Anthrasite headliner for sure Everything else is personal tastes but IMO the chrome lined interior/exterior is also very important as it gives the car a "finished" and "upscale" look.

 

The only problem with that is if you forget to disable them while going into the carwash

 

I agree. I wavered back and forth between the cloth and the leatherette. I ended up going with the cloth and love it. I also like the subtleness of the check pattern on them.

 

I agree...especially on the "upscale" side in the interior. For a more subdued look (which is what I prefer) silver is fine as there is less intense contrast. It really depends what you want. On the exterior, the chrome trim is nice especially on darker colors as it better defines the lower grill. On lighter colors it is less needed, imo.

 

Once you turn off the car, they default to off. So, I can't see that being a problem unless you go into a car wash immediately after driving in the rain.

 

I read "essential" as being absolutely necessary. That is, if it wasn't available, I wouldn't buy the car. Well, for me, there are plenty I really, really like, but none that meet that criteron.

 

Everyone has thier own idea of what is essential to them and their Mini. If you live in a desert, I doubt rain sensing wipers are an essential. Also if you live near the equator, I doubt heated seats are an essential.

Do everything ala carte and only buy the packages that make sense.

Most of my options were picked as I am used to having them in a car.

 

IMO the only essential is LSD. But that's only because my main reason for buying a MINI is the handling.

 

Agreed, but I'd add sport suspension (not Sport Package). Of course you could always after-market the suspension.

 

how much does the sport suspension alter the ride? will the LSD still work ok without it?

 

See I don't consider LSD or Sport Suspension essential at all!! Confused yet????? Yup...you have to design your MINI for your needs.

 

For me ,turbo and fog lights just to fill in the switch spaces after that its just about how much you want to spend.The more stuff you buy the more that can break.

 

The Sport Suspension makes the '07 still ride softer than the '02 MCS. The more you control body roll (lean) the better a front strut suspension works, and that goes for LSD also (less un-weighting of inside wheel).

 

My MA says the optional - factory integrated alarm system is $400. In the Houston area thats a bargain and factory installed. Also from a cost factor - individual component cost vs package cost - the Convenience package gives the best ratio of all the packages.

 

Good to know...thanks for that info!!!

 

Is the alarm available now?

 

I ordered my August '07 Mini with both the alarm and the audio package. They're not on the web configurator, but they're on the "build" system the dealer uses.

I have a long commute, so the HD radio, Sirus, iPod adapter and bluetooth give me lots of ways to stay entertained.

Although a big chunk of my commute is a twisty mountain road, so the car by itself will be enough entertainment.

 

Yes, it's in Minibird, Ordered on 6/2 and picked up a few hours ago.


I would add NAV to the list of MUST HAVES in the R56. I can't see owning this car without it. What a pleasure:

 

Yes, as Lateral G said, the alarm system is available, so is the audio package. I believe both became available in the builds starting the second week of June. My Mini started production June 19th and I'm getting the alarm and audio packages.

 

what exactly comes with the audio package, and how much does it cost?

 

For me it will be LSD, Cold weather package & MFSW. Just the essentials for me.

 

LSD should be standard, I wouldnt own one without it

 

many would er.. most would and do. That's why it is an option. Why should it be standard and the base price be higher for something most people don't care about?

 

maybe just standard on the S? it needs it

 

The hifi audio upgrade is 550, you get 4 extra speakers (10 total), and an extra amplifier. If you like tunes, GET IT. If you onky listen to talk radio, don't.