Hey guys, awesome site you all have going here! I'll be putting in an order for my new Mini Cooper S soon and just want to see if you guys can offer any suggestions on my planned configuration. This will be my first car (I'm a 20 year old 2nd year college student in the Northeast) so I really want the purchase to be as close to perfect as possible, hoping for NO regrets Here's what I'm thinking of...
-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
-Dark Grey Color Line
-Leather: Lounge Carbon Black
-Interior Surface Brushed Alloy
-10-Speaker. Hi-Fi Sound System
-SIRIUS Satellite Radio
-Park Distance Control

Okay so I know that last option is pretty shameful in such a small car but I'm JUST getting my license and where I live you have no choice but to parallel park, which I'm horrid at. :-P
Please feel free to comment on anything else though, as I am not at all 100% decided on the above configuration and totally open to suggestions, even with the color.
Thanks in advance!

 

So what did you leave out? I dont have my MINI yet so take my suggestions with a grain of salt.

Definately go with the white turn signals. Small price to pay for a good look. I am regretting I didnt get it now. Will be more than $100 to get the look it gives aftermarket.

Headliner . Simply beautiful. Some say it makes the inside seem small. I say get a sunroof!

Sport Pkg on MCS: think about it. I would ditch it and save some $. The sport suspension (from what I understand) can make the ride a bit harsh. If you are not racing, then what for? Also, check out the marketplace. If you want 17"s you will find some great OEMs there for not too much $. I have already started looking. Some of the aftermarket stripes are far more interesting if you are dead set on stripes. Add the DSC for only $500.

Auto: learn to drive a manual. no offense or anything.

Leather: just care for it. it will last regardless of what folks say. the wipes in the containers (Maguires) these days make it so easy it's inexcusable.

Audio: big fan. Everyone has to listen to something.

Fog Lamp: negative. Those blaring red things disrupt the cool black honeycomb grill, esp if you line it with chrome (as you are doing).

Sounds like a good ride. Remember, if you dont like any parts (including the white turn signals) you know where to find me!

Get the order in though. The wait is terrible.

 

Disagree on the rear fogs espcially w/ the exterior chrome package. I think it gives the rear of the car a very finished look. If the black mesh rear grill did not have the "punch out" lines for the fogs if you do not get them, I could live with it.

I went with the cream line to set off the cream piping of the LL seats. Very ENGLISH imho.

If you want automatic--this auto setup is surprisingly good. Just drive it in sport mode or shift it manually. Big difference. If you want white mirror caps to match the roof rather than the chrome from the package, ask your MA to switch em out, You will pay for em but I got mine back and sold em on e-bay.

Looks like a great setup.

 

I must say, the cream with the wood trim is very nice. I thought the piping on the seats was a bit too white though. Nice setup. Unique. Dont see many of those at all, esp in red. Nice!

I see you have chrome interior. I got both int/ext but think the int is more bang for the buck. (The wife wanted all chrome possible. I would have rather had 1/2 LSD!).

 

Thanks so much for the quick replies!

Aonach: Hey, well I did leave off the convenience package, HD radio, and NAV :-P From what I've seen the white turn signals definitely do round off the car quite nicely. At first I wasn't thrilled with the idea of paying 100 bucks for them, but seeing them in person I agree with you that they're well worth it. As far as the sport package, I'm just getting the standard setup not the 'hyper sport' so it doesn't come with the sports suspension. It includes DSC, xenon headlamps, the bonnet stripes, and wheels. I'd actually consider going after-market but I'm a total sucker for those Crown-spoke wheels, I just find them to be absolutely GORGEOUS and same for the factory stripes. Finally for the fog lamps I actually do see your point as I have the exact same worry that it will ruin the all black look; I'm definitely still debating that one and may end up taking them off. Definitely nitpicking, but my only problem is I hate how there's that blank slot in the lower interior where the toggle switch for the fog lights will be if you don't order them... Thanks so much for your input and I'm definitely gonna put my order in the day I get back to the US (I'm actually vacationing in Rio until August 12th).

emtrey: WOW, that interior is to die for!!! I actually considered both the cream color line and the english oak trim but am a bit nervous that it may look weird with my exterior... Also I was told that you should only get a custom color line if it matches the exterior color. Seeing yours is definitely making me reconsider though as your setup is SWEET. And also I don't want my interior to be TOO monochromatic so maybe a different color line will spice things up a bit. It's nice to know that it's possible to switch the chrome mirrors for the white ones, I wasn't sure about that. Finally, I suck at driving manuals so I'm glad the MINI has a decent auto with sports mode and paddles; best of both worlds :-D

 

I had not seen that setup till I had already configured my car. MA showed it to me on a PW car. He thought it was the nicest MINI interior he had seen (this one also had the wood steering wheel which was too slippery for me).

