I'm about to place my order with the dealer. I've selected the cold weather pkg, sports pkg, convenience pkg and premium pkg. I'm not sure if I should order the sports suspension, the front driving lamps and the limited slip diff. For the interior, I've selected chrome line interior, anthracite headliner, punch carbon black leather, alarm system, rooster red color line, interior surface piano black and the 3 spoke leather sport wheel. I'm also thinking about the comfort bluetooth and multi function steering wheel. The color will be chili red with a white roof and mirrors.

I'd really appreciate some advice or opinions on all of the above before I commit to ordering the car.

Thank you,
Mick

 

Well it looks have you have the packages covered! You seem pretty set, but specifically mention you're not sure of sports suspension, front driving lamps and LSD. My two cents:

I have the driving lamps with the Xenons on my 06 and although they give a subtle improvement on back roads, they're not worth the $500 or so and you can do much better if you go aftermarket. The bi-Xenons are amazing and make the driving lamps little more than a fashion accessory.

LSD - If you plan on spending any time on the track or autocross course, go for it. Or if you're going to be driving in ice/snow, go for it. Adding a LSD after the fact is expensive (basic entry for a Quaife LSD is $1200 and that's not including installation) and makes the $500 MINI charges from the factory downright paltry. I'd go for it.

Sports suspension is something you go for if you think there is too much body movement and don't plan on improving the suspension by going aftermarket or paying for the JCW+installation. Keep in mind that with either the standard suspension or sports suspension, the MINI chassis handles beautifully but the sports suspension will limit roll and tighten the ride at the expense of ride quality. Just drive both and let your butt make the decision.

 

I got the LSD in Quentin mainly because it couldn't hurt and would probably make resale easier. Shawn got LSD for much the same reasons. I got the sport suspension in both R56s because I was worried the R56 had been softened up too much, I liked the way the MKIs were.

I'm happy with both LSD and sport suspension, though I'm not sure I notice the difference in normal driving.

 

The sport suspension is a personal preference issue. Soft ride versus a bit more stable and stiffer ride. If you really want handling, take a pass on the sport suspension and go straight to the dealer installed JCW suspension.

The LSD is an absolute requirement if you plan on occassionally using full throttle. It will minimize torque steer and will get far more power to the pavement.

 

Personally, I really like the MFSW controls. I think it's one of those little things that you don't think are that important until you try them out. Then you realize how great they really are and wouldn't live without them.

I have the front driving lamps on my car and have yet to use them. In fact, I often forget about them all together. They look nice but I don't think they're all that necessary.

As for your other options, I think you're dead on with them. Good choices!

 

My $.02 is the chrome line interior is definitely worth the money. You are covering a lot with all of the packages. I wasn't clear as to whether this was a justacooper or S but I would definitely get the sport seats.

I absolutely love the xenons and would recommend those as well. I have the comfort bluetooth and like it but the voice command is a little weak IMHO.

The one thing that I got after taking delivery and not through the dealership was the invisashield/clear bra. I think its worth the money invested to keep the stone chips to a minimum.

Its going to be a sweet ride! Congrats to you!

 

Aren't they all?

 

You know it! I'm particularly fond of a laser blue MCS I see fairly regularly. Still get a big grin when I walk up to him! If I could, I'd have one in every color.

 

I think you spec'd the car really well. I could not tell if you ordered MC or MCS. If you don't track the car imo LSD is not necessary. I've read in several places that on the MCS torque steer is even magnified. Mine is a Mk1 2006 cooper, so perhaps it was not as "soft" riding as some say the R56 is, but I passed on the sport suspension. I found the mini handled really well, and I thought I could go to the aftermarket if after driving a while I wanted improvement. Ultimately, I couldn't help tinkering, and after a lot of research (much on NAM) I went with JCW springs, Koni FSD shocks and an Hsport 19mm rear bar. The JCW springs were matched to the MC's weight (they even wanted the VIN #), and since the lowering is negligible ('bout 1/2in) they work very well with the FSDs. LOVE piano black/ anthracite (its what I got in mine). And even though I'm in So. Calif. and don't exactly deal with arctic temps, I flat love the heated seats. Whatever you do, enjoy your car, sounds wonderful.

 

+++Agree+++

MFSW is included in your Premium Package and you must have it,
if you want Cruise Control!