Both the standard stereo and the H/K upgrade share the same exact Alpine headunit. The difference between the two lies in the speakers, door/trim speaker grilles, Digital Sound Processing (DSP) module and the 320 watt amplifier exclusive to the H/K.

I have the H/K in my MCS and enjoy it very much in conjuction with the MINI iPod adaptor (I have a 4GB Nano). I also have another MINI ('02 MC) with the standard stereo. I personally prefer the sound quality and stereo imaging afforded by the H/K, plus it is a "cheap" factory stereo upgrade backed in full by your limited warranty.

My recommendation is always to get some of your favorite CD/MP3's, take them to the dealer and listen back-to-back the 2 systems and see which one you like best. Some people think the std stereo is enough, others like me prefer the richer sound quality of the H/K.

I have not listened or even seen the Digital sound power module. But will report back on it if I get to get my hands on it.

 

I forgot to add the following... If you plan to add subs, amps or replace the speakers, you'll be much better off ordering the standard stereo system. The H/K is very difficult if not impossible to upgrade without running into some brickwalls that can prove to be costly, frustrating or both.

"Test drive" both stereo systems and let your ears make the final call.

 

DRL are programmed by dealer. If you want them off, have the dealer program them that way.

Good choice on not having sunroof. I have to tilt my seat way back when I wear my helmet.

 

iPOD ADAPTOR: We're thinking of taking this off our option list. We've read that when it's plugged in, the display on the iPod no longer works. (that's a big negative isn't it?)

When plugged in the iPod screen is blank. You set up 5 playlists on your computer then dump them to the iPod. The stereo preset buttons control which of the 5 playlists you're playing. Plus the steering wheel buttons let you control volume and song within the playlist. The newer version of the iPod Adapter remembers where it is in the playlist even when you unplug the iPod. Pretty cool. The iPod adapter in my 04 didn't do that. I like the adapter. I enjoy setting up playlists, but I'm kind of a computer/music nerd. If you want to just plug in and play whatever you want on the iPod, I would suggest the AUX port adapter or an aftermarket iPod adapter.


OUTSIDE TEMP/DIGITAL SPEEDO: Does the standard tachometer display outside temp and digital speedo? Or do you only get those functions with the Onboard Computer?

The standard tach displays digital speedo and outside temp. There's a switch on the turn signal stalk to change which you see. I got used to the speedo in the middle of the car on my 04 so I always left it on "temp". Same with my 06.

Good Luck!

 

c4: Thanks for the info on the H/K system. Now we're really on the fence. If we can't upgrade the H/K, we might have to just go with the standard system. Hmmmmmmm........ Hopefully one of the dealers has some experience with the three systems.

Mini03Tiger84: Good to know about the Daytime Running Lights. We like options!

PEP: Exactly the info we wanted to know. I think we'll just go with the factory iPod adapter. Sounds like it will work fine for our needs. (I'm a computer geek also and would have no trouble setting up playlists) Thanks!

 

i have to agree with some other people about the cup holder...i hated it when i purchased mine. i removed it the day i got my MINI. i like my HK stereo..i haven't heard a stock one so i cannot really help in that department, but it is nice to say that i have it haha. as far as the sunroof )that has been a popular discussion)...if you are going to autocross it certainly makes sense not to get it, but wow it is really awesome to have!! i use mine everyday if I can. people are wowed at the dual pan windows...i am still wowed.

 

The sunroof is nice and gives the interior a lot of light. Its downsides are the added weight (Nearly 60 pounds), lack of solid sunshades and cost.

Personal choice. I do not have it and like the car that way but it is a very popular choice in MINI world.

 

Get the xenons... they are awesome.. you dont need the rain sensing wipers.. they are not that hard to work
Skip the computer stuff too.. get the armrest.. its a nice piece and makes trips more pleasant. I would also skip the sunroof... less is more, especially if you plan on tracking the car..

 

mikem53: We've heard nothing but bad things about the factory arm rest on this forum. It gets in the way when you're shifting. It rattles and is poorly made (you don't want to put your weight on it). Are we being mislead about this?

Man, getting the right options is getting to be tough....(but it's still kind of fun!)
--
Mitch & Sherry

 

Mitch, you have none less than 76 trillion possible combinations at your disposal.... So have fun deciding!

 

The armrest is well made. very solid. Swings up out of the way if you want. I always leave it in the down position. It never gets in the way of shifting... I have no issues with it and would not want to be without it! At $200 its not a cheap option.. but it is very well integrated and solid. I would check it out at the dealer before you decide... I cant see not having it..

 

I also have the armrest and am very happy it. Before I got it, I asked if anyone actually had a positive opinion of it (since I only heard complaints) and there were a lot of responses -- just becase complainers are more like to post doesn't mean that it sucks. Same with the sunroof, I've never had any leaks or creaks!

I don't have space grey seats, but was considering it and others mentioned they get dirty easily... something to think about.

 

here's my take... get the xenons... you will never NEVER regret that decision.
don't get the upgraded stereo if you are an audiophile. there are a lot better options for that amount of money

I'd re-think the anthracite headliner with that color combo... many may ask why... this is why.
this..


looks better with this:


those are jcw mats btw.

oh and unless you live in arizona you should be getting the winter weather package... heated seats are FANTASTIC!

