Alrighty, I am probably a month or two away from finally giving the go-ahead with my order for a MCS. I have been saving for my down-payment like crazy and re-configuring my Mini in an effort to compromise on what I want and how fast I can afford it. I've been lurking the forums for a while trying to get advice on various options but I thought I'd post here and get some more targeted advice.

Biggest thing is that I need payments to be around $350 and not to exceed $400/mo. I am fine with adding certain items later but I don't want to hurt myself in the long run by not purchasing an option that is hard or impossible to get out of factory. With my current config it puts my downpayment requirement around $10K.

So I guess I'm just looking for advice on my configuration below. Is there anything I'm missing ... is there anything I've added that I could save money by omitting.

Exterior
Chili-Pepper red
White roof
Bonnet stripes
White turn signals
Fog lamps front/back (mostly just so I don't have an empty toggle switch)
Coming later - Driving lamps (I can get them cheaper at Morristown and it saves me $500 initially)
Coming later - JCW Aero kit (I wish I could get them on delivery but they're too darn expensive once you factor in installation and painting)

Packages
Cold weather package (I'm in Northern Indiana ... this is a must-have)
- Heated seats/mirrors/washer jets
Premium package (mostly just for the sunroof)
- Sunroof, HiFi, Auto-AC

Performance
16" S-Winders (not set on these or bridge-spoke)
Xenon headlamps (still debating on these ... I've never owned Xenon's so I'm not sure if they're worth the $500)
LSD (I'd like to get into Auto-X'ing somewhat)
Manual transmission

Cockpit
Sports seats + all standard options
Cloth/Leather: Rooster Red (this looks amazing with Chili Red imo)
w/ Red Color Line
w/ Brushed Alloy
Anthracite Headliner
Computer navigation system
MF wheel

Final cost: $28,650

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

Two big must-haves are the MFSW and LSD. They cost WAY too much to add later.

I like the Xenons alot... plus if you think of it as a safety feature you can justify the cost.

Nice specs!

 

Consider the Bluetooth. We were under the impression that it was included in the Nav as one listing on the Miniusa site implied. Unfortunately, it wasn't and we are really kicking ourselves now. Mini does not have a dealer installed package yet and we really wish we had it. You will already have the Nav and MFSW so the Bluetooth is a no-brainer.

 

Consider deleting the NAV system and substituting an after market GPS. It will save you 2000.00 less cost of aftermarket. Definately go Xenon. Other than that a nice package. However, you said your payments had to be less than 400.00. On a five year loan assuming nothing down, you would be financing about 22k, so your down has to be at least 6k.
Good luck and happy motoring

 

You'll get conflicting recommendations here. I'd say dump the Xenons and keep the NAV. It isn't just a NAV, it integrates control of other items in the car. IIRC, it has a few settings that aren't available without it.

IMO, Xenons are not safer unless you are using the high beams. If you drive in situations were the road is poorly lit, but there is oncoming traffic, you will be dependent on the low-beams. With the Xenons they cut off sharply, and over-illuminate the area close to the car. So, it is very difficult to see past their reach. If you are going to get driving lights anyway, you don't need the extra brightness of the Xenon high-beams.

Since you are getting the NAV, you might consider the Park Distance Control. It has a cool graphic on the NAV screen that tells you the area where obsticals are and how close they are. With the high waist of the MINI, and the rather large headrests, rear vision is not that great for backing up. Low objects can get you. A 2 mph backing accident can cost $1,000+.

You could drop the stripes. You can get them later and have more options. There are several vendors here that have quite a variety.

LSD is a good idea.

DSC is also a good idea. It is an excellent safety system and could save your butt if you drive windy roads in a "spirited" way. IIRC, it cannot be added later. Don't confuse DSC with ASC. DSC is for controlling a drift. ASC is a computer attempt at compensating for not having LSD. If you get LSD, ASC will not come into play as early. You cannot get a MINI without ASC. DSC is an option.

 

with all those options at $28000 how much are you putting down to stay below $400/mo? I'm at $412/mo with $1000 down. . .

 

I like LSD, especially on a MCS. Add DSC, MFSW (think cruise control), AND xenons. I'm definitely sold on them, and have been since we got our 530i in '04. I'm not sold on the leather--thought I would be, but it wasn't in the budget. It's my first non-leather car in many years, but I don't miss it, even through this was its first Houston summer.

If you want to drop the price, consider losing the nav system. I think a Garmin, even an expensive one, makes more sense. After all, that kind of gadgetry is quickly advancing, just like computers. It's a lot cheaper to just buy a new "improved" GPS model when you can justify it.

