I was driving by the dealer today (they were closed- it's a Sunday), and I went to the inventory lot to discover my newly delivered MCS, which I waited two+ months for, sitting there. What an exciting moment as I checked the VIN and was sure that it was mine. Then, I looked inside and noticed that the interior trim was not the "silver" I had specified on my order but the more metallic-looking trim which I've heard is more fragile and easily marred. And MINI is discontinuing that trim for '04 because of lack of popularity.

I wonder if that's why the dealer didn't tell me that the car was there yet...? Anyway, the car still needs to have the driving lights installed by the dealer. Should I ask them to throw in those $400 lights plus installation costs? Or should I just demand that they replace the trim to match the order sheet? If they take the trim off and replace it with the silver trim, am I asking for trouble in the way of fit and finish, rattles, etc., due to the removal and installation process?

Thanks for any advice...I'm planning on calling them tomorrow AM.

 

I'm in exactly the same situation (see my posts on p.4 of 'Can't Wait for September Club'), where they (the dealers) ordered the wrong interior (blue/black instead of black/black). However, they spotted the error and phoned me up to invite me in to look at it. I went, didn't like it and have refused to take the car with the wrong interior.
It was their fault, and they are doing what they can to sort it out - I can either re-spec. the demo car they have on order for Oct. (which would mean I get an 04) or I can take a similar spec car from what they already have in stock (probably 03s). They're going to contact me again tomorrow with some options.
On the positive side, it means I get to change my mind about a couple of things I have ordered. On the negative side it means more waiting.

Which trim is being discontinued? I hope its not anthracite, cos that's what I want to re-order.

I suppose if they put in the right trim badly it would be their fault and your car would still be covered under warranty.

Post again when you've been - I'm keen to hear how this works out.

_________________
Is it hot in here or is it me?

 

Silver and Anthracite are available in 2004, the brushed-metal patina look is not.

 

:smile: Just my 2 cents - both interiors are nice - BUT - since it is NOT what you ordered, I would definitely try to negotiate the price of the ralley lights! Hey - it's worth a try.... Keep us posted on the outcome...

Chow!

Donna
donna@dcmetrominis.org

 

GET OUT OF HERE! I love my Alloy Patina! What am I going to do in a few yrs when I order my next MINI!

 

You would only need to replace the door cards and the dash trim. VERY easy. The door card go on with 3 screws and some pop rivets. No worries about squeeks there. And the dash bits are a simple removal of the top of the dash, 4 screws, then you can interchange the facia bits.

The real issue here is whether the dealer will do it. They may scoff and want to just admit wrong and offer you a quick jump to the front of the waiting list for a redo order. But as far as "can it be done", yes, and "will it cause squeeks", no. :smile:

R

 

Man what a bummer! At least the wait time has come down, I had to wait 3 months on a car the dealer had on order to begin with! I agree with negociating the cost of the driving lights, it will make up for it! :smile:

 

I think they should swap out your interior with one of the MINIs they have on the lot. You should get what you ordered. period.

 

Keep the Patina trim. It was the only 2002 trim for the MCS, ans as it will not make it into 2004, it will be seen as a "must have" by some, kind of like Silk Green or Velvet Red exteriors in the MC. As you didn't order it, make that point clear to your dealer, maybe they will offer you some accessories at no cost to compensate for MINI's mistake.

 

>>Silver and Anthracite are available in 2004, the brushed-metal patina look is not.

That's great to know. It means my DS/W MCS (the same color as seen in 90% or the ads) is a little more unique than I thought.
As for the problem at hand, I'd keep the existing interior but try to get something for free, like the aforementioned drving lights. I'm sure if you threaten to re-order or force them to replace the interior, they'll do the driving lights for free.

 

I can pick "alloy patina" for a 2004 Cooper S on http://www.miniusa.com


--
Cheese

 

Thanks for you thoughts everyone. My dealer offered me either a replacement of all the wrong trim pieces or free installation of the driving lights (not the cost of the lights themselves- just the labor to put them on...$225). I decided to have the trim pieces replaced. It's just a personal preference. Deep down I prefer the silver to the alloy patina. Now I have to wait a few more days for my car, but at least it will be as ordered... :smile:

 

>>Silver and Anthracite are available in 2004, the brushed-metal patina look is not.


I believe you're incorrect.... BMW hasn't announced or leaked this information... they ARE removing the Magnesium door panels as an option however....

 

My dealer ordered the wrong trim color. Initially, I was upset but was over it after about a day of driving and haven't really thought about it since. I'm having too much fun to worry about the trim color.

 

GJR,
I think you made the right choice. The same situation happened to a guy in our area and the dealer sawpped out the incorrect pieces for him too. It took a little longer than expected but he too felt it was important the have the car he ordered.
I'm sure you'll be pleased in the long run. Good luck and happy motoring!
Wings

 

I´d do either of two things: Get the rally lights for free and keep the interior trim, or get them to replace the interior trim with one of their stock cars.

In either case I would take the car, because I bet there are people willing to trade you their silver trim for the alloy patina (since this was an S only option)