Great to hear the wiring emergency lighting into the MCS has been done! What should I look for during my search for an MCS.

Should I steer away from 02's etc?

 

I'd steer away from cars with things like H/K stereos and Nav units less drain on the electronics the less likely you're going to have stiff go wrong, because if it can, it will. Try and contact the Alleghanly Co., PA Sheriffs Department as the have a light bar and assuming sirens on their MINI Cooper (non-S).

 

I had a 2002 MCS and it ran from 84k trouble free miles with only minor problems before I sold it. I currently bought a black 2002 MC off a friend for 5k it was a salvaged car. All fixed up like new with no problems. Maybe you can find a salvaged MCS with everything you want for around 12-15k ?

 

MOST and I say MOST emergancy lights now a days are LED this is what you sould look for. A whole led light bar for a pumper draws 30 amps tops. I mini phantom dash light draws 5 amps tops. There are lots of options. Stay away from strobes if you are worried about draw on the syatem. Not only am i a ff but a certified 12volt installer. There isnt much to worrie about just dont go overboard. Dash light maybe some rear window leds. Remeber leds are 4x brights then strobes and draw 2/3 less power, and last 10x longer...

 

i will post pic sat am!!!

 

If you look in the first post you can see a video of my S80 with its lights. I ONLY run LED and ONLY Whelen products. Is your Mini your daily driver?


Still seeking help on waht to look for while searching for a MCS in the 17k area

 

Where in Florida? If it's relatively nearby, I can take a look at it. I'm southwest of Gainesville.

 

like you don't already have enough bells and whisles on your car, sid!

 

thats gonna look really cool

 

 

Awesome idea w/lights. Post pics when mini is bought and fixed.

 

I have to find the right one first! Waiting to sell the S80 and then the hunt begins :D

 

UPDATE:
I have completed my budget and have determined that I can afford to purchase and MCS at 20k.

My question to you is:
Can I find a decent Black MCS w/ MT, low miles, and a warranty?

I would prefer the black MCS over anything else, but I am open to other colors.

What should I look for in my purchase? Should I stay away from EBay motors? Is my 20k goal achievable?

Any pointers would be great!

 

I attended an autocross event last summer put on by my dealership MINI of Peabody here in Massachusetts. There WAS an MCS owned by a volunteer fireman from New Hampshire there that was fully equiped with dash and grill lights.I know this cause he left them on as he was doing the course . I'll see if I can locate his name and get back to you.
Jock

 

$20k opens up a whole lot of possibilities! Check out the sale forum right here.
Black seems to be few and far between, but if BRG floats your boat, check out Outmotoring's test car:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=87925

 

good luck with your search. definatly post pics, and welcome to the forum1

 

Definitely post some pictures. Up until about two years ago I was a manager of a shop that installed communication and emergency equipment. The MINI would be a blast to outfit. There are a lot of opportunities to do different stuff.

I'm mostly familiar with Whelen so here would be my preference of equipment. Instead of a dash light. Go with something LED that attaches to the upper portion of glass near the headliner. They are slim enough now that outward visibility shouldn't be an issue. You could do the same with the rear window. Also the two rear side windows as side visibility is a must when going through intersections. Something like this.



Corner strobes are nice but after looking at my 06 zenons, I wouldn't recommend it in front. I think the 02-04 standard headlights would work but I don't have any to look at right now. A headlight flasher would probably do well if you go with the above style light or a lightbar. You would have to check with Whelen on what flasher they recommend for the MINIs system. Flashers can be used in the rear as well.

Now if you don't mind spending a bit. And this would look great. Get the MINI roof rack system for the MINI and mount a lightbar to it. This would also give you more storage options for your personal equipment. Get a LED lightbar like this style. It is low profile and you could remove the feet and attach it directly to the MINI roof rack for a sleek look.



Below the toggle switch panel is the perfect place to put switches for the equipment. You could also mount one of the hide-a-way siren systems down there as well. As for the siren speaker. If you remove the bumper there is a huge peice of aluminum to mount a compact speaker to. Though that may be something that a diiferent area be looked at as it could interfere with air flow. Depending on the speaker.

 

15k WAKE UP! HELLO!!!!!!

 

I only use whelen products and will run 4 talons or a slim liberty lightbar that is clear when off. I will also be running 2 100 watt whelen compact speakers, a toughbook will be mounted in the passenger area that will run GPS and iTunes.

Should I stay away from eBay while searching?

 

My 2002 MC came from eBay and same with my parents 2 Benz. I don't see a problem with purchasing from eBay but just make sure you keep a sharp eye when going through the listing.

Make sure you post pictures when you get the lights and sirens in. Maybe even some install pics. I'll be doing this once I become a Law Enforcement Officer.

 

Great! Thanks for the help.

I will post pics once I get the MCS, pics of the lighting, pics of the install, and VIDEO of my 911 responses with the MCS.

What should I consider when looking to purchase my MCS? (throw some things out there that I may not have considered.)

 

wow. looking at some of the things people have posted here, i am really excited to see your mini. good luck, i will keep an eye out for you for sure.

 

well i looked up san antonio zip codes, and used 78201, but i used a 100 mile search radius. there are a bunch of results, this one stood out....
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=29

 

Jtrem,

You have a black MC now?

 

You should be able to find a low optioned 04 with warranty left for under 20k or possibly even an 05. I would go with an 05 since the quality is better and the transmission is geared better.

FOund on Cars.com

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

and another:
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

and:
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true