I don't know what the Premium package includes on the '08s, but if you're ordering it mainly for the sunroof, why not just do the sunroof (and MFSW)?

Good choice on color!

P.S. Regarding the LSD, you'll use it daily, not just autocrossing. The torque steer on the MSC is...interesting.

 

Just my $0.02 . . .

Get the:

LSD - it will cost in the thousands to install later because it's inside the tranny
DSC - can't be installed aftermarket and will be mandatory in new cars sold after 2012. Will pay for itself when it saves your *** on the ice.
Xenon/HID - the light spectrum more approximates daylight for better night viz vs. halogen

Consider losing the:

Sunroof - the MINI is not exactly a rocket to begin with, get rid of any excess weight. If you like the open air driving experience, go whole hog and get a convertible.
Bluetooth - it's nice, but for me, I'd rather have a $100 Bluetooth headset
NAV - it's nice, but a portable GPS works just as well and is less $. Plus can use a portable GPS with a rental car.
Bonnet Stripes - if you go aftermarket your MINI will be more unique (guess what our MINI looks like?). Personally I like Le Mans style stripes.

In addition consider budgeting for:

Winter tires + wheels - IMHO a set of winter tires will do more for the MINI in the snow/ice than the Cold Weather Package, LSD and DSC
Clear bra - especially if for autoX or track, it will save your front end from paint chips
Rubber floormats - your carpets will thank you. Get the dealer to throw these in.

 

Thanks to everyone for their input ... just what I was hoping for

I was considering this ... but because they make you purchase both the armrest and the phone holder for the armrest it just puts it too far out of budget. It would be nice considering the integration with the Nav system, but I have an iPhone and feel it would be wiser to just spend $130 on the bluetooth headset.

I will probably stick with the nav system unless I absolutely have to chop it. It is a bit more than just the nav system and I don't really like having something "attached" to the cockpit like I would with an after-market. It's a bit pricey ... but I still think it's the better way to go for me personally.

I will say though that the Mini I test-drove had one of the Mini brand aftermarket GPS kits and I didn't mind it all that much. I'll only save about half though so it still makes me think I should just go for the whole deal.

I wasn't aware of the cutoff with the "normal" beams. I've never driven a car with Xenon's but all I hear are people telling me "they're so much brighter/crisper/safer" I don't mind spending the extra money on them if I'll see a benefit. Right now it's either Xenon's with driving lights coming later, or normal headlamps with driving lights right away.

Interesting point ... I didn't try backing up in one when I test drove ... I'll have to look into that. It's only an extra $300 I think ... but those little "one more things" add up rather quickly. I do know it's hard to add in later so I'll give it some good thought.

I had this added in to an earlier configuration but I took it out because I was worried about it affecting the performance of the car. I don't want to lose the raw spirit when I want it ... and I wasn't sure how much safer it would make me for the cost. However, I have heard it is good for winter driving which might make it needed for me.

I need to put around $10K down which gets my payments to around $360/mo with a 60 month financing period.

I hadn't thought of that ... I'll have to look at that. Honestly I think I just hit yes because it looked like I was saving alot ... lol

 

Re weight on the sunroof--I asked my MA to find out how many pounds a s/r has. He emailed Germany and the engineers said 55 pounds, as I recall. Not a big deal, IMO. I supposed if you're worried about track rigidity it would be, but for daily life, there's nothing like a sunroof!

Re DSC--the default is on, of course, but you can disable it, if you want to autocross or whatever. Not sure what you mean about raw spirit, though. It won't step in unless you're in trouble. My $1000 deductible means a lot to me, and if it saves your butt just once...

Re xenons--know that the xenons direct from the factory seem to be aimed low, judging by all the threads on NAM (and personal experience). Expect to have to adjust upward--but not TOO far up!

 

Welcome and congrats on your imminent purchase!!!

Good catch on the fog lamps, many a MINI driver have regretted not speccing them, and consequently having to live with both the empty toggle switch and 'blanks' in the rear grille.

One other thing many seem to not consider while ordering, but regret not having in the end, are the white turn signals. That and the anthracite headliner. Although given your interior, anthracite may not be a huge deal.

Other thing, DSC!!! Amazing safety feature that is likely to save your butt numerous times. 3rd most popular 'must have' item here on NAM and it will be mandated by law as a standard feature for all vehicles in the near future.

Big thing I'd skip, especially if your on a budget, and I'm sure many will argue with me, is the nav system. Just my personal preference. For 1/4 of that amount you can get a Garmin nuvi 660. Top rated GPS by multiple sources and it adds in the factor of being portable, plus providing you with bluetooth hands-free calling (which I see you didn't spec).

