I just dont see it. That's what your tail lights are for. Fog schmog. (No offense to you).

Additionally, it erks me that MINI makes you pay $100 for such a thing. If it was really about safety they would be on there standard. I love MINI and all but some of the little options make me feel like I am getting nickle and dimed. Fog lights case in point.

I feel like an Apple groupie somtimes. At least MINI doesnt maintain a air of exclusivitiy and just turn around and make all of their %#$* in China like everyone else anyway. Sorry just bit edgy tonight.

 

I totally understand where you're coming from. The last four or five Apple products I've bought have all had the "designed in Cupertino, California" blurb displayed prominently on them, while the "Assembled in China" declarations have been buried in small text, usually on the bottom of the unit.

 

Love my sunroof most of the time. Occ it's too much light, but when the darkness descends up here for 8-10 mo, I'll be happier. No leaks. Initially thought that the auto air was bogus and more to go wrong, but am now happy with it. The multifunction wheel is a must imho just for the cruise. The radio controls are a nice extra.

The comfort access was a last minute addition for me and I'm very glad I did it. Full key function without using a key. Magic! And conveneint as anything on the car.

 

ScottRiqui - Very good point, I'm gonna go ahead and stick with it as I plan to make use of it a good bit.

emtrey - Impressive! It really just took one look at your picture to see how nice that combination is. Looking at it on the MINI configurator it didn't seem half as impressive; I'm most happy with the change. :-)
I hadn't even heard any complaints regarding the shade not staying closed. Guess that'll just be another thing I'll have to deal with, doesn't sound like TOO big of a deal though... Thanks again!

Aonach - Very good point you make. It definitely does suck that if it is such an essential safety feature we have to pay for it. But then again I guess the same case can be made for DSC. Although I don't mind paying 500 bucks for it at all... Back on point, aesthetics aside I'm really still on the fence. Mainly because I don't get too much fog where I live (BUT I do plan on road tripping a good bit) and I just reallyyy don't wanna pass that $31,000 mark. Okay, it's only a 100 bucks extra so I'm probably being dramatic but I just can't help it.
It's actually funny that you mention Apple as even with the sometimes annoying factor of overcharging for the simplest of parts (for example the close to 100 bucks I had to part with to get a new charger for my MacBook Pro after it frayed almost to the insulation) I'm QUITE the die hard Apple fan at heart. :-P

Mgibrace - Thanks so much for your input, I'm gonna go ahead and keep the premium package. Auto air isn't a big deal to me but the sunroof and multifunction steering wheel are, so I'll just consider it an added bonus. The comfort access I'll continue to ponder. No doubt it's quite convenient indeed, but another $500 added to my MSRP? I don't know if I can swing that one :-/

 

Look at it this way: BMW charges $1000 for the same thing. We get a $500 discount. It is kind of foolish, but the thought of putting the key in and then hitting a start button pissed me off. Design cuteness taken too far for me.

 

Very true; well I'll definitely give it some though. If my MSRP wasn't already a bit over where I want it to be I'd go for it in a heartbeat, however we'll see. LOL, it's actually funny you say that annoys you as (keeping in mind that I haven't had to do it yet) I find the idea of putting the key in then pressing the start button pretty cool :-P Granted it adds a step to the ignition process and can even seem a bit counterintuitive but what can I say?

 

you can roll down the windows without the comfort access, but must have the comfort access to roll up the windows from the outside.

But i will try when i get home to confirm.

 

While there may have been technical reasons to do it this way (or not), it seems like a bit of nostalgia to me. British sports cars of the mid 20th Century had starter buttons. You put the key in and turn it. Then hit the starter button.

 

You know, I forgot that. Thanks.

 

Hi all and thanks so much for all of the input; my MINI Cooper S is now ordered :-) I got a week 32 build slot so it should be arriving sometime in late September. Also I cannot recommend Otto's MINI (West Chester, PA) enough. Not only did my MA put up with my ridiculous amount of emails, but actually was able to get $300 off MSRP and threw in the floor-mats for free! I know the latter is pretty standard, but given that I've always been told MINI's are sold for MSRP or higher, the discount greatly surprised me; especially since I didn't even really ask. Also he only charged a $55 document fee and after hearing of these fees going well into the triple digit range I was quite impressed by this as well. Anyway, thank you once again and here's the final configuration:

-6-Speed Auto w/Agitronic Mode
-Astro Black Body Color
-White Roof
-White Turn Signals
-Chrome Line Exterior
-Sport Package w/ 17" Crown-Spoke (Performance) & White Bonnet Stripes
-Rear Fog Lamp
-Rain Sensor and Auto Headlamps
-Premium Package
-Cold Weather Package
-Chrome Line Interior
-Anthracite Headliner
-Cream Color Line
-Leather: Lounge Carbon Black
-Interior Surface English Oak
-10-Speaker. Hi-Fi Sound System
-Park Distance Control

Price out the door with all taxes and fees - $32,677.00

 

Congrats. Sounds like a nice setup. Now you can join the tracking obsession.

 

That'll work! Congrats on your order!

 

Thanks!!! Now for the hard part... Waiting till mid-September for delivery :O