 

mikem53: Youre selling me on the idea of an armrest. I'll have to discuss it with the wife.

theroyalwe: You've got our car! We're going to go with cloth seats so I don't think heated is necessary.

So what's up with the Anthracite headliner? A friend of ours recommened the Antrhacite headliner because he said that the factory headliners are tan, which would clash with the grey seats/interior. Maybe that's something they changed in 2006?

 

Factory headliner is light gray...don't know...maybe there's a beige trim with the beige leather or something.

Anthracite headliner is black...

 

OBC - a waste of $200

Mine's 10-15% overly optimistic in calculating MPG and I don't trust the Range
Calculate your MPG by hand and fill up when the warning light comes on


Glove Box Organizer - overpriced

GoMiniGo Glovebox Tidy is only $20 + shipping and can be ordered in a choice of colors

http://www.gominigo.com/8401/index.html


Shift **** in Body Color

Get a customized Whalen

http://www.whalenshiftmachine.com/home.htm

 

The standard headliner is light grey and the plastic pillar covers are the same color. There are no tan headliners from factory.

 

I like your combo. The Hyper Blue is a really cool color.

Here are my suggestions:
Get the Xenon lights unless you live in a big city. The extra light is a really good thing to have. No matter what kind of headlights you get, expect to re-aim them after you get the car home.

Get the chrome line interior with the hyper blue dash. The accents really make the color pop.

The rain sensing wipers and auto dimming mirror are fantastic.

Get the rear fog light. It may save your life. If not, at least you'll have all the switches in the panel.

The grocery bag holder is a handy thing to have. Consider adding the boot mat as well.

The grocery bag holder is a handy item. Also add the boot mat.

The HK radio sound good. It may not please an audiophile, but it's plenty good considering how much road noise is in the MINI.

Heated seats are the world's best automotive bargain at $300!

Get the European Parcel Shelf. It gives more legroom and adds much needed storage space.

Rawhyde

 

Some answers to your questions:

1. The MCS comes stock with 16" wheels (R84 V-spoke) with all-season runflat tires and no spare. But, you do get a simple tool kit, lug wrench and a jack.

2. The factory stock headliner is a very light gray. The anthracite is much darker and nicely matches the anthracite dash.

3. True. Butt ugly, but true.

4. As an Auto-X tool the lighter the better. Fewer accessories = less weight. Some dealers service departments are capable, some are inept. Caveat emptor. Question other people from that dealer. Find them in here or mini2.com.

I'm on my second MCS and ordered both with the standard stereo system and have not been dissappoitned. I still find the whine of the supercharger one of the best parts of the ride.

A few mentioned accessory shift *****. Anything other than a stock **** is not allowed in stock class Auto-X. Silly, but true. The body colored ****, as long as it comes installed from the factory and is not a dealer installed item would be legal.

Others mentioned it, a sun roof adds 60lbs to the top of the vehicle. Not somewhere you would want it while Auto-Xing.

I did splurge and ordered the front and rear fogs just so that I would have a full switch panel (I could not abide having 2 missing switches - I blame MINI for being clever on this, forcing people into ordering the extra lights ) I also ordered the heated seats ( it gets cold here in the winter, plus the heat feels great on a long drive). Sometimes while it is still cool outside it feels great to drive with the windows open and the heated seats on, keeping you nice and toasty.

The space cloth seats are great. They really hold you in place while motoring. They are also cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The fabric seems to be very durable. On my first MCS I had 37,000 smiles and the seats looked like new when I traded it in. So far so good on my second one.

Two of my favorite accessories are my "LightInSight"(approximate weight 0.1oz) which allows you to see stoplights when you are stopped first in line at a light without bending your neck at odd angles. The other is the "two-touch up"(approximate weight 3oz.) window modification.

 

Factory headliner is a neutral color and will go with anything.. My dash, doors are anthacite and I wanted the contrast.. so I got the standard color and it looks great..

 

yeah... the contrast is good with the two tone seats. if you were getting all black seats I'd recommend the anthracite headliner. also it makes it feel a bit more 'airy' or light. I didn't get the sunroof either for autocross purposes and don't miss it one bit with the light colored headliner.

I will also recommend the chrome line interior. I absolutely love mine

and as for heated seats... they are fantastic even with cloth... in fact probably more fantastic because you wouldn't get too hot and sweat as easily. plus they will add to the appeal of the car if you ever sell it.

I highly recommend getting the gloveboxtidy from gominigo. it is nicer than the factory one IMHO and you can get it in blue :D

 

here are some more pictures of the standard headliner... it's almost a 'silver' and has no hint of tan to it at all



EDITED by Dave to change two large images into links
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...I/DSCN1189.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...I/DSCN1187.jpg

 

Xenons are stock on all Canadian Coopers. Base and "S"

 

Rain sensing wipers are great! I live in a wet climate where the rain comes and goes ebbs and flows every couple of minutes. I 've had the type of int wipers before with variable timing and they are just as god-awful as flicking the wipers when needed. I wouldn't buy a car without rain sensor technology again.

 

The Xenons are great, I like the armrest, and I absolutely had to get the Euro Parcel Shelf because the trim panel under the steering wheel was falling on my knees every big expansion joint. It did it within 5 miles of the dealer and continued to do it until I got it replaced. Maybe it was installed incorrectly, but the parcel shelf totally eliminated that issue.