MINI experts -- as I settle in for the long wait until fall (when my 05 MCS will finally arrive!), I am looking for some advice on accessories to buy in order to lessen the wait.

What is the best investment you made before your MINI arrived? Or, what did you buy after your MINI arrived that you wish you would have had from day one?

Accessories, performance mods, manuals, anything -- I'm open to suggestions!

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Ordered my 2005 MCS 4/3/04 -- EB/White (Roof, Mirrors, Bonnet Stripes), Driving Lamps, Premium/Sport/Cold Pkgs, HK with Sirius, AutoWipers/Dim -- I'm in for a looong wait!

 

Parcel Shelf. Installed it the afternoon I took delivery.

 

Lots of info here:
http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/03/...for_new_owners

Stuff we have that I would get right away if we got another MINI

auto-up windows mod
Glove box organizer
euro parcel shelf
MINI-FINI cupholder
tinted windows
MINI rubber mats

 

I will 2nd g3, Parcel shelf is awesome and a MUST.

Honorable mention to my supersprint exhaust and H&R lowering springs.

 

Euro parcel shelf. I got it the second week I had the car. Fairly easy to install yourself.

 

I bought the Italian Job game for Playstation. Too bad I can't drive my real Mini like the ones in the game!

 

definately the parcel shelf. I also bought front mudflaps to protect and a stubby antenna (the stock one make it look like you need a remote control to drive it).

 

hmm, well havent got my MINI yet, but ive already oredered the
Alta intake, Alta pulley, Alta diverter/sprayer, magnaflow exhaust, and One-Click. Obsessed??? I like to think of it as just planning ahead

 

I hate to seem n00bish, but I've looked all through the sponsor directory and haven't been able to find anyone selling the parcel shelf, where can I get it? Is it something I could install myself?

edit: wait, I see that OregonCooper says its easy to install, so nm on that one.

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2004 MINI Cooper S on the way

British Racing Green, Black bonnet stripes

Sport Package, H/K Stereo w/Acc. port

Black/Grey Space Cloth, Anthracite dash

 

My best mod so far = light wheels (17 x 7.5 SSR Comps) & good performance street tires (215-45/17 B-Stone S-03s).
#2 = adjustable rear sway bar (RDR).
#3 = adjustable rear control arms (H-Sport).

 

Gotta have:
euro parcel shelf
Rubber floor mats
glove box organizer
and aux input cable for iPod

 

WHALEN SHIFT MACHINE.

 

Might be a good idea to have a spare aftermarket PPG brand windshield ready

 

The euro parcel shelf is available through Classic Mini (a sponsor) for about $75 delivered. Make sure you mention NAM to get their discount. I just ordered one along with the chrome mirror covers from them. Save a buck now - buy a new exhaust later! I think the glove box organizer is one of the best upgrades, as the glove box as it comes is pretty useless without the dividers.

 

I got no mods whatsoever while waiting but if I had they would've been: 1) glovebox organizer; and 2) brakelight mod. I'm real picky about mods, but both of these have been just super....and cheap!

 

Custom Whalen shiftknob and GotMINI elbow landing device!!!

 

definate do it yourself- if you want to screw it in you'll need a torx 20 screw driver. Some have placed it without fastening it and it stayed

try
Out Motoring

Delivered in two days UPS ground

I will add that the Aux audio adapter and a good radar detector.

 

The best accessory I got while waiting for my MINI was my orange MINI cap. I love it, although it's a stretch to call it orange anymore. Highly recommend this fine head coverer. JR

 

You diefinately need this shirt:


http://outmotoring.com/many_minis_t_shirt.html

or some of the other goodies:


http://www.outmotoring.com/driver_gear.html

 

Chant the storage mantra

I had the euro shelf for some months before GBMINI #2 arrived. It was installed within an hour of arrival at the dealership - at the same time they were fitting the driving lights.
I also had the full toggle switch panel for ages, to eliminate the rear fog gap - but now you can order it from the factory with the gap already filled.

Also, as mentioned by others, the glove box organizer is basically essential. And I love my "hot pocket" giving storage behind the cup holders - but this might be something standard on 05 MINIs, since it is on the new convertible.

 

Since my waiting for the car period was exactly nil, I have to relate what I bought while waiting for it after it was in for service......the cuckoo clock....hands down. GREAT addition to my seldom used now pool room in the basement.......its either pool or naming......plus I am fairly terrible at pool..... :smile:

 

Hey 05 orderer - what changesn the 05 mcs/ Where/when didya order it? Curious - see my 05 mcs post above.

 

Organizers and storage are a must.
Get the auto-up windows curcuit from GBMINI.
Order your custom Whalen ****.
Join a club and put the decals on.
Order your vanity license plates.
Get the fog light/brake light thing.
Learn everything you can about what makes the MINI tick and what mods make it roar.
The grin comes naturally.

:smile: :smile:

 

This has been so helpful - thanks so much for the advice thus far! It seems like the storage-related mods are a must. I'll start doing some research right away!

Quick question on the auto-up windows circuit (I recall a thread when everyone was gushing over how awesome this was!) -- will that have any impact on the ol' warranty?

I think I may order the cuckoo clock, too -- it is hilarious!!

 

>>Hey 05 orderer - what changesn the 05 mcs/ Where/when didya order it? Curious - see my 05 mcs post above.

Hello, sivado!

Here's a link that has been posted before on the 05 updates
http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/02/01/the_2005_mini_revealed

I don't know too much beyond what is up here -- I'm ordering an 05 because I won't have a secure parking space in D.C. until then, and I don't want my MINI on the side streets

I ordered at the start of April from MINI of Sterling in VA.

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Ordered my 2005 MCS 4/3/04 -- EB/White (Roof, Mirrors, Bonnet Stripes), Driving Lamps, Premium/Sport/Cold Pkgs, HK with Sirius, AutoWipers/Dim -- I'm in for a looong wait!