Here's the package that I threw together online. I'm going to place the order with my friendly Mini dealer the second I sell my '99 M3 (unless they'll take it as a partial trade for the "right" trade-in value). If no one minds, is there anything that I missed? I drive A LOT and am focused more on economy that going from 0 to 60 as quickly as possible. Thank you very much, my new Mini family:
- Mini Cooper (not the "S")
- Nightfire Red/Black Roof
- Sport Package
- Audio Package
- Sport Suspension
- Xenon Headlamps
- Rear Fog Lamp
- Manual Transmission
- Sunroof
- Center Arm Rest
- Mud Flaps
- Front and Rear Black Rubber Floor Mats
Thanks for taking a look and offering any suggestions before I leap.

 

Sounds like a nice car. I have to ask, coming from an M3 why are you passing on the MCS? The mileage of the S is pretty good too.

Welcome to NAM.

 

I'd remove the Leather, and instead put on the Navigation. The leather is nice, but the Leatherette is very nice too, and actually lasts longer than the real leather. So for about the same money, get the Nav which allows you to change the software settings MUCH easier than with the stalk (the only method without the nav), lets MP3's discs display nicely (with folders and filenames...) as well as navigating the cd's easier... And since you say you "drive alot", would it be nice to know where your going? Or be able to look up a specific resturaunt (Say Sushi or something) in the area your not familiar with?

 

Cory -

What's your latitude? If you live in the colder climes you might get a lot of use out of the Cold Wx package--especially the heated seats.

The rest of your list looks downright peachy!

 

Good call on the leatherette. Might have to do that.
Navigation is a fantastic feature, but I never get lost ever and like "simple".
I'm a salesrep and cover all of NJ, half of PA and all of DE. I have my '88 M5 if I need to go over 150 mph. I figured that a Mini with the right suspension, some nice features and manual transmission would be zippy enough without the turbo, be better on gas for my 250 miles per day and maybe (maybe not though) last a few hundred thousand miles easier than a turbo.
Thanks again.
Edited:
Added the Cold Weather Package and dropped the leather and brushed aluminum. Makes a lot of sense.

 

Those are nice specs for your stated objectives and goals. I agree on the Leatheretter vs Leather, and on the Cold Weather package, particularly for your climate, location, and intended use of the vehicle.

You did well

 

I agree on not getting the NAV. Way overpriced. I'd put my money into the sound system or Sirius. Face it, you are always listening to something whether it be talk radio or music. Money worth it in my book, esp if you are driving a lot covering territory.

What about ditching the sport suspension? From what I understand, it can add a bit of harshness to the ride. (My MINI is on the way so who am I?) If you travelling like you are (I assume highways, open roads) I am not sure how much it will add.

Agree with the rest. The MC definately needs the spunk of the Sport Pkg.

 

Whoops. I now see you invested in audio. Ignore that suggestion. You are wise.

 

If you ever do decide on Nav you can pick up a Garmin Nuvi for $250 & use it in all your cars. The cold weather package is great. You'll love it.

 

I'd reconsider the sports suspension if you aren't going to track the car. 250 miles per day is alot. I go for comfort in your case.

 

Might be a good call, but I do like to take the turns without touching the brakes. My M3 almost doesn't have a suspension the way it's set up and I like it like that. Still might be a good call to drop the Sport Suspension, though. Any more input on that would be appreciated.

 

also if you want cruise control i believe you will need the multi functional steering wheel. for an extra $550 you can get the premium package and then you will get the sunroof, multi-function steering wheel and auto AC. well worth the extra $$ if you ask me.

 

+1 on the multifunction.

 

+1 on the multifunction as well! worth it.

 

+1 on nix the sport suspension, if you are going to be driving 250 per day, you might find it a little stiff. The stock suspension is great asis and if you want to tighten it up you can do it with after-market suspension.

 

The only options on my wife's '07 MC come with the Premium Package, and it's a pretty nice car for driving around as much as you say you're going to need it for. I agree with dropping the SS if you're going to be in it that much. I also agree with dropping the leather but NOT for the reasons Birdman gave. I think leather is always nicer than an imitation, BUT that doesn't make me right. Some people just don't like leather, and I don't bash them for it. However, this doesn't sound like it's going to be your primary vehicle, rather your daily commuter, so saving that money makes sense for that reason. But, I've got leather in a 8 year old SUV with no rips, cracks or signs of wear. How long do you need it to last? If you listen to Birdman, you'll end up with 4 wheels and a Nav system.

