My dilemma.

Six weeks ago or so, I presented at BRIAN HARRIS MINI, ready to order a DS/B MCS with PREMIUM and SPORT packages. Howver, being the fickle fool I am, I was having a difficult time deciding on the LEATHER or LEATHERETTE interior. Sensing my incapacity, the sales manager - Eric - offerred to spec 2 cars for me... 1 with the Leather, the other Leatherette. Decide which one you want when they come in, he says to me [An aside - I can't imagine there being a more accomodating and patient person in MINI sales today]. As I had a year earlier purchased a MC from Eric, no deposit was required.

Anyway, I called today and verified that these two beauties are in fact on the Toyko Highway as we speak, joyfully making their way toward their intended destination, albeit, I guess, feeling like orphans waiting to be chosen from a lineup. Alas, I let Eric know that I had settled on the leatherette. Quite frankly the money had a lot to do with it, but I must also say that the leather seats I have seen never really wowed me - or at least never wowed me to the tune of 1200 bucks.

But I digress. What Eric also let me know is that also arriving with my two orphans is yet a third DS/B MCS, this one spec'd with SPORT and CRUISE only. It is mine if I want it. Of course my mind has been racing ever since.

THE RUB. DO I REALLY WANT THE PREMIUM PACKAGE?

Quite frankly I have heard and read some MINI sunroof complaints that have left a somewhat queesy feeling in my stomach. In fact, the only thing in that package that is essential to me is CRUISE. And besides, I could use the balance for some nice accessories, like maybe a few components of the AERO KIT.

Though I would expect that the majority of PREMIUM package owners are quite happy with their choice, I'd still like to hear it from the horses mouth.

Here are my questions, the first purely for my benefit, the second because I think it would be fun for the board.

1) PREMIUM PACKAGE - WOULD YOU GET IT AGAIN? IS IT WORTH THE MONEY?

2) IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND SPEC YOUR MINI OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

Awaiting your reply...


Christian



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<IMG SRC ="https://www.northamericanmotoring.co....php">

2003 DS/B MCS, SPORT, PREMIUM, EPD: 08/22/03

 

1) I'd get the Premium package again in a heartbeat.
2) Nothing. I got exactly the car I wanted. Course I added some aftermarket stuff, but as far as ordering - no changes.

 

>>Six weeks ago or so, I presented at BRIAN HARRIS MINI, ready to order a DS/B MCS with PREMIUM and SPORT packages. Howver, being the fickle fool I am, I was having a difficult time deciding on the LEATHER or LEATHERETTE interior. Sensing my incapacity, the sales manager - Eric - offerred to spec 2 cars for me... 1 with the Leather, the other Leatherette.

My first choice here would be space cloth. Leatherette only if you need to be able to clean the seats for spills or pet or if you plan to get wet alot. Leather is nice in black or lapis blue but it is pricey. You can always cover the seats if they are leatherette either with aftermarket leather or with cloth. Plus you save some money with the cloth seats.

>>Anyway, I called today and verified that these two beauties are in fact on the Toyko Highway as we speak, joyfully making their way toward their intended destination, albeit, I guess, feeling like orphans waiting to be chosen from a lineup. Alas, I let Eric know that I had settled on the leatherette. Quite frankly the money had a lot to do with it, but I must also say that the leather seats I have seen never really wowed me - or at least never wowed me to the tune of 1200 bucks.

Save the $1250 if you can. I have the blue lapis leather and while I like it. It does wrinkle (6 months now).

>>But I digress. What Eric also let me know is that also arriving with my two orphans is yet a third DS/B MCS, this one spec'd with SPORT and CRUISE only. It is mine if I want it. Of course my mind has been racing ever since.

I like this third DS/B no premium- no heavy sunroof but you still get the cruise. The sport is OK if you really want the xenons, fog lights, and S-lite 17" rims/wheels. Harsher ride and trams on the ridges in the concrete freeway.

>>THE RUB. DO I REALLY WANT THE PREMIUM PACKAGE?
>>
>>Quite frankly I have heard and read some MINI sunroof complaints that have left a somewhat queesy feeling in my stomach. In fact, the only thing in that package that is essential to me is CRUISE. And besides, I could use the balance for some nice accessories, like maybe a few components of the AERO KIT.
>>
>>Though I would expect that the majority of PREMIUM package owners are quite happy with their choice, I'd still like to hear it from the horses mouth.
>>
>>Here are my questions, the first purely for my benefit, the second because I think it would be fun for the board.
>>
>>1) PREMIUM PACKAGE - WOULD YOU GET IT AGAIN? IS IT WORTH THE MONEY?

