It seems that many specs I have been seeing, include the chrono pack. When word of this option first came out, it seemed most did not like the look. I was one who did not like the look, but it is starting to look better, don't know why?

 

It is a BAD choice, don't do it

 

We have the chrono pack in our car and we ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! It looks really cool at night, provides a lot of extra information about the status of the car (oil pressure, oil temperature, etc.), and best of all, it moves the speedo to the center column (where it is much easier to view IMHO). I highly recommend it.

 

I have it because it came that way off the lot, but I don't know that I would have gotten it otherwise. I don't mind having the extra cluster over the steering column, and I like the fact that I have extra temp gauges, etc., but I really hate the look. Aesthetically, the layout of the three gauges inside the dorment speedo location is just ugly. Arguably, it is nicer at night when the three awkward sized rings aren't so obviously confined in one big ring, but I think I'd rather go with the traditional speedo and one of these:

http://www.altaminiperformance.com/p.../GAUGEPOD.html
http://outmotoring.com/mini_gauge_pod_with_gauges.html

Oh, I do LOVE the on board computer, though. It gives me loads of useful info. I don't know if that's available without the chrono or not.

 

Actually, I like the gauges. I kept thinking I would put a set of gauges in my car eventually. But I don't like the layout of the chrono package very much. Did anybody notice that the circles form a Mickey Mouse?

 

If i want chrono pack look .. I would have bought a Lexus IS300 ..

 

That's exactly what I want to say but you beat me to it.

Chrono pack looks out of place for me from day 1 and having recently see it again in an auto show I can say that it didn't grow on me a bit.

The center speedo pays homage to the classic Mini.

 

I like it :smile:

 

No.

 

I like it. I ordered it on my Cabrio to look different from our 02' MCS. Not sorry at all...:smile:

Donna
02' CR/W MCS & 05' Cool Blue MCSC

 

I like it, though I got a NAV system, so I couldn't get it.

 

Nah, I'm not a big fan of it. I love the big central speedo. The chrono pack just isn't the same.

 

To each there own,but I like the big speedo in the middle of the dash,where it belongs in a MINI,IMO
Not that I look at it much,more concerned about revs,and I more or less know what speed I'm going from RPM,gear

 

I agree. Gauges are great. I've got the Chrono and don't mind it - I like the speedo next to the tach (reminds me of my bikes), but now all I'll see is Mickey!

 

I agree with Donna, maybe because I have the Chrono in my Cabrio too. You may love the central speedo, but the look at night is impressive, and watching the oil pressure change as you drive IS impressive.


Another added bonus, if you can't afford one more speeding ticket the speedo is much more visable above the steering wheel.

Anyway..to each their own.

 

I have it and love it I much prefer to have the two gauges on my steering wheel column and have the rest of the info in the center. to each his own...

 

I'm kind of a traditionalist, so I had to opt for the big speedo. That is one of the distinguishing characteristics of a MINI. But, to each their own.

 

I'll bet you no MINI novices react to your chrono pack the way they react to my center speedo!

There's your answer!

 

I didn't spec it but was thinking of adding it. Seems pretty well split, u either love it or hate it. I do see the Mickey face now though. I think I will leave it out. According to ask MINI, my HB/B MCS is scheduled for production pack. May be too late to add anyway.

 

I went traditional. I personally thought that anything else would be sacrilege - but then again, I have a German bred MINI now. I also thought the chrono pack looked a bit too much like a Mickey Mouse head.


I agree with the comment above, though, that the speedo gets lots of comments from those both familiar and unfamiliar. Those that know the brand love that it stayed in the middle, those that don't just think it's cool.

 

I have an 05 loaner MINI today with the chrono pack.... I'm still not a big fan, though it's not terrible... the info isn't all that helpful (engine temp & oil temp, but no voltage, & no boost for the S) I would've liked it better if the aux info was in the dual pod next to the tach and left the speedo in the middle. It's not like you can see the speedo better behind the steering wheel anyway.

 

I liked it at first and was going to spec it, but we gradually lost our love for one another, and I ordered my car without.

 

I drive completely off the tach (could do without the speedo) so having it on the column helps a lot. I dig the chrono pack. I also just got stopped Sunday by a fellow with an '04 asking how he could get one... he thought I had a JCW because of the chrono bit. To each there own.

 

If you knew the importance of oil pressue (think Ducati motorcycle) you'd get the chrono pack for the simple oil temp and not having to fool around with aftermarket parts. My Ducati Monster has only one temp visible on it, the oil temp, as it is th eonly crucial piece of information. Granted it is air cooled...but you get the point.

The speedo in the center serves no function other then "homage". Now how much useless homage you want to pay to MINI's past is your choice...I opted for the benefit of pertinent information and got the chrono package.

 

yeah, they should ditch that silly gas guage too..