I went for it then got cold feet because of concerns about the armrest getting dirty. I am a clean car freak. Went in to change back to the grey colorline. Car had just hit drop dead date 2 hours earlier. It was meant to be so I held on to the order. Glad I did. People I have shown the car to are amazed when they see the interior. Did not expect that look is the most common comment.

Cr/ black/ sports stripes is a great. combo. A friend of mine's car is probably on the boat with you. His is Cr/black/sports stripe, too. He could not justify the LL seats. They were a MUST HAVE for me.



Thanks for the nice comments. I am sure you are anxiously awaiting delivery.

 

emtrey: WOW, that interior is to die for!!! I actually considered both the cream color line and the english oak trim but am a bit nervous that it may look weird with my exterior... Also I was told that you should only get a custom color line if it matches the exterior color. Seeing yours is definitely making me reconsider though as your setup is SWEET. And also I don't want my interior to be TOO monochromatic so maybe a different color line will spice things up a bit. It's nice to know that it's possible to switch the chrome mirrors for the white ones, I wasn't sure about that. Finally, I suck at driving manuals so I'm glad the MINI has a decent auto with sports mode and paddles; best of both worlds :-D[/quote]

Your MA is wrong. You can order cream. I think it will look smashing with black. You will see the piping as you approach the car even more than on my CR. ( I am the one who pushed the envelope going with this setup on CR) It will look perfect with AB, IMHO A friend of mine ordered my (and maybe your) interior on DS. His car will be very rich looking. You will love this auto even though I am a stick shift guy. This auto was to accomdate my wife but I like it (for an auto) .

Go for it...the wood looks great. I used carnuba floor wax on it and it jumps.

 

You will not be disappointed with the oak and cream line interior The color riff of this combo with the piano black speaks of art deco and martinis. Definitely an upscale look that really compliments the beautiful CR. And, don't worry about the "dirty" factor of the cream line interior. I am using the new Meg's interior wipes, and narry a spot remains after wiping her down. But, I am anally careful about the interior (not hard to do....the MINI interiors are very ergonomic), so I don't really get any marks.

 

I looked at the cutouts too. I figured if I ended up liking the fog lamps, there coulnt be an easier mod to do than that one. Pop off the cutouts, wiring, and you are set. No bulb colors to worry about, etc. Just something to think about.

Mmmm. Vacationing in Rio. Options like that. Nice. If you need me to pick it up and break it in for the first 1250mi while you are on vacation, let me know. You might end up with a few different options than you ordered though!

 

emtrey - Yea, the more I look at it you're definitely right; I'm totally sold on the cream color line and English oak at this point! I'm also extremely OCD when it comes to car cleanliness which was the other reason for my initial reservations. How have they held up for you thus far? I knew from the second I saw the lounge leather it would be a must have for me as well, so now being able to mold the rest of the interior around it is awesome; and with the dark exterior I know it's gonna be killer. Thank you SO much for all of your input; my baby is gonna be perfect! Now just for a name... Hahaha

Aonach - Very true. So just out of curiosity, what did you end up doing? LOL, and as for Rio my parents live here so it's kind of a cheat :-P Believe it or not I'd totally let you break it in but I can't place the order until I get back, and will STILL have to face the agonizing wait for delivery. Actually making me wish that this vacation would be over already as I plan to order the same day I arrive back in the US! But I have to say, if I must suffer while waiting to order my jewel, this is certainly the place to do it; highly recommended :-)

 

Didn't get a chance to drive an auto trans. I hear they are good. Unfortunately, LSD is not available with the auto. If you go for manual, be sure to get LSD. That's limited slip differential, not lysergic acid diethylamide.

Hard to keep clean. This is a color for people who like to wash and detail their car several times a week. Looks sharp when clean, at least for the first half hour.

Reflects heat, practical choice. Probably look good with black. I like it with Chili Red and other colors. However, I went for Pure Silver with a Pure Silver roof.

Aesthetic choice. Personally, I'm not all that keen on chrome.

DSC is Most desirable part if this package. If I had it to do over, I might stick with 16" wheels. The larger wheels are mainly for looks. Ride would be smoother and handling can be as good. Some racers prefer smaller lighter wheels.

I have 'em and I like 'em.

I'm in California. Haven't had any rain to try them yet.

IIRC, this includes the sunroof. I'm not a sunroof fan. It adds a lot of weight to the roof (high center of gravity). Read the threads here about problems getting away from the sun (shade not adequate), rain leaks, and other problems.

Seems worthwile. The heated seats are really nice.

Don't care for chrome that much.

Have it, like it.

Didn't get it, and haven't seen it in person.

I almost got that, but didn't like the white piping. With a black car, I'd go for the red leather. That would look great. The leather seats are supposed to have lumbar support. Cloth seats don't. After a six hour drive, I wish I had leather.

I went for Piano Black. It's OK. I don't like reflective dash boards. I might go for the wood, if I had it to do over.

It's OK.

No nothing about it.

The rear visibility in the MINI is bad. The high waist, large pillars, and headrests make for lots of blind spots. I have PDC and think it is a Must Have option. With the NAV it includes a cool graphic of where the obstacles are and how close.

If money were no object, add the NAV. It integrates the HIFI and many other features of the car.

Also, the Multi-function Steering Wheel is a good option. I find cruise control very useful on long trips (unless there is heavy traffic). It also has volume and station control buttons for the HIFI. Much safer to move your thumb to turn the radio down/up than to look and reach for the volume down on the dash column.

 

I think the MCS looks great with the rear fogs. I think it would look bad without them.

Not at all. With a white roof, the cream colorline would look fine. Even with an all black exterior, nothing wrong with black and white. However, I'd go for the red leather seats and a compatible interior.

Oh, and black and wood? How many black Jags do you think there are running around with wood dashboards? Is it in the 10,000s, or 100,000s? Black and wood are fine together.

Baah Humbug. Small minded people with no color sense spout that kind of nonsense.

 

+1 on that. Some people's idea of "colour coordinating" is "make everything the same colour". These are usually the same guys that wear black shoes, black socks, black slacks, a white shirt, and rely on their necktie as the sole source of color.

 

Yea, the more I look at it you're definitely right; I'm totally sold on the cream color line and English oak at this point! I'm also extremely OCD when it comes to car cleanliness which was the other reason for my initial reservations. How have they held up for you thus far?


Held up quite well. Dash is perfect. I have conv pack so I don't even touch dash pad because I do not insert key fob. Driver's door armrest very clean too. Big test will be Midwest winters w/ snow, dirty jacket sleeves etc.

I think the wood really warms up the interior. Combined with the chrome line its very "retro". Go back to classic MINIS ( you are too young to have known them in their day--I am not --fell in love with them in the 60s) and see how BMW has recaptured that feel with this dash setup.

You are configuring a MINI. Part of the fun is anything GOES. I don't always go over the top. My other car is med gray with a matte black interior (see gallery) and my wife's car is red with gray interior. Nothing rowdy there.

You will love this interior with black. As far as your other choices--you will get 1000 differing opinions. Go with your gut but keep in mind its much more $$ to add things later you skipped at order time. Glad I could help. Send cash in small unmarked bills.

 

That's one heck of a MINI!! Since you say you're a new driver my biggest advise isn't about the car...it's you. Be careful...be safe...use your head. You're getting a MINI you can enjoy for a long, long time...and it's quite capable, so anything you can do to improve your driving skill will probably be a sound investment. Happy motoring!!

 

You have alot on there, but take a second look at the convenience package, its totally awesome. locking doors and rolling up windows from the outside is pretty nice.

 

Robin Casady -
Yea, that's actually my one nitpick with the automatic is that you cannot get the LSD with it. A manual is REALLY not an option for me though, so I'll just have to make the unfortunate sacrifice...

Is the astro black that hard to keep clean? I know it's a dark color so of course they show dirty like crazy, but I've actually been told that the main advantage the astro in particular has over jet black is that it shows less dirt because of it being metallic. I am a complete neat freak, but of course being in college and living on campus there aren't that many detailing opportunities to do yourself and I don't know of a very good place in the city YET.

Agreed, definitely went for the white roof as I love the contrast it makes with the black paint. I hadn't even thought of it reflecting heat; an added plus. :-)

I'm normally not that much of a chrome buff either, but again I really like how it looks with the black in particular; doubt I'd get it with any other color though. To me the interior chrome is a must have however.

Being honest I wasn't even looking at the 17" wheels as much from a handling point of view as I was from an aesthetic one, I just LOVE how those crown spokes look on the MINI! I do know there will be a comfort tradeoff all the same, but that I'm willing to live with. Also I'd have ordered the bonnet stripes, DSC, and xenons regardless so it's almost like I'm getting the wheels for free by opting for the sport package.

