Center armrest
HiFi audio
Comfort access
BT/ipod adaptor
SIRIUS



for those who have them, how much do you like/need them?

for those who don't, how much do you miss/regret?

thx..

 

If you use the search function, you'll find a lot of threads on these topics.

I don't have my cooper just yet, but I can tell you that this forum was invaluable when picking my options.

 

I got all those except the Ipod adapter on mine. The armrest works fine for me. It's right in the right spot. I think it has to do with the distance between your shoulder and elbow. I've seen a few complaints about it being in the way. No troubles here with it. I have the phone cradle in it for my Razr phone as well.

The HiFI and Sirius option came together in an audio package. It's the first experience I've had with satellite radio. The hifi sounds really good on HD radio stations. Sirius sounds the worse. Sounds flat, almost like mono. Analog FM, CDs, and MP3 all sound better than Sirius. Nothing sounds as clear as HD radio in my area. The Mini is my first listen to HD radio as well so maybe the sound quality is normal for HD. The HiFi setup has decent mids and highs but not much deep base. It depends on what you're listening too as well.

I really like the comfort access. I leave the key in my pocket. It stays there. It's like the car know's it "me" when I walk up.

If you travel, don't have a big music collection for an Ipod, or no radio stations you like in your area, I'd still get the Sirius option.

Sometimes I regret not getting the Ipod adapter but it was just the thing that would have put me over my budget on the car. If it was half the price I would have gotten it. Mine is an 07 so there was no option of a USB port. That would have been handy for using a USB drive to hold music.

 

IPod software is not much to write home about. Limited functionality. The cost is much too high.
Find a car with the armrest before spending the $$$.

 

I've heard some people don't like the factory arm rest? I don't have one, but I kind of want one.

 

I think the Bluetooth/ipod is the best option deal available for $500. Full handsfree with voice commands and full iPod integration into the radio display for only $500....

Don't bother with the factory armrest. It's kind of flimsy, only slides back a little ways, and doesn't really stick out far enough to be useful for some people (if you sit closer to the steering wheel, especially). There's an armrest sold through the accessories department that is around $200 (less than the factory $250), and it is much more solid and has a flip-up lid. It's really easy to install, too, so you could probably just do it yourself.... Undo/loosen a couple bolts holding the front seat rails to the floor; slide the armrest "legs" under the rails; re-tighten the bolts

 

I'd second the comments about the armrest. I like the position, though--just am not happy with the fact that it's always opening. I have another one on order as a warranty replacement--we'll see if it's any better.

I just don't see all the hoopla about the comfort access. It seems to me to be just an expensive gimick. And I know there would be a time when I'd be stranded while switching cars (something we often do on the run), and I'd be stuck with Hubby's key in HIS pocket, not mine. Yes, I know there's an idiot light, but that only works when the other person is still in range. Like I say, we often switch out "on the run."

Haven't a clue about any of the others--don't need 'em; don't miss 'em.

 

Hi-Fi yes, center armrest yes, the rest you can do without. Although with the 08 bluetooth may be nice as that comes with the usb port.

 

Love the center armrest, because I have a 6 speed.
Wish I had the Comfort access.

 

Center armrest--Go aftermarket if you really need one
HiFi audio--Must
Comfort access--???
BT/ipod adaptor-- a definite must
SIRIUS--go aftermarket much cheaper

 

I have all of those options except Sirius. I like all of them and think that they are worth it. The Sirius I would have gotten if it was not $1k.

 

The armrest is going to be a personal preference. Some like it some don't, try it out in a test drive and see if it's comfortable for you. As for me, I like mine, don't really use it for storage though.

Comfort access is kind of a gimmick, how geeky/techy are you? It's not really all that useful. I have it but don't realty see a "need" for it.

HiFi is a must, you get tweeters and a much better sounding system. Some will argue that it still isn't good enough though. If you're an audiophile get the base system and upgrade your brains out.

Defiantly get the bluetooth/USB, it's a lifesaver if you talk on the phone and you can just plug your ipod/flash drive straight into it and the radio will recognize it. Fair warning, it will not see most if any hard drive based units, not a enough power provided through the interface.

Don't have sirius and don't see the attraction. It was too much $$ for me when I could just use my own music on a flash drive. I don't like talk radio or sports either so it was a pretty obvious choice for me.

 

Center armrest
I bought the Euro-style armrest and installed it myself; good price from Minspeed.net

HiFi audio
I like it well enough; integrated lifetime Sirius is pretty cool. It's not a great audiophile stereo, but it's fine for commuting. When I'm out going fast, the engine is roaring, the windows are open, and the radio is usually off.

Comfort access
I think that's a silly option; but if you have lots of money...

BT/ipod adaptor
I don't have an ipod and I retreat to my automobile to escape my phone...

SIRIUS
See Hi-Fi

 

Except for the fact that Comfort Access comes with the Convenience Package ($1500), including:
1) multi-function steering wheel
2) sports leather steering wheel
3) universal garage door opener
4) auto-dimming rear view mirror
5) center armrest
6) rain sensor auto headlights
7) comfort bluetooth and USP/iPOD adapter

So, if you get the Convenience Package it makes more sense.

 

Convenience package was the only reason I got the comfort access.

Love the auto dimming rear view mirror.

 

The MFSW is pretty important. I have the auto-dim headlights and auto-wipers; they're nice but I wouldn't die without them.
Farkles all depend on your budget.

 

Center armrest: I got so fed up with mine that I ripped it out. It was in the way for shifting, and didn't fold back far enough. There was no phone cradle for my phone, so the Bluetooth aspect was useless to me. The top slides back too easily, so it doesn't stay shut. Now there is an iPhone cradle for it, so if you have an iPhone, it might be worth putting up with.

HiFi audio: This depends on whether you want to make any mods to the HIFI. IMO, the most cost effective way to get decent sound in an R56 is to get the HIFI and replace the speakers. I replaced mine with Infinity Kappas for about $400. If you want to add a different amp, speakers, and sub then get the standard audio.

Comfort access: I like it a lot. I put the fob in the coin pocket of my Levis and leave it there. I can unlock the car, start it, and lock it without removing the fob. When you lock the car, hold down the black button on the door handle a little longer and it will roll up all the windows.

BT/ipod adaptor: If you mean the USB & AUX input for the iPod, this is new with 2008. My 2007 Bluetooth doesn't have it. The main difference between it and iPod Integration is that this would have exposed cables and your iPod in plain view. So, in some areas you might need to take your iPod with you when you park. The iPod integration hides the iPod in the "secret compartment." Since I have the NAV, I'd like to have iPod Integration. Perhaps someday.

SIRIUS: Don't have it.

 

[quote=Robin Casady;2074201]BT/ipod adaptor: If you mean the USB & AUX input for the iPod, this is new with 2008. My 2007 Bluetooth doesn't have it. The main difference between it and iPod Integration is that this would have exposed cables and your iPod in plain view. So, in some areas you might need to take your iPod with you when you park. The iPod integration hides the iPod in the "secret compartment." Since I have the NAV, I'd like to have iPod Integration. Perhaps someday.[quote]

Although the accessory iPod adapter (the one installed in the dash) is hidden from view, it is really just a retrofit that simulates a CD changer. It will only read a finite number of songs from your iPod, so if you have thousands of songs, you won't be able to play most of them. It is also really slooooooow to load up. Each time you connect it, it has to load it all into memory and it can take 5 minutes to do that.... really frustrating. The USB version for 2008 is quick and easy and all your songs will be there. Very slick.

 

I have them all. Yes, I'd do it again. Although the HiFi sucks, the Sirius is great. Get them all. You'll never look back.

 

You do realize you can still use the bluetooth function of the car without the armrest right?

 

Comfort access I say is a yes!
Blue Tooth is a must! I love having my BT

 

Yes. What I was trying to say was that the Bluetooth aspect of the armrest was useless to me. The Bluetooth without the armrest works fine.