I had the option to get the Premium package and sport package or just sport package. I didn't take the Premium.
No heavy sunroof to let the heat into the already hot black roof. No auto air-I never use air con. No cruise- this I could use but only a little. No controls on my steering wheel-this I could use but I replaced all my audio already.

>>2) IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND SPEC YOUR MINI OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

You didn't mention about audio options. Stock audio or Harmon Kardon. Did you listen to both? If you have just basic audio needs then the stock audio is fine. If you like more audio bass and performance but not to the level of big bucks then maybe the HK audio upgrade for $550 is good but do listen to it first.

 

Ah yes, audio. No Harmon Kardon for me. I listen to audio books on CD on the commute to work.

 

The Harmon Kardon upgrade was not worth the money in my book. For another $400-$500 I could have bought an aftermarket system that would have been 10X's better.

It wasnt worth the $550 in my opinion.

 

Would most definitely ge the Premium package again and the only thing I might change is the Leatherette. I don't want to add to your confusion, but to me it is kind of hot. I think the leather would breath better and not cause the sweating I get on a hot day. They do not get hot to the touch, but just cause my back to get hot. Other than that they are nice seats.

 

That's a really tough one. I love the sunroof and I love the steering wheel audio controls (first got them on a Jeep GC a couple of years ago and I don't even want a car without them anymore)...

... personally I could go without the auto A/C and even consider sacrificing the sunroof if I was trying to save some bucks. But, I'm glad that I have them.

Either way, I'd still get the leather.

You didn't ask, but since it was mentioned, I agree that for the $550 H/K you can get more aftermarket stereo, but I have no interest in the install on this car so I'm pretty happy with the H/K.

Also, you didn't ask, but I'd forgoe the sport package. I added the fogs and Xenon's separately, but I've got no need for DSC or 17" wheels (the 16" work quite nicely and I love the snowflake wheels).

So I guess I really didn't help :smile:

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She let's me drive her MCS (which is good, cause I gave it to her as a wedding present)!!!

Our Baby? - she's an 03 Elect Blue (white roof/wheels) MCS, w/ all the toys (premium, cold, h/k, Nav, xenon, fogs etc) !

 

Here's an article from my website about this very topic that may be an interesting read:

http://www.bridger.us/mini/?Y=2003&M...grets#Comments

 

THe MINI sunroof is really the most amazing thing. I'm a convertible guy, never liked sunroofs. The MINI sunroof is the best of both worlds. great views 365 days a year, no loss of visibility like a convertible with the top up and many options for fresh air (tilt, partial open, fully open). I love it. Oh yeah - no rattles, squeaks. Just perfection.

Forget the cruise? Why would you want cruise on a 6-speed? IMO, the whole reason you get a stick is to be more involved and cruise is to be less involved. The MFSW (Multi Function Steering Wheel) is great. Never thought I'd need it or want it, but it's wonderful changing CD tracks and radio stations all from the steering wheel. And volume maybe more so. No more taking your eyes away from the road or trying to find MINI's tiny volume control ****. MFSW is well worth a big chunk of the cost of the premium package.

Auto air certainly isn't necessary and I've never had it before but it also is quite the convenience. I love having these options on a $25k car that are normally not available in cars in this price range. The auto air is great and VERY easy to use once you learn it's capabilities in a few days. It's unnecessary but highly recommended.

But the sunroof and MFSW are worth the cost of the package alone and then some.

Good luck with your choise and your MINI.

 

>>Forget the cruise? Why would you want cruise on a 6-speed? IMO, the whole reason you get a stick is to be more involved and cruise is to be less involved.

Some of us commute in our MINI's. When you're on the highway cruising at the same speed for an hour, there ain't much "getting involved with the stick" going on. That's what cruise control is for.

 

Go for the sport/cruise MCS. The premium package adds weight, a more complex and troublesome HVAC unit, and the potential for leaks and a buckling roofline. I have the premium, got it because the better half liked the sunroof option, but if I would do it again, it would be sport package and leather only for me. Spend the money you save on some performance mods and go Motoring.

 

For me the 17 inch wheels are my biggest regret. It depends realy on the condition of the roads in your area.