The jury is still out on the rear fog lamps... I'll probably only make that decision the day I order. :-/

Wow, so are there really a lot of problems with the sunroof??? That I hadn't heard before, I mean I could definitely live without it; the main reason I planned to get it is really just let some light into the otherwise dark interior. So if it's going to be cause for grief I'll just do without the premium package as auto AC is in no way a big deal to me and I could save over $1000 going for just the multifunction steering wheel... Definitely gonna give that some thought.

I considered the redwood seats, again it's just with my particular exterior I like the black on black look that the black leather creates. And given the white roof and bonnet stripes, for me the white piping only adds to the effect even more so.

I probably should have updated though, the rest of the interior has changed. I'm gonna go with the cream color line and english oak trim; definitely looks like a solid combo. Also I've taken Sirius off as the price went from $450 to $950 and although it's for a lifetime subscription I doubt I'll use it that much, so for me not worth it.

Knowing about the visibility problems now definitely makes me value the PDC even more so and not be quite so ashamed of it :-P

Finally, with the nav I WISH money were no object. As it stands I'm already $1000 over my self-proposed budget (really wanted to pay no more than $30,000 and as of now I'm at $31,000 even) also I'm not a big fan of how it blends with rest of the interior.

All in all thank you VERY much for your thorough input and I'll be sure to keep it in mind come ordering day next month!

 

ScottRiqui - LMAO, yea I agree with you on that. Although I haven't been able to see one in person yet, I have no doubt the astro black will go beautifully with the new interior.

emtrey - Good to know! I don't have the convenience package but if your armrest has held up well, I doubt the dash will fare any worse just buy putting the key in and taking it out. :-)
Yea I'll admit I know nothing about classic MINI's, but I do know that combination is drop dead gorgeous and quite English indeed. Also it does serve to brighten the interior quite a lot and given that mine was looking a bit somber before that is great. One question, how do I get to your gallery?
Thanks again for all of your input, it's been invaluable; I'll be sure to send that cash ASAP :-P

gokartride - Thank you kindly for both the compliment on the MINI as well as your tips; I'll be sure to keep all of that at the forefront of my mind as I drive this beauty.

daveag98 - Thanks, I probably have too much on there :-P There's really just no way I could justify yet another package, although I would consider getting the comfort access as a standalone option... But can't you do that rolling up the windows trick from the standard remote as well?

Thanks a TON to all of you!!!

 

I have an all Astro Black, clear signals, and rear fogs but with the tuscan beige interior w/ the creamline accents and piano black. You're right about the color not showing quite as much dirt as a pure black, but it doesn't take much to make it look 'unclean'! Also did premium, cold weather, and anthracite so I like your choices. The comfort access IS nice as I never need to take my key out of my pocket but my wife has 'lost' hers in her purses more than once.

The standard susp is more than sporty enough for a street car. Just think about getting the DSC is you're staying with the automatic. Research torque steer in the threads.

Whatever you end up with, it'll be fine.

 

The other thing about the fog lamps is that, if it gets foggy in your area, they might actually prevent you from getting rear-ended in the fog.

 

Agreed. That's why I got them.

 

Mgibrace - Sounds like a pretty sweet setup you have as well, I actually considered the tuscan beige initially. I'm definitely gonna give some thought into getting the comfort access... As far as DSC for me that's mandatory, I wouldn't even think about getting a car without it; so the fact that it's included in the sport package is perfect.


Robin Casady & ucbrother - Very true; I'll definitely stick with them.

Thanks to all of you :-D

 

So just giving an update to that original configuration I posted, the planned changes (thus far) are as follows:
-Took off SIRIUS, the dark grey color line and brushed alloy surfaces
-And added the cream color line and english oak surfaces
Also rethinking the premium package as a result of sunroof woes... Can anyone with a sunroof give some input on this?
THANKS

 

I don't have a sunroof, but I would suggest getting it if you think you want it. You hear a lot more from the owners with problems than you do from the owners without problems. The odds of any one individual buyer having problems with the sunroof are probably pretty low.

As an example, both my wife and I have convertible MINIs, which obviously adds a great deal of complexity and potential for problems compared to a tintop. We've never had the first hint of a problem with either car, but if you read some of the threads here, you would think that all of the convertible tops develop wear/fray marks, leak air/water, get stuck halfway through opening or closing, and have rear windows that spontaneously explode when the weather gets cold. I'm glad we didn't see those threads beforehand, because neither one of us can imagine not having a convertible now.

 

congrats on the interior choice. You are my third "convert" to this setup.

As far as the sunroof, I have it even though I don't use it as much as my wife does. That said, I have not had any issues except the annyoing problem with the shades not staying closed. I am waiting for MINI to come up with a fix or I have my own idea. My idea requires drilling a hole so I am holding off for now in hopes their idea is more sophisticated.