I want to pass along to the Forum my very positive experience buying a new USA spec Cooper S (red/white, sport package, sunroof) as a factory delivery. Eight weeks from order to expected delivery. Priced $2000 under USA MSRP including shipping to my choice of 8 USA ports. Small additional for UK tax free export tags and insurance. I'll pick it up on 1 july at the Heathrow-area service center for Park Lane BMW/Mini, the main London dealer. Scheduled for build in week 24, mid-June . This is under BMW's long-standing military and diplomatic sales program (go to http://www.mini.de and there is an English link under "Mini Center" to the "military sales" program). I'm #3 on this list for a Euro delivery Mini. Email me for an Excel spreadsheet with the current price list. Options are at USA list, with about a $2000 discount on base prices for Cooper and S. The real fun here is the 4 weeks I'm going to have the car in Europe for a fast road trip before shipping to Tacoma from Antwerp. 
skippy@vzpacifica.net
skippy@vzpacifica.net
Right now the Mini Euro delivery program is for overseas military only and integrated into BMW's long-standing military sales system. In 2003, I understand there will be regular tourist delivery available. Go to http://www.mini.de and then click to the "Military Sales" page for info on dealers in Germany that are now selling the Mini for delivery there. There are also dealers in the UK, Spain and Italy. Tags and insurance are still a bit sticky as most buyers will be able to put NATO tags on their cars immediately and insurance from the GEICO's Euro operation for military members. Delivery for a road trip before shipping to the USA takes a bit of work to arrange for tourist tags and insurance.