My favorite options so far are the Zenon headlights and the multifunction steering wheel. I wanted the leaterette but the wife wanted the space cloth, so I can't help you there.

 

We didn't order the Premium Package in both of our MINIs. The panorama sunroof is nice but it is fatally flawed for use in sub-tropical climates as it lacks solid sunshades (It has meshes instead) to block the heat from the Florida sun. The sunroof ads weight to the car (Around 60 pounds) and may or may not rattle/leak over the years. If you live in a cooler northern climate then give the sunroof strong consideration, otherwise skip it.

I also dislike the "Auto A/C" that seems to require constant fiddling to get the fan speed and temperature just right. To me automatic climate control in a car the size the MINI is an absolute oxymoron but I am sure that the "cool" look of the digital readout is enough to be justified by some. The manual A/C controls work great, are simple to use and ironically enough don't require constant adjustment.


The only items of the Premium pack that are of use to me are the trip computer, the cruise control and the steering wheel mounted audio controls.

_________________
'02 Cooper CVT (Absolute Keeper!)
On order: '04 Cooper S (Status 160 as of 9/6/03, Yippeeeeee!!!!!!)

 

This is how I speced my '04 MCS:

16" V-spoke wheels
Multifunction steering wheel
trip computer
front fog lights
rain sensing wipers
automatic self dimming rearview mirror
Harman Kardon stereo upgrade
Anthracite interior trim
Sport Leatherette seats

That's it.

 

>>But the sunroof and MFSW are worth the cost of the package alone and then some.
>>

Agreed!

I got the premium package because I wanted the sunroof, liked the auto A/C, and thought the OBC would be fun. Turns out after getting my car that I LOVE the MFSW. I get in my wife's car and the radio controls on the wheel are the first thing I miss!

 

I have the Premium and Sport Packages, and from what I can see so far (7 months), the only downer is the runflats. A friend has an MC without the sunroof, and I've gotta tell you, I hated it. It felt SO tight and small in there. The sunroof is a must for me. It's a wonderful thing, and no squeaks, leaks or rattle in it or anything else. The additional weight? Are you racing the car or driving it?

The MFSW is wonderful as well.

Also, I have leatherette and LOVE it. Very few people don't believe it's not leather. It is very sturdy and durable, and it doesn't get too hot.

Good luck!

 

>>1) PREMIUM PACKAGE - WOULD YOU GET IT AGAIN? IS IT WORTH THE MONEY?
Premium means that these are a group of features that are really icing on the cake. If you want to pay the extra $, its up to you. I've detailed my preferences in the following answer.

>>2) IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND SPEC YOUR MINI OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

I got the premium pachage *without* the auto-air and sunroof (IOW, just the OBC, multi-function steering wheel, and cruise). I didn't want the heat, rattles, and age (deterioration) issues associated with the sunroof. The extra fresh air wasn't a big deal for me. The auto-air was another of those "nice to have" vs. "need to have" features that had minimal value for me.
In retrospect, I could live without the OBC and multi-function steering wheel. They're handy, but I'm not sure they're worth the $. Particularly, if that's an issue. However, we just did a 2-week road trip, and used the cruise quite a bit on the interstate. It came in handy.

As for the seating options you mentioned. I've got the space cloth and *love* it. Its cool and comfortable. I can step in the car on a hot day, and the seats are comfortable from the moment I sit down. I've had leather seats before in other cars,. In addition to being a little warm on sunny days, I've found that they don't wear any better than cloth. They crack and develop splits, Of course, I don't know if MINI's leather seats would do the same. I'd recommend leatherette over leather, but I'd recommend the space cloth over both. Just my $.02.

 

I honestly don't buy the "Claustrophobia" claims of some regarding MINIs without sunroof vs those so equipped. I have ridden in both and the difference is not like heaven and earth.

Just my opinion, of course

 

A quick word about the sunroof and heat. I know common wisdom would have you believe that a sunroof with only a mesh screen covering would be hotter than a solid top. Well, it actually depends on the situation.

I did a little experiment with my MCS. I park in an open parking lot. I used to park under the trees on the side when I had my Jeep, but alas, one must avoid bird poopies at all costs in the MINI. So, it's full hot sun for the MINI while I work inside the office.

So, about this experiment... I closed the sunroof completely and on top of the mesh, I placed two of those reflective type sunshades, one on top of the other, so that nearly all light was blocked from entering the car. I completely closed the sunroof. This was as close as possible to having a solid roof, though I know it isn't exactly the same. BTW, my roof is white. That was test one.

The second test, I only used the mesh screen cover, but I cracked the sunroof. The sunroof, for those who have not seen it function, has a mode where the back portion tilts up and the front portion remains down. This allows hot air to escape the MINI, and we all know, hot air rises. However, the sunscreen in this position does not allow water inside the MINI, as long as it isn't a down pour. Pretty cool. That was test two.

Well, it was test two that kept the car the coolest. Sunscreen with factory mesh cover, tilted open, kept the car the coolest. All cars are greenhouses, to a degree. The vent in the top allows a large amount of the heat to be released. And the mesh really does a good job at keeping things cool. If you think about tree shade, it can have dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, yet the shade provides cool. Same deal with the mesh. The mesh does, however, make funny patterns on your face and the moire patterns on my glasses sometimes bother me when driving. Most of the time, though, once I get moving, I open the mesh screen, so I can look up and see the clouds.

As for seats, I would not go leather or leatherette. I have the cloth seats and absolutely love them. Very comfy. The don't get hot or cold. They stay just right. And for that reason, I didn't order the cold weather package. I like how the space cloth looks, too. I am referring to the sports seats, BTW. I've never tried the standard seats, but I haven't heard good things about those. Leatherette would be nice for cleaning, but I find them too hot here in the South.

I too could care less about the auto AC. I find when it's really hot, I drop it all the way to LO, anyway, and if you want to use the vents, you have to drop it to LO, so that the incoming air won't be heated, so the AUTO isn't all that AUTO, but unlike some, my AUTO does perform well at keeping the temp I set. I usually have it on 68, and the fans come on high, recirc the air, then the fan slows down, I go to outside air, and all of that is automatic. It's nice.

Like others, I recommend the MFSW.

Good luck,
JS

 

I spec'd the Sport and Cold packages, but passed on Premium because I didn't want the rattles, leaks and body rigidity/flex problems associated with a sunroof -- especially one on an British-built car. (I have enough rattles anyway without it, thank you). Also, I've never used the cruise control that came with prior cars so saw no reason to pay for it this time. I bought everything else that's in the premum package a la carte, though, and I'd do it all again except maybe for the ACC, which is perhaps more fussy and complicated than it needs to be.

I don't buy the "claustrophia" rap on non-sunroofed cars... I like mine fine.

 

>> and if you want to use the vents, you have to drop it to LO, so that the incoming air won't be heated, so the AUTO isn't all that AUTO,

Huh? I use the vents all the time without dropping it to LO, and the air isn't heated at all. Am I missing something?

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IB/Blk Cooper, Fogs, Xenons, Spoiler, Chrome Inserts, Blk/Blk/Anthracite Int, Sport Seats, Auto Wipers, Premium & Cold Weather pkgs.

 

I got all three packages because I found a car that was already in production and the main thing for me was shortening the wait. After reading everything here if I were to spec out my own car I would:

Get the sunroof! (Sunny but temperate California is made for sunroofs.)
Get the steering wheel controls you betcha.
Xenon headlights.
DSC. Since the car doesn't have LSD, to be completely safe in rainy/muddy conditions some kind of computer intervention is absolutely necessary.
H/K or aftermarket. (I actually like the H/K sound and I know engineers who work there who are very proud of the quality of their products. H/K doesn't skimp like Bose, for instance. But I have my fingers crossed that it won't buzz.)
Leather because it lasts and lasts.

Then I would have put the money saved into new non-runflat tires and mods for more HP.

 

The most important thing is to insure that it has everything you want when you pick it up... Sofia the 4th doesn't have auto sensing wipers and it bugs me everytime it rains.

 

The premium package is nice but I didn't order it on my car. I liked the sunroof, but I was worried about heat (Dallas area), rattles and weight. The auto-A/C didn't interest me so I passed on the package.
If I were you, I'd go for the third car. However, I bet you'll be happy with which ever you choose. Happy motoing!
Wings

 

How can any of these opinions be of a help, when our opinions are so diferent? Well, anyway, here's mine: I've got the premium package and LOVE it! Sunroof is a must for me!!! No leaks, no squeaks and not too hot! (Then of course, I don't live in the desert.) Sure, the car is heavier, but unless you race frequently, why care? And, you are already settled on a black roof, and the sunroof blends in so nicely! Good luck with YOUR choice.

God speed.