 | 08:15 PM
  #13  
thulewx's Avatar
thulewx
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Unadilla, GA
Well, I got the wheelskins cover. What a pain in the patootie. It doesn't FIT!!!
After lacing it halfway, 3 times, it keeps creeping while you go so had to re-start and re-place it. Then when I finally got to the end, there was too much left and it bunches up, 3/4"-1" too much cover - Not a happy camper!!
 
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2008 | 12:34 AM
  #14  
Robin Casady's Avatar
Robin Casady
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,578
Likes: 5
From: Paradise
Originally Posted by Rommel
Robin and XerXes where did you get your boot box? Also, is it well made, and is there a way to stash the box cover if you need to put something in the box that doesn't allow for the cover to fit properly? I've seen boxes like this where the top can not fit in the back of the vehicle unless it is on the box.

Thanks,
The one I'm talking about doesn't have a cover. It is an open box that reminds me of a camera bag. It is black nylon cloth covering some flexible material. It fits in the recessed bottom of the boot with the net loops pressing in on it somewhat. It doesn't fill the full width so there is room for the use of one of the triangular cargo nets at one end. I keep a Continental Tire ContiComfortKit (slime compressor for flats) there.

Like a camera bag, the box has dividers that are attached with velcro so you can place them where you want for different items. It will hold four grocery bags.

This is a MINI accessory available from your dealer, and possibly from a number of NAM vendors. I think you can find a small picture in the MINI Configurator.

Originally Posted by thulewx
Well, I got the wheelskins cover. What a pain in the patootie. It doesn't FIT!!!
After lacing it halfway, 3 times, it keeps creeping while you go so had to re-start and re-place it. Then when I finally got to the end, there was too much left and it bunches up, 3/4"-1" too much cover - Not a happy camper!!
I didn't have any trouble with mine. These things need to be tight so they have a snug fit. I found the one Acura sold for my Integra to be more difficult to install.
 
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2008 | 11:36 AM
  #15  
RJKimbell's Avatar
RJKimbell
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,461
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, WA
My Center Console Organizer just got here for $25, I thought it would be more substantial. Oh well, it should work just fine though. We'll S@@ Saturday!!!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Doc Pain
R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+)
6
Oct 28, 2015 07:09 PM
Qik420
R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+)
1
Oct 4, 2015 08:19 PM
Mini Mania
Tires, Wheels & Brakes
0
Oct 1, 2015 02:50 PM
Qik420
1st Gear
5
Oct 1, 2015 12:02 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:18 AM.