Hi everyone,

In anticipation of me not being able to resist any further and order this weekend (if I can't resist myself from taking test drive at that time ), here's my proposed order--comments and suggestions are welcome! Just to give you an idea of what I'm looking for--I'm looking for a fun-to-drive car to commute to work and school, as well as going on road trips (Dragon, cross-country, etc), but no tracking or anything like that.

2007 MCS
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Must-have items:
- Manual transmission
- British Racing Green (roof will share body color, no factory bonnet stripes, as I plan to install custom bonnet stripes).
- LSD
- DSC
- Leather Multi-functions steering wheel (for CC--can't live without it...and may need it to restraint myself on the highway )

Most likely will get:
- Front and rear fog lamps
- Cold weather package (heated front seats/side mirrors/washer jets)
- Xenon headlamps
- Auto AC
- Cloth (Checkered Carbon Black/Back)--although I've heard that cloth or leatherette don't come with lumbar support?? Only leather? I picked cloth so I can "breath" and I don't slip around too much.
- Cream White color line
- English Oak interior
- All-season tires
- Hi-Fi Sound System.
- Invisishield (both upper and lower)

Nice to have (still uncertain about them though) items:
- 16" or 17" wheels--can't decide between 'em--any real difference in ride? The MA I've dealt with at Mini of Sterling, claimed there wasn't much difference, but NAM folks seems to say otherwise? After I've worn out the RF tires, I'll probably get non-RF tires.
- Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror (probably nice, but I can easily switch it myself--what's so special about it? )
- Auto rain-sensor and headlights--not too sure if I really need 'em or not...does the headlights come up whenever there's a rain drop on the window (required in some states)??
- 6 CD Changer (from dealer, I think) or iPod adapter (I don't even own one though, so would need to buy one).

Thanks everyone for any comments or suggestions you might have!

 

Go order it, sounds like a nice set of option. Set your max $$$ and then add or subtract the options you want. It appears you have a good set of options.

I would go with the 16's, if your doing a lot of Highway driving and plan on going with a set of M&S on snow tires, it will keep your second set of tire expense reasonable.

Are you getting the sunroof? There is a package which covers a lot of what you want to get.

Welcome and get what you want when you order. It is hard to add stuff which can be done better at the factory.

Let us know the final order, always curious what folks finally settle upon.

 

Have you considered the Sport and Convenience Packages? They include a lot of what you have listed. I tried to select certain items to avoid the packages, but I caved in because they price the packages to where it makes more sense to just get them and the couple of things you didn't necessarily need or want that are included.

 

What a beautifully speced MINI

My nickel's worth:

I've been wanting to see a BRG with the oak and cream color line. I think that is just totally classic and gorgeous.

for the heated seats. I see you are in the DC area, and for the chilly weather there is nothing like the heated seats.

The cloth interior is really comfy. I had the leatherette in my 05 S, and just didn't like sticking to the seat in the heat, and the feel of it in the cold. No lumbar support with cloth, but I just did a 6,500 USA road trip, and I have not a single complaint about the cloth seats. They would look smashing with your proposed interior. (see my gallery).

I had the auto dimming mirror and auto wipers on my S. Don't even miss them, nor thought they were all that.

The 07s have an aux jack. It's easy to just plug in an MP3 player or Ipod. You have to control it from the player, but I don't find that is any big deal. Saves $$$$$.

I had the 17" run flats in my S. Not my cup of tea, but we have some nasty roads up here in the PNW. I find the 15" on my 07 to be just perfect, so I can't comment on the 16".

Auto air is divine. Worth it just to filter out the outside stench of commuting traffic. But, it really keeps it quiet inside by automatically adjusting the fan to your own set temp. Wouldn't be without it.

Enjoy! What a gorgeous little creature you have planned out

 

Not sure I understand automatic air. I thought it would go to the temp. you set, and that is all, and keep it at that level. What else does it do, ans how else can you do it, if you did not get it?

 

i would do away with the cd changer and ipod adaptor, you can by an ipod and cable to plug into the AUX port for a lot less. according to mini.com the 6 disc cd changer is not available right now.

 

Nice future ride there Mini_Voyager.
If you are looking for a slightly softer ride the 16s are the way to go.
I went from 16s to 17s and have noticed a slightly rougher ride but I don't mind at all. I'm sure some other folks on NAM will think I'm nuts for saying this but I kinda like my Run Flats, they haven't been as harsh as some have stated. *shrugs*

 

Agree.

Yes. Good choice.

+

I don't like them for country driving. Dark winding road, some oncoming traffic -- the low beams are very bright and cut off abruptly. So, you are completely blind beyond them. The high beams are great, but brighter than they need to be. If there were no other cars on the road, they'd be fine...

I have cloth and wish I had lumbar support.

Not my taste.

I would recommend English Oak instead.

Is this the front bra, or the headlight and fog light protection? I applied the headlight and fog light protection myself. Dealer was going to charge too much for installation.

I have 17" and think I should have gone for 16". It seems that there is little handling advantage in 17". You might consider getting a second set of lightweight 16" wheels (not from MINI) for summer use and use the OEM 16" for winter tires.

You just forget about it and it takes care of it. Just another thing you don't need to think about while driving. However, no big deal. I just have it because it was in a package.

I'd go the iPod route. You can get far more than 6 CDs on a fairly inexpensive iPod.

For about $40 you can get an iPod charger cradle that connects to the AUX. The Griffin TuneFlex AUX Flexible Charging Cradle is good -- available from the Apple Store online.

The advantages of the iPod Integration are:
1. Reports are that the sound is better.
2. You can use the MFSW to skip to the next song, or go backwards.
3. It looks like you are not getting the NAV. If you were, you could view playlists on the NAV screen.

