I can't find a preowned car with the options I want, so I was thinking of ordering a car. I have pretty much decided on the following options for sure:

1. Premium
2. Convenience
3. Sport
4. Cold
5. LSD
6. HD Radio
7. Anthracite Headliner

I am torn on the following options:
1. JCW (vs. aftermarket add-ons)
2. NAV
3. Leather vs. Leatherette vs. Cloth
4. JCW Suspension (vs. H&R or others)

Any opinions? Any other options I should or should not be getting?

 

I ordered 1-7 - love it!

 

Hi trojanman,

Congrats on your car!

As for options, it's all about personal preference, of course, but I don't like sunroofs (moonroofs? never did understand the difference) to begin with, but the MCS sunroof shade isn't opaque - that's a real negative for me.

And I dont know if this was stupid, but I wanted the DSC and the SS but I didn't see any reason to get the 17 inch wheels. I thought the standard 16 inch wheels actually looked better, so instead of getting the Sport package I just ordered DSC and SS separately. Oh, and I also got the LSD. I'm getting a mini because it's really fun to drive, and these things seem like they might make it a little more fun.

Up till now, I have never wanted leather seats; they have always seemed cold and stiff and not as comfortable as nice cloth seats (my Accord seats have a velour-ish plush to them I really like); but I *really* liked the look of the Carbon Black Lounge Leather seats so I went for it. (the piping really makes them look sharp). And I must say they were awfully comfortable when I took my test ride. The brown leather seats that are available only in the "sidewalk" edition (which is, unfortunately, a cabrio) look even better. And I think there is a different brown leather seat available only on the Clubman - possibly only on the brown Clubman (which is a nice looking paint color). But again, not an option for MCS.

Nav just didn't seem worth that much money to me. But I am a big music fan so I got hi def radio and sirius radio too. I am looking forward to spending time in this car!

Like you, I went for the Anthracite headliner; I think it will look good with the black leather seats.

Tell me about the JCW. Can I get that aftermarket/at the dealer, or is it too late? Is that worth it?

Overall it sounds like a sweet car you're getting. Congrats!

 

Aesthetically, I got the rear fog lights on my new 08 MCS and I am happy that I did because it fills out all of the toggle switches. Also, I like the white turn signals because they also make the turn signals on the side of the car white, which goes with my CR/B combination.

For the options you are considering, the only one i have is the Nav, which I love. I decided to spend the extra money on it because it has real-time traffic information and driving through as much traffic as I do, I thought it would be helpful. Now that I have the car, I have found out that the nav completely changes the way you interface with the car, and I LOVE it! It is expensive, but I think it makes the car more fun and makes it more of a toy!

Whatever you get, though, you will LOVE it!!!!

 

My favorite options are:

Sunroof
Nav

Least Favorite:

LSD (It increases effects of torque steer and seems otherwise unnecessary to me).

HiFi It's better than stock, but crap for a stereo upgrade. It would have been better if MIni doubled, or even tripled, the price of this option and made it a real upgrade.

I strongly recommend the cloth/leather interior. It combines the strength, looks, luxury and smell of leather with comfortable, non-stick-to seating.

 

LynnEl, I can't disagree directly(I don't have my Mini yet) with your statement about the LSD effect on Torque steer, but the information that I have is that a LSD is one of the mechanism employed to DECREASE torque steer - source include wikipedia and a performance driving instructor who specializes in Mini.

 

If you are getting an 08 definitely get the nav. It has the basic iDrive interface like the BMWs and it is great when using your iPod or Sirius, etc. The real time traffic feature is awesome. I was on the turnpike and the traffic system alerted me of an accident coming up in 2 miles and gave me the option to divert around it. I did and later that night saw the accident on the news. Everyone else on the turnpike sat for 4 hours stuck! It paid for itself that night.

 

$2000 just that one night, huh? okay....

 

Well you can be sarcastic to other peoples opinions, but since you obviously don't have Nav, you have no idea what features are in it. When you get Nav its not just the Nav system. The Video screen ties in all the other functions of the car from the radio, to iPod, to Sirius to the car computer, etc. You get a lot more functions than cars without Nav. The iDrive interface is great. Practically every car manufacturer today offers a Nav System. Why do you think that is? Because people want them. So for resale value its also worth it.

 

Clutch pack LSD in a front driver = added torque steer versus open diff, I know, I had one in my R56.

Quaife ATB LSD in a front drive = no added torque steer versus open diff, I know, I have one in my R53.

It depends what type of LSD is in the car whether it corrupts the steering feel.

 

That explains it. I thought the LSD would eliminate torque steer, but it sure doesn't feel like it on my R56.
So, is the LSD on R56 good for anything?

 

In my experience, the LSD transfers torque steer right and left as it transfers power back and forth between wheels. At WOT the car wants to weave.

The benefit of LSD is that it delays the onset of AST (the electronic traction control in all 2007+ MINIs). AST will apply braking to a spinning wheel and may cut engine speed. This can cause the car to seem like it is bogging down when you floor it. LSD transfers power mechanically to the non-spinning wheel, so you get more power to the ground. LSD should give you faster acceleration in slippery conditions or, under WOT. The difference could be noticeable when turning left in front of oncoming traffic and you hit a slippery patch. It can be somewhat stress inducing to have the engine bog.

 

Hi Rye...
You obviously have a great deal of experience on the "LSD" subject. After reading many threads about it, I have a question for you.

I just ordered my MCSm. Currently it is spec'd with LSD, no DSC,no Sports suspension, and 17" Crown Spoke wheels.

Given the choice and a $500 budget, would you get the LSD or the sports suspension and why?

Thank you in advance for your respected advice

Greg