Last week I configured an “S” wanting the convenience package for keyless start (love it in my Lexus) and for Bluetooth and IPOD integration. I could then select the multifunction wheel as an option without having to get the armrest.

This week the configurator lets you select the convenience package with basic Bluetooth/IPOD or Comfort Bluetooth with MF wheel.

Problem is I don’t want the armrest. With the new configurator I cannot select basic BT/IPOD and then select the MF wheel. The only way I can keep the MF wheel, BF/IPOD with the convenience package is to get the comfort BT package with the armrest.

Doesn’t make sense. Maybe they have too many comfort Bluetooth packages w/armrest they need to unload. Now I guess I need to rethink convenience package or keep my Lexus a little longer.

If I’m missing something let me know - thanks for listening.

 

Just fold the armrest into the up position and you won't know its there.

 

What is the difference in price? If it is not too much than I would just get it and if you really don't like the armrest you could always take it out. I happen to like the armrest and I bet I payed more for all the same options seperatly a month ago.

 

I was able to order the normal Convenience Package and the MFSW, you can always cancel it when it offers the Convenience Plus Package, and it'll keep the MFSW


edit: Wow, they changed it. Guess I ordered mine just in time.

 

Because that's the reasonable thing to do, lol. Just get the armrest and sell it on the marketplace if you hate it. Problem solved.

Edit: Plus, is the Bluetooth really worth it to you? Can't you just put a bluetooth earpiece in instead? The car already comes stock with a USB port for the iPod. The convenience package just seems like a collossal waste of money. If you can buy the comfort access separately, why not just do that?

 

If you do get it, hate it, and want to sell it.. drop me a PM. :D

 

OK, I just realized I can get one or more of the items individually so the comfort package is not a big deal. This actually gives me more flexibility which in turn allows me to purchase only those items I really want saving me money in the long run or so I think.

Thanks. . .

 

On the R53, the "transmission tunnel" used a different cover depending upon whether the armrest was fitted or not. I'm not sure whether or not that is true with the R56. So if it comes with the armrest and you later decide you don't want it and remove it, you may have to find a new tunnel cover. Of course, if you sell the armrest (or give it away), you can swap covers with whoever takes your armrest. Just something to keep in mind.

 

I noticed this too, but I figured it was a bug, as they had just updated the online build tool when I was playing with it.

Here's how it breaks down...
-------
Premium: +1250 (comes with Stuff_A and MFSW)

Convenience: +1250 (comes with Stuff_B)

Upgraded Convenience: +1750 (comes with Stuff_B, arm rest with phone prep, and MFSW)

Premium & Convenience: +2500 (comes with Stuff_A and Stuff_B, but the MFSW disappears) <-- you cannot add the MFSW separately, either.

Premium & Upgraded Convenience: +2750 (Stuff_A, Stuff_B, arm rest with phone prep, and MFSW)
-------

So...
If you buy both the Premium and Convenience, they charge $2,500 ($1,250 + $1,250), but take away your MFSW for some reason and with no break in the price.
If you but the Premium with upgraded Convenience, they charge $2,750 ($1250 + $1,750 - $250) and let you keep your MFSW <-- they cut $250 off the $500 upgrade price.

If you don't need the armrest with the phone prep, but want Stuff_A, Stuff_B, and a MFSW... you're screwed.

You know, I still chalk this up to a bug, or at least something that your MA should be able to get around. I'd be very interested to hear from any MAs out there who can play with the dealer configuration tools.

 

What the hell is the difference with comfort bluetooth anyway??? I tried looking it up on the MINIUSA site and couldn't figure out what the hell it actually is. I was surprised that there aren't detailed explanations of the options from what I could see....

 

from what I can tell, the comfort bluetooth preps your armrest for a charger insert for your phone.

adding comfort bluetooth also requires you to add the MFSW, but I think that's just because the phone is now out of sight and you need some way of interacting with it -- I think the regular bluetooth would also work with the MFSW, but I'd appreciate confirmation from someone who has it.

 

not true. if you get the premium package you will have a MFSW no matter what other packages you get. If you get the comfort bluetooth $250 is supposed to be subtracted from the premium package price.

 

The second part of what you say is true, but the first is not (though it should be). At least, not according to the current online build tool.

Building a MCS on the miniusa.com website... here's what's listed under "Cockpit" in the configuration.

with Premium package
-------
Sport Seats
Leatherette: Black/Grey
Int. Surf. Checkered Silver
Automatic AC
Dual Pane Sunroof
On-Board Computer
Sports Leather/MF Wheel
6-spkr AM/FM CD Player

with Premium and Convenience package (with basic bluetooth)
-------
Sport Seats
Leatherette: Black/Grey
Int. Surf. Checkered Silver
Automatic AC
Dual Pane Sunroof
On-Board Computer
Garage Door Opener
Comfort Access System
Bluetooth Prep w/USB
Basic Bluetooth Pack
Leather Sport Wheel
6-spkr AM/FM CD Player

Check it out, it's the magical disappearing MFSW! They should sell tickets!

You're also not able to select the MFSW separately, and they charge the full $1250 for each package -- you only get the $250 break on the upgraded bluetooth option (which you pay $500 for... so net $250 increase).

So, if you want to use bluetooth but keep your phone in your pocket and not have an armrest... no cruise control for you! (has to be a bug... just has to be... right?)

 

I would say there is a glitch in the configurator. It wouldn't be the first time it's happened.

If you get the premium package you should have the MFSW no matter what.