R50/53 advice? speccing soon
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
After first thinking I would order my cooper S with package one and 2, I have had a change of heart. Thinking I don't really want automatic AC but I do everything else, I just add the rest of the options for an extra 100 bucks. would it be worth it for me to have manual ac over the automatic? humm I don't know. Also I don't really need DCS or 17" rims. actually I could probably get stock s-lites later if I really wanted them for cheap. but I will be commuting in this car 80 miles per day so a smoother ride is more important to me than handling. That being the case I probably wouldn't really use DCS very much anyway. but will add the Xenon and foglamps.
do you think I would miss out not having auto AC, is Auto ac better than manual? Will I miss having 17" rims instead. also will I miss out not having DCS but having the standard ACS
what exactly will the onboard computer do for me? worth 200 bucks?
I will add Driving lamps. do they charge for the instalation of these if ordered upfront or do they come installed from the factory? are they hard to install yourself or are there aftermarket lites for cheaper than 400 bucks.
thanks for the info.
Getting dark silver/black/ cloth/grey int
due to be built in August. but I have to make up my mind for spec this week.
do you think I would miss out not having auto AC, is Auto ac better than manual? Will I miss having 17" rims instead. also will I miss out not having DCS but having the standard ACS
what exactly will the onboard computer do for me? worth 200 bucks?
I will add Driving lamps. do they charge for the instalation of these if ordered upfront or do they come installed from the factory? are they hard to install yourself or are there aftermarket lites for cheaper than 400 bucks.
thanks for the info.
Getting dark silver/black/ cloth/grey int
due to be built in August. but I have to make up my mind for spec this week.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 397
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If you don't drive in inclimate weather often, or if you are a hot foot. You will be turning the DSC off a lot. 16 inch wheels are more performance oriented, and for ride quality you can get taller sidewalls to absorb the road imperfections better ( you just have to find a middle ground between bumps vs. sidewall rollover). I am not a huge fan of the Auto AC. I have it and it works ,but the money could go elsewhere. I like my lapis leather, but the leatherette is tougher by far. The Xenons are great. I like the computer too.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 0
From: Austin,Texas
IMHO - I have Auto Air now and DCS and MFSW -- these three are a Must Have. Auto Air is great, set it for 70 (or 21) and leave it alone! If you want it to really blow, lower the temp and it will bring the car to that temp. The DCS is great! I love it. It's like the car hugs the road.
I don't want the added weight of the Sunroof, I don't want a toy like the computer, I don't need a NAV toy.
I want the 16" wheels (X-Lites) because they give a better ride and better handling. and the don't weigh down the car. -- even the JCW keeps them on the car.
I like the look and the visibility of the Fogs and Xenon lights. but after that.... I don't need or want anything else extra than what comes with the MCS.
My 2 Cents worth.
I don't want the added weight of the Sunroof, I don't want a toy like the computer, I don't need a NAV toy.
I want the 16" wheels (X-Lites) because they give a better ride and better handling. and the don't weigh down the car. -- even the JCW keeps them on the car.
I like the look and the visibility of the Fogs and Xenon lights. but after that.... I don't need or want anything else extra than what comes with the MCS.
My 2 Cents worth.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Middle of nowhere
I decided that Package #1 was a good bargain for me. I live in the Deep South where it gets pretty hot in the Summer so the sun roof made sense. The Auto A/C and computer are just toys for me to play with and I'm a big fan of Cruise.
I decided I didn't want to 17's (rougher ride and weight) or DSC (I like to live dangerously) But I did get fogs and Xenons. Got HK for sound reasons
My understanding on the DL is that installation is included when you order them up front (same for Bonner stripes).
To problem with the MINI is there are too damn many decisions to make when ordering (But it is fun!)
Just my $.02234353 (adjusted for market conditions). Good luck on your choices.
I decided I didn't want to 17's (rougher ride and weight) or DSC (I like to live dangerously) But I did get fogs and Xenons. Got HK for sound reasons
My understanding on the DL is that installation is included when you order them up front (same for Bonner stripes). To problem with the MINI is there are too damn many decisions to make when ordering (But it is fun!)
Just my $.02234353 (adjusted for market conditions). Good luck on your choices.
pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
Likes: 30
From: California
Here is my review of my spec after having put 30,000 miles on the car. A link to the full one year long term report is in my signature.
Originally posted by DiD (see link in sig for more)
For what it's worth, here are my opinions on the options after a year of living with them:
Premium Package
- On Board Computer: Other than the outside temperature, I don't use this at all. Since the outside temperature is the default display if you don't spec the OBC, I would not select this option next time around.
- Auto A/C: I like the Auto A/C and would get it again.
- Sunroof: Mine creaks occasionally and it doesn't get much use in the winter, but it sure is nice come spring and summer. Since I'm getting more serious about autocross weight is a consideration, so it's a toss-up whether I would select the sunroof again.
- Multifunction Steering Wheel: I originally thought I would use the cruise control functions more, but almost never do. I would definitely get the MFSW again though as the radio controls on the back are now one of my most used features.
Sport Package
- 17" S-lites: I would pass on the 17" wheels next time around. I sold mine and now use the 16" v-spokes which preserve the stock appearance and are lighter.
- Performance Run-Flats: The very first thing I would do to the car if I had it to do over again is replace the run-flats with regular tires. The tire change alone improved the acceleration, handling, and ride comfort.
- DSC: I hate it. I drive around with it turned off 90% of the time. If the system just applied the brakes when it detected slipping, it would be a nice addition. However, DSC also cuts power to the engine and I have had a couple of close calls pulling out of parking lots when DSC cut power with rapidly approaching traffic.
- Xenon headlights and Fog Lights: I really like my xenons and would get them again.
Lapis Blue Leather
- I like the leather a lot. That said, now that I have seen the Space Cloth (it wasn't available when I got my car), I wouldn't pay the extra $1250 for the leather.
- The alloy patina finish on the interior was the only finish available at the time I purchase my MINI. I would not get it again. My choice would be the plain silver. I did need to replace two interior trim pieces due to pealing paint. MINI should take strides to improve the interior trim paint adhesion.
Options I wish I had: The Cold Weather Package
My next MINI would be spec'd like this:
Pure Silver / Pure Silver MINI Cooper S
- Cold Weather Package
- Auto A/C
- MFSW
- Xenon Headlights with Fogs
- Space Cloth with the silver interior trim pieces
- possibly the sunroof
For what it's worth, here are my opinions on the options after a year of living with them:
Premium Package
- On Board Computer: Other than the outside temperature, I don't use this at all. Since the outside temperature is the default display if you don't spec the OBC, I would not select this option next time around.
- Auto A/C: I like the Auto A/C and would get it again.
- Sunroof: Mine creaks occasionally and it doesn't get much use in the winter, but it sure is nice come spring and summer. Since I'm getting more serious about autocross weight is a consideration, so it's a toss-up whether I would select the sunroof again.
- Multifunction Steering Wheel: I originally thought I would use the cruise control functions more, but almost never do. I would definitely get the MFSW again though as the radio controls on the back are now one of my most used features.
Sport Package
- 17" S-lites: I would pass on the 17" wheels next time around. I sold mine and now use the 16" v-spokes which preserve the stock appearance and are lighter.
- Performance Run-Flats: The very first thing I would do to the car if I had it to do over again is replace the run-flats with regular tires. The tire change alone improved the acceleration, handling, and ride comfort.
- DSC: I hate it. I drive around with it turned off 90% of the time. If the system just applied the brakes when it detected slipping, it would be a nice addition. However, DSC also cuts power to the engine and I have had a couple of close calls pulling out of parking lots when DSC cut power with rapidly approaching traffic.
- Xenon headlights and Fog Lights: I really like my xenons and would get them again.
Lapis Blue Leather
- I like the leather a lot. That said, now that I have seen the Space Cloth (it wasn't available when I got my car), I wouldn't pay the extra $1250 for the leather.
- The alloy patina finish on the interior was the only finish available at the time I purchase my MINI. I would not get it again. My choice would be the plain silver. I did need to replace two interior trim pieces due to pealing paint. MINI should take strides to improve the interior trim paint adhesion.
Options I wish I had: The Cold Weather Package
My next MINI would be spec'd like this:
Pure Silver / Pure Silver MINI Cooper S
- Cold Weather Package
- Auto A/C
- MFSW
- Xenon Headlights with Fogs
- Space Cloth with the silver interior trim pieces
- possibly the sunroof
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 0
From: Austin,Texas
>>
>>To problem with the MINI is there are too damn many decisions to make when ordering (But it is fun!)
>>
>>
You are so correct ! Personalization is the MINI way!
Your MINI is YOUR MINI!!!
Just think out of each 100,000 sold worldwide there are only 5 that will have an exact twin. So get the things, colors, options, decals, etc... that you will want and will enjoy! How exciting to finially be getting to place your order!!! Have fun!!!
pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
Likes: 30
From: California
Somehow I don't think the number of duplicate specs is nearly *that* low. Maybe that's statistically possible given the matrix of options, but it certainly isn't what I've seen in reality when people actually choose. I wouldn't be surprised if there were 5 "twins" of most people's spec just here in Denver. It's not going to be a really "unique" MINI unless somehow you got some totally oddball spec - Silk Green with the Emerald Green leather (I believe AprilWhine referred to that combination as "Poison Green" since she got it right before they killed silk green) or you were smoking shrooms and got Liquid Yellow with the Tartan Red.
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Dave
1 year: 29004 miles | mini5280
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Dave
1 year: 29004 miles | mini5280
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
After 8 months in a Cooper S with all three packages - I feel:
-SPORT
SC sucks. 17" run-flats offer a pretty hard ride. Xenons & fog-lights are a must have. I like my bonnet stripes.
- PREMIUM: I love my OBC - yes it's a toy. I like having an efficiency gauge even if it isn't 100% accurate. The MFSW isn't something I would pay extra for. The radio controls are cool, but the ones on the head unit are pretty easy to find and reach, too. Cruise control ?!? what's the fun in that? The panoramic sunroof - I bought the car in NY where I thought a sunroof would be a good idea (although from what I read it hasn't stopped raining there since February). I now live in Las Vegas where the sunroof functions kinda like a magnifying glass on an anthill. I don't consider weight as a deciding factor as i have no intention of racing my car competitively. Lastly, the Auto AC seems to work pretty well for me. I don't know if it's BETTER than manual. I will say I often turn off the AUTO function when the car is very hot and just turn on the front vents in front of me until it's cool enough. That being said, I probably wouldn't pay extra for it again.
-WINTER: I wouldn't have been happy in NY last winter without heated seats mirrors and washer jets. I have no use for them here in Vegas.
-Panther Black Leather - is noticeably softer I.M.H.O. than the vinyl (er... leatherette). Upholstery is a very personal thing so sit on every kind before you pick, I guess.
BOTTOM LINE:
MINI I ORDERED: $24425
MINI I WILL ORDER NEXT TIME: $22465
$1980 buys lots of other stuff - like enough tires for 100000 miles, a vacation to beautiful Las Vegas, a new 17" IMac, a 1993 Hyundai Excel for when you get tired of your Mini, 2000 Big Macs (when they have that 99 cent sale), etc.
-SPORT
SC sucks. 17" run-flats offer a pretty hard ride. Xenons & fog-lights are a must have. I like my bonnet stripes.- PREMIUM: I love my OBC - yes it's a toy. I like having an efficiency gauge even if it isn't 100% accurate. The MFSW isn't something I would pay extra for. The radio controls are cool, but the ones on the head unit are pretty easy to find and reach, too. Cruise control ?!? what's the fun in that? The panoramic sunroof - I bought the car in NY where I thought a sunroof would be a good idea (although from what I read it hasn't stopped raining there since February). I now live in Las Vegas where the sunroof functions kinda like a magnifying glass on an anthill. I don't consider weight as a deciding factor as i have no intention of racing my car competitively. Lastly, the Auto AC seems to work pretty well for me. I don't know if it's BETTER than manual. I will say I often turn off the AUTO function when the car is very hot and just turn on the front vents in front of me until it's cool enough. That being said, I probably wouldn't pay extra for it again.
-WINTER: I wouldn't have been happy in NY last winter without heated seats mirrors and washer jets. I have no use for them here in Vegas.
-Panther Black Leather - is noticeably softer I.M.H.O. than the vinyl (er... leatherette). Upholstery is a very personal thing so sit on every kind before you pick, I guess.
BOTTOM LINE:
MINI I ORDERED: $24425
MINI I WILL ORDER NEXT TIME: $22465
$1980 buys lots of other stuff - like enough tires for 100000 miles, a vacation to beautiful Las Vegas, a new 17" IMac, a 1993 Hyundai Excel for when you get tired of your Mini, 2000 Big Macs (when they have that 99 cent sale), etc.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
thanks everybody. I just went to the dealer to dest drive the S again and got a real test drive this time. humm. with the DCS on I was pulling out infront of trafic and it cut the engine. I don't like that. it also defaults to on if it default to what ever it was on last I might think about it. I think I will opt out of the DCS. the S I drove also had auto AC. doesn't seem to bother me as I can put it to manual modes. I really like the option of having a sun roof but I don't like those holes in the cover. so no matter what I get some sun. I wish the cover shade was solid. probably somithing I can fix later.
also listened to the HK audi. not that impressed with the sound quality as to what I am used to. I think I will transplant my speakers from my truck.
also at my local dealer tey charge like 150 to install the Driving lights. since I am getting my mini from utah anyway it doesn't matter but I think I will opt out of the mini driving lights and go aftermarket and install myself.
all the mini at the dealer were anthracite. even the test car. humm probably for a reason. I like the looks of alloy but real alloy. good idea but the finish looks fake to me and like it would be hard to match if it got scratched. so no alloy for me
so here is my spec.
-Dark silver / Black cooper S
-Package 1
-fog lighs
-Xenon lights
-anthracite / grey int (it gets hot in sacramento)
-space cloth
-stock 16" rims
future mods
-driving lights
-racing stripes (lighter silver or ghost) just barley noticeable
-jolly roger flag but to look like a real pirate flag not the cartoon roger readily avalible
-replace the vinal in the sunroof shades to be solid.
-cold air intake
can't wait until the boat arives with my august build MINI
also listened to the HK audi. not that impressed with the sound quality as to what I am used to. I think I will transplant my speakers from my truck.
also at my local dealer tey charge like 150 to install the Driving lights. since I am getting my mini from utah anyway it doesn't matter but I think I will opt out of the mini driving lights and go aftermarket and install myself.
all the mini at the dealer were anthracite. even the test car. humm probably for a reason. I like the looks of alloy but real alloy. good idea but the finish looks fake to me and like it would be hard to match if it got scratched. so no alloy for me
so here is my spec.
-Dark silver / Black cooper S
-Package 1
-fog lighs
-Xenon lights
-anthracite / grey int (it gets hot in sacramento)
-space cloth
-stock 16" rims
future mods
-driving lights
-racing stripes (lighter silver or ghost) just barley noticeable
-jolly roger flag but to look like a real pirate flag not the cartoon roger readily avalible
-replace the vinal in the sunroof shades to be solid.
-cold air intake
can't wait until the boat arives with my august build MINI
GPW-Pat,
With your car being delivered in August, when were you told was the last day you could make change to your order?
I've got a July build, for August delivery, and was just told that it's too late to change my interior choices since my car's status was just updated to "scheduled".
Tom
With your car being delivered in August, when were you told was the last day you could make change to your order?
I've got a July build, for August delivery, and was just told that it's too late to change my interior choices since my car's status was just updated to "scheduled".
Tom
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
I don't know. they never really told me a last day. I have had a deposit in for a month and they called me to get my spec yesterday. they told me it would be built early in August.
I did change my magnesium interior back to black as I didn't want an interior that gets dirty easily. also the fact that I have never seen a magnesium int in person. I felt comfortable in all the test drives I took with the black I knew Iwould be happy with it. I would hate to wait all these months and get an interior that I wasn't happy with.
dealer told me 750 for driving lighs installed. Ouch.
I did change my magnesium interior back to black as I didn't want an interior that gets dirty easily. also the fact that I have never seen a magnesium int in person. I felt comfortable in all the test drives I took with the black I knew Iwould be happy with it. I would hate to wait all these months and get an interior that I wasn't happy with.
dealer told me 750 for driving lighs installed. Ouch.
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