I'm going to soon order an '06 from Flow in Winston-Salem (I'm in Cary) NC. Thanks to comments that I've read on this board, I'm going to get the alcantara headliner. I'm also going to get the cloth seats, Harmon-Kardon, Chrome Trim (interior), Multi-function steering wheel (for the cruise), fog lights, etc. No S/R, no packages. Three questions:

Are there any other worthwhile options that I'm omitting, like LSD? I'm not going to track or autocross this car, so I don't see the need for it, but maybe I'm missing something.

Second and most important: any chance of getting a discount from MSRP on an ordered car from Flow? I've bought lots of BMWs from them in the past, but this will be my first mini.

Third: Is the H-K option worth the money, or should I just plan on getting an aftermarket unit? And if so, will a standard aftermarket head unit fit in that little opening? I'm a middle-aged guy, so I don't need thumpin' bass, but I do like to have some good quality sounds.

Thanks,

Michael

 

I think the LSD is a great option and it would add value to the car if you eventually sell it. Earlier cars don't have and on the used car market, it could be an edge for your car!

I have the HK stereo and consider myself an average stereo guy. I like the sound of a good stereo, but I also like the look of a stock unit with stock lighting. Bottom line, I love my HK stereo.

Vince

 

Not sure where you are located but I am a huge fan of heated seats in any car.

 

Uh... autologic... been to an optometrist lately? (bold is mine, of course)

Beemer - I seriously doubt you'll be able to get anything under MSRP. As long as they are able to sell every one the factory makes, there's little reason to, repeat customer or not. I wish you luck on that though!

 

we just picked up our MSCa....and we pretty much loaded it. Our first brand new car, bought what we wanted.

AS you are trying to keep it simple here some thoughts on what we got & why:

H/K. Listen to them back to back. I am far from an audiophile, but i like things to sound good & i am not going to rip apart a brand new car to put a stereo in. (a pulley or exhaust...well that is different!) For us, worth it.

Headliner: should have got the dark one. Ours already has a thumbprint. Will be hard to keep clean.

Heated seats with 1/2 Leather & lumbar : My wife has needed a back pillow in every car she has ever driven. Not in these seats. Worth it in my book! Heat is VERY nice....

Premium pack: both coming from convertibles, don't like the MINI drop top. Sunroof fills that gap. MFSW is a no brainer. On Board Computer is useful, let's see how much we us it in 6 months!

Xenons: more light is better, right? Actually, it was teh last thing that we decided on, and since we ordered in summer, it was REALLY hard to make a call. we said WTF, what is another $500 and got them. Happy we did, they really light things up. My wife had upgraded Hellas in her cabrio...these are better.

I will be buying an 06 in the spring. i will be getting the LSD.

-jac

 

HK system, I recommend bringing some CD's you are very familiar with and try both systems at the dealership, then make your decision.

LSD, well, it is an expensive and difficult option to add after the fact. If you are a spirited driver, should be a simple answer.

Discount? You will be lucky to get floormats thrown in.

 

i've heard mixed things about the h/k system--it's easier to replace the regular stereo system from what i've read (and i did replace my stock unit with a pioneer premier 8mp easily). the head unit size is standard DIN, so most aftermarket stereos will fit wasily with a kit, wiring harness and antenna adapter...

 

Welcome to the MINI world!

Options ... Xenons

HK ... Read this http://www.mini2.com/reviews/review10.html

good luck!

 

I went light too, but eventually did decide to get the DSC and LSD. The DSC was the tougher call, but I figure I can always turn it off and I live somewhere the roads are very slippery much of the year. Didn't get the HK, to tell the truth I rarely listen to a car radio. I found the supercharger whine and the exhaust run-by far far more entertaining.

 

Welcome!

Karmon Kardon:
The HK diff is a bit subjective - some swear a huge improvement, some don't hear much difference and say it's not worth the money - your ears, your car.

Options:
There are a few options you can get cheaper after the fact, but it's more of a hassle to install (aux input, sat radio, etc.)

