Ok, they took away my Lightning Blue and now they took away my Pure Silver. After seeing the Sparkling Silver at sunset I'm not leaning that direction anymore, so I decided to do something different and go with BRG. I think.

Yippee, I'm almost ready to order, I think!! Gonna get it done this weekend. So excited!!

Here's my build:

My 2010 MINI Cooper S
Base MSRP* $22,300
Destination & Handling $700

PAINT IT
Black Roof/Mirrors $0
British Racing Green Body Color $500
White Turn Signals $100

PACKAGES
Premium Package $1,750
...Automatic AC
...Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof
...harman/kardon Sound System
Convenience Package $1,500
...Universal Garage Door Opener
...Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror
...Rain Sensor and Auto Headlamps
...Comfort Access System
...Comfort Bluetooth w/USB/iPod Adapter
Cold Weather Package $500
...Heated Powerfold Mirrors & Washer Jets
...Heated Front Seats

PERFORMANCE
6-Speed Getrag Manual STD
16" S-Winders (Perf. Run Flats) STD
Dynamic Traction Control $250
Dynamic Stability Control STD
Front Fog Lamps STD
Xenon Headlamps w/Power Wash $500

COCKPIT
On-Board Computer STD
Cream White Color Line INC
Leather: Gravity Tuscan Beige $1,500
Leather Sport Wheel w/Multifunction STD
Interior Surface Brushed Alloy INC
Smartphone Prep with Comfort USB $100
Interior Color: Tuscan Beige INC
Sport Seats STD

TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* $29,700

JOHN COOPER WORKS ACCESSORIES
No selections in this category

GENUINE MOTORING ACCESSORIES
No selections in this category

TOTAL ACCESSORIES $0
TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* $29,700

TOTAL COMBINED $29,700

Things I'm pretty settled on:

*I didn't get the Sport pkg cos I really don't care about different wheels besides the standard 16" rims and I plan on getting custom bonnet stripes.

*Decided on the Premium pkg cos the upgraded harmon/kardon (that's finally available, thank god) is important to me, as is the sunroof.

*Love the Cold Weather pkg simply because, even though I live in SoCal, I find heated seats incredibly helpful to a sore back. Don't care about the rest of that pkg, but it's the same price either way so I might as well get it, right?

*Went with the Convenience pkg cos I really want the comfort access and the bluetooth/USB and armrest. Don't really care that much about the rest of that package but I figure the small amount of extra fundage now might be worth the increased resale value later.

*Also, I have an iphone 3G so I'll need to have my dealer order part # 84 212 151 043 (snap-in cradle) so I can charge and play music from the armrest, right? Can they include that in the build or is that strictly dealer-installed?

Waffling:

*PDC? Kinda tempting for the function, but that price...ouch.

*One thing I am really not sure about yet is whether to go with black or white roof/mirrors. I know I want a contrast, but I'm not sure which will look better. I think both might look good with the British Racing Green. I wish I could see them side by side in person - or in better pics than the configurator!!

*Also debating the Tuscan Beige accessories for the steering wheel, shifter and E-brake handle. I like the look, but I am concerned they'll show dirt constantly and frankly I am not that high-maintenance. Thoughts?

What do you all think? What would you do differently? Am I missing something obvious or doing something dumb? Thanks!!

 

Pretty much the exact setup I'd want to get if I was getting another MINI. I never liked BRG until I saw one in person the other day, with the aero kit, and now I love it.

IMO, I'd drop the tuscan beige and get the aero kit. And I'd also go with black for the roof. I've never liked the look of the white roofs except on the white MINIs.

 

I almost bought a similar car recently. I was going to go with a darker interior. I prefer the black roof and stripes. Ended up with a 2009 black JCW and so far so good. I think the option I am missing the most is the rain sensitive wipers. It's been raining for days here and the intermittent wiper option can be a bit annoying.

 

I think Tuscan will look great with BRG. Not sure why you would think the Tuscan accessories would be more high-maintenance than the seats. Kind of whish I'd gone for Redwood leather seats. Didn't like the white piping on the black leather, so ended up with cloth seats.

I went for after-market leather shift boot, eBrake boot, and door armrest covers from Redline. Haven't needed to do any maintenance on them. Naturally, I went with a wooden shift **** and ebrake handle.





BRG and other dark earth tones are, according to some studies, the least visible colors for cars. Pure Silver and white being the most visible. So, I'd put a rather large bright yellow racing stripe on it, and probably side stripes as well. Yellow is the more traditional stripe color for BRG. That would pretty much require a BRG roof. If you want to go with a white roof, then you probably want white stripes. IMO, a black roof with a dark body color is less desirable.

PDC is nice, but I wish it had a faster response time. Only good if you are backing slowly. Excellent for tight spaces. It is also best with the NAV so you can see where things are.

