Hello all
My wife is trading in her 2007 MCS convertible and is going to get a roadster S!
So I thought I'd ask people who know what their thoughts are.
We're getting the navigation, cold weather package, and I'll be looking into spare tire options, we'll probably order it in a week or so, any input is appreciated.

Thanks

Steve

 

Navigation will be a matter of choice, but my wife and I decided to forgo this and use our iPhones. Cold weather package, IMO, is essential on a convertible, specially if you live in latitudes with colder climates as you can still ride with the top down when the temperature drops. Strongly recommend Rear Parking Distance Control, (essential in a Roadster IMO), Harman Kardon Premium Sound System is also highly recommended. If you travel to places that get fog, get the rear fog lights for visibility. Consider the rubber mats and boot mat.

 

I'd have to concur on the navigation. I played with it for 20-25min in the dealer lot and it isn't that great IMHO. It isn't touch, so you do everything with that joystick. I got a holder for my iPhone (Cravenspeed Flexpod), purchased a Belkin charger and cable and use that, saving over $1,400 (I didn't want Connected either.) If I find I will need to drive where there is no signal, there are good GPS solutions in the iPhone App Store for $50 or so that have offline maps and no network is needed, so even then, I will still be $1,400 ahead, I'll just have to make sure I've downloaded it before leaving a covered area.

If you have the money and really want it integrated, get it, but make sure you really play with it and don't assume it works like other navigation software in other vehicles. I've never had one iota of problems with it in my wife's Jetta. Touch screen and very intuitive. The Mini Nav though, it felt like something that was designed in 1999 as a first gen nav tool to me. Personal opinion, YMMV.

 

Thanks for the responses, I feel the same way about the mini nav system,PITA to use but my wife has it in the '07 MCS and likes it integrated in the car so it's always there,so that's a definite!
We're on the fence about the HK sound system, final price and budget will make that decision.
How good is the blue tooth phone set up?

Thanks

Steve

 

we found just the opposite to be true with Nav. I think the Mini nav is really great actually. Has the best HD definition screen I have seen on a large screen Navi without looking "cartoonish", and we have had quite a bit of experience(2 Alpines, Kenwood, Honda, Toyota).

We actually MUCH prefer operating it from the joystick. much easier to keep eyes more on the road when we are not reaching forward trying to punch soft keys on the screen that sometimes take and sometimes you can be off a little, and have to push them several times.

little things like being able to zoom in and out quickly with just a twist of the ****, and the interactive map is really fantastic. so many things you can do with it that I have never had on other nav units.

We go out "Sunday Driving" all the time. just picking a road and seeing where we end up. It's great to have the large screen showing the surrounding areas, and the central location allows both driver and passenger to use it with equal ease.

 

Thanks Z06 Pilot
I've heard so many negatives about the mini nav system,but you never know until you get it. I can see how the joy stick can be safer once you get used to it. I guess we'll find out!
I also just remembered that it will be a 2014, salesman said you can't order '13s anymore,you can only get what they have on the lot.

Steve

 

I can't compare HK versus non-HK in the Roadster, but I can compare my HK Roadster versus my wife's non-HK Clubman. There is no comparison actually. The HK plays louder, and has more everything (bass, treble and clearer midrange). There are zero extra features, it just sounds better. I would buy again.

The Bluetooth works. That's about all I can say. There are apparently some tweaks to improve things if you have Connected, but I don't so I can't try them. If I get a call top-down at highway speed I can usually get the caller to understand "I'll call you back". I stopped trying to hold full conversations on the highway unless the roof is up. It's OK around town or stopped though.

 

I got the HK as a last minute mod when ordering. My MA said it would make a diff if I had the sunroof open and windows down, so I said what the heck, and checked the box.

It absolutely has power. I don't know that the stock unit wouldn't have been sufficient though honestly. I am not sure the HK has any more features (other than more speakers and wattage) either. I didn't do a good comparison on that. It does have HD AM Radio though, and I listen to AM talk radio a lot. Maybe the stock unit has that, but if not, it is one more thing that made the HK worth it to me. I didn't even know there was such a thing as HD AM, but it sounds as crystal clear as FM does.

BT setup was a snap, but darn if I can figure out how to effectively use the speaker button to voice dial. The unit sees all of the contacts on my phone, but I cannot say "Call Jim Smith" or anything so logical. I've just been reaching up and touching the Home button. Siri comes in through the speaker system and I tell her to call Jim Smith. That works wonderfully. I guess I need to read the manual more, but honestly, if it is that difficult, then wondering why I should bother. I wish the speaker button on the steering wheel could be used to activate Siri instead of the internal unit.

 

I don't have HK, and my radio is great even with the top down. I also get HD.