 

Ditto on ditching the Sports Suspension. I have the MCS without and take the turns with all the excitement my midlife crisis can muster. (Female co-workers won't ride in my car.) The MFSW, on the other hand, is a must. I drive over 100 miles every day on my drive to work. No way would I do without cruise control. The stereo functions on the wheel are nice, but not necessary. I bought Bluetooth, but now regret it. I could have done just as well with a $30 earpiece for my new phone.

I love my Punch Leather seats. Very comfortable. I also got heated seats because I wasn't sure about the coolness of the seats in winter. That was a joke for me since I'm on the coast in Texas, but hey, it's one of those things you fall for when you are in a spending frenzy online.

Nav is hardly necessary. Others are right: buy a Garmin Nuvi if you want it later. Much cheaper. I do like the auto-dimming mirror.

Also, since you drive so much, go for the ClearBra. The car looks cool and it will keep your paint job free of most rock and bug issues. I say this as someone who regularly puts nearly 200K+ miles on a car. I've seen it all with freeway hazards.

You might still want to consider the MCS, not because it is sensible, but because if you spend THAT much time in your car every day, you might as well enjoy the "on ramps" to the freeway that much more. I know I do.

Oh, and I love the upgraded stereo. I don't have Sirius, but plug in my iPod all the time.

If you do stay with the MC, I love the Nightfire Red. I wish it had been available with the MCS.

 

My turn...

Lose the factory armrest.. it's nearly worthless (I have one in my new MCSa).

For the same money you can buy an aftermarket armrest that's - a bit higher closer to your arm (hence "arm rest"), has better padding, will stay closed, and actually has some useful storage space in it. None of the above apply to the factory piece.

I'm eventually (soon) going to swap my stock armrest for an aftermarket one.

 

Glad to hear this! Most cars I've seen either have the leatherette, or the lounge leather. I only saw one car at my dealership that had punch leather, but I didn't get to sit in it. It looked really nice though, so I ordered it. Hope it was a good choice. I went back and forth between it and the LL. I just knew I didn't want the leatherette, "not that there's anything wrong with it!" (Insert Seinfeld reference here...)

 

We had leatherette in our '02 MCS and opted for shadow cloth in the '07. What an improvement! I tell you, cloth seats are making a comeback--leather is so last century!

 

Yeah, didn't want the leatherette (Seinfeld references aside). The Punch Black Leather I bought on faith (week 3 production). Love it. And saved a ton of money compared to the Lounge Leather.

As for the arm rest, I like the factory issue. It does sometimes slide back open a bit, but not to the point of distraction. It only does it when my arm presses down and back. It is the right height for my arm. I wish it had more storage space, but I'm not sure after market is any better. After all, none of them are a true console item like other cars.

 

Tell me about it. Right now I have two center console armrests that you can store a ton of stuff in. I don't know where I'm going to put all my crap when I replace that vehicle with my Mini; the boot I guess.

 

CoryS...Welcome to the Nightfire Red group..you'll have to check out the "Nightfire Red Support Group" thread and register...we're a crazy bunch. I love the NFR in person...it makes the car look very different from other MC's when side x side. Check out my Gallery..you'll see the black features....

Now...my 2 cents....cloth seats (heated) are pretty cozy. I don't like the leatherette feel, at least when the weather turns too hot or too cold. Totally lose the armrest...it's hopeless. Nav is expensive and maps are cheap...and you lose the speedo/stereo look when you go with Nav.

I have the Sport package with 17" wheels...a possible compromise might be adding the sport package (for the price, it's worth it) but keeping the tires 16 or 15"...it helps a lot with the handling and adding a decent regular tire will help to soften the ride for the longer haul while still maintaining the handling of the sport suspension.

I would def add the audio upgrades...although I want to add aftermarket speakers and amp...you have to be real careful about the right sizes.

Sunroof is great, but not totally necessary if you don't like the open feeling. Manual is much peppier than auto when you get used to it. I also love the look of the stripes....but you can also get them cheaper aftermarket if you like....(but I like the factory stripes...).....

Good luck, and welcome....NFR is pretty rare it seems, so it's always a pleasure to have another brother/sister on the road!

 

PS: Xenon's...definitely.....a big diff here from Halo's when watching for wildlife on the road after sundown!

 

I'd get rid of the Sport Suspension and the Center Arm Rest. Also, get them to throw in the Floor Mats for free. Other than that, nice setup.