I was just browsing the mini.ca site as the usa one is closed for upgrades I assume. BUT the option sets on the canada site are much better for the consumer I think.

Things like the packages make more sense.
Premium package has heated seats, Sports package has both front and rear fogs included and many other little things that we seem to need to add ala cart but the packages have stuff that you woundnt necesarily want.. They dont see to have a convenience package or winter package but a semi combo of both with some other option like an electric front window defroster. Only think I noticed they did not have was the xenon lights at a quick glance. They should have everything ala cart is my opinion but that would make things more expensive most likely.

Anyway I also didn't do the pricing conversion to see if they get a better deal over there but just some food for thought.

 

They get the heated seats in the premium package 'cause they live in the Great White North! There isn't a warm place there in the winter!

All options (IIRC) are available seperately on MINIUSA, but as you said, the individual options add up to more than the package prices. Some people wouldn't pay for auto-ac, but by the time you get the sunroof, MFSW and OBC, the auto-ac is 'free'. Same with Sport package. I don't like the latest config of the the convenience package. I wanted rain sensing wipers and auto mirror, which used to be together. Now they've married the rain sensing with auto headlamps (ick) and GDO with auto mirror. To just get the things I want would be more than the convenience package, even though I don't want the GDO. C'est la vie.

 

Also, all MINIs in Canada get the ASC+T traction control as standard equipment. We only get ASC+T in the MCS, but not avail in the Cooper unless you order DSC separately.

Also, the heated windshield has been available in Canada since 2002. Heated windshield has been left out the USA spec. I have no idea why. We also get bad winters here too.

 

Before the 2005 MY, the auto self dimming rear view mirror and the rain sensing wipers used to be separate options. One was priced at $150 and the other at $140 and were not part of any packages. I know because my ex-2004 MCS was ordered a la carte with both of these options.

I actually like the new "Convenience package" because it includes the auto mirror and rainsensing wipers in addition to the long overdue universal garage door opener and the automatic headlamps. I welcome the addition of the universal garage door opener, because I was getting sick and tired of carrying a brick sized remote control in the car (More junk to carry). now it is neatly integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Well woth the $400 IMO

 

I don't think Canada gets the 3 year/36,000 mile service package like we do in the US.

 

Also don't forget that our Canadian friends pay a lot more for their new MINIs (In MSRP and taxes, adjusted to current exchange rates) than thier neighboors to the south.

 

My understanding is that thier warranties are the same as ours. They are measured in time and Kilometers, versus miles.

 

In general the GDO is a good thing, but I already had Ian's auto-up/GDO module, so no need to double up.


RE: Heated windshield - yeah, what's up with that? It would have come in handy trudging through the snows of Kansas and AZ. One would have thought it would be part of the Cold Weather Package.

 

There was a rumor floating around on MINI2 back in late 2002 or early 2003 that the heated windshield was dropped in the US because it interfered with the electronic toll collection tags (SunPass, iPass, EZPass and the like) used here in the US.

I'm almost positive that it actually was listed as being part of the cold weather package on the MINIUSA configurator back in Sept/Oct 2002 even though it wasn't being installed on the US spec cars...

 

I see now that the site is up that when u go to build an MCS the arm rest is under seating now instead of just accessories.

And then you can't have the bluetooth phone with the ipod adpter on. weird...

They added the JCW Brake kit and the Carbon fiber dashboard.

 

Yes, I know they do kilometers, but I remember reading a post at MINI2 where someone from Canada asked how much they will be charged for their first oil change. When a US person replied that it's free, they said not in Canada.