 

[QUOTE=EHans;

BT setup was a snap, but darn if I can figure out how to effectively use the speaker button to voice dial. The unit sees all of the contacts on my phone, but I cannot say "Call Jim Smith" or anything so logical. I've just been reaching up and touching the Home button. Siri comes in through the speaker system and I tell her to call Jim Smith. That works wonderfully. I guess I need to read the manual more, but honestly, if it is that difficult, then wondering why I should bother. I wish the speaker button on the steering wheel could be used to activate Siri instead of the internal unit.[/QUOTE]

That's cool that you can use Siri thru the BT, at least you can bypass the mini system and talk right to your phone!
Does it allow BT audio from the phone to the stereo?
A nice option would be to have a docking station in the dashboard where your phone or tablet can just plug in and be the screen in the car! Mabey someday!

Thank for the input everyone!

Steve

 

I had navigation on my previous vehicle and never used it. When I need navigation services, I use my iPhone? I found MINI Connect and the Navigation to be too expensive for what you get and end up using.

The Cold Weather Package is great if you live in a place where you get colder weather. It comes in handy on days when you can have the top down but perhaps it a bit cool outside. Just turn on the heated seat and you're good to go. This also helps to keep you Top Down percentage up.

I was reluctant to get the Rear Park Distance Control but am so glad I did. With limited visibility out of the rear window, it is extremely helpful.

Finally, what can I say about the Harman Kardon Sound System? It's fantastic and sounds great in the Roadster. I find that it has a more robust sound than what I experience in my Clubman, even though it's the same system. This option is well worth the expense and thoroughly enjoyable if you are into your music.

 

Thanks, my wife is not one to blast the music or needs fender rattling bass, so we were thinking the money might be better spent on something she'll notice more,also, the salesman didnt push it so...

Thanks

Steve

 

Steve

Regarding the HK Premium Sound System, the best way I can put it is that, if music fidelity, (and I mean how it sounds... not necessarily how loud it goes), is important to you, the HK system would be a must. If music fidelity is not a critical component of your every day drive, then spending the money elsewhere on your Roadster makes sense.

 

Thanks WolfsBane, I guess it will be one of the things were putting on a list for another test drive,to check a convertible without HK sound, audio quality is so subjective to each person so we'll see how it sounds. This is the first new car that we're ordering and making all these decisions on, all others have been used or on the lot already, funny thing is tHat they all have had premium sound, so we might get it anyway!

The three things that my wife definitely wants is auto trans,nav and cold weather package, I think that the nav is overpriced but she is used to it being in the dash all the time!

Steve

 

Here are my opinions. Mini Connected. Yes, get that. Navigation? No. Not worth the money. Use your iPhone and also buy a Kuda mount to hold your phone. It snaps right onto the dash and puts in a great viewing position. Search the site and you will find a few threads about it. Also Garmin is coming out with a new interface that works in conjunction with a smart phone. It is a heads up display that gives directions and speed etc. on the windshield. Costs about 130 and sounds like a great add on. Get the rear fogs other wise you have a blank toggle spot on your control panel. Have fun with the Roadster.

 

Just to offer another perspective as a fellow Roadster owner, I rather like the integrated Nav. This is the second consecutive MINI I've owned with that option. The phone versions will always be ahead of the game when it comes to POI performance, but I don't really rely on the POI function all that much. And I don't have the incessant, blind passion for the latest and greatest technology every moment it comes available--I just want convenient functionality (to wit: I'm still quite happy with my iPhone 4). For most of my trips I plan ahead, finds my desired stops and waypoints, send them direct to the MINI using the Google Send to Car feature in Connected, and I'm good to go. I also prefer the joystick interface rather than fiddling with a phone (probably more distracting than texting). With practice, one can do a lot of "navigating" without taking your eyes off the road. I use it in the "night" display mode continuously because I like the simplicity of the background in this mode.

I had a Kuda mount in my first MINI (three MINIs ago). It was very nice with a great sight line but made me a bit nervous as it gained a reputation as a theft magnet. It's quite visible from the outside (even more of a problem on ragtops). Lots of reports of windows being broken out by thieves searching for the Garmin in the glovebox. Perhaps this isn't as much of a problem nowadays since phone use for GPS is more ubiquitous and folks tend not to leave them behind.

I regularly use a very small percentage of what MINI Connected has to offer. Google Send to Car and Web Radio--that's about it. The rest is marginally useful/entertaining, IMHO.

I do recommend the HK. This is a good investment.

And for the record, there is no such thing as rear "fogs" in the '11+ model years. What you get is a rear "fog" -- i.e., only the left-rear light is illuminated. Likewise, only the right-rear white light comes on when in reverse. An odd design quirk.

One other thing -- don't bother ordering the auto dimming rear view mirror on your Roadster. The spoiler, when deployed, shadows the sensor from following headlights rendering the dimming feature non-functional.

Good luck with your shopping. Please be sure to come back and share the results of your efforts.

 

I have to agree the HK sound is far better than standard speakers...

My wife had HK sound in her 2011 Cooper. When she moved to the 2013 Clubman without HK sound you could really tell the difference for all of the reasons listed above. She lives with it just fine, it drives me crazy (I don't know why)

I don't have the NAV system but have had it in other cars. I use my iPhone now..

If you use navigation a lot and you go places that have no cell signal you are SOL. I really miss the built in NAV as it uses a built in GPS and does not need a cell signal. Had it in My 2008 Jeep and my 2010 Prius and loved it. Nothing worse than being in the middle of nowhere without cell service and not a clue which way to go...

Don't get it if you don't need it..

Cold weather package is fantastic if you live in the northern latitudes.

If headlights in your mirrors bother you at night, get the auto dimming system, not sure what package it comes in.

Andy

 

Glad I splurged for the HK based on this and other comments.
Not true, as long as you buy the right software. Sure, Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze won't work as they download the maps real-time. But get an app like Garmin, TomTom, or Navigon have the maps built in. They are expensive at $30-$50 each, but that is still much MUCH cheaper than $750 for Mini's nav, and even cheaper and better than a dedicated GPS unit. Being that expensive and no trials available, do your research before taking the plunge, but there is no need to be in the middle of nowhere and not have mapping on your iPhone. You just cannot get it for free.

I am going to be doing my research in the coming weeks and buy one of those three or another if I discover it in the App Store in my research. Wazy is my primary, but there are too many areas in the mountains around here with no coverage.

 

Cool, I'll need to look into that....

Let us know what you find.

Thanks for the info,

Andy

 

Personally, I think/thought that H/k was waste in my previous Mini, so I went with the Connect as I like the way stations are listed, getting from AM to Sirus easier. Plus I like the switch. Also, fill the toggle switch up with the rear fog light switch. I just hate having switches missing. I'd also go to an upgraded seat to get the lumbar support. I messed up on that one.

She'll love the roadster, great fun car that's good for grocery shopping too.

Bill

 

Oh yes, I had the H/K in my JCW. I didn't get it this time, figuring that six speakers were enough for a roadster. I can't really feel/hear much difference if any. My wife says that this sounds better than the other Mini. Just my opinion of course. I just think that it's a waste of $750.

Bill

 

We ordered our first mini over a month ago (it should be in our hands in a little over two weeks) . . . We decided to skip on a lot of the electronics. I would not have minded a better sound system and connect system but my wife really could not care less . . . and to be honest I think she's right

Rather we put the money on higher end interior quality (including black satellite gray leather instrument panel ) and some of the features we thought would be much more adequate to enjoying the roadster: City pack (including heated mirrors, comfort access key, and not so critical auto dim rear view mirror), Alarm, folding mirrors, auto dim mirrors, park distance control (will come handy on grocery store parking-lots), heated seats (we're in the northern state ), auto climate control, center arm rest (still puzzled as to what that's not standard! ), and dynamic traction control (one must have the DTC with a S roadster).


Anyway, that's what WE did... good luck picking out what matters to you

 

Hi
Thanks to all for your input, my wife, Jenn, is going for another road test on Thursday, what she has picked out so far is :

Roadster S
Auto
Pepper white w/black stripes & black mirror covers
Black 16"-6 star twin spoke rims
Pepper white dash surface
Cold weather package
Auto climate control
Mini connected W/ Nav package.

We're trading in a 2007 MCS convertible, and trying to keep the payments to $400/Mo, so we'll see what else we can squeeze out of them!

Again, thanks everyone for the responses, and Hemisedan, good call on the fog toggle, for $100 it's nice to have the switch plate filled up!

I'll let you all know the final verdict!

Steve
.

 

Check out your rear visibility. I saw some people complaining about Minis not having a rear camera in the cockpit and being limited to the backup sensor. I thought it was silly and of course didn't order one. I should have test-drove the Countryman backwards in a parking lot. That thing as all the visibility of a Ford Econoline Van.

I've heard similar about other Minis too, so make sure you are comfortable with that before you finalize your order.

I love the pepper white. It looks like it will be a great build!

 

Your right about that, but Jenn is used to driving a MCS convertible,she says that the rear visibility in the Roadster is actually better than the Cooper convertible because the window is right behind the seat!

She's going on another test drive so nothing is set in stone yet!

Regarding the Pepper White, we never thought we'd get a white car!, but with the black top, wheels, stripes, and all the black plastic trim we think the contrast really looks great,she was planning on getting lightning blue!

Steve