I'm getting really close to placing my order, and I could really use a little more advice before I take the plunge.

First, I really like Mini Connected for its huge display, and I worry about the small writing on the regular orange radio/CD display. But my phone is an Android and I don't want to get my car an iPhone. Are those of you with the regular display satisfied with it?

Second, does anyone know whether the Motor-Tober discount can be used at a dealer other than the one whose event you attended?

And last, does anyone happen to know what extra fees (doc fees, dealer prep, etc.) the dealer in Oklahoma and the three dealers in the Dallas area are charging and whether they are flexible on them?

I've got to make up my mind and just order the thing so I can stop obsessing about what features to get and start obsessing about what ship my car will be on.

 

I skipped mini connected, because I wanted other options more, and the price was already approaching 37K. The standard interface for using the IPOD, radio, and phone is a little cumbersome to use, but after a while of getting used to it, I'm fine with it. I have an android phone, which works well. The best option hands down are the xenon lights!

They all try to charge dealer prep fees in my state, and I was able to talk them down a bit, but not completely. Paid $285 over MSRP

When you finally get it, I hope you are as happy with it as I am with mine. It is the most fun behind the wheel that I have ever had!!!!

 

(1) I have the regular display and, while there is some learning to figure out what is where, the functionality is OK and it works well (Don't forget to move the microphone over to the left side). The bluetooth option does a fine job of supporting the phone connection.

(2) The Motor-Tober discount can be applied at any dealer.
"$750 Off the Purchase or Lease of a New 2011 or 2012 MINI Model
Restrictions apply. Offer valid for one purchase or lease to customers having met all of the following criteria: 1) customers must attend one MINI MOTOR-TOBER Best Test Drive Event at a participating MINI dealer (list of dealer events can be found on MINIUSA.COM), 2) customers must register at the event upon arrival (registration at the event is required; online pre-registration does not qualify), and 3) customer must purchase or lease a new 2011 or 2012 MINI model and must take vehicle delivery between the date of the MINI MOTOR-TOBER Best Test Drive Event attended and January 3, 2012. Offer valid to the recipient whose name is on the email/letter/ certificate or any family member residing within the same household only and may not be transferred. Proof of identification/residency is required. Pre-owned and MINI NEXT vehicles do not qualify. Options may be limited due to product availability at time of sale. Cannot be used for tax, title, registration, destination or other dealership processing fees. Offer valid on final negotiated price and may be combined with any other MINI offer (with the exception of another email/letter/certificate offer) that is available at time of purchase."

(other) Get the adaptive xenons, auto climate control, 2-part rail.

Enjoy!

 

I've got the full monty mini connected package, with the nice big display and all - and use it together with my android Samsung.
I did consider locating an older iphone to have permanently in the car, but havent really seen the big need for it yet.
And if the word is correct, it seems that a Mini app for android should be incoming sometime this fall already (which probably means mid february) .. I dont really see why I should settle for something less ..

My biggest consideration is if/when BMW/Mini will make the connection towards Windows 8.

 

I don't have connected and only use the phone through bluetooth and it works very well. I put the tunes on a flash drive and use the usb port which integrates with the radio. Haven't figured out play lists, but there are options for album, genre, and artist.

The android maps nav works well, although, not through the radio.

Can't help with the other issues, except at MINI of the Woodlands in Texas I paid less that MSRP.

And yes - Move the microphone, get the full rail and NO Arm Rest.

Bill

 

My two cents worth as follows:

The standard display on the H-K radio is fine. Get Xenons (adaptive if you can afford it)., and climate control is nice too. The automatic rain sense wipers are awesome and work better than in any other car I've owned.

 

Great advice, y'all. I definitely want the Harmon Kardon stereo. Is the display different on it than on the base model stereo (which they told me was Alpine)?

 

I got H/K and skipped MINI Connected on my JCW order even though I have an iPhone4. MINI are really pushing the Connected - I imagine they get quite a profit from it - it just doesn't really appeal to me. It's too bad they don't support Android yet. The USB drive for music is a great idea since it can be updated easily - currently I just leave an MP3 CD for the days I don't bother docking my iPhone (and I only have aux-in, no USB).

Xenons are a must - they look so much better so long as you replace the city lights as they look yellow with Xenons. The black reflectors look great and are a cheap option.

In terms of fees and that - have no idea for your area. However I was comparing and negotiating prices based on out the door. Dealerships could put $2000 protection plans on the quote for all I cared so long as after discounts the out the door price was well below MSRP+taxes based on my calculations.

 

Dealer told me HK just upgrades the speakers.
I would doubt that the base was Alpine though. More likely Pioneer
or something on that level.

I didn't like the stock radio display/controller etc, so I just got connected to get the display. Wife likes the Tac better anyways.

I think this whole radio/Connected/nav argument is a matter a personal choice. I've scoured this forum and it seems to be pretty 50/50.

Other things though, like Xenon, seems to be pretty slanted to in favor however.

 

Dealer was probably wrong. H/K has bigger amp or something. There should be more details on NAM, but here is MINI speak for the H/K:
http://mini.harmankardon.com/en/index.aspx

Found it - Here are the H/K details on NAM:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-upgrades.html