Check on Audio & Navigation forum for info on how well the Smart Phone cradle works with the iPhone 3G. Personally, I couldn't stand the factory armrest and ripped it out (came with a package). I found it really annoying. It was in my way for shifting (this varies with person and seat position), and it wouldn't fold back far enough to be out of the way. The top kept sliding open...

Rear fog lamps are something a lot of people regret not getting, often for cosmetic reasons (toggle switch gap, and bare area on lower panel).

Anthracite headline is another, but not sure whether it is that necessary with Tuscan. Must-have with a black interior.

If I were ordering today, I'd go for the H/K audio upgrade.

I'm also rather fond of the NAV for its integration of audio, bluetooth, navigation, and car settings.

 

Aero kit..............Black roof. And black 18" JCW rims.

 

I'd go for the white roof or body color roof with BRG. Would probably go better with the tan interior. If you get the black roof maybe get the anthracite headliner as well.

I'd also get rear fogs, I just like the way they look compared to the blank inserts.

 

Get LSD...Get it.

 

Thanks for the input folks, keep it comin'...

I'm definitely keeping the Tuscan Beige interior -- the last two cars I've owned had black interiors so I'm kind of tired of that (plus heat considerations are a factor). And I saw the TB at the dealer and quite liked it. Veddy nice!

I considered the aero kit. I may be in the minority here, but I actually like the looks better without it. I would consider it if I were getting a convertible, though.

Robin, the reason I'm thinking dirt and grime might be a problem on the TB accessories (more than the seats) is because those accessories get a lot more hand-contact than the seats do, and hands tend to be dirtier and carry more oil than clothes do. Especially my hands -- not dirt so much, but I'm always putting lotion on my dry skin. So that's why I'm waffling on that one.

I've never seen a yellow stripe on a green car, but my imagination is shuddering at the thought. I can't stand yellow and would never in a million years do that to my car. That's a good point about visibility, though. The Mini is already a small car... so that's a point in favor of the white roof/mirrors.... hm.

I considered the Nav and decided against it for two reasons: one, it's expensive, and two, I use my iPhone for navigation in unfamiliar areas and that seems to work out fine. And for other readings, I'll still have the regular radio readout when necessary, right?

Oooo fog lamps. Hm, I forgot about the missing toggle thing. I just might do that!

Is there maybe an aftermarket PDC that's cheaper and/or better, I wonder?

 

White roof w/ BRG has a good contrast. SoCal gets VERY warm for many months of the year. I've had my black cars, and will try not to again. The white wheels look nice w/BRG; again, great contrast. Also a PITA to keep looking clean.

It all comes down to personal preference. If "you" like it, and can see yourself liking it some years down the road, then you made the right choice.

Oh, and the yellow stripes? The right shade of yellow could work. I think of it as more of a Brabham thing (around the nose), but it's not uncommon. That, of course, was before F1 cars were painted in sponsors colors.

Have fun with the whole process. And when that's done, enjoy the drive!

 

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Sparkling Silver looks awesome in any light really (except maybe those orange-y glowing streetlights) and is very cool looking at sunset. But hey, if you don't like it, you don't like it.

Not sure if I saw anything about rear fogs or not. If not, get them. They're cheap ($100 I think) and fill in that extra toggle space.

 

The boots don't get handled, but the shift **** and ebrake handle do. So, I see your point there. Not a problem with wood. Also, Doug Whalen makes custom engraved stainless steel shift ***** that are quite popular.

Yellow and dark green go well together, but it seems that there is a history of white stripes with Coopers. I may have been thinking of Lotus. They used BRG with yellow.

 

Green and Yellow I think is a classic Lotus color scheme, it looks fantastic on some cars!

I'd get LSD, I love it and highly recommend it. I think you can order it with DTC?

Do you not like the factory aero kit or the JCW kit? Or both?

If you get PDC, just get factory.

 

The Sports Package also changes shocks, damping and other criteria. Many people who have driven both report that driving a non sport is mushy, sways and doesn't respond to steering input as well as the sports package does.

 

I went with the BRG\White top\Tuscan interior and I love the look. Actually besides the white roof it is the exact color scheme of my 2000 4Runner, which I always loved...still do cuz I still got it.

Have a look at my gallery if you want to see a picture of the colors. If you want some interior shots just let me know and I will post some.

 

There is also this thread to cement your build. It helped me when I was building mine.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...en-thread.html

 

English Oak is an excellant compliment to the beige interior. Had you considered it? (usually for "wood-type" people, like me) And yes, I just ordered it on my 2010 Laser Blue, white top, carbon black interior. No Tuscan Int. for me, .......this time .

If you were a Green Bay Packer fan, there would be no discussion about the green/yellow combo. I like it very much. Still, aside from the sports team angle, it will come down to what accelerates your pedal most.

These were personal decisions that had me in the configuator for weeks! I had more than a couple combo's that I liked - and still do. Wish I could afford to garage all of them. Alas, YOU will have to make the decision .

 

Heehee... sorry, whenever I see that green/yellow combo I just can't help but think John Deere. That's what happens when you grow up in the Midwest!

minicooperwill: I wanted to like SS, I really did. It's a very "me" color, in theory. But it takes on that sickly olive tone at times and I just couldn't stomach it. Oy.

Tallman: I agree, English Oak is very nice, but I'm not much of a 'woody'. Think I'll pass on that one.

vandelay, thanks for the linkage. Great thread! I'll be perusing that at length. I would love to see those interior shots, too -- especially if you have any showing the TB and the BRG in the same shot. Thanks!

Seriously? That's worrying. You're not just talking about the difference between a regular MC and an MCS, are you? Is there some official documentation somewhere outlining exactly what gets changed when the sport package is added? I just assumed it was what's listed on the configurator, no more no less.

 

I can't tell too much difference between Sport Suspension and Stock Suspension. The main difference is the sway bars, but honestly, you'll get a way better handling upgrade with good tires.

Skip the sport suspension and if you need an upgrade later go aftermarket or JCW.

 

Danae - very nice setup! I have pics of my BRG/W/TB in my gallery - originally, I considered roof choices and decided that the white would be best with keeping the interior cooler as well as providing the best contrast. I'd suggest the anthracite headliner as well - looks very sharp against the Tuscan Beige, IMO.

 

Here's a Brabham from 1959, looks more gold to me:



And a cooper from 1956:

 

The Sport Package gets you no handling/susp upgrades. The Sport Suspension only gets you 1mm thicker front/rear antisway bars, the springs/dampers are the same, I'm sure of that. Don't mess with that option because the 2 thicker bars cancel each other out. If you want get a 19mm rear bar for $300 installed later on.
I like your car just like it is exactly. Smart to not pay for the Mini wheels, they're a ripoff (I paid). I am not sure you can play your music with the armrest snapin iPhone thingy maybe only use the phone. Check that out. My impression is those are $125 chargers.
You absolutely have to look at the cars with white or black roofs to make your mind up. Don't listen to Robin whatever you do, he's nuts (kidding). The shift boot/ebrake leather things can be added later. The steering wheel obviously not. Look at my gallery for pix of my Tuscan interior, wood shift ****/ebrake handles.
I'd skip the PDC. Aftermarket ones are starting to show up everywhere. It's not real hard to see behind this small car IMO.
You'll love the car. I've got almost 33k on mine and still drive the crap out of it.
EDIT: If I had it to do again I'd get a clear bra for the front to minimize rock dings in the paint. Just the nose, you don't have to go much above the tops of the headlights if at all. You can do this elsewhere (dealers farm this out usually) but soon.

 

Ok, I've made up my mind... I'm gonna go with the white roof and mirror caps! It just seems to *pop* a lot better than the black. There were even some pictures where the black almost looked body-colored. Given that I want the fun contrast, white is it!

I am also adding the rear fogs and the TB steering wheel, but I'm skipping the TB shifter and e-brake (for now). I can always add those later if I want. And I'm skipping the PDC - just too much money for only occasional usefulness.

Thanks for all your ideas and opinions -- it really helps!! I sent in the order -- now the wait begins! So exciting!!! I feel like a little kid who has to 'hold it' until the rest stop!

 

As with any roof, you can alter it after you've lived with it for a few. Perhaps a couple of green stripes. Perhaps some personal artistic creation of some sort. Perhaps black checkers. The mind boggles .

 

Your build looks good. Few things...

- I prefer black roof over the white, but that's a personal preference.
- PDC is not necessary for such a small car.
- On BRG I really really like the exterior chrome pkg for $100. It adds a few chrome accents on the exterior. I'm usually not a fan of chrome at all, but it makes the car look more classy. The other day I saw a BRG + black roof + chrome package and it really stood out! That would be the combo I would get if I were in your shoes.
- I'd probably get LSD instead of the DTC. Or both.
- GET ANTHRACITE HEADLINER! Its a small upgrade that makes the interior look 100x nicer. I had a loaner without it once and it looked plain and kinda dirty.
- If you're getting Tuscan Beige I think the wood or piano black trim would match it better.
- I'd ditch the comfort bluetooth with the center arm rest. I've read numerous times on how flimsy it is.

 

Definitely DTC. Unless you are tracking, LSD is not necessary with DTC. I have LSD, it isn't that wonderful.

Yea, I'm glad I got it. Also changes the color of the pillars, IIRC.


English Oak is probably the best choice for Tuscan leather. Piano Black would also work well in a more modern look. What wouldn't be so great are the aluminum surfaces. Yuk.

Death to the armrest!

Although, this is a little late for the OP. Her order has been placed. She'd have to get her MA to change it before it actually hits production. After that it would be locked-in.