About to go in an order a MINI and I have some dwindling decisions...

Let me first say that I have searched this forum for these answers and haven't found them yet. Also, these are merely aesthetic features or "time will tell" options, so I can't just go by a "go with what you like" opinion as 'cost' will be an issue as well. That said...

Looking at a CR(or VR)/W MC with Cold Weather, Sunroof, white 7-hole 15" wheels, CVT (wife's mandate), chrome inserts, Xenon, fogs, and DSC... MSRP $20,585 ($21,085 w/ VR).

Xenon or not? What are the standard headlights? I can't seem to find information about the stock headlights, are they halogens? I definately like the look of Xenon, but halogens and fogs (fogs either way) have been enough illumination in past vehicles. Any opinions about the stock headlights (complaints)? Potential savings: $500!

DSC? I'll probably get the MINI Cooper (not S). Since ASC is not standard, nor an option, and I'll be taking this car with me to Colorado (one day), is this a safety feature that'll be helpful in snow? If it is only slight help, then I will skip it. Potential savings: $500!

Again, MC in mind, I really like the 15" wheels (style and ride), any comments about the 15s (there's plenty of comments on the 16 vs 17s, but not 15 vs 16s)?

Standard seats vs. Sport? This will be a city car, 80%. And, FUN FUN FUN 20% on the weekends. Are the standards just terrible (I haven't found a Cooper yet with the standards to compare)?

Any of you 5280' crowd have issues with performance in high altitude (especially with a naturally aspirated car)? MC owners specifically here.

Any help is appreciated. If the MC sucks wind at high altitude and DSC is a must in snow, then I might be looking at a MCS instead for higher HP and standard ASC. The CVT will have to wait for the next car (we both drive stick but are just plain sick of it, though I believe either MINI will reignite our driving passions).

Thanks again.

 

I have the xenons and really like them, but the stock halogens are very nice and bright. Unless you specifically want the brighter white xenons, I think you'll be happy with the standard lights.

Don't know about DSC and snow, but I do know that if it did help, it would only help once you were moving...on a curve, for instance. The manual recommends turning off DSC when starting out in snow/ice because the slipping wheels will fool the DSC into kicking in too much.

Definitely I would highly recommend the sports seats. It doesn't matter if you drive fast in the twisties. They are so much more comfortable to me. I have some back problems, and the sports seats feel so much better.

I don't have first-hand knowledge, but everything I'd read on the 15" tires say they provide the best ride. And with a Cooper with a spare tire, you could put on 16" non-runflat tires and have looks and ride quality. Just a thought.

Best of luck with your decision. Have you decided on a color, yet. Oddly enough, that turns out to be many people's hardest decision. :smile:

See ya,
JS

 

I ordered a Cooper with Sport Seats, definately a plus for spirited city driving.

I bypassed the DSC option when I ordered a year ago because at the time it was holding up delivery on orders and from what I have read here it sounds like that this was a good decision as it sounds like a good number of people turn it off when they get into the car, for various performance reasons (do a search on DSC).

I don't see a need for the additional expense of Xenons (also a slow down to delivery a year ago), the standard halogens put out a nice rectangular pattern that is one of the best headlight patterns I've ever had, also ordered the fog lights which are super bright and a low enough that they function like a true fog light(alot that you see these days are purely decorative and not properly placed to be effective).

I went with the 15" 8 spokes mainly because I was so shocked at the harsh ride of the run flat tires, and I could barely determine a handling advantage over the 16" wheels in everyday driving, and the all season tires were great in the snow this winter, I felt I could go anywhere with them (although this might change with 10 or 12M miles on them).

Don't over look the multifunction steering wheel option, this gets you cruise control and the wheel mounted stereo controls, almost a necesity because of the small size of the radio controls, and neat option to boot !

Unless your really into chrome I would pass on the option because I think it looks cleaner with out the inserts, and after cleaning this car for 9 months, I think it would be a real pain to keep them looking good because the shape of the grooves and the difficulty in getting the water completely out of the grooves, it would leave them with constant water spotting.

I hope this helps,

Jim

_________________
Pepper White Cooper,
Black Top & Mirrors,
Sport Seats, Fog Lights,
8 Spoke wheels, Cruise

 

Hello BullyBob! Welcome to the MCO!!!

>>Xenon or not? What are the standard headlights? I can't seem to find information about the stock headlights, are they halogens? I definately like the look of Xenon, but halogens and fogs (fogs either way) have been enough illumination in past vehicles. Any opinions about the stock headlights (complaints)? Potential savings: $500!

I wouldn't get the Xenons again. Personal choice here. No proof, but with the autleveling and the more expensive bulbs, it seems they might be more of a maintenance dollar drain than the stock ones. Also there's the power washers that can break too.


>>DSC? I'll probably get the MINI Cooper (not S). Since ASC is not standard, nor an option, and I'll be taking this car with me to Colorado (one day), is this a safety feature that'll be helpful in snow?

For getting going in snow you have to turn it off in many conditions to get moving, but once moving, the safety provides great peace of mind.


>>Again, MC in mind, I really like the 15" wheels (style and ride), any comments about the 15s (there's plenty of comments on the 16 vs 17s, but not 15 vs 16s)?

I'd say go for the 16s.


>>Standard seats vs. Sport? This will be a city car, 80%. And, FUN FUN FUN 20% on the weekends. Are the standards just terrible (I haven't found a Cooper yet with the standards to compare)?


Sport seats are very cool. Even in city driving they're comfortable to me!

 

>>
>>Xenon or not?



i would say no question about it, you HAVE to get the xenons. the brightness is marvelous, and is VERY helpful on long road trips on the highway with no lights around. its great, IMO a necessity



>>
>>DSC? I'll probably get the MINI Cooper (not S). Since ASC is not standard, nor an option, and I'll be taking this car with me to Colorado (one day), is this a safety feature that'll be helpful in snow? If it is only slight help, then I will skip it. Potential savings: $500!
>>


you can live without DSC


>>Again, MC in mind, I really like the 15" wheels (style and ride), any comments about the 15s (there's plenty of comments on the 16 vs 17s, but not 15 vs 16s)?
>>


if you get 16s, DONT GET THE DUNLOP SPORT SP5000, too much sliding in the twisties, but i would stick with the 15s


>>Standard seats vs. Sport? This will be a city car, 80%. And, FUN FUN FUN 20% on the weekends. Are the standards just terrible (I haven't found a Cooper yet with the standards to compare)?
>>


sport seat necessity like the xenons




hope my info helps. lastly i have a 03 mcs with package #1 and package #2, and got it for $21,830 :smile:

 

I've got a MCS so I can't comment on some of your questions, but I will on a couple.

Headlights. I've got the standard ones and they work great if you ask me. The low beams have a good pattern and the high beams really throw the light down the road.

Seats. I really like the sport seats and think you will enjoy them too.

Have fun with your new toy once it arrives!

Wings

 

>>About to go in an order a MINI and I have some dwindling decisions...
>>
>>Let me first say that I have searched this forum for these answers and haven't found them yet. Also, these are merely aesthetic features or "time will tell" options, so I can't just go by a "go with what you like" opinion as 'cost' will be an issue as well. That said...
>>
>>Looking at a CR(or VR)/W MC with Cold Weather, Sunroof, white 7-hole 15" wheels, CVT (wife's mandate), chrome inserts, Xenon, fogs, and DSC... MSRP $20,585 ($21,085 w/ VR).

Skip the CVT let her get her own car 1250 savings

>>
>>Xenon or not? What are the standard headlights? I can't seem to find information about the stock headlights, are they halogens? I definately like the look of Xenon, but halogens and fogs (fogs either way) have been enough illumination in past vehicles. Any opinions about the stock headlights (complaints)? Potential savings: $500!

I have Cooper without and Cooper with. They are cool. but not necessary
>>
>>DSC? I'll probably get the MINI Cooper (not S). Since ASC is not standard, nor an option, and I'll be taking this car with me to Colorado (one day), is this a safety feature that'll be helpful in snow? If it is only slight help, then I will skip it. Potential savings: $500!
>>
>>Again, MC in mind, I really like the 15" wheels (style and ride), any comments about the 15s (there's plenty of comments on the 16 vs 17s, but not 15 vs 16s)?
>>
>>Standard seats vs. Sport? This will be a city car, 80%. And, FUN FUN FUN 20% on the weekends. Are the standards just terrible (I haven't found a Cooper yet with the standards to compare)?

Might consider the Sport package I like the DSC might save your **** in the snow, most consider the sport seats a must have, and you get the 16" instead of 15's

>>
>>Any of you 5280' crowd have issues with performance in high altitude (especially with a naturally aspirated car)? MC owners specifically here.
>>
>>Any help is appreciated. If the MC sucks wind at high altitude and DSC is a must in snow, then I might be looking at a MCS instead for higher HP and standard ASC. The CVT will have to wait for the next car (we both drive stick but are just plain sick of it, though I believe either MINI will reignite our driving passions).
>>
>>Thanks again.

Get the MFSW it is great unless you are going aftermarket with the stereo. Also I love the auto wipers and mirror weel worth the 140

If you are considering the S I would say Go for it.

An S with Sport and Cold package. with MFSW and Auto wipers and mirrors
Oh thats what I have..

Good luck whatever you get you will enjoy

 

I'm in a MCS, so I have the ASC, but if you're going to be in the snow, by all means get it... and unless you live in the country, or drive on darker country roads, the regular headlights should be fine...

Rocketboy_X