R50/53 Help me decided on two options for ordering my car this week
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY USA
Number one....
To get Lapis Blue Gravity leather or not? Please give me a reason...
Number two....
To get Harman Kardon stereo or not? In my past cars I usually add a sub woofer and some times replace speakers if they sound crappy. Also give me a reason...
So far its a MCS Indi Blue / roof.
premium pack
fog lights
Xenon Headlights
I'm going to get the aero kit myself threw classic and r90 wheels or some BBS.
_________________
Paul Ward
Louisville, KY
http://thetweakshow.com
To get Lapis Blue Gravity leather or not? Please give me a reason...
Number two....
To get Harman Kardon stereo or not? In my past cars I usually add a sub woofer and some times replace speakers if they sound crappy. Also give me a reason...
So far its a MCS Indi Blue / roof.
premium pack
fog lights
Xenon Headlights
I'm going to get the aero kit myself threw classic and r90 wheels or some BBS.
_________________
Paul Ward
Louisville, KY
http://thetweakshow.com
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Nice choice you have! About the blue leather, can't help you. Don't have it, didn't order it. The HK I did add just for the Ahhhh factor. It is something people expect and my husband said I had to order it. Doesn't help me, I am still pretty young and I don't have good ears. So I can't hear all the "stuff" other people listen for... So little or no help I guess. I figure the extra $$ is money well spent.
Coordinator :: Alabama Motoring Society & South East
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,170
Likes: 2
From: Burning-Ham Alabama
The enclosed odd shaped interior and the sounds of a moving car just is not any sort of ideal acoustical environment. I have heard the H&K and it sounds better, but I find myself enjoying motoring so much that i usually forget to put in a CD.
But for the flash factor, the H&K is great and it is a lot cheaper than going aftermarket unless you want something really extreme.
I'm not crazy about 2-tone colored leather, but those that have it seem to love it, so again, who am I to judge?
But for the flash factor, the H&K is great and it is a lot cheaper than going aftermarket unless you want something really extreme.
I'm not crazy about 2-tone colored leather, but those that have it seem to love it, so again, who am I to judge?
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 211
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I recently had to make both those decisions.
Lapis Blue Vs Space Cloth
Leather has adjustable lumbar, compliements the car, durable, easier to keep clean, breathes
Space Cloth looks good, non adjustable lumbar, STATIC electricity, grips in the twisties, hard to keep clean, stains if you spill drinks, back seat almost all silver, keeps the car cool(er)?
I picked the lapis because I have had leather in my explorer 10 yrs it, had adjustable lumbar, durable, easy to cleam, breathes and looks really cool, and I have Labradors which shed at times amd I was told by other MCO dog owners that they wouldn t recommend that fabric because of the weave.
Leather VS Leatherette
Leatherette seats have been noted with over stuffed lumbar support that has caused tall drivers to complain. Being 6.1 Ft and with a hernated disc I dont want to take that chance. Though it looks great, and would be much easier to keep clean than space cloth. Posts vary on its breathability.
HK vs stock
I felt that you can not get a better tuned matched 8spk system for $550. I suggest you read the HK review at http://www.bridger.us/mini/ for an overview of the system. I have a truck that has a total Eclipse system with separates & Zapco amp driving the 2 10"subs. in the enclosure where the back seat use to be. Its great, but not where I want to go with my MCS.
You'll find MCO is a great place to find the pros and cons for everything MINI, what works for one may not work for you. And if reason cant make up your mind, go with your passions. Whatever you decide, someone said here, make sure your pleasing yourself.
Good luck!
Lapis Blue Vs Space Cloth
Leather has adjustable lumbar, compliements the car, durable, easier to keep clean, breathes
Space Cloth looks good, non adjustable lumbar, STATIC electricity, grips in the twisties, hard to keep clean, stains if you spill drinks, back seat almost all silver, keeps the car cool(er)?
I picked the lapis because I have had leather in my explorer 10 yrs it, had adjustable lumbar, durable, easy to cleam, breathes and looks really cool, and I have Labradors which shed at times amd I was told by other MCO dog owners that they wouldn t recommend that fabric because of the weave.
Leather VS Leatherette
Leatherette seats have been noted with over stuffed lumbar support that has caused tall drivers to complain. Being 6.1 Ft and with a hernated disc I dont want to take that chance. Though it looks great, and would be much easier to keep clean than space cloth. Posts vary on its breathability.
HK vs stock
I felt that you can not get a better tuned matched 8spk system for $550. I suggest you read the HK review at http://www.bridger.us/mini/ for an overview of the system. I have a truck that has a total Eclipse system with separates & Zapco amp driving the 2 10"subs. in the enclosure where the back seat use to be. Its great, but not where I want to go with my MCS.
You'll find MCO is a great place to find the pros and cons for everything MINI, what works for one may not work for you. And if reason cant make up your mind, go with your passions. Whatever you decide, someone said here, make sure your pleasing yourself.
Good luck!
Banned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,782
Likes: 0
From: los angeles/san francisco
YES on the lapis blue, because ur getting a blue car and it PERFECTLY complements it. i think it looks dumb on other color car, but for ur car, its the perfect solution, get it
on the HK..if u want to hop up ur audio system later dont get it. but if u watn to get high end stock get it :smile:
on the HK..if u want to hop up ur audio system later dont get it. but if u watn to get high end stock get it :smile:
Paul,
Glad to see you're going to go the aero kit route at Classic and the R90's Awesome savings by buying at Classic over the internet. Give my best to Brian in Parts. Get that pickup truck and trailer ready and meet Julie at the state line.
Kit,
Check your email at Comcast
Charlie
Glad to see you're going to go the aero kit route at Classic and the R90's Awesome savings by buying at Classic over the internet. Give my best to Brian in Parts. Get that pickup truck and trailer ready and meet Julie at the state line.
Kit,
Check your email at Comcast
Charlie
Banned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,782
Likes: 0
From: los angeles/san francisco
what sucks is..i tried to get hte aero bumper through classic..as i have been happy wtih them and got my aero grilles
but they wont ship to cali
but they wont ship to cali
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Ryan,
If you buy the aero kit from Brian at Classic Mini Parts, I'll get them to you for say, $100. We've got a transporter leaving Classic MINI in Late October/early November with 5 MCS's bound for Santa Clara. There's already one aero kit on board. Check out my thread in MINI Talk about CA Buyers and Room for 3 more MINI's.
I originally talked to Brian---long before there were 5 of us buying cars---and because the front and rear bumpers are oversize (24 x 36 x 69 inches) UPS can't take it. I got a quote frem FedEx Ground Freight---separate company--and if I shipped from a business (Classic) to a business (my work) it would have cost me $237 dollars shipping---at least that what my notes say.
So PM or email me at carolla@scu.edu and we can work it out. You can drive down from Berkeley and pick them up; or I've got a super body shop in Santa Clara that will do the paointing and install for miuch less that the dealer will do it for.
If you buy the aero kit from Brian at Classic Mini Parts, I'll get them to you for say, $100. We've got a transporter leaving Classic MINI in Late October/early November with 5 MCS's bound for Santa Clara. There's already one aero kit on board. Check out my thread in MINI Talk about CA Buyers and Room for 3 more MINI's.
I originally talked to Brian---long before there were 5 of us buying cars---and because the front and rear bumpers are oversize (24 x 36 x 69 inches) UPS can't take it. I got a quote frem FedEx Ground Freight---separate company--and if I shipped from a business (Classic) to a business (my work) it would have cost me $237 dollars shipping---at least that what my notes say.
So PM or email me at carolla@scu.edu and we can work it out. You can drive down from Berkeley and pick them up; or I've got a super body shop in Santa Clara that will do the paointing and install for miuch less that the dealer will do it for.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,805
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From: Los Angeles, Ca
Ryan,
What were the prices you were quoted?
Were they primered or painted?
I can get it to you, well you could pick it up and save some cake
20% off Retail at one of our local dealerships....unpainted.
But if you can buy one prepainted, you might be saving time which as we all know = $$$
What were the prices you were quoted?
Were they primered or painted?
I can get it to you, well you could pick it up and save some cake
20% off Retail at one of our local dealerships....unpainted.
But if you can buy one prepainted, you might be saving time which as we all know = $$$
Banned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,782
Likes: 0
From: los angeles/san francisco
waht i am looking for is unpainted front aero bumper
i alraedy replied to your pm charlie
what was the price u quoted me doug?
the thing is..i just found out that the hamann front diffuser might not work with the aero bumper..only wtih stock bumper
so i will investigage further on that, and then make my purchase
sorry to hijack the thead..back to originally set programming
i alraedy replied to your pm charlie
what was the price u quoted me doug?
the thing is..i just found out that the hamann front diffuser might not work with the aero bumper..only wtih stock bumper
so i will investigage further on that, and then make my purchase
sorry to hijack the thead..back to originally set programming
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
>>Number one....
>>To get Lapis Blue Gravity leather or not? Please give me a reason...
I have IB/W with Lapis blue leather. It is OK, color is good. I bought a MINI that was in stock. For $1250 less, I would choose space cloth as my first choice. This would give me the option for a good cloth and if I wanted leather then I would go with a custom leather done aftermarket locally for about $1500. The quality of leather would be better and I can custom color it. The lapis leather does wrinkle- go see anyone with it from a 2002 MCS.
>>Number two....
>> To get Harman Kardon stereo or not? In my past cars I usually add a sub woofer and some times replace speakers if they sound crappy. Also give me a reason...
If you have no plans to mod your audio then the HK is good for $550 more. You can still add a sub like the Infinity BassLink or the JL Stealthbox and amp for it. Most people find the HK is good and much better than stock.
However if you are not going to be happy unless you have the loudest cleanest sound then don't fuss with the HK and spend the $2300-3500 it will take to install a really mean system. Bottom line- don't expect miracles from a $550 upgrade. Some have added Dynamat and that helped dramatically to reduce vibration in the doors.
>>So far its a MCS Indi Blue / roof.
>>premium pack
>>fog lights
>>Xenon Headlights
Don't get the sport package, The bigger 17" wheels are too heavy and the R90s are better. You don't need the DSC that we all turn off.
>>I'm going to get the aero kit myself threw classic and r90 wheels or some BBS.
That's a good plan.
>>To get Lapis Blue Gravity leather or not? Please give me a reason...
I have IB/W with Lapis blue leather. It is OK, color is good. I bought a MINI that was in stock. For $1250 less, I would choose space cloth as my first choice. This would give me the option for a good cloth and if I wanted leather then I would go with a custom leather done aftermarket locally for about $1500. The quality of leather would be better and I can custom color it. The lapis leather does wrinkle- go see anyone with it from a 2002 MCS.
>>Number two....
>> To get Harman Kardon stereo or not? In my past cars I usually add a sub woofer and some times replace speakers if they sound crappy. Also give me a reason...
If you have no plans to mod your audio then the HK is good for $550 more. You can still add a sub like the Infinity BassLink or the JL Stealthbox and amp for it. Most people find the HK is good and much better than stock.
However if you are not going to be happy unless you have the loudest cleanest sound then don't fuss with the HK and spend the $2300-3500 it will take to install a really mean system. Bottom line- don't expect miracles from a $550 upgrade. Some have added Dynamat and that helped dramatically to reduce vibration in the doors.
>>So far its a MCS Indi Blue / roof.
>>premium pack
>>fog lights
>>Xenon Headlights
Don't get the sport package, The bigger 17" wheels are too heavy and the R90s are better. You don't need the DSC that we all turn off.
>>I'm going to get the aero kit myself threw classic and r90 wheels or some BBS.
That's a good plan.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
>>Number one....
>>To get Lapis Blue Gravity leather or not? Please give me a reason...
>>
I have it on my PS w/ blk MCS . I like leather on a car and I like the 2 tone look.
The reason for you to get it ..is YOU HAVE TO LIKE IT
>>Number two....
>> To get Harman Kardon stereo or not? In my past cars I usually add a sub woofer and some times replace speakers if they sound crappy. Also give me a reason...
I have the orig sound system as I have a 2002 and HK was unavailable at the time.
I've heard both systems and IMHO the HK is not worth the extra $500 or so. The bass is a bit better. more bells & whistles.... but nothing to write home about.
You're better off adding aftermarket components and spend that $500 on components that suit your needs.
Peace,
D
>>To get Lapis Blue Gravity leather or not? Please give me a reason...
>>
I have it on my PS w/ blk MCS . I like leather on a car and I like the 2 tone look.
The reason for you to get it ..is YOU HAVE TO LIKE IT
>>Number two....
>> To get Harman Kardon stereo or not? In my past cars I usually add a sub woofer and some times replace speakers if they sound crappy. Also give me a reason...
I have the orig sound system as I have a 2002 and HK was unavailable at the time.
I've heard both systems and IMHO the HK is not worth the extra $500 or so. The bass is a bit better. more bells & whistles.... but nothing to write home about.
You're better off adding aftermarket components and spend that $500 on components that suit your needs.
Peace,
D
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 0
I've had my car for almost a week. I initially spec'ed the car with leather and no h/k. Then changed to space cloth and the $550 h/k. My last few cars have had leather. But it wasn't near $1,250. That's alot for the leather and lumbar adjustment. I like the look and feel of the space cloth. I'm not bringing food/drinks in the car so I'm not worried about the kids, but if that becomes a problem I'll get a seat cover for the back.
I'm not one for after-market audio system mods; but I like the sound of the h/k. It delivers good sound with all types of music at varying volumes (from low with folks in the car to windows-down, highway-speed cranked up).
So I figure I got an upgraded sound system and spent about $700 less than I originally planned. So instead, over the next three or four years I'll be able to spring for annual upholstery cleaning and a new cd every month!
I'm not one for after-market audio system mods; but I like the sound of the h/k. It delivers good sound with all types of music at varying volumes (from low with folks in the car to windows-down, highway-speed cranked up).
So I figure I got an upgraded sound system and spent about $700 less than I originally planned. So instead, over the next three or four years I'll be able to spring for annual upholstery cleaning and a new cd every month!
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 918
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I have an IB/W MCS with the Lapis blue leather and personally I love it. I think it looks great, especially with that color, and my last 3 cars have had leather. I just find it easier to keep clean but it does get hot in the summer. It's a trade-off that I'm happy with.
I also got the H/K system. I'm not much on aftermarket audio systems (don't know much about them and can't install them myself) so I figured it was worth getting the upgrade. It sounds good and I'm not on the quest for the "ultimate" sound system in my car. As someone else said a moving car isn't exactly the best acoustic environment so I just don't see the need to go crazy with it. Just my opinion guys.
In the end it comes down to what you want. There are those on MCO who will argue passionately for and against both options. Get what makes you happy, not what makes someone else happy. Yeah, you might second guess yourself when you finally choose, but in the end I bet you'll be having so much fun just driving that you won't care what you're sitting on or what kind of stereo you have!
I also got the H/K system. I'm not much on aftermarket audio systems (don't know much about them and can't install them myself) so I figured it was worth getting the upgrade. It sounds good and I'm not on the quest for the "ultimate" sound system in my car. As someone else said a moving car isn't exactly the best acoustic environment so I just don't see the need to go crazy with it. Just my opinion guys.
In the end it comes down to what you want. There are those on MCO who will argue passionately for and against both options. Get what makes you happy, not what makes someone else happy. Yeah, you might second guess yourself when you finally choose, but in the end I bet you'll be having so much fun just driving that you won't care what you're sitting on or what kind of stereo you have!
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 918
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
>>Don't mean to hijack the thead, but congratulations on the pending sale, Jerseygirl!
Hey thanks! They didn't even bicker about the price.
How's the new car doing? When do we get to see some pics?
And now back to the topic...
Hey thanks! They didn't even bicker about the price.
How's the new car doing? When do we get to see some pics?
And now back to the topic...
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Paul,
Welcome to MCO. You live downriver from me (Cincy). I have an IB/W MCS with Lapis Blue leather and the standard stereo. I am a leather fan, and have it in all my cars. The IB exterior goes especially well with the Lapis interior. If you like leather, you will kick yourself six months from now if you get an IB MCS without it. It is that good looking with the IB. Leather takes no more care than cloth (regular cleaning), check your pockets for exposed screwdrivers or other sharp instruments before you sit down, and leather will last a lifetime.
I'm not much of a radio expert, so I'll leave that discussion to others. Welcome to the tribe, and enjoy your MINI.
_________________
BLUBELLE - 2003 MCS IB /W Premium, Sport, Cold pkgs, Lapis blue interior, Magnecor wires, Alta Pulley, Moss Skid Plate, Chrome Trim Interior
Welcome to MCO. You live downriver from me (Cincy). I have an IB/W MCS with Lapis Blue leather and the standard stereo. I am a leather fan, and have it in all my cars. The IB exterior goes especially well with the Lapis interior. If you like leather, you will kick yourself six months from now if you get an IB MCS without it. It is that good looking with the IB. Leather takes no more care than cloth (regular cleaning), check your pockets for exposed screwdrivers or other sharp instruments before you sit down, and leather will last a lifetime.
I'm not much of a radio expert, so I'll leave that discussion to others. Welcome to the tribe, and enjoy your MINI.
_________________
BLUBELLE - 2003 MCS IB /W Premium, Sport, Cold pkgs, Lapis blue interior, Magnecor wires, Alta Pulley, Moss Skid Plate, Chrome Trim Interior
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY USA
Thanks for the help guys/girls.
I'm not getting the sports package cause i dont like those 17inch wheels and its not worth the money.
I still dont know what to do on the leather. I like the look of the blue but i want something to last........
I'm not getting the sports package cause i dont like those 17inch wheels and its not worth the money.
I still dont know what to do on the leather. I like the look of the blue but i want something to last........
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Eastern, PA
If you like the look and feel of the leather, go for it. I didn't read the thread closely enough (so I don't know if anyone already mentioned this), but adding the Lapis Blue leather ALSO changes the color of the interior carpet to blue and it really does look STUNNING, especially on an IB car (check out Jerseygirl's sig).
Personally, I've had a bunch of leather interior cars and don't want cloth anymore, the look, feel and actually, relative ease of caring for the leather is worth it to me. I like the look and feel of it.
As for the H/K, I also make it a habbit of buying the upgraded stereo from the factory because I like, loud, crisp music and I like the convenience of not pulling apart the dash when I first buy a car (though I've done it in many cases anyway, go figure).
I LIKE the H/K, but in my opinion it gives no where near the power of the upgraded systems installed by other manufacturers. My Jeep GC Infiniti had a factory subwoofer that shook the Jeep, the VW Monsoon was very good, heck, even the Subaru system included a subwoofer that made some noise. The H/K system sounds very good, but isn't loud enough for my taste.
On the other hand, my buddy ordered his without the H/K and admitted after 5 minutes that ours sounded better. So I guess it depends on how much you plan on modding. The H/K might be perfect with the addition of a subwoofer and nothing else, but if you go with an external amp you're probably going to want to upgrade the speakers again anyway...
Good luck and enjoy!
Kev
_________________
She let's me drive her MCS (which is good, cause I gave it to her as a wedding present)!!!
Our Baby? - she's an 03 Elect Blue (white roof/wheels) MCS, w/ all the toys (premium, cold, h/k, Nav, xenon, fogs etc) !
Personally, I've had a bunch of leather interior cars and don't want cloth anymore, the look, feel and actually, relative ease of caring for the leather is worth it to me. I like the look and feel of it.
As for the H/K, I also make it a habbit of buying the upgraded stereo from the factory because I like, loud, crisp music and I like the convenience of not pulling apart the dash when I first buy a car (though I've done it in many cases anyway, go figure).
I LIKE the H/K, but in my opinion it gives no where near the power of the upgraded systems installed by other manufacturers. My Jeep GC Infiniti had a factory subwoofer that shook the Jeep, the VW Monsoon was very good, heck, even the Subaru system included a subwoofer that made some noise. The H/K system sounds very good, but isn't loud enough for my taste.
On the other hand, my buddy ordered his without the H/K and admitted after 5 minutes that ours sounded better. So I guess it depends on how much you plan on modding. The H/K might be perfect with the addition of a subwoofer and nothing else, but if you go with an external amp you're probably going to want to upgrade the speakers again anyway...
Good luck and enjoy!
Kev
_________________
She let's me drive her MCS (which is good, cause I gave it to her as a wedding present)!!!
Our Baby? - she's an 03 Elect Blue (white roof/wheels) MCS, w/ all the toys (premium, cold, h/k, Nav, xenon, fogs etc) !
Banned
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,756
Likes: 0
>>Number one....
>>To get Lapis Blue Gravity leather or not? Please give me a reason...
>>
>>Number two....
>> To get Harman Kardon stereo or not? In my past cars I usually add a sub woofer and some times replace speakers if they sound crappy. Also give me a reason...
>>
>>
>>So far its a MCS Indi Blue / roof.
>>premium pack
>>fog lights
>>Xenon Headlights
>>
>>
>>I'm going to get the aero kit myself threw classic and r90 wheels or some BBS.
>>
>>
>>
>>_________________
>>Paul Ward
>>Louisville, KY
>>http://thetweakshow.com
Forget the Lapis Leather. Get Leatherette and save $1,300 in the process.
Get the H/K Stereo. While not the ultimate car sound system it is sure better than the stock stereo in that it provides better bass and treble response. Since I am not inclined to purchase and install aftermarket stereos, the $550 admission price for the Harman Kardon stereo was well worth it to me.
>>To get Lapis Blue Gravity leather or not? Please give me a reason...
>>
>>Number two....
>> To get Harman Kardon stereo or not? In my past cars I usually add a sub woofer and some times replace speakers if they sound crappy. Also give me a reason...
>>
>>
>>So far its a MCS Indi Blue / roof.
>>premium pack
>>fog lights
>>Xenon Headlights
>>
>>
>>I'm going to get the aero kit myself threw classic and r90 wheels or some BBS.
>>
>>
>>
>>_________________
>>Paul Ward
>>Louisville, KY
>>http://thetweakshow.com
Forget the Lapis Leather. Get Leatherette and save $1,300 in the process.
Get the H/K Stereo. While not the ultimate car sound system it is sure better than the stock stereo in that it provides better bass and treble response. Since I am not inclined to purchase and install aftermarket stereos, the $550 admission price for the Harman Kardon stereo was well worth it to me.
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