Hello Everyone,
Long time lurker, first time poster here! I want to start by saying this community is wonderful!! I have learned a TON reading here the last month or so!

I am about to order my very first Brand-new car! After 31 years, a new car FINALLY!!
I am strongly considering a Cooper S in Black with white roof, mirrors, and wheels. I am also going to get the white bonnet strips and am thinking about getting the rally lights as well. Does anyone have a picture of a Cooper S configured this way? I would love to see one prior to ordering. Additionally, I do not care for the alloy patina interior treatment. I do like the shiny silver of the Cooper but have read about scratching problems. Has anyone seen the Anthracite in person? And if so, how would you rate its durability versus the silver?

I have also read a great deal about the coolant problem and the lurching on the S model. Has anyone seen an actual date these problems might be permanently resolved?

Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions. I appreciate your feedback! My wife and I absolutely love the MINI and I cannot wait to get my order submitted!

Here are my future specs:

MINI Cooper S
Black and White
Sports Package
Cold Package
Trip Computer
MFSW
Auto Climate
Roof Rack

 

Hi and welcome out of the lurkers closet :smile: Here's some pics of my S

On your specs list I saw you were getting the Auto-air and the computer. Why not opt out and get the premium package which contains these and the sunroof? At first I didn't want the hole in the roof, but now that I've lived with it fo a while, I love it.
In answer to your questions....
As far as I know they've pretty well got the coolant bottle leak taken care of. The lurching seems to be a sporatic thing for some reason. Mine doesn't do it at all yet some cars made after mine do. The software upgrades have taken care of most of the ones having problems though some people can't seem to get rid of it. I suspect this has more to do with the competence of the service department of your dealer has, than anything else. You may want to check out the dealer guide on the site here. It might give you an idea of how your dealer will do.
On the interiors question, I don't have any idea how much better it'll hold up, but the antracite looks really good. I've got the silver and have had no problems keeping it in good shape. I don't really see where one would be more durable than the other. I've actually have had more problems with scratching the rear interior (rear seat backs and side panels. These seem to be marked if the least little thing rubs on them.
Hope all this helps.

 

Thank you for the rapid response!
Your MINI looks fantastic, thank you for posting it!

I am choosing not to get the sunroof because it does not have opaque shade screens. I am one of those people who avoids the sun. My parents have skin cancer and I do not wish to follow in their footsteps! Consequently I am worried I will get tired of having the light pouring in all the time. Also, being in Southern California, I am certain the sun would make the car pretty warm. I work in a former chemical lab and the temperature in here never gets above 63 degrees. Needless to say, I am used to being chilly! I am getting the warming seats to save my poor wife from frostbite!!

Thanks again for your advice and feedback. I really appreciate hearing first hand your MINI experiences.

 

Glad you liked my little ride. I find it quite pleasing, myself! I can understand your reasons behind not going for the sunroof. In NC, we've got our share of summertime sun, too. I may regret having it by August

 

How about this!

 

Stretch002

I just took delivery of almost the exact config you are suggesting. Black w/White Roof, Wheels & Stripes (but no rally lights). I haven't developed my old-fashioned non-digital film yet, but, until then, I can tell you that it looks beautiful in person. The black and white combo looks very classic and European.

I also have the anthracite interior. I think it compliments the black interior well. It is actually much glossier looking than the MINIUSA website makes it appear. My first reaction to it was, "Wow. I didn't think it would look *that* good."

One thing you should consider. This exterior/rims combination is quite possibly the most difficult to keep clean of any MINI configuration. The black exterior shows every single dust speck. The white wheels hide none of the effects of the brake dust. If you go for this, be prepared to spend lots of time trying to keep it clean.

Personal note: Hopefully you don't live in the SF Bay Area, since I don't want to see too many "doppelgangers" out on the road.

Quinn

 

I have a cosmos black/cosmosblack MC with the tartan red/anthracite interior. I'm very pleased. It looks rich according to those who've seen it. I've decided to replace the stock brake pads with the Green Stuff pads because the dust is absolutely the worst of any car I've ever owned! :evil: You might want to consider that swap. Good luck and you'll enjoy motoring in a MINI more than you can imagine.

 

Just by reading your future car´s description makes you think how good it will look. Black coopers with white roof and stripes look awesome. Add up rally lights and white rims...

it´s a Mini in a TUXEDO

I´ve seen in the Member Mini´s section a car like the one you want (though it´s not a Cooper S). You´´ll have to be patient though since there are tons of pictures now.

 

that is one SHARP looking Mini!

=D=

 

You can click on my sig photo to see some more pix of my baby... :smile: I LOVE HER STILL!!!

 

Thank you all for your wonderful replies. I cannot tell you how great it is to hear from people who own the MINI I am dreaming of...

I have read that this will be a difficult car to keep clean. I am planning on investing in a very good car care kit. I had read the "MINI Ultimate Guide" and really enjoyed the detailing section. I have not yet had a car which required a lot of upkeep, but I hope with proper planning and tools I will be able to maintain it. I also plan on purchasing a car cover for the MINI for use while I am at work. Is there a brand or manufacturer that comes recommended?

The interior dilemma is still at hand! From what I have read, the Anthracite is very nice. I hope it looks classy as that is why my wife and I went for this color scheme. My one fear is that it will be too dark. I am planning on the space cloth seats as I prefer the way it feels while driving. Unfortunately that leaves little room for color choices. In fact, I believe grey or black are the only options. Does the Anthracite make the interior feel dark and cramped? I only worry because I will not have a sunroof...

And do not fear the Doppleganger Factor - I live in Southern California (Pasadena) and do not have any plans to visit the Bay area anytime soon.

Thank you all once again for your help. Your cars look AMAZING!!

-Stretch002-

 

not too dark at all especially in SoCal hehe

what colour wheels ar you getting????

 

I would also suggest adding the rain sensing wipers and auto dipping mirrors. Excellnt options and a fair price.
RAT

 

I am planning on choosing the White "S" Wheels.

Are the auto sensing wipers that good? I was thinking they might not be worthwhile considering it does not rain that often here in Southern California. I am assuming that the standard wipers suffice, and have an intermittent option. Is this a true assumption?

The Dimming mirror, though, is a must have! Thank you for reminding me!

-Stretch002-

 

If you are one of those people that constantly tries to adjust the interval on interval wipers, then the auto-sensing wipers are a godsend and a bargain at $140. They are great when the rain is constantly changing intensity (possibly a NorCal phenomenon) and the car is constantly changing speeds.

As an added bonus, they are a great conversation piece when telling people how cool your new car is.

Quinn