R56 Introducing My Lightning Blue MCSa (w/SatNav)!
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: Celebration, FL
Introducing My Lightning Blue MCSa (w/SatNav)!
Friday was one of the best days of my life. Wow...
Here are specs for my Mini Cooper S:
Lightning Blue w/ White roof/mirrors
Automatic Transmission
Sports Package (w/ white bonnet stripes & crown spoke alloy runflat performance tires, in white, xenon headlights w/washer jets)
Premium Package (w/ Leather MF steering wheel, sunroof, auto A/C)
Convenience Package (universal garage door, universal bluetooth phone prep, armrest, comfort access, auto wipers/lights, autodim rearview mirror)
Cold Weather Package (heated seats, mirrors)
Hi-Fi Stereo (unless audio package becomes available prior to build)
Satellite Navigation System
Gravity Tuscan Leather Seats (inc. Creme White colorline & Piano Black int. trim)
Rear Fog Lamp
Park Distance Control
White Turn Signals
Anthracite Headliner
Dealer Installed Options:
JCW Aero Kit
Driving lamps (coming soon)
Black carpet floor mats
Rubber boot mat
Bumper Protector
iPod Adaptor
Sun Shade
I'll let the photos speak for themselves.
I call this photo: Mickey greets Mini:
Closeup of the JCW Aero Kit Grill:
Interior:
Details:
PDC w/JCW Aero Kit
White light lenses upgrade (front)
Stitch captures the essence of the car well:
SatNav in action:
I'm coming from a Honda Civic. This car is very similar, in that it has 4 wheels and a steering mechanism. Otherwise, as someone who always saw a car as a place to get from point A -> B, this car is a whole other reason to own a car. This car is FUN, and if you're reading this, it's probably because you already know that. But I'm going to keep singing to the choir for a bit though. I went for a drive today... only 90 minutes, but I left and came home and inbetween, aside for a lunch stop, I was going nowhere (and doing it rather fast at some points). I plan on doing a lot more of that. It was a great time. And I'd never have enjoyed doing that in the Honda. It was a great tool, but the Mini is a recreation vehicle.
A lot has been said by much better (well, at least more knowledgeable) people than I about the driving experience, so I want say a few things about the options I chose. First, there's not a one I have regrets about. The seats are comfortable and luxurious. The Hi-Fi system sounds fantastic, and it's not even broken in yet. The Aero Kit looks fantastic. I love the sunroof, and it's silent. I even like the frivolous mood lighting. I'm already hooked on the comfort access, and I was pretty ready to discount that as anything but a novelty. And keeping the brake dust off the white wheels will be a labor of love.
However, without question, the SatNav is worth every penny. First, I think it looks great and makes the center column complete. Every person who has seen it has been shocked at how amazing it looks, and even more so at how it works. The directions have been great, and there is a bit of a learning curve in the setup and use of the joystick, but its well worth the time it takes. I haven't even really touched the voice control yet, but I'm sure that will help. But, in short, I love it. Once I have my iPod kit up and running, I'll post more of a review about it... If you have spec'ed it, be prepared to be very happy.
I'd like to finally say that, despite the headaches of earlier in the week, this end result is worth it. It was hard to believe that all the waiting and wondering and wishing and then more waiting finally is over, and I'm driving this wonderful vehicle around. I want to thank the folks here on NAM who have been helping make my wait a lot more tolerable. My home dealership, Downtown Mini, did wonderfully, and I thank them for making the sale a smooth delivery, and especially my MA, Larry. He has the patience of a saint and is obviously not just someone who sells Minis, but also clearly loves them, and enjoys seeing others "join the family." Thanks, Larry!
I have to go back to the dealership next week to pick up the mylar sunscreen that goes in the front windshield, and to have the SatNav's software upgraded so it will see the iPod adapter. I'll post with photos and impressions of that once it's done. The black driving lamps are on backorder still... but they're paid for!! I also will be getting stratmosphere's sunroof sunscreens. They're on order now.
If you have any questions, comments, or whatever, please feel free to post. I'll be out tomorrow all day, but once I get back I'm sure I'll have plenty more to comment on.
If you're still waiting, hang in there. The last few weeks are probably not quite hell, but you can see it from there. Be strong.
PS. Please don't quote this whole post w/photos to reply... my .Mac account's bandwidth will be used up mighty fast!
Here are specs for my Mini Cooper S:
Lightning Blue w/ White roof/mirrors
Automatic Transmission
Sports Package (w/ white bonnet stripes & crown spoke alloy runflat performance tires, in white, xenon headlights w/washer jets)
Premium Package (w/ Leather MF steering wheel, sunroof, auto A/C)
Convenience Package (universal garage door, universal bluetooth phone prep, armrest, comfort access, auto wipers/lights, autodim rearview mirror)
Cold Weather Package (heated seats, mirrors)
Hi-Fi Stereo (unless audio package becomes available prior to build)
Satellite Navigation System
Gravity Tuscan Leather Seats (inc. Creme White colorline & Piano Black int. trim)
Rear Fog Lamp
Park Distance Control
White Turn Signals
Anthracite Headliner
Dealer Installed Options:
JCW Aero Kit
Driving lamps (coming soon)
Black carpet floor mats
Rubber boot mat
Bumper Protector
iPod Adaptor
Sun Shade
I'll let the photos speak for themselves.
I call this photo: Mickey greets Mini:
Closeup of the JCW Aero Kit Grill:
Interior:
Details:
PDC w/JCW Aero Kit
White light lenses upgrade (front)
Stitch captures the essence of the car well:
SatNav in action:
I'm coming from a Honda Civic. This car is very similar, in that it has 4 wheels and a steering mechanism. Otherwise, as someone who always saw a car as a place to get from point A -> B, this car is a whole other reason to own a car. This car is FUN, and if you're reading this, it's probably because you already know that. But I'm going to keep singing to the choir for a bit though. I went for a drive today... only 90 minutes, but I left and came home and inbetween, aside for a lunch stop, I was going nowhere (and doing it rather fast at some points). I plan on doing a lot more of that. It was a great time. And I'd never have enjoyed doing that in the Honda. It was a great tool, but the Mini is a recreation vehicle.
A lot has been said by much better (well, at least more knowledgeable) people than I about the driving experience, so I want say a few things about the options I chose. First, there's not a one I have regrets about. The seats are comfortable and luxurious. The Hi-Fi system sounds fantastic, and it's not even broken in yet. The Aero Kit looks fantastic. I love the sunroof, and it's silent. I even like the frivolous mood lighting. I'm already hooked on the comfort access, and I was pretty ready to discount that as anything but a novelty. And keeping the brake dust off the white wheels will be a labor of love.
However, without question, the SatNav is worth every penny. First, I think it looks great and makes the center column complete. Every person who has seen it has been shocked at how amazing it looks, and even more so at how it works. The directions have been great, and there is a bit of a learning curve in the setup and use of the joystick, but its well worth the time it takes. I haven't even really touched the voice control yet, but I'm sure that will help. But, in short, I love it. Once I have my iPod kit up and running, I'll post more of a review about it... If you have spec'ed it, be prepared to be very happy.
I'd like to finally say that, despite the headaches of earlier in the week, this end result is worth it. It was hard to believe that all the waiting and wondering and wishing and then more waiting finally is over, and I'm driving this wonderful vehicle around. I want to thank the folks here on NAM who have been helping make my wait a lot more tolerable. My home dealership, Downtown Mini, did wonderfully, and I thank them for making the sale a smooth delivery, and especially my MA, Larry. He has the patience of a saint and is obviously not just someone who sells Minis, but also clearly loves them, and enjoys seeing others "join the family." Thanks, Larry!
I have to go back to the dealership next week to pick up the mylar sunscreen that goes in the front windshield, and to have the SatNav's software upgraded so it will see the iPod adapter. I'll post with photos and impressions of that once it's done. The black driving lamps are on backorder still... but they're paid for!! I also will be getting stratmosphere's sunroof sunscreens. They're on order now.
If you have any questions, comments, or whatever, please feel free to post. I'll be out tomorrow all day, but once I get back I'm sure I'll have plenty more to comment on.
If you're still waiting, hang in there. The last few weeks are probably not quite hell, but you can see it from there. Be strong.
PS. Please don't quote this whole post w/photos to reply... my .Mac account's bandwidth will be used up mighty fast!
WOW
Congrats on a fantastic MINI!!!!!! I was eagerly awaiting someone to post Lightning Blue\White combo pics.......plus the aero kit....what a gorgeous beastie!! Happy motoring to you!
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: Celebration, FL
Thanks everyone! I AM very proud, and all my co-workers had a get-together tonight, and afterwards I had quite a crowd around the car, and everyone just adored it. In fact, one of the highlights of the drive today was when I stopped at the tollbooth, the gentleman working it said, "That is a BEAUTIFUL car." I was so flattered! The guy probably sees literally hundreds if not thousands of cars a day, and mine caught his attention. I drove off quite happy!
Anyone know... with the comfort access, shouldn't I be able to open the tailgate just by pushing the button underneath the little hood over the license plate? The ONLY way I can find to open it is the button on the keyfob. Am I missing something? The manual makes it sound like I just need to hold that button for a few seconds and it will pop open, but no luck so far. Hmm. If anyone has CA and can offer suggestions, I'm all ears.
By the way, the ipod adapter setup is pretty great. THe "secret compartment" opens and the ipod goes inside it. THe cord is there, as is a textured surface to keep the ipod from sliding around. One could literally plug it in, close the compartment, and forget about it until it needs to be updated. VERY slick, and I can't wait to see how easy it is to use with the Sat Nav display!
Anyone know... with the comfort access, shouldn't I be able to open the tailgate just by pushing the button underneath the little hood over the license plate? The ONLY way I can find to open it is the button on the keyfob. Am I missing something? The manual makes it sound like I just need to hold that button for a few seconds and it will pop open, but no luck so far. Hmm. If anyone has CA and can offer suggestions, I'm all ears.
By the way, the ipod adapter setup is pretty great. THe "secret compartment" opens and the ipod goes inside it. THe cord is there, as is a textured surface to keep the ipod from sliding around. One could literally plug it in, close the compartment, and forget about it until it needs to be updated. VERY slick, and I can't wait to see how easy it is to use with the Sat Nav display!
Last edited by jmelrose; Apr 28, 2007 at 09:06 PM.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: MD/DE Line
Anyone know... with the comfort access, shouldn't I be able to open the tailgate just by pushing the button underneath the little hood over the license plate? The ONLY way I can find to open it is the button on the keyfob. Am I missing something? The manual makes it sound like I just need to hold that button for a few seconds and it will pop open, but no luck so far. Hmm. If anyone has CA and can offer suggestions, I'm all ears.
Congrats again JMelrose. Car looks awesome. I was gonna go with the White wheels but decided against it, (I screwed up) it looks great! I have comfort access. Just hold the boot latch for aboout 2-3 seconds, boot should pop open. Enjoy!!
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: ATL, GA
The car looks awesome! I'm happy that I went ahead with LB.
Btw, is that a custom built license plate? It suits the Mini's profile pretty well. And how much did Downtown Mini charge for getting those door sills?
Btw, is that a custom built license plate? It suits the Mini's profile pretty well. And how much did Downtown Mini charge for getting those door sills?
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Redwood City, California
Your car looks truly amazing!
I appreciate how your "photo shoot" location and antenna "ball" have combined my two favorite things: Mini Coopers and Disney. If I didn't live in northern California, I would drive my MCS down to Disneyland and do her "photo shoot" there
Enjoy your new car, jmelrose!!!
I appreciate how your "photo shoot" location and antenna "ball" have combined my two favorite things: Mini Coopers and Disney. If I didn't live in northern California, I would drive my MCS down to Disneyland and do her "photo shoot" there
Enjoy your new car, jmelrose!!!
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: Celebration, FL
The door sills come standard with the JCW Aero Kit! Cool, eh?
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC
I'm just curious because I want do the British Voice Hack
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=35168
and want to change the icon from the boring triangle to a picture of my mini.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=81274
Then when you get the upgrade for the ipod, could you post if the version has changed? I'm just curious what the factory/VPCs are putting in cars and what dealers have.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Southeast Ohio
Fantastic car!! You have reason to be proud, it is beautiful.
And thanks so much for sharing pics. I placed my order yesterday for a MCS. For me, I worked from the inside out. I knew what interior color I wanted (Redwood Red), then it was just a matter of choosing the exterior color. In the end I went with the Dark Silver Metallic w/blk top. It's pretty much loaded: Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Pkg, Bridgespoke wheels w/ASTs, LSD, Comfort Access, Chrome Line interior and exterior, Rear Fog Lights, Xenons, Rains Sensor Wipers, Auto Dimming Mirror, Anthracite headliner, and last but not least, the Nav.
I want to thank you in advance for any pics showing the NAV with the iPod connector since I'll be doing the same thing.
And thanks so much for sharing pics. I placed my order yesterday for a MCS. For me, I worked from the inside out. I knew what interior color I wanted (Redwood Red), then it was just a matter of choosing the exterior color. In the end I went with the Dark Silver Metallic w/blk top. It's pretty much loaded: Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Pkg, Bridgespoke wheels w/ASTs, LSD, Comfort Access, Chrome Line interior and exterior, Rear Fog Lights, Xenons, Rains Sensor Wipers, Auto Dimming Mirror, Anthracite headliner, and last but not least, the Nav.
I want to thank you in advance for any pics showing the NAV with the iPod connector since I'll be doing the same thing.
