Hey guys... Thanks for all the info here on the board – I just ordered an '08 MCS:

2008 MINI Cooper S

Chili Red Body Color
Black Roof/Mirrors
Convenience Package
Sport Package
Rear Fog Lamp
Limited Slip Differential
6-Speed Getrag Manual
Automatic AC
Anthracite Headliner
Leatherette: Black/Grey
Computer Nav. System
10-Speaker. Hi-Fi Sound System
Interior Surface Piano Black
Sport Stripes - black
JCW Aero Kit
iPod Adapter

One question - The dealer called and asked if I wanted all season or performance. I said all-season... but in reflection I'm used to my "performance" all-season tires on my Bimmer. Should I try and switch to the performance? How are the all-season tires for somewhat sporty grip? I'm not racing the thing, but I'd like to throw it in some corners once in a while. Thanks.

 

....and you didn't pop for the white turn signals?

 

Didn't even remember seeing them in the configurator, but even looking now, I still wouldn't get them. The big white dot in the middle of the brake lights doesn't appeal to me.

 

Where do you live? Got snow?
All season tires are compromise tires. Not great in snow or on hot/twisties.
The stock wheels are heavy anyhoo; I'd mount all seasons or winters on them and buy some light rims and summer performance tires for the serious good times.
That's what I've just done with Arthur.

 

The convenience pack for the 2008's now includes a USB adapter like they have in the new BMWs... do if you were planning the ipod Adapter that they were installing in 2007's then you might not need it.

 

the all season that came on the 07 w/ 17 inch wheels are Contis--a friend of mine has them and they did not feel good at all for dry performance.

 

We were in the same boat...ordered performance but ended up they built it with all seasons with I agreed too since it will be mainly a commuter. From what I was told its the same Conti's that come on the BMW's. I am like you and like my performance tires but figure we can always swap them out down the road pretty easy.

 

First of all, congratulations!!

Secondly.....nice spec......

Also IMHO, keep the all season tires on the stock rims for winter, and grab some nice lightweight wheels with summer only rubber like so many here have done.

It's a nice combo for year round enjoyment....

 

Has anyone in the USA actually gotten the USB adaptor? Last I heard it was only on cars delivered in Europe. Also, there is some debate as to whether the sound quality with the USB is as good as the iPod Integration.

 

Are they the ProContact SSR tires?
I put them on my wife's '06 MCSa --- not a good tire for performance at all. They last well but I can't wait for them to wear enough to justify trashing them.

 

I live in NJ, so we either get no big storms or we get a bunch.

I think I might just ask to change to performance and if they can - great, else it's not much to get new perf-all-season tires, plus if I don't get run-flats, the ride should be a little softer.

I spend a couple winters on summer-performance tires in my RWD bimmer, so I should be ok

Yeah, I wasn't sure if the USB port was coming on the car (I should have asked, but forgot - duh!), so I got the iPod adapter. They threw in the labor for free, so it wasn't a bad deal (also got the sport stripes for free). I like it hidden away so it is worth it.

 

I have not ordered a mini yet, but wondered the same thing. My MA is saying yes with the 6ND option on my08 US spec Minis, which is the same as 6FL option on BMWs, inclusive of an iPod adapter chord. It was explained that there is full iPod control via MFSW and charging, or you can load a memory stick with music and use it like you would use an iPod. I am waiting for the 08s to hit US soil to see how peeps like it. I am considering not going with that option and using the $500 not spent towards a Garmin 360 or 660 which has MP3 playback by SD card and bluetooth, but will have to audio interface by the Aux in port... requiring some fiddling around every time I get into the car. Although the memory stick option seems ideal considering how cheap memory is these days, and you can just leave the stick plugged in. I really do not see myself setting up the Garmin every time I get into the car either. The less I have to do each time I get into the car is better for me. I may have just convinced myself to go with the USB .

 

If they last for a while, that's a start! We have the Conti all-seasons on our MCS and I'm hoping for decent tire life.

I think they are also using the ContiProContact on the 3-series now. When we got ours in 2006, it came with Bridgestone runflats that starting wearing abnormally and got really loud around 5k miles. By 10k miles it was unbearable, and the service manager at the dealer authorized 2 new tires under warranty. Shortly after that, BMW came out with a bulletin to replace all 4 tires if a customer complained about tire noise before 10k miles, and to go 50/50 if the customer complained between 10,001-20k miles. On alot of these cars, they are replacing the noisy Bridgestone tires with 4 Contis that seem to be holding up better.

I also heard some bad things about the runflats on the Z4, but my M has regular ContiSport non-runflat tires (the regular Z4 has Bridgestone runflats), and while they are much smoother and quieter, I am afraid to take the car far from home because if I ever get a flat or a blow out, the car has no spare (similar problem as the MCS-- no room in the back for a spare)... so I guess while the runflats can be a PITA in some cases, the safety/convenience factor is nice.

 

there are two options... one gives you Bluetooth and USB port for $500. not sure if it includes the cable like the BMW 6FL option.

the other option includes Bluetooth, USB, multi-function wheel and center armrest with docking cradle for your phone (charges the phone, but you need to buy the snap in adapter that works with your phone) for $1000.

 

I carry 3 different fix-it kits for my non-runflats; if I can't fix the flat on the road, I'll call for a flatbed and buy a cheap tire at some shop to get me home.
I've never had a tire shred on me... ...knock wood...

 

I was explained that the $500 does include the cable. See recently revised configurator. The thing I am not absolutely positive about is if the USB will play songs off of a non players, such as a memory stick or ext hard drive. It says "mp3 music device".

 

The all seasons are a more than capable tire IMO. I'll be getting dedicated winters next season so at that time will go to performance summers but until then the all seasons will suffice.

 

+1 We don't get ridiculous amounts of snow here in PA but enough to warrant a good set of tires. They definitely allow me to drive with confidence; I just could not imagine doing that on a set of performance tires. If you have the means and space to store a second set of wheels then separate winter tires and summer tires are always gonna be your best bet. But if not the OEM all-seasons are a pretty good compromise.

 

The all season tires are still pretty good. The performance tires are not very good on wet roads and terrible in the snow.

 

Hey TDM156! We're fellow San awaiting our first MINI. I think we specified all-seasons so we're wondering if yours are treating you well? How are they wearing? We'll be doing mostly around town driving, but are hoping to join a Hill Country run every once in a while. I'll have to remember how to drive stick without embarrassing myself first.

I don't know how San Antonio roads compare of some of the other horror stories we've heard about on the tire and wheel threads, but in our driving areas seem pretty tame and well-paved. I guess the silver lining in this drought is fewer potholes.

 

eek! How horrible.. ?

I have performance - and I saw in my paperwork that I'm not to use chains on them. Am I in trouble driving to Tahoe this weekend?

I have the 16" runflat performance tires.