Well, I've now needed by get a second car so that means time for the mini i've always been looking at! I've originally wanted to order it so I could get all the options I wanted, but due to my new job I can't wait 6-8 weeks for production.

My MA was able to find a very similar cooper coming into dock on April 1. Except it does not have two options I wanted: DSC and fog lights.

My questions are:
Will I be okay without the DSC? I'm coming from a 2006 BMW 3-series with DSC (but I don't ever remember it kicking on while driving) - I live in Chicago.

Without fog lights are there holes in the bumpers where they would go (and look stupid) or do the put caps in them so it's a smooth surface?

The dealer wouldn't give me any discounts on the car - MSRP only, but they threw in bonnet strips for free (since it's not coming with them from the factory). Does this sound okay?

These are the options on it:
Cooper Coupe
Lighting blue, black top
automatic
Xenons
Prem/Conv/Cold packages
Sport seats with cloth
fluid silver trim

 

DSC is a safety feature. You may never need it, like you may never need seatbelts or airbags. DSC could make the difference between avoiding an accident or not. It can help maintain control when you hit a slick bit of pavement (rain, black ice, oil, etc.). It has been statistically shown to reduce accidents to a greater extent than ABS has.

I've not heard of a MINI without front fog lights. Are you sure it isn't rear fogs that are missing? I think a MINI wiithout front fogs would look rather bad.

 

I can vouch for the DSC as a big safety feature plus. I haven't used it so much here in the US, but in Europe it was a must between slick rain and snow conditions all year round. I wouldn't get a Mini without it...but then again, i'm also a fan of my 4x4 for the same reasons. Fog lights or the rally lights? If you mean the rally lights, those are the ones mounted to the bumper. Fog lights (in the new ones at least) are part of the vehicle shell. I've had fogs on two Minis now, and hardly ever used them.

 

I'd order and get DSC.

 

Why settle for a MINI that's missing an essential safety feature like DSC? You mentioned getting a second car, can you possibly special order and wait? My recommendation would be to go on the MINIUSA site, build exactly what you want, then have the dealer do a search for the configuration. Unless he comes really close, order it instead.

 

Order it. not only do you get exactly what you want but you know who's been driving it.

DSC is one of those things that you're not supposed to know is there. If it does it's job right, you never know it kicked in in the first place.

 

There are several dealers that will ship cars. They may even discount enough on in-stock vehicles to cover the shipping. Look through the vendor directory.

DSC saved my butt a couple times - I could have saved myself, but I was straight again without even having to think about it. I also love the fogs, but wouldn't call it a dealbreaker. DSC might be, though. Especially if you're going to drive in the winter. They do all come with ASC which will help some, just not as much as DSC. And then you get hill-start assist, which is my favorite feature.

 

Essential? Lets not kid ourselves here. Millions of people drive cars not equipped with DSC and they get along fine day to day.

Oh, and Coopers don't come standard with front fogs.

 

I have felt the DSC come on (or at least think I have)
swerving for cellphone talkers. I don't think I would buy
another DD that didn't have it.

I use my front and rear fogs almost every day.

My vote is you order.

 

front fogs are standard on the S, but a $250 option on the justacoopers.

Edit: Damn, someone beat me to it.

btw, it really depends on where you live as to how long it takes. i got mine in 4 weeks.

 

thanks everyone for your suggestions! As for the second car issue, my new job requires me to drive (instead I took the train to work) and our primary car is out with the spouse all day.

Correction on my post about my bmw. It has DTC NOT DSC. Which I'm assuming is the same type of traction control the minis have.

I agree no fog lights would look silly, but can the dealer install them after the fact?

Can I request my dealer to swap out the standard performace tires with the standard all-weather tires? Or will the complain about doing that?

Thanks!

 

Chicago without DSC? I wouldn't even consider it.

 

I agree with the above advice. Get the DSC. Order or find the car you want, don't settle.

I have felt the DCS kick a few times. I live on a quiet dead end road with a long sweeping turn. Go at the turn about 35 - 40MPH while the road is covered in snow. By cranking the wheel left or right you can feel the individual brakes being applied. The blinking DSC light means you are doing in right. Probably not the best thing to do, but it is fun.

No problems if I overshoot the turn. I just end up on my grumpy neighbors lawn.

 

vicskimmer - yes, in my opinion, DSC is an essential safety feature, and one of the most significant safety features to be developed in the last decade or so. Millions of people drive cars without it, whether they "get along fine" is another issue. At one time we all "got along fine" without safety glass, seatbelts, radial tires, child car seats, etc... