Hey everyone,

I have to see the dealers about a MCS in the next couple of days and just wanted to have some suggestions. The following is a list of the extra options I am thinking of getting, but am unsure whether I need them all. Could you guys please comment on whether you think they are any good or not worth getting.

1. DSC
2. Front Fog Lamps
3. Harman Kardon 8 speaker Hi Fi system
4. Auxiliary gauges
5. MCS colour: I cant decide whether to get pure silver w/ black roof and black stripes. Or dark silver w/ white roof and stripes

Thanks

 

Please everyone I need some help

 

>>Please everyone I need some help<<


I'll try to help on a couple of things. The fog lights just seem to me like they need to be on the car...plus, don't forget the extra toggle.

My standard stereo isn't very impressive. I didn't even listen to the HK before I ordered but I wish I had, it's almost got to be a big improvement.

I would think the DSC would be easy to skip.....but this is from someone who doesn't have it. Those they do may think it's essential.

Don't know about the gauges but generally speaking the more the better.

Go with the white top.

Most importantly of course, get what YOU want.........

R.E.

 

1) I don't have DSC so I can't help you here.
2) The front foglights are a must, they really help increase visibility and they look cool besides.
3) Definitely go for the HK system, I have it and it's the best sounding system I've ever had in a car.
4) Again, I don't have the aux gauges, but they look cool and provide more info than the standard gauge cluster.
5) My vote is pure silver/black roof, but skip the bonnet stripes, to me it just looks smoother without the stripes.

The auxiliary driving lights are cool too, you may want to consider those as well...I regret not getting them...

 

1) I also do not have DSC, but think I don't need something like that.
2) I didn't get fog lights from the factory, but installed some myslf and it really dresses up the front of the car.
3) I love my HK system, it is a big step up from stock, and the radio itself has alot of extra features, but is worth it if you're not looking to rattle windows of the house down the street. FYI, I like my music loud and that takes care of my craving for it.
4) The more guages the better I always say.
5) My MINI is indi blue with white top, and got it without the stripes, Last week I put on a set myself and really like the way it sets off the car. I personally like mine better than factory only because mine go straight up the bonnet instead of an angle.

But remember to make it your own, you'll enjoy it more!!!

 

...worth getting?
>>
>>1. DSC
No, more of a safety feature. Not for performance. Still have ASC.
>>2. Front Fog Lamps
Yes, aids visibility
>>3. Harman Kardon 8 speaker Hi Fi system
Yes, not audiophile but very good for $550.
>>4. Auxiliary gauges
Yes,Looks nice,very sporty
>>5. MCS colour: I cant decide whether to get pure silver w/ black roof and black stripes. Or dark silver w/ white roof and stripes
DS/W !


or

_________________
ALOHA

 

>>Please everyone I need some help

Chill out. You haven't exactly engendered a lot of good will here (I see the bra thread has been deleted), so there are plenty of people who are probably ignoring your questions. As for everyone else, they're not just sitting by their computers waiting for questions like yours to answer. Try checking back in a day, or at least a few hours.

 

1) DSC - good for extra safety
2) Fogs - look cool and extra safety (I use mine a lot at dusk to increase my visibility to other drivers)
3) I like the basic factory non-HK system just fine
4) I have aux gauges and they look really cool at night, but not of much functional value
5) I'd say go for the black top if you live in a colder climate, and white top in the sunbelt, because it will reflect light/heat more.

 

>>Chill out. You haven't exactly engendered a lot of good will here (I see the bra thread has been deleted), so there are plenty of people who are probably ignoring your questions. As for everyone else, they're not just sitting by their computers waiting for questions like yours to answer. Try checking back in a day, or at least a few hours.

Chrisnl, I love how you always say what I'm thinking but am afraid to post! I noticed the mysterious disappearance of the "bras are crap" thread too.

 

"You haven't exactly engendered a lot of good will here (I see the bra thread has been deleted), so there are plenty of people who are probably ignoring your questions." - chrisnl

Mate you disappoint me, what type of 5 year old, gets offended by a insignificant comment and says to themselves..."mmm, the guys actually asking a serious question, but I will be mature about it and not answer the question in spite of him."

Gees chrisnl you sound like another one that has a bra....i dont understand why my thread was such an issue, i cant believe you would still bring it up. And chrisnl if you dont like me posts, do yourself a favour, dont reply.

And I dont expect people to be sitting at their computers waiting to answer questions like mine, its just that I was seeing the dealer today, and wanted some help deciding what to get.

Thanks to the people that helped me out, cheers
___________
"Its not the size of the mouse in the fight, but the size of the fight in the mouse."

 

Kuneman,

I guess I missed the bra post. Anyway, let me know what you decide on.

Happy Motoring

R.E.

:smile:

 

I'd skip the HK system. I've had four(yes four) MINIs and
think it is not worth it.(2with/2without)
Get the Xenon headlamps as well.

 

1. DSC - Good safety feature and you can always turn it "off" if you want to.
2. F/Fogs - More light, look cool etc etc.
3. H/K Hi-Fi - Much better than standard system. My old cooper had the standard system but when I ordered my MCS I went for the H/K and it is awesome.
4. Aux Guages - Don't have them but if it was me I would get the aftermarket Pro-MINI or Alta guages that mount either side of the tacho. Way cool. IMO.
5. Colour - Dark Silver is my favourite, mine is Dark Silver with Black roof. However my old cooper was Liquid Yellow, couldn't be more opposite to DS, but I loved it. As many other people have posted, you will probably change your mind on the colour lots of times before ordering. Lets face it, the car looks good in any colour.

A few other options that you may consider.
1. Heated Seats, they are really useful on a chilly morning.
2. Heated mirrors/jets etc, as above.
3. Sunroof, good for the few days of decent weather we get over here in the U.K.

Whatever you get just enjoy. Good Luck. :smile: null

 

1) DSC: Depends on your driving environment and habits, good safety feature you but you can do without it. I have ASC+T in my MCS.

2) Front and Rear fogs: An absolute visibility safety feature so by all means add them both to your order.

3)H/K I think it is a most if you like to "spice up" your listening experience in the MINI. The standard stereo gets the job done but it is lacking in the Bass dept too much for my liking (I have it in my '02 Cooper CVT). This time around I picked the H/K for my '04 MCS and like it a lot. Is not a window shattering system and it was not meant to be one. It is the best compromise when in comes to a reasonably priced factory stereo system with acoustics and sound stage specially enhanced for the MINI cockpit. I find that it delivers better sound quality, stronger bass response and clearer highs. It might not please the most demanding audiophile but it does enhance the driving experience. I am not into aftermarket stereo car radios either, I am more of a "stock" type of guy. It is always been my belief that if you want the ultimate kick *** stereo system, buy one for your home. In a car there is always too much background noise (Engine, wind, traffic, etc) that spending north of $500 for a decent stereo is a bit of an oxymoron.

4) Aux gauges look cool, I have seen them and they do fit neatly in the empty center console space between the toggle swirch panel and the floor console assembly. I believe that every car should have gauges for Oil Pressure and Volt rather than idiot lights. They look nice and match the other gauges my only problem with them is that they are expensive in the US ($250) and you have to take into account labor charges (I am not a DIY's person when it comes to tinkering with the car's electrical system).

5) Color: If you have to have Silver, I would pick DS/W over PS/W. Neither color is meant to be flashy but I find DS to be more "down to business", besides some owners have reported paint finish problems in PS cars. I have never heard about any complaints on DS, besides it is a MCS only color..

Other items highly recommended:

1) MFSW with cruise control
2) Rain sensing wipers and automatic rear view mirror
3) Xenons if you do a lot of night driving in dark rural roads.
4) If you have year round cool and dry weather the sunroof is worth looking into, but it adds weight and lacks a solid sunshade in both panels.
5) Get the Anthracite interior trim. It looks fantastic on a DS/W MINI and gives the cabin a very upscale/sporty feeling. Also it is much higher quality than either Silver or Alloy Patina because it does not peel or scratch like the latter.
6) Go with 16" wheels and tires for the best balance in handling, performance (Less unsprung weight) and ride comfort.

 

>>Hey everyone,
>>
>>I have to see the dealers about a MCS in the next couple of days and just wanted to have some suggestions. The following is a list of the extra options I am thinking of getting, but am unsure whether I need them all. Could you guys please comment on whether you think they are any good or not worth getting.
>>
>>1. DSC
Yes
>>2. Front Fog Lamps
Yes (but I like the 4 across better, forget who carries them)
>>3. Harman Kardon 8 speaker Hi Fi system
Not worth it.
>>4. Auxiliary gauges
Maybe, if not too much money.
>>5. MCS colour: I cant decide whether to get pure silver w/ black roof and black
stripes. Or dark silver w/ white roof and stripes
DS/BL
>>
>>Thanks

Get the MFSW, this is a must have!

 

get everything but the dsc its worthless unless you get snow down there but i dont think you do also xennon is a must i wish i had it
and you know what colour i like

 

1. DSC - I don't have and don't miss but might miss if I knew what I was missing = don't know

2. front fog lamps - it's a Brit car (not to start that argument again) so needs them. Besides they are a pretty inexpensive add-on and are cool while also useful

3. Harman Kardon - The standards fine for me (love music but not into rattling rattling buildings) and in a previous thread some with the HK said they regretted it. But on this one the majority seem happy. Depends on what needs are. Maybe test both and see.

4. Sure, more gauges is better but I've never shed tears not having them.

5. Color? It's all personal preference so I think, in the end, you need to base it on what YOU prefer. But since you ask, were it me I would go with white roof and matching bonnet stripes. I doubt many regret their ultimate choice with all the color pride threads abounding.

 

One thing you should be aware of is that the aux gauges come with black bezels (rings), not chrome as they appear in the MINI accessory catalog. :???: