Hello,

I'm a day or so away from placing an order for a 08 MCSC and can't decide whether to go for the Sidewalk package or not.

I like the look, but keep a car for 8-10 years and wonder if it would be difficult to keep clean? If I'll get tired of it compared to a more 'understated' standard interior?

For the price of the package, you get a lot of stuff. More than I would choose on an a la carte configuration. Determining need vs. want is a difficult exercise.

Any advice from satisfied Sidewalkers or rueful non-packagers is deeply appreciated.

 

You answered your own question

 

Think of resale value after 8 to 10 years on a standard configuration verses a limited model. Especially one that has a few truly unique items and a feature packed package.

 

I say - go for it - the Sidewalk is beautiful. We were out at Brecht yesterday and they had one on the lot....really, really nice!!

Donna

 

We went from planning a Chili Red with Cordoba beige interior to ordering a Sparkling Silver Sidewalk + LSD, chrono, and cold weather. We've seen several Sidewalks in person - white silver, astro black, and sparkling silver. They all look eye catching and unique. That being said, I think we'll probably invest in seat covers, especially for the rear seat, as we've heard convertible back seats attract lots of dirt. We're looking forward to taking delivery.

 

Here is my take:

Had I known in Sept. of 06 what the Sidewalk was and when it was due out, I would have definitely gone that route. The main reason is that I love the interior and the MINI my wife and I had built turned out to be a Sidewalk with a rear fog light (minus all Sidewalk only stuff of course). Thus, for me a Sidewalk version would have cost me 4 months and $100 more than we paid. Still, those were a great 4 months and I am really partial to the dark silver now (pepper white was color #2). So my opinion is to go for the Sidewalk. It's a great deal relative to the al la carte selections and the wheels are sweet!

 

It will always be a rare package which will always stand out. It is quite personal, but some things shouldn't be standard (hence all the modding that goes on around here)!

For the $$, you could also get a "tamer" baby and then mod it up in other ways to make her your own.

 

It's a great deal - but only if you want the premium / sport package options. If you do, then this is a great edition . . . but if you wouldn't be buying those packages, you're paying quite a premium for options you don't want. Resale value is a consideration -- but you're going to get so little of your investment in options back after 10 years that i wouldn't let that drive your decision (i.e. great, so your car will be worth $7k instead of $6k -- but how much extra did you spend up front?)
So I would price the car with the options you would buy without the sidewalk package vs. what you'll be paying for the SW, and then decide if it's worth it to you.

 

You mean someone wouldn't want them?!?

 

I came very close to going sidewalk and highly recommend it to others. I did not order it because I did not want the H/K upgrade which is part of the premium package and a requirement on the sidewalk. When I was at the dealer picking up my car they had a PW sidewalk sitting in the lot. Had it been there when I ordered my car, I would have bought it on the spot. It's a beautiful car.

 

Thanks for all the advice. And it's from a great cross section of members! (Now I try the multiple quote thing. )

Resale value is a consideration, but down the priority list.

I've done that and see a premium of about $1500 for about $3000 in options that I wouldn't choose on their own.

My other option, but I'm not as much of a 'car guy' as I should be. Running audio wires and a few minor decorative accessories are the extent of my mod resume.

I'll report back when the big decision is made.
Thanks

 

We went through a ton build variations as were preparing to order Dougal, our '07 MCc. Our other MINI is an IB/W MCS with Lapis Blue interior, and we had a vision of an "inverted color scheme" car.

We were originally going to order PW w/ a blue top and the blue interior, but the interior didn't quite match the top the way we had hoped. We had the idea of the Sidewalk in the back of our heads and the dealer had one in inventory and brought it out of us to see. Then with a PW/Blue parked next to it... And it was a done-deal. Exactly what we were looking for...

Well, almost...

About the only down-side is we really wanted a PW dash which is not available with the SW package... so we bought some extra dash panels and painted & installed them ourselves along with a few other cosmetic "youifications" (all done w/ less than 90 miles on the car... ).

 

On an only slightly related note, MEEPY went in for a check up and to have the center armrest installed and the dealer (Universal City MINI in L.A.) gave me a fully loaded MCSc Sidewalk in Sparkling Silver. It's a beautiful car. I came home and told my partner I had to have it. He laughed at me. Only downside is the auto transmission. It SUCKS! I'll be so glad when the CVT is gone!

 

Actually, the MCS uses a traditional automatic. The CVT was only in the Cooper. But I agree... we had a MCSa loaner once... not a fan...

 

The Sidewalk package is beautiful and unique. Any additional costs it may incur will be repaid by years of owner satisfaction!

 

Thanks for all the encouragement.

I placed the order 4 hours ago and await the magic number so that I can start trackin'.

 

for the SW, I assume? what was the final decision?

 

Yes.

Sparkling Silver, Sidewalk, Cold Weather, Chrono.

Once I have my order confirmation, I'll start a 'coming out' thread to announce my inclusion as one of 'the chosen'.

 

Way to go!

Unfortunately, you have embarked IMO on the worst part of the MINI experience: waiting for delivery! Tracking the progress of your baby is fun, but waiting is waiting.....

Congrats!

 

Go for the Sidewalk!!

Want something really unique? A little birdie told me that for the last few months of production (I think it stops in June or July? So March through either June or July...) they will also offer the Sidewalk Package with all black interior... basically black leather with off-white piping. That would make your car even more exclusive, and take care of your maintenance/upkeep concern.

 

I walked into the dealership in July and there sat a Pepper White MINI Sidewalk ... no stripes and only the Cold Weather Package added. I bought it on the spot. I absolutely love it! Everyone looks at a MINI ... but you will not believe the number of comments you get on your Sidewalk as you motor around with the top down. Even people at stop lights roll down their windows to tell you how much they love your car.

 

Okay Bradclark, BunsenH, and me (Quesera) have all ordered essentially the same confugration in a fairly short timespan. Cool.

 

Sweet!

 

Good choice on the Sidewalk! Been very happy with mine, even though I'm selling it! (out of town for 9 months this year)

 

The brown leather, which in my opinion is one of the defining characteristics of the Sidewalk, is apparently no longer available and has been replaced by black (at least in the UK): http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-conv...continued.html