Hi. I'm planning to get an MC sometime soon (not soon enough, of course), and I have a couple of questions:

- I'm planning on getting the sport package, which, of course, comes with 16" wheels.
-- Is the 16" rubber run-flat by default? With no choice other than performance or all-season?
-- Does the MINI know its wheels are now one inch larger and compensate accordingly (speedo, odo, OCR)?

- The web site says no to cloth seats with NFR, but I've read posts here that suggest that that combo is possible. Are there any owners with the cloth/NFR combo?

- Is it ok to get stripes and a spoiler if I don't get the MCS? Or will MCS drivers snicker?

Thanks!
David

 

yes, the 16s are run-flats, but the MC still has a spare

16" side walls are shorter - overall wheel dia is the same (nearly)

I think you always have the choice of cloth or leatherette with the sport seats

stripes, spoiler? go for it!

 

Stripes and a spoiler should be manditory, IMO.

 

16" wheels only come with runflats.


Yes.

The configurator will restrict your interior choices severly. However, you dealer/sales person can override a couple of choices.

The spoiler for the MC is different from the MCS. Yes, it is quite acceptable to get the stripes.

Join the NFR support group. We are a bit nuts and loony, but have a good time. We are a small group, but noisy!

 

My understanding is that the only non-run flat tires offered are with the standard 15" wheels. I have 16" all-season runflats on my MC with the Sport Package. They are Continentals. They seem fine to me.
Yes, the MINI compensates for different wheel/tire combinations. Actually the overall diameter between combinations is very similar. As wheel size increases the tire sidewall height decreases. For example the standard 175/65-15 tire has a diameter of about 23.96". The 'standard' MC 16" sports package 195/55-16 tire has a diameter of about 24.44".
I have stripes and the spoiler that came with the MC Sport Package and like them. I don't care if other driver's snicker or not. Get what YOU like.
I have cloth seats - but don't know IRT NFR.

 

Snicker, snicker.

Hmm, caramel, nougat, nuts, and chocolate...

Stripes are good. There are some really fun aftermarket stripes from Aesthetic Creations or Cooper Flags. See the NAM Vendor list.

 

The MCS drivers won't be snickering over the spoiler and stripes, they'll be snickering because they'll be blowing your doors off!

- Is it ok to get stripes and a spoiler if I don't get the MCS? Or will MCS drivers snicker?

Thanks!
David[/quote]

 

All of the above. Come on over the NFR loony bin, we'll help you through this looooong sloooooowwwwww prooocceesssss of waaaaaaaaintg!

And especially check out the stripes from aftermarket vendors here. There's some neat alternatives from good people.

 

116,000 miles and my Cooper still seems to have doors on it.

 

What other choices are you looking for?

Like other have said, the metal part might be bigger, but the rubber part is "smaller" to make the whole thing wind up being the same size. No problems with the speedo etc.

Definitely. Both are a personal choice. I think the Cooper looks much better with the spoiler. Stripes depend upon the color of the car.

 

You obviously haven't been followed by an MC in the twisties. Stoplight power is meaningless.

 

Welcome, good questions. I even think some of the answers are good +1 for good answers.

Get your 16's with all-season, then when you get your other set of wheels and tires you can go for performance.

The MC looks good with stripes and a wing, it does get better mileage than the MCS. All things being equal on the twisties, it is the driver and the suspension on the MINI, not the power unless it is all uphill which I doubt.

I'm trying to think what an MC with 6 speed, NFR/W with a set of aftermarket stripes from AC and the Works Spoiler would look like, interior and mirrors in CarbonFiber, hummmm. Probably go with stock suspension then aftermarket the springs (H&R) for track and AutoX, open up the exhaust with the Alta R56 cat-back, do a sweet CAI, get a dyno tune and stomp butt.

Enjoy ordering your MINI and let us know with pictures.