Hi

I'm just about to order a new Cooper s (my first). I'm going for the chili pack option, but what else would you recommend as good value for money on the options list? Also , i've heard good and bad reports about he sports suspension, and the limited slip diff. Any suggestions?

 

Premium if you like a sunroof.

 

All MINIs come with ASC (All-Season Traction Control). This will apply the breaks and/or cut the engine output. So, when making a left turn on slippery pavement you can experience the engine bog down just when you want it to jump. Limited slip differential (LSD) can minimize this kind of thing. Instead of dealing with wheel spin by cutting the engnie, it transfers power to the other wheel. ASC will still be on, but it wont come into play as early. Adding LSD after delivery is very expensive. The MINI LSD might not be the best in the world, but for $500 it is better than not having it.

Never driven the sports suspension. You should test drive both to see for yourself.

Options most mentioned as, Wish I had ordered...":
Anthracite Headliner
Rear Fog lights (partially because it completes a bank of toggle switches)
Clear Turn Signals
There is another one I've forgotten

Some of the options I like are:
Heated seats
Park Distance Control
Comfort Access
Multi-Function Steering Wheel (only way to get cruise control)
NAV

 

Definately get the LSD, and definately the premium package (I looove the auto climate control, just set and forget). I wish I had gotten the anthracite headliner.

 

It depends upon what kind of driving you do, how aggressive you are driving and whether you like sunroofs and how important the interior appearance is to you.
Go to several dealers, drive a number of cars, see what is on the lots and then make a list of the relative importance of all of the options that you saw in person.

 

get the anthracite headliner.

 

Rear fog lights-$100 and toggle switch row gets all filled out so even if you don't use them often or at all not having a empty space adjacent to the other toggles is worth it. I also wish I had ordered the white turn signals for $100, not having the egg yolks in the front looks better IMHO.

 

Thanks guys; I hadn't even considered the anthracite headliner. The LSD sounds worth it, and I'll try to drive a few different specced models. One thing about the comfort access - isn't there a danger if you're at home and the Mini is in the drive, it'll still detect the key and unlock?

 

I didn't get this option. I've seen it and personally didn't think it made that much of a difference to justify the extra cost.

Just curious, what makes this such a popular extra?

 

I have been looking over the options myself, and i added up the components of each package. It basically comes down to what you want. Really on any of the packages, any two options and you might as well get the package. The package prices are really good if you ask me. If i decide to go with a MCS, I have decided to get all packages with the anthracite headliner, LSD, and the rear fog.

Here is the breakdown. Feel free to correct me if i have an error.

Premium (1500)
DP Sunroof 1000
Auto AC 500
HiFi Sound 500

Sport (1500)
Xeon HID 500
DSC 500
Bonnet Stripe 100
Suspension 500

Cold Weather (500)
Heated Mirror 500
Heated Seats 500
Heated washer ?

Convenience (1500)
Auto Mirror 250
Auto Lamps
& wipers 250
Garage opnr 250
Keyless go 500
Bluetooth
w/ ipod
w/ armrest 1000
multi wheel 250

 

LOL and after 4 years 8 months of being a member here, i have made my first post above.

I preordered a 350Z and took delivery in Aug of 2002. In June 2003 I decided i would look at minis as a second car. I bought a used blazer for $500 that i still drive to this day. I have got the mini bug again and went to the dealership saturday and tested the 08 MCS. I LOVED it! The Z has 82K miles on it and its time for a everyday car that gets above 17 mpg.

 

Thanks, VandyS, that's really useful.

 

Sorry, VandyZ!