Another thing with the piano black trim is the dash inserts are the only parts that are glossy. The door pull inserts are a standard black plastic (not glossy). If you look on the back side of the brushed aluminum trim in this area, you can see the back part is a basic black plastic. This is what the front part is for the piano black. This was an odd thing to see unless newer R56's are getting glossy pulls.

I realized after I posted last that the grip part to close the door is in fact another part of the trim and the door opener is the chrome part. Now if the JCW CF dash trim would include the door pulls in CF that would be sweet.

 

I like the Fluid Silver--seems to match the rest of the interior. IMO the brushed alloy and the checkered flag surfaces are just too "busy" when mixed with the rest of the pieces. But, that's just me--go to the dealer and see them in action.

 

While the door pulls are in fact standard black plastic with the piano black trim, the dash inserts are not the only parts that are glossy. There's also glossy trim everywhere else on the door that is made silver with the brushed alloy, as well as glossy pieces in the 'backseat' area.

That's my problem with the alloy, checkered flag and even english oak interior trims as well. Too much mixing and matching of colors/materials. While with the piano black and fluid silver (there may be others) all trim pieces are the same color and of the same construction. Makes for a much more pulled together, complete look IMO.

I was actually very close to opting for the english oak trim before realizing that it's only about 40% wood (all dash pieces and two door pulls) while the remaining 60% is piano black. With the brushed alloy I like the fact that at least all trim pieces are silver, but it still bothers me that some are alloy while others are silver plastic (fluid silver).

 

I did forget to mention the door rings and rear accent parts as well.

I use the door ring in my MCS to hold open the door when trying to squeeze in or push it open since it is silver to go along with my brushed aluminum and does not show prints or smudges like the piano black does. I try not to touch the vinyl parts of the doors as skin rubs into the pattern and creates white areas to clean later. Even resting an elbow on the door is prohibited other than the arm rest.

 

To me the fluid silver does look cheap... brushed alloy was my first pic until I sat in and enjoyed Piano Black and Cream color line = I got a PW Mini... Loved it and never looked back... No issues with scratches or prints...

 

I have the piano black with the lounge leather and interior chrome package. In retrospect, I wish I had ordered the cream color line. That would have looked stunning with the piano black.

I am thinking of a second MINI and was going to go brushed alloy until reading it didnt continue onto the doors. The piano black does and the effect is a great bang for your buck.

It DOES scratch. I have a couple on the drivers side door from hitting it with my feet getting in and out. There is also a very subtle scratch on the secret compartment piece. I had thought about putting the clear bra stuff over it but I think it would be a miserable job.

Fingerprints are a problem for sure.

I wanted to keep the cost down on my next MINI. I think the fluid silver does look cheap. I really wished the alloy continued on the doors. I wanted a different trim on the next one, but the piano black looks to be leading again at this point.

 

Back when I was trying to decide on which to go with, I went to the dealer and checked them out - all were available except the brushed alloy. Here's my thoughts:

stock checkerboard: kinda busy looking, gave my SO a headache
fluid silver: looked extremely cheap and plastic-like
piano black: classy looking, but easy to scratch + fingerprints
english oak: very classy looking
brushed alloy: from the photos and info on NAM, it seemed to have that industrial modern & contemporary look

I was about to go with brushed alloy, but SO fell in love with the english oak, so we went with that instead. No regrets though, ordered the oak wheel & shift **** as well, and the whole thing ties together beautifully. Has a great look of classy elegance. The engish oak trim comes with piano black door rings which looks nice, but requires a bit more upkeep. I think the brushed alloy would have given it a more sporty feel (still a close second for me).

Like what's already been mentioned here, it's best to go see them in person if possible to decide for yourself. I would have never considered the english oak if we didn't see it in person.

 

When I built my Mini on the internet - the LL and Cream color line did NOT look good - then I sat in one at the Dealer - took about 5 seconds to Change my order - My MA was fine with that and actually encouraged me... Glad he did.

 

Same, didn't even consider it while using the online configurator. I actually don't even remember how the idea came up. I think my friend mentioned it because I absolutely hate the grey color line except with the redwood red lounge leather, and none of the bright colors would have matched up well with the rest of my car. I asked my MA what he thought of it and he (unconvincingly) said that it'd probably match up nicely, only adding to my worry. However after taking me out to sit in a MINI with the cream and LL (can't remember if it had piano black) I was completely sold. With PW especially it's just such a good look.

 

Yep. The cream white color line matches the cream white piping on the seats. Beautiful. Damn it! I even tried to look and see how hard it would be to remove the panels and replace them. Nope.

 

Weird. When I ordered mine last December, there was absolutely NO way to know what it would look like--no configurator pictures; no samples in the showroom. I gambled and picked Fluid Silver, and I've never regretted it. I don't see it as cheap looking, just a classy way to tie everything together. Are we talking about the same thing???