Hi everybody,

I've been lurking here since November or so, and I feel I may be days away from convincing myself to finally order a Mini. Since I've exhausted my family, boyfriend and friends trying to go through this descion process, and all the color/option permutations, I was hoping that I could get some help from people who actually seem to delight in discussing these little cars.

Although I like all the variations and change my mind constantly, it seems to be between these two versions:

MCS: Electric Blue/White; all standard options, but with sunroof and HK speaker system.
MC: Silver/Black; manual; sport seats, HK speakers, possibly sunroof. (Although I probably would really regret having a sunroof that big with a black roof. But I've always had convertibles and I think I'd miss the fresh air)

I'm going to test drive both models (again, I'm sure the dealer loves my joyrides, but I've tried to space them out) hopefully I'll be okay with the cheaper model.

Here are my questions:

1. I know Coopers are supposed to use premium gas, which makes sense since they are expensive and it's cleaner for the car, but is it mandatory?
2. Harman/Kardon Speaker system. Is it worth it? I'm a huge music fan, but the genres I enjoy tend not to have a lot of bass.
3. On that note, does anybody know how to tell which car decks will fit the Mini? I'm not too impressed with the cd deck that's in there, and would ideally like an mp3 player and possibly Satelllite Radio.
4. Is it possible to take the back seats out of the Mini (not that I really would, but if you needed to...)
5. It probably varies by location and dealer, but does anyone know offhand what the College Graduate Rates/finance plan is? I'm not sure I still qualify for that, but I'd like to work it in. Otherwise, what interest rates are they offering for tradtional financing? (I'm in Northern VA)

I'd appreciate any advice! :smile:

 

Hi Meadowlarque and welcome to MCO, the source of all (ok most) wisdom on MINIs

regarding your questions:

1) MC and MCS require premium. They will run on lower octane gas, in that the ECU / knock sensor detects early detonation with lower octane and retards the ignition. This means you can fill'er up with lower octane, but expect: less power, lower mileage (that means you don't save anything really by getting cheaper gas), and under some conditions the engine win't be very happy, e.g if you run 85 octane gas, and are going up a steep hill under heavy load in top gear, not a good setup.
Lower octane can be used but I would recommend against it.

2) You will get different opinions. I have the HK and love it. Some have complained about bass being too strong, IMHO that is a matter of understanding how the HK system works, and adjusting it properly. For example, some EQ settings use the rear speakers as subwoofers. If you then move the sound stage backwards (F/R balance) you end up only boosting bass. So, the H/K system is complex, and needs some time to tweak properly. Benefits in my view: factory warranty, using steering controls if you get MFSW, and did I mention GREAT sound?
I personally can highly recommend it!

3) not up my alley.

4) I've heard of some people doing it for race prepping, so I'm sure it can be done but I don't think it's a quick n easy in n out thing.

5) Don't know.

Motor on!

 

Yes, you can remove the back seats. This is my car. The back seats are back in my car now though.

 

Dave,

how much work / time?

TIA!

Markus

 

Easy 5 minute removal to take out the backseats:

1-pull out the rear seat bottom, it just pulls out
2-remove torx bolt from middle of seats, accesses from the boot
3-now that the bolt's removed, lift up the swinging hinge
4-tilt driver's tilt forward 45* and remove
5-now do the passenger side

Ta da

R

 

Welcome Meadow.

Octane isn't about cleanliness, it's about detonation. Lower octane fuel is more explosive and will ignite before it's time in a high compression engine. The engine controls can adjust for this to some extent but the range of adjustment may not be sufficient to prevent damage to the engine on hills, in the heat, at high speeds, etc.

People really like the H/K system and I think the stock system is great.

The stock H/U is actually very nice. It very smoothly adjusts the volume to compensate for road noise at speed, integrates with your cell phone (some day) and the steering wheel buttons are priceless (make *sure* you get MFSW). It looks nice day or night and illuminates in perfect unison with the rest of the dashboard. The H/K system includes an amp, the standard system can easily accept an amp/speakers. The only drawback to the stock radio is its lack of CD/ID3 text support. It is a standard size deck.

There are a few MP3 options for the MINI. First is the Alpine CHA-S634 6-disc CD/MP3 changer mounted in the boot and interfaced to the stock radio with a BlitzSafe adapter. The wiring is already there -- a simple 10 minute installation. A second option is a hard drive MP3 player. See my write-up here. Third, the radio can be fitted with an auxiliarly input jack to which a portable MP3 player can be connected.

MINI is now selling a Sirrius satellite kit that integrates fully with the stock system.

Removing the back seats is a 1-minute job and involves simply unscrewing the single 10mm bolt on the back of the center bracket. That bracket sticks up prominently and cancels any benefit of having removed the seats however. The bracket requires another 5 minutes or so and a large torx bit on a socket wrench.

_________________

2004 MCS-CR/W-Sport Pkg-Cold Pkg-17" R99's-bonnet stripes-PIAA

 

>>MCS: Electric Blue/White; all standard options, but with sunroof and HK speaker system.
>>MC: Silver/Black; manual; sport seats, HK speakers, possibly sunroof. (Although I probably would really regret having a sunroof that big with a black roof. But I've always had convertibles and I think I'd miss the fresh air)
>>


Excellent Color choices, I suggest the auto mirrors and wipers/ also depending on climate the cold weather package is a great deal.

 

Check your PM Good luck with the mini. :smile:

 

Thanks for all the info! The instructions for both removing the seats and installing different mp3 options were very thorough and helpful-I'll keep it in mind for when I actually get my car! I was hoping it would be as simple as being able to replace the actual deck with a cd/mp3 player-but the hard drive mp3 player may be a worthwhile investment.

I think I've decided to go with the standard Cooper, it makes more sense it seems for my driving style. I do love that Electric Blue though-if only it was available for non-S versions!

Thanks again!
:smile:

 

>>Thanks for all the info! The instructions for both removing the seats and installing different mp3 options were very thorough and helpful-I'll keep it in mind for when I actually get my car! I was hoping it would be as simple as being able to replace the actual deck with a cd/mp3 player-but the hard drive mp3 player may be a worthwhile investment.
>>
>>I think I've decided to go with the standard Cooper, it makes more sense it seems for my driving style. I do love that Electric Blue though-if only it was available for non-S versions!
>>
>>Thanks again!
>> :smile:

I heard some rumours that EB will be available on the MC in 2004?
I don't know if that is true, maybe ask a dealer?

 

I thought so too, after I read something about that on the internet. Yet when I brought it up to one of the guys at BWM of Sterling a few weeks ago, and he looked at me like I had 3 heads. He said that he had heard nothing of the sort, and that BWM wouldn't do that, since the colors were used to differentiate between the two models... I hope he's wrong, but then again, I'd have to wait until 2004! Argh...

 

wot is EB ?

 

EB= The Electric Blue Body Color

 

PS/B MC- a great choice- check my sig.

 

Can anyone give me some helpful hints. I have just bought a '65 Morris Mini Deluxe and it needs alot of work done to her. What do people recomend?