Hello I am in the process of selling my 05 honda element and I am going to buy a Mini Cooper S. So far these are the specs I'm gonna go with, I do have some questions about them.

• Chrome Line Exterior $250
• Chrome Mirror Caps INC
• White Bonnet Stripes $100
• Astro Black Body Color $450
• White Roof/Mirrors $0
• 6-Speed Auto w/Agitronic Mode $1,350
• 16" Bridge-Spoke (Performance) $0
• Automatic AC $300
• Computer Nav. System $2,100
• Comfort Access System $500
• Leather Sport Wheel w/Multifunction $350
• 10-Speaker. Hi-Fi Sound System $550
• iPod Adapter (installation not incl.) $330
• Driving lamps (installation not incl.) $510

Chrome Line Exterior $250


I can't decide whether or not I want the driving lamps, do you think that they are worth it? Any other options that would be a MUST HAVE?

 

I don't have my Mini yet, but when the extras started adding up and I needed to make cuts, I just couldn't cut the driving lamps. I love the look too much, especially when I saw them in person. They could probably throw no light whatsoever and I'd probably still order them, . I just really love how they look.

 

Yeah I am pretty sure that my budget is about 28,000. I def need the automatic. I really really want the Nav. Everything else is pretty much change able. Although those driving lamps are 510. That sure is alot. Just for 2 lights. Maybe I should just wait on those and get them later on.

 

Yeah, I didn't get the Nav. It was very, very tempting, but I don't road travel great distances much. Though, I suppose with a Mini and a Nav I would be encouraged to do so more often. Kind of a catch 22 there. I also like the quirkiness of the large center speedo. But you're right, you could add the lights later. I may add the Ipod adapter after too. Something else I'm thinking of is the checkered mirror caps later on. I nixed the checkered sunroof graphic. When I saw it in person it just didn't wow me like I thought it would.

 

SomethingNew71,

You may want to consider DSC. It it a very valuable safety feature that in my opinion is worth the $ 500.00 charge.

 

Ditto on the DSC. It's saved me twice when someone pulled over into my lane on the expressway and again when someone threw some road debris my way. But if you're just gonna drive to the grocery store, forget it.

 

I do travel alot. I can't get enough of it. I put 46000 miles on my element under 3 y ears. I drive alot. The ipod thing I want off the bat though.

 

You should ask your dealer what the labor charges will be for the Driving Lights

 

Yeah, in that case, it makes perfect sense. I think all the choices are what's great though, even if they did give me fits trying to finalize what I wanted.

 

I actually have both, an 04 Element and a new MCS convertible. I'm sure you already know, but the MINI is sooo much more fun to drive. Very point and shoot, rather than plodding along in the Element. Other than the various performance related options I got, I am really appreciating the multifunction steering wheel. I had one in an Accord year ago, and really missed it in the E.

You are going to have a ball. I think both are great vehicles, and are good at what their purpose is. But the MINI is just so much more fun.

 

Hmmm, maybe Xenons instead of the driving lights? You can always add 2 or more better looking lights later anyways. I'd also suggest getting the DSC. If you don't mind actually using your ipod to control it instead of the MSFW, you could nix the Ipod adapter cause there's an aux jack already under your toggle switches.

 

YES, YES the Xenons. Excellent in wet weather and very usable. Driving lights look cool, but you need to put covers on them for protection. As far as the IPOD adapter. I bought it and with labor and tax over $500. The 08 will have a usb input which might save you the trouble. There is not a great deal of functionality in the IPOD install. However, it's convenient but only you can decide whether to spend the extra money.

 

I debated for a long time about the navigation system and opted for it. Although it was expensive, I really like it and it's been good about recalculating the route if you ignore one of its suggestions. It also looks good in the center speedo.

I also added the Xenons and are very happy with them, as well.

 

Alright so I decided to take the bigger plunge and just get it decked out. It is gonna be kick butt. Take a look.

 

I love the NAV. It integrates with the radio, Parking Distance Control (cool graphic of where you are getting close to things), and the onboard computer.

I think driving lights are mainly bling. If you do a lot of high-beam driving, get the Xenons. However, if it is mostly low-beam driving, I find them less desirable.

Heated seats are very nice. Oh, you want to cut back...

The iPod adaptor is something I'd like to have, but will probably cost about $600 with installation. You can connect your iPod through the AUX input, but you wont see your playlists on the NAV, nor will you be able to go forward or back with the steering wheel buttons.

Auto AC may not be necessary. I have it, but still find myself adjusting it up and down.

 

The problem is that it's a little cool in the morning, so I don't need the 62-degree setting. Later in the day, I do. Need morning and afternoon settings.

 

Get the Garmin Nuvi 360 kit from the dealer and save $1400.
Get the lamp kit from www.minspeed.net and save $85.
It comes with an aux imput --- do you really need an ipod adapter?
Does Chrome get you home?

Just food for thought.

It's really hard to decide what you NEED vs. what you WANT.

 

Just a little contribution, but my dealer (Century MINI, Greenville, SC) charges just under $1K for the driving lights and install. At first thought, it seemed like a lot, but after seeing them on the car and seeing the quality of the switch install they seem worth it. Especially since you wouldn't have to deal with installing them!

 

Just remember: You cannot hose out the interior of your MINI.

 

If you opt for thr sport package you get the xenons headlights, the DSC, upgraded wheels/tires and the black or white stripes if you want them.

 

Hahaha sadly enough I couldn't do that with the Element either. It's a commen myth. Little do most people know there is NO drain and the airbags computer is right under the floor back there so if you short it BOOM go all the airbags. Expensive mistake.

 

Wow! THAT would be quite the surprise.

 

Only 46,000 - that's only slightly above average. I was at 80,000 after 3 years in my 03 Mercedes C230. What did I learn from this...always get a clear mask installed. I had it on my 03 C230 and the front end looked close to new when I sold it. My 05 C230 without the clear mask looks like I followed a gravel truck to work everyday (work was 50 miles from home).

 

The iPod interface is far more than the iPod itself. If you buy a line-out patch cord for the AUX INPUT on the car, you get a constant volume level with your iPod. Sure, you have to actually push the buttons on your iPod, but you would have had to push the buttons on your car as well. And you save hundreds.

You can also save a ton of money if you go with after-market GPS like the Garmin Nuvi 350.

 

Made the exact same change from 2005 Element to a 2007 MCS. I wonder if I'll regret it.