 

It does go to the temp set, but what I like (and, maybe I am just ****) is that you can maintain a nice cool interior temp without having the AC fan blow high. That makes for quiet. Also, the carbon (charcoal?) filter filters out the outside stink. Don't know for sure, but I don't think the non auto does that.

 

An iPod is probably cheaper than a Disc changer and WAY more flexible.

 

Color and interior picks should look great.

You sure you need a MCS? Want, yes, but a MC would better fulfill your
requirements. You'd of course have to drop LSD... uh not the drug. 100+ more miles per tank is nothing to scoff at.

Concur to go with the smallest wheel that you like the style of.

I love my auto wipers, another Pac NWer here, it was the most surpisingly well implemented feature I ordered.

iPod kit++.

 

Nice spec, particularly the color. You get front fogs with an MCS, so you're good there. I got rear fogs because I'm stupid and didn't like the appearance of the rear bumper cutouts on cars without the fog (and more toggles equal more fun).
I'm a big fan of the Xenon lights for normal driving conditions. If you do get an iPod, I'd go with others' suggestions that there is no need for the adapter (and that the CD changer would not be necessary).
Personally, auto lights and wipers are unnecessary for me and would be money better spend elsewhere (light 16 or 17 inch wheels would be a good start). I find no issues with ride quality on the 17" but some are looking for a cushier ride provided by a tire with more sidewall.

 

Good point. Although I quite like the Crown Spokes wheel, but that's only available with 17". However I can live without it....

No sunroof for me, especially since there is no opaque shade for it, and it apparently add quite some extra weight to an already small car's roof.

Thanks, I'll be sure to let you all know...

 

Yes, I did consider them and decide not to get them, mainly because Sport has the stiffer suspension that I don't need or care for, and I didn't need some of the extra stuff in Convenience package. In fact I might end not getting most of the stuff in the package. But thanks for the suggestions though.

 

Sounds like a great car but just one comment on the interior. The english oak is amazing and I too was going with the cream color line but in the end the darker grey and black bits surrounding the english oak looked richer. Just my opinion and what ever way you go it should be great.

 

Agreed! That's why I got it.

I was going to bypass it, but I suddenly remember one time when my washer jet frozed over and I couldn't use it to wash off the nasty slush off my windshield. That occured just as I was starting on the old Wilson bridge over Potomac River during a snowstorm, with a big honk'ing truck next to me throwing up all kind of slush.....no room to pull over or anything. Luckily I made it through without hitting anyone....<phew> Hence, warm washer jets is what I need--the comfy heated seats were an additional bonus. Especially when I have to get all fancy dressed up (business suit, complete with too-thin pants, shirt and ties, and even a jacket. )

Personally I'd have really preferred a tan cloth, rather than black cloth, but I didn't want to spend over $1500 for the tan leather I may get some light color seat cover for the seat, especially in the summer.

Very good point--may drop the iPod adapter or CD changer....

Thanks!

 

Very very good point--thanks for pointing that out. I'm an amateur astronomer (albeit not an active one at the moment) and when going out to observation sites deep in the countryside, I'd be driving along those dark countryside. So I may have to reconsider getting Xenon....hmmm.....

Yeah, my back isn't in a great shape, but I reckon I can put some kind of small pillow behind my back to act as lumbar support...

So would I.

This would be the clearbra.

Right, I'm not getting NAV. Thanks for the suggestion re the charging cradle; I'll certainly check them out.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

Hey, what's wrong with that LSD? Anyway, yeah, I did consider MC, but the thing is I've been driving a Saturn coupe for nearly 10 years, and Saturns in general for 13 years. Compared to a MC on the weight/HP basis, Saturn is 'stronger' than a MC, and I'm a bit tired of having to down-shift to get some power. I'd like something stronger than my Saturn, and that'd be MCS, as it has better weight/HP ratio.

Trouble is I really like the Crown-Spoke wheel, but it's available only for 17". However I can live without it--the Bridge-Spokes wheel look pretty decent...

Thanks for your comments!

 

Well - your MINI sounds like it's going to be beautiful - Can't wait to hear what the final specs are...

Donna

 

Have you seen my personal astronomy web page? It's been awhile since I updated it. Haven't been doing much imaging lately. Too busy with other hobbies (I have too many).

There are quite a few threads about those here. Do a search on "bra" and you'll find more info than you wanted. Generally, people seem to think you do better getting a third party to do it. Often the dealer just sends it out to be done and then jacks up the price.

Also, the Crown Spokes are heavy. They weight 22.5 lbs. each. I've got a set I'd sell for a reasonable price...

I bought some 16 lb. 17" wheels. I probably should have bought 16". Oh well.

 

MCS it is then They get nearly the MPG of my '06 MC, a huge improvement over the R53 MCS.

Peek at this thread on wheel weight, some are quite heavy.
http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...factory_wheels

 

Thanks for the pointer! I assume that a heavier wheel, all things being equal, translate to slower takeoff and consume more energy, right? It seems the heaviest wheel is around 21 or 22 lbs and the lightest around 16 lbs--is the difference that significant?

 

Yeah, I know what you mean--just too busy with other things...but I'm hoping a MINI will make it easier for me to get out more often.

I was planning to have the dealer (or their third party installer) install the clearbra before I drive it off the lot. From what I've heard, the third-party installer the dealer use is pretty good. We'll see.

 

The MINI sounds great! I would skip the DSC, and the ipod/cd changer. The radio comes with a standard aux port, and it works great with any mp3 player/cell phone/NUVI that you want to use to play music. I have the checkered cloth, and love it. It's comfy, you don't slide around on it, and I saved over $1000 on the leather seat options.

Have fun with your new car!
Mike

 

The Sport Pack does NOT add the Sport Suspension.