Am I the first to ever do a post like this?! Just kidding.....hoping some will put up with me and lend a hand.

I'm going to take the GTI out for a spin one more time. Got a Miata now and I'm really diggin the MINI. But just wanna be sure the GTI is not for me.

Please keep in mind I do almost all freeway driving, and live in the city of Chicago. This will be an all-year-round only car for me.

Anyway, this is what I've come up with:
Chili Red (with the white roof and bonnet stripes, of course)
16" Bridge-Spoke All Season Tires
Stability Control (too good of a safety feature to not pay the $500)
Limited Slip Diff
Xenon Lamps
Rain Sensing Wipers.
Cloth Seats
Piano Black
Multifunction leather wheel.
Hi Fi Sound System.

So here are the questions. I'll kinda go through them one by one.

Sirius: I just feel I cannot pay $1000 for this option. But I LOVE the Sirius that I've had since a few weeks after it went live back in 2003. Is there ANY way to add this after the car arrives? I don't care about the freakin lifetime subscription. I just can't believe that so many automakers either include satellite in the car, or its a couple hundred buck option at most. $1000 is the most insane option on the MINI BY FAR. Is there any way I can just buy the Sirius receiver from a service department and install it myself? I don't want an external Sirius aftermarket receiver. Basically I want it as though it is factory, but without the $1000 price tag. Please tell me this is possible.

Limited Slip Diff: I have it in my current build. I'm not planning to race the car. All I know is my Miata has it and I think it helps, especially in the snow. However, with traction and stability control(my Miata has neither of these), would the LSD help at all in everyday driving or should I save my $500? One thing I'm not liking (coming from the RWD Miata) is the torque steer. Does the LSD help minimize it at all? I'll probably leave this, but wondering if I should just keep my $500 instead.

Rain Sensing Wipers: Came to LOVE these in the cars I've driven that had it. Question though: On MINIs without the Rain Sensing wipers, is the intermittent setting adjustable (faster/slower intermittence)? Might skip this if I can adjust the delay manually, but if it is only one intermittent setting before you have to go full "on", then I'll probably get this.\

Heated Seats: Keep in mind I'm getting cloth. I've been in a few cars with heated seats during northern winters (though all leather seats) and generally I found I turned them on just to get the cold out of the seat, then shut them off as I would tend to get kinda hot. I'm also one of those "hot" kinda guys. While everyone else is wearing winter coats with gloves and hats and long-johns, I'm out in a light coat with no hat or gloves, and I'm not cold. I know so many people rave about these things, and maybe I'd come to love them more if I had them (my parents LOVE theirs in their BMW...though they're 60 years old) but I wonder if I'd rarely use them. Aunt has a cloth Honda Civic and there is a wee bit of chill getting in the car in the winter, but the cloth really doesn't hold a cold like leather or leatherette. I'm leaning no on this one...

Bluetooth (and related armrest): This is the most complicated option package on the MINI. First, what is the difference between the two bluetooth/ipod options? What am I getting for $1000 that I'm not getting for $500? Also, I DEFINITELY want an armrest (despite all the knocks people give it...I need a place to rest my are while on the freeway....). And the multifunction wheel. I believe both these things come with the $1000 package, correct? So let me ask: If I order stand alone the armrest and the multifunction ($500 for both) then add the $500 Bluetooth option, is it the same as the $1000 bluetooth option? And beyond all the pricing, does this thing work well? I'm not a big talker while in the car, and I rarely use my ipod (I much prefer Sirius to my ipod). Also, I've heard a lot of complaints that you sound very fuzzy to others while on the highway and that sometimes you can't get the volume high enough to hear others well either. If this is the case, I'm gonna just save my money. Also appears that if you get the $1000 Bluetooth, might as well get the whole freakin convenience package, yeah?

Armrest: Factory vs the dealer/aftermarket one?

HiFi: Planning to get it. Listened and its definitely much better than base. Still, it really goes from suck to blow. Save $500? Do new speakers make a big difference on either base or HiFi as far as sound quality?

Anthracite: Is the material the same as the base gray, just darker? Haven't seen a car with this. I'm not getting a sunroof. Does it really class up the interior? Worth the $250?

Sunroof: As I said, not planning to get it. Yesterday I drove again and it was sunny. Had the shades pulled. Still beating down on me in the car. I HATED it. I got a convertible now and always liked sunroofs, but I think the fact I can't completely block the light really bothers me. Hope I don't regret this one.

Anyway, I think that's it. Sorry for the long post. The Bluetooth and Sirius are really the big ones for me, along with the armrest. I do really appreciate the help.

Can't believe I might actually do this. Would be my first brand new car ever. I'm kinda excited.

 

As far as the sunroof, I like it but DID have to have it tinted with limo black ($50) to deal with the heat and glare. Now it is great and I can still see out very clearly.

If you want cruise control and voice commands and radio controls, you will need to get the mfsw multi-function steering wheel.

If I lived in the snow, I would not hesitate on the Limited slip diff.

I believe others have added sirius aftermarket as well as XM.

 

You can add Sirius later through the dealer and get the same control through the radio display (and not deal with a lifetime subscription). Might end up being as expensive as the factory option, though depending on much you can haggle the install and part costs.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...egoryID=126735

 

There is another sirius option to add for 599 and thats with a 1 year subsctiption. East bay mini quoted me 5-6 hundred for them to do the install. I believe the other sirius option is in the last section for the build page on mini usa.


:edit:

you can see the option on the 6th build page titled genuine motoring accessories

 

LSD. If you are in snow, then definitely get it w DSC.

Sirius can be added as aftermarket and dealer add-on, but Dealer quotes 500-600 to install. If you keep the car for three years... you have easily spent more than 350 on subscription fees. Lifetime is a better deal IMHO since sirius doesn't even offer a lifetime subscription.

Rain sensing vs normal: I'm sure that even the standard is adjustable. I will have to check again. It is nice to have the rain sensing wipers but not necessary.

Bluetooth vs comfort bluetooth. regular bluetooth/usb just includes the interface and no arm rest. Some members report that the armrest is useless and too small. The only way to find out if OEM is good for you is to try out one in the showroom. If it doesn't fit you then aftermarket is your best bet for an armrest.

Sunroof... To each their own. Its a matter of preference.

Anthracite. Have you seen it in person? I didn't think that it would make a difference but it really finishes the look on certain color combos. Especially if you don not have the sunroof. After seeing one in person I liked it a lot and wished that I had ordered it for our Mini.

Heated seats sometimes good for resale. Once again. preference. If you do not think that you will use them then save the $$ for something else.

Hifi....Don't get me started about OEM speakers..lol. YES! aftermarket speakers will sound better than most "premium" speakers. Better bang for buck in aftermarket. For me. I didn't have a choice. She wanted it so she got it... Will still invest in aftermarket tho...

Any way you option it out. It is still a great car! Have fun with your future Mini and an early congrats to you when you order it!

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=140334

See pictures at the bottom of the page, I aftermarketed the Sirius for about $250, including the install, and it is hard wired for input via the auxiliary port.

 

Just looked in the owners manual. If no rain sensors then a fixed intermittent setting.

 

The bluetooth works pretty well. It's plenty loud. It is a little fuzzy on the other end but a speakerphone is always going to pick up some background noise. The quality also varies with different cell phones. It sounds better than some other bluetooth systems I have heard.

 

A friend of mine has a bluetooth and when she is driving the person on the receiving end can't hear a word she is saying. She can hear them loud and clear. I don't know where the microphone is located or if it is adjustable.

Heated seats are a great option even if you use them for 2 minutes on cold days. The only thing I don't like about my cloth seats is the static I create when I get out of the car. I get shocked every time.

Have fun!

 

Jerome, for the Bluetooth, if you're not getting a convertible, I'd highly recommend a Parrot Mini Kit. It's a great bluetooth speaker phone. My husband uses one in his car and I can hear him clearly on the other end, and he has no problems hearing me. It does take up space on your visor, but it's less expensive than the factory bluetooth and is an excellent unit in terms of quality and reliability.

I just picked up my MINI yesterday, so I'm definitely no expert on these cars and I am still pretty excited about mine so I won't try to tell you what I think about all the other options you're looking into, but I think you should consider the sunroof. I love mine and I will be so sad this winter when I have to keep it closed for several months. My sunroof is tinted. I drove my car for five hours from the dealership to my house yesterday and it was a beautiful day, 72 degrees for most of the trip. Bright and sunny. I loved the drive. I kept the sunroof tilted open in the back for most of the trip.
That trip wouldn't have been anywhere near as fun without the sunroof.

Good luck deciding on what options to order!

 

I was in a similar quandary, debating between an Audi A3 S-Line and the Mini S... The DSG tranny is great and to me it's more fun than a 6-speed, but I couldn't fathom paying about 10k more for the Audi. The GTI's interior quality doesn't very nice IMO. I'm not a fan of the Mini's interior styling, but it feels of higher quality for sure.

As for the options, I'd get the optional headliner with the piano black trim.

The LSD is worth it, especially as a safety (with the DSC) feature for where you live and it's only $500.

Rain Sensing seems to be pretty unnecessary to me. I have them on my current car and they don't work too great. They go off when there isn't a cloud in the sky or not enough when it rains. Plus if you bust your windshield, the one with the sensor costs a lot more to replace.

Heated seats are great. I'm in California and I use them at night all the time.

I'd go for after market speakers over the stock hi-fi if you don't mind doing a little work.

 

Test drove a GTI before I ordered. Boring! However, things might be different for nothing but freeway driving.

Is this an MC or MCS? If it is an MCS, definitely go for the LSD. Haven't driven an MC, so can't comment. The MCS with LSD has torque steer. If you really stomp on it, the torque steer can switch back and forth as the LSD transfers power. So, you get a weaving effect. It will definitely keep your attention.

Post here have said that the intermittent setting on the standard wipers is fixed. The Rain-sensing wipers are good. I'd recommend them.

I have cloth seats and love the heated seats. They seem to start out on full, get quite hot, then settle down to maintaining a moderate warmth. You might not like the peak of the heat cycle, but they are useful for cold starts. The MINI takes awhile to warm the engine up. So the heater isn't useful immediately.

The Bluetooth option has a USB connection near the AUX input for the HIFI. To connect an iPod you need a special cable that connects its dock port to both USB and AUX. Audio goes through AUX, iPod control and charging goes through USB. Your iPod would sit somewhere near the shift lever with a wires connecting it to the MINI. This is not particularly neat, and is exposed to view of potential thieves, when parked. Or, you have to disconnect the iPod and hide it.

iPod Integration puts the iPod in the "secret compartment" above the glove box. It is out of site. Some have said that the sound is better with iPod Integration than with AUX input. Don't know if that is true.

Multi-function Steering Wheel will control the iPod with Bluetooth or Integration.

Both systems benefit greatly from having a NAV. Your playlists will display on the NAV screen and make it easier to navigate through them. You can use the NAV joystick, or MFSW.

You can connect an iPod to the AUX port without Bluetooth or Integration. You can still control volume with the MFSW, but the Next & Previous track buttons wont affect the iPod. The iPod will not be charged unless you get a $50 adaptor that plugs into the cigarette lighter.

Personally, I don't like armrests.

IMO, get the HIFI and replace the speakers. This is probably the most cost-effective way to get reasonable quality audio in the MINI.

If you like lots of bass, you'll need to add a sub.

Not sure about the material, but I like it much better than the base gray.

 

I appreciate all the input.

Going back to the Sirius.... You can order the unit for $599. Can it be installed at home or must you have a dealership do it for you? By "at home" I mean you just bolt it in, hook a few connectors and you're done? Or is it way more complicated?

I MIGHT be ok with that. I just still can't wrap my head around $1000 for satellite radio. On the Ford Fusion its $195!! Why is a MINI $600 or $1000??!!

 

I am a huge MINI fan and I am also looking to get rid of the 07 G6 and get a GTI as well. The biggest difference between the GTi and the MINI is two things: The GTI rides a heck of a lot nicer (even with 18" wheel) and it has a LOT MORE ROOM in the trunk/hatch area. My friend has a GTI and the ECS Tuning chip which bumps his HP to 252 and Torque to 303! This is a $700.00 modification and let me tell you, it THROWS YOU IN THE BACK OF YOUR SEAT! You will find, however, the Value, nostalgia, and fun you will have with a MINI and our little (freaking enormous) cult is way better than with a VW. I like both, so I am going to own both, but if I had to choose one, buy the MINI.

For the Sunroof, you can buy a full Roof Decal Kit or use 5% limo tint to black out the roof. It is a feature which will help sell the car in the end (easier to sell than the VW and will hold it's value better too!) LSD will also help you sell the car when it comes time.

Hope this helps

 

My wife has an 07 Beetle Convertible and has nothing but electrical problems.

 

I spend more time at the VW dealership getting my car fixed.

I spend more time at the MINI dealership getting accessories or MODS.