In testing it at my dealer, the OEM nav is far from the fastest system out there and its POI database is quite lacking. That said, it does integrate amazingly with the MINI (both in looks and features). However, since your not speccing PDC, Sirius, bluetooth or the iPod adaptor (not sure if that's one of the things you plan to add later) the OBC is really the only thing you'll be accessing through it.

Good call on the cold weather package as well. Even those in the south have deemed it a must a have.

Premium package is another thing I have and love. Even better since it has been improved for '08 in that it offers the HiFi system 'free' in a sense. Many dislike the sunroof to some extent, but IMO it's a must have. Auto A/C isn't the biggest deal but it's a nice convenience feature. And the aforementioned HiFi system is far from the greatest, but it's a good step above the base system.

If you're going to stick with the standard wheels, S-Winders are a good choice. They're the lightest OEM wheel and look pretty decent. I've never seen them in white. Whites wheel any just about any MINI with a white roof tend to look killer, but of course upkeep is going to be quite demanding.

I have the xenons and love them. The MINI is my first vehicle and now I can never imagine buying another without them. Again, it's one of those options which some love while others hate. The only way I'd say to skip them is if you're on the strictest budget. Otherwise they're very much worth it. Great visibility (although you do have to get used to the cut-off) awesome design, self-leveling, power washers, the blue/white light looks very cool and the high beams are insanely bright.

FWD + MCS = definitely spec LSD! I couldn't as I have an auto trans, but to most it's another must have.

MFSW is the only way to get cruise control. For that reason alone, good pick.

Best of luck!

 

I would drop the NAV and add DSC.
Everyone's going to have a different opinion and why not add your MA's opinion for resale (e.g. Premium Pkg a must have)?

Never thought I'd say this (coming from a very basic Civic hatchback with rool-up windows...) but the heated leather seats, comfort access, auto-dimming mirror computer, and Mach V springs are things I'd hate to give up.

 

I have the Bluetooth and ripped the armrest out of the car because it was just too annoying. It got in my way shifting and wouldn't fold back far enough to be completely out of the way.

On the other hand, it seems that the 2008 Bluetooth includes a USB adaptor that can be use to control an iPod via the MFSW and NAV. However, since you aren't getting the HIFI, that may not be of interest.

It also has integrated traffic alerts that will guide you around congestion in major cities. It has worked well for me in Los Angeles and San Jose.

Some people assume that brighter is safer. In some cases it isn't. Adjusting the headlights up will only buy you a little distance before you start blinding oncoming cars. A number of people on this forum think it is OK to raise the Xenons higher than factory spec. I doubt many, if any, have then checked it from another car facing them on an uneaven road. I notice with my factory settings, that as the road goes up and down, there are times when they hit other cars rather high.

I don't think it can be added later. If it can, it would have to be rather expensive for the install -- as is the case with many factory installed items.

You can turn DSC off for special situations, such as participating in a doriftu event, but don't confuse it with ASC. DSC has nothing to do with acceleration. It only kicks in when your car is sliding sideways. I believe it can increase your cornering performance, rather than reduce it. It can also help prevent you from wrapping the MINI around a tree when going into a corner a little too hot. It wont change the laws of physics, but it can help you maintain control in ways that no human can replicate.

 

Bluetooth is $500 on '08.

 

HID/Xenon - Seeing is believing. Everybody should make their own opinion. See if you can do a test drive on a pitch black road with tungsten-halogen lights vs. HID/Xenon. HID is brighter, bluer and wider. It illuminates the side of the road and the periphery better than halogen. Better for spotting pedestrians and deer. The downside is that poorly adjusted headlights can blind oncoming traffic. HID often come from the factory aimed wrong. Retrofitting HID can be a pain because it involves buying and installing a kit, not just a bulb (BTW, those "Xenon" blue halogen bulbs are bogus) and even then I don't know if the self leveling feature can be retrofitted. HID might help future resale. Halogen is about as good as HID for straight ahead illumination, but not as good at the edges. The yellow color of halogen can be better in the fog. Halogen bulbs don't last as long as HID, but are cheaper to replace.

DSC - Stability control makes the car safer at all speeds especially low traction situations. Even Michael Schumacher cannot do what DSC does i.e. selectively brake 1 wheel while adjusting the throttle to point the car in the right direction. That being said, any competent race driver will clock better times on the track without DSC (because it applies brakes and reduces throttle). I venture to say most regular street drivers don't generate the kind of slip angles where DSC hinders the performance. Anecdotally, I just started autoX'ing last year (not the MINI) and I clocked better times with stability control on. I plan to track this year, and I intend to keep stability control firmly on. I don't want to track out and hit a barrier at 100 mph, that would suck. I always have the option of turning it off when I become more competent (although I don't know if DSC can be completely turned off).

 

I'd cut out all the fru-fru specs and add handling mods if you plan to auto-x.
S, LSD, MFSW, JCW Tuning, JCW suspension --- warranty safe stuff that gets you going fast right away.
Then buy your wheels, tires, aftermarket nav, etc. later.

Moonroofs add weight. Cold weather packs become moot when you install your Recarro seats...

 

Agreed with all of that. Except the moonroof adds a negligible amount of weight unless he plans to auto-x quite a lot. Also, the cold weather pack gives heated mirrors and washer nozzles, in addition to the seats. Essential items in the North.

 

I won't get into everything else except to say I LOVE my heated seats, sunroof, and steering wheel radio controls.
I have the bone-stock MCS interior (sport seats, dark grey cloth (love the checkers!), and checkered silvery stuff), and I like it. I looked at a lot of different options, including the wood with cream (Lewis is BRG/W), but none of it really seemed worth all the extra $200 here and $300 there.

 

What is confusing with the 08 options is the fact there are 2 bluetooth options and one is $1000, the other is $500. Both have nearly identical descriptions.

 

Best color combo, btw...

Arthur is BRG/W, Audio package, AT, MFSW, auto lights/wipers, & driving lights. That's it.
I bought some wheels and tires and I'd like to do a rear seat delete, some suspension work, a rollbar, and some sparco or recarro seats.
I'll probably never really get around to all the mods that I'd like to do; it will get warm again and my motorcycle will start calling my name louder.

Heated seats and mirrors? I guess if you don't have a garage. I just warm the car a little and don't even wear a coat in it. These cars make heat fast.

 

Yes, it is. I like so many of the colors, but anything else just didn't seem right. Even with my brother telling me "It's German, not British!!!"

 

I'm not worried about the weight for autocrossing ... honestly it's just going to be a hobby and I don't want to sacrifice something I really want in the car for something I might not do too much.

I have been doing a lot of research into the DSC and I think I might end up getting it. For some reason I thought it was like the LSD in the fact that you can't turn it on or off. That is good to know that if I want it off it is a button press away. Plus winter driving peace of mind for $500 is cheap.

I may have to take another trip to my closest dealer (3hrs away) and see if I can't test out the Xenon's vs. Halogen in any way. It gets dark around 6PM in the winter now ... I'm just not sure how long the dealer would be open.

 

You might try friends who have late model BMWs, Lexus, etc. I think most of these are coming with xenons these days...

 

Thanks ... did I mention this will be my first car that I've owned? Been saving up for years and it's oh-so-close to being payoff time.

A friend of mine couldn't understand why I was paying $100 for "a toggle switch" But in a car like the Mini, having missing stuff like that would drive me nuts every single time I got in the car.

Yep, I do have white turn signals in my config (forgot to put it above) and I did put Anthracite header because I've seen pictures of interiors with the rooster red colour line and no Anthracite header and it looks a little off.

I'm adding that one in there.

I'm really on the fence about this. On the one hand I really like the look of the system integrated into the speedometer. Loses alot of the "huge dinnerplate" look. The UI (from the marketing pics) looks very slick and I like the integration with the car settings, CD player, and iPod adapter (which I'm hoping will work with my iPhone.

I may have to see if my MA can give me a tour of the nav system. Does anyone have photos of theirs in action? Can the bluetooth be added later or are you stuck with not having it if it isn't ordered?

I do like the improved '08 premium package. I really wanted the sunroof and since both the Auto A/C and the HiFi are only $500 for both ... I'll go for it.

I'm going to stay with the OEM wheels for a while. Eventually I'd like to get some nice dark (anthracite shade) rims like JCW has (although theirs are pricy) Don't much care for chrome so I'll probably be blacking out a lot of the chrome as my first cheap "mod" so dark rims will look nice. For now though, white rims with a white roof will look killer. I'll just be sure to pack a roll of paper towels in the back to keep them clean ... lol

 

You aren't the first person I've heard from who said that the armrest constantly gets in the way. Once of the reasons I decided it really wasn't worth the extra money.

I like the USB adaptor to control your iPod ... does this only come if you order Bluetooth or on all '08 nav systems? I am getting the HiFi ... it comes in the Premium package now.