Well, I have ordered the alloy patina for my 2004 MCS IB/W, but now I am reconsidering as I am hearing bad things about the alloy patina.

It's not too late for me to change my mind. Anthracite or alloy patina? What's better quality?

 

As reported by many owners, anthracite seems to be more durable due to the additional clear coat. However, my choice for IB car would be IB interior.
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Get the anthracite. I have it in my IB and it looks awesome. I was going to paint my interior to match the outside, but then I sat down and stared at the anthracite, and thought to myself, "wow, I really like the way that looks". So, I'm keeping it.

It seems to be more durable than the alloy. I've dished out some unintentional abuse and still no perm damage to the anthracite bits.

Switch your order, you'll definitely thank yourself later.

 

Don't even question it. Get the anthracite. A much better look and quality feel to.

 

Anthracite

 

One nice thing about the alloy patina is that it is only available on the S. In the future, it will be the most desirable finish for collectors and enthusiasts.

So to boost the resale value of my alloy patina, you should go with anthracite!

 

Boost the value of your alloy patina? That's funny!

 

I've got the alloy patina and love it. It is totally durable.
I've got 41k on my car and it looks perfect. The only place
you are likely to get wear is not on the patina, it is on a couple
of parts that have the silver. These are the "grab handles" in
the doors and the "down tubes" on each side of the radio/air
system bank. I have wear only in the "grab handles", my "down
tubes" are still perfect, but I know others have had wear there.

The alloy patina is only on the front dash pieces. Nothing rubs
against these.

I would get the alloy patina and add protection to your "grab
handles". You could paint on some clear, or cover with a bit of
fabric or leather.

The alloy patina is the second thing everyone coo's about when
they first see inside my car. (The first is, of course, the center
speedo.)

Good luck on making your choice, you can't go wrong! :smile:

Godspeed.

 

Ya, its a personal choice. I went with the alloy b/c I thought the anthracite looked a little dull with the black leatherette interior.

I am planning on adding the carbon fibre kit as well.

 

Initially I thought the anthracite looked more finished, but when I sat in cars space cloth, one with anthracite, one with a/p, the anthracite felt too dark/heavy. The a/p felt more uplifting to my eye - but either are too "space age" for my taste. We went with a/p... would like to put on some leather and walnut veneer...

 

>>Ya, its a personal choice. I went with the alloy b/c I thought the anthracite looked a little dull with the black leatherette interior.

That's exactly the reason I chose the anthracite, except instead of "a little dull", I would substitute the words "more subtle and classier". :smile:

But he's right - it's a personal choice. If you're after something that grabs your attention go with the alloy. I like a more understated look so I chose the anthracite (also why I chose a black roof instead of white on my Indi Blue).

 

I went with the anthracite on my IB/W. I'm a big fan of the metallic effect it offers, and I think it helps the somewhat garish door inserts blend into the doors.

The dash also looks to be more "of a piece" with the anthracite insert. The alloy is too two-tone for my taste.

I've heard some reports of alloy patina wearing quickly, but that might be an early-build issue. If you search here on NAM you might be able to find the relevant thread from way back when.

Here's a pic of my anthracite and space cloth interior on my IB/W '04 MCS, just for fun:

 

While on the subject if the dash choices, what does everyone think of the silver? I chose it when I ordered my BRG MCS (not being delivered for another 6 weeks). Now I am wondering if I should have gone with the Patina. I am not a big fan of the Anthracite.. so it would just be between Patina and Silver for me.

Any input would be great.

Thanks.

 

I have the patina and love it. No problems with wear in the 18 months of daily driver use. I have also had many favourable comments on it, plus 1 person who said it looked "dirty".

 

Anthracite hands down. Silver and alloy patina has unlacquered bits such as the door panels and dashboard down legs. VERY POOR QUALITY CAN"T RECOMMEND IT.


Stick with Anthracite!

 

After reading all the pro-anthracite raves on NAM I ordered my S with it sight unseen (I know, I know.) When I climbed in I was surprised by how... well... uh... "sparkly" it is. It's so sparkly it could be described as somewhat cheesy. I think I'd definitely have to give the Patina the nod on aesthetic grounds alone.

 

>>It's not too late for me to change my mind. Anthracite or alloy patina? What's better quality?

Better quality finish? Anthracite definitely. But Alloy patina is not bad.
The finish is good and is metallic with good durability. But it is dark.
For a MCS the anthracite goes well with space cloth seats.

I had Alloy Patina by default since I got a MINI in stock.
I don't have alloy patina on my dash anymore.
If I had ordered a MINI then I would have anthracite.

 

>>After reading all the pro-anthracite raves on NAM I ordered my S with it sight unseen (I know, I know.) When I climbed in I was surprised by how... well... uh... "sparkly" it is. It's so sparkly it could be described as somewhat cheesy. I think I'd definitely have to give the Patina the nod on aesthetic grounds alone.


To each his/her own I guess. To me Alloy Patina looks blatantly cheap as it tries to emulate real metal trim. It looks good on pics but upclose and personal it is pretty dissapointing.


Anthracite looks the business. Cheesy? Don't think so.

 

I second the vote for an IB interior!

 

Your IB interior is gorgeous, Jerseygirl.

 

MINIHUNE -

Where did you get the wood dash? Looks great!

 

Patina here
Most people notice it before anything else when they 1st look into the interior of my MCS
I have the same issues....as others.... with chipping on thesilver color of the door pull handles in the doors.

I'm actually gonna paint the silver bits...black...and prob leave the rest Patina :smile:

Peace,
D

 

Another vote for anthracite.

 

Ant-rats-site

 

Anthracite looks richest IMO

But I can appreciate the other finishes... I think they all look nice.