The LSD is a cool option - it's a performance item... If I was configuring my own new MINI I would probably go for the JCW kit... it's very easy to sink the same amount of money into little mods here and there to eek out more HP and speed, but the JCW is covered entirely by factory warranty and maintenance schedules. 'Nuff said on that one.

I personally love in-dash Navi on cars, but I like the speedo in the center of the dash in the MINI - it's quirky and endearing... for the same reason, I'm not (personally) a fan of the sport guage package either.

Price:
Good luck trying to get a price break - I've heard of some movement on items on the lot, but not on anything ordered... many dealers have add-on to MSRP.

Drop me a line when you take delivery - the Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club has an active region right in your neck of the woods - and the region coordinator is a swell guy (if I do say so myself!)

 

Hi Beemer Guy,

I've got a few Bimmers myself and had a beemer as well I ordered an 06 MCSC from Flow last month and it is in production now, so hopefully I'll have it by the end of October.

This will be my 2nd MINI from Flow. They are very upfront with costs and I have always been pleased with my purchase. Robin's great to deal with! I don't think you'll get anything off the price though. It's usually pretty easy to get something off a BMW--I know with my M3 I got off over $4k, but both the Z3 and MINI nothing.

As far as the HK system goes. I was very pleased with it in my first MINI, so I ordered it again. The HK in my M3 is fantastic too, so I do recommend the HK.

Good luck with your purchase. Your going to love it. Perhaps we'll see you around.

Cheers,
Debi

 

Premium package - lots of goodies for a good price
Sport package - Shouldn't order an MCS without it imho
Cold package - do you get cold?
Convenience package - crap
LSD - Same as sport package

Just my 2 cents.

 

FWIW, we ordered everything that is in the sports package separately, except the heavy 17" S-lite rims. Went 16" and swapped out the X-lites for the ASA JH6...a 16" Minilite/Panasport Clone from tire rack.

So, i agree, aside from the rims!

-jac

 

I think you've got everything you really need covered. Not sure about the radio. I have the stock radio and after making a few tone adjustments and getting used to it, it's not bad. HK comments are mixed. If I was you I think I'd save the bucks and go with the stock radio.

IMO most of the options are very easy to do without.

 

Hi Beemer Guy!

I think you answered your own question re LSD: It will only add resale value if you can find someone who WANTS to track or autocross, or is a very agressive street driver.

Cloth seats are ok, but unless it's the cloth/leather option, there will be no adjustable lumbar support. I had it in my last car, a Jetta, and I miss it.

I would be very unhappy without the mfsw. Particularly for the cruise control, which is something virtually impossible to aftermkt.

I got the prem pkg for the sunroof...not so much for myself, although I do use it. Sunroof IS something I think might make the car re-sell faster. Of course, the Prem Pkg also includes the mfsw, and the computer, which has become a fun toy for me.

Discounts vary from market to market...here in the northeast, I've heard of anywhere from $250 to $1000. I imagine the $1k is for the high end of the line...If you're paying about $23k or so, ask for something off, but you shouldn't be too disappointed if they maintain msrp.

Finally, the HK. Some love it...some are disappointed...there's a thread running on upgrading the HK today. Read it! I'm middle aged too (that is if I live to 120, 'cause I'm 63) so I think we might have parallel musical tastes...I've been mostly satisfied with the standard non-hk system; as soon as I hear somebody elses aftermarket mod in their MINI that I like I'll clone it. The HK is better than the standard to some folks, but to me, not $600 worth! I'd rather spend that $600 or a bit more on something I KNOW I'll be happy with.

hs

 

I'm coming out of my 330i this week into my mcs.
Hk... didn't hear much of a diff from my 323i to the 330i, so left it out.
I like music, but can always go aftermarket. Plus this engine sounds nicer.
Did DSC and LSD, too hard to add afterwards and add saftey and sport factor.
No prem pack... didnt want sunroof.
No sport pack... didn't want stripes, lights or s lites.
Doing after mkt rims/tires for summer. Runflats also suck.

And I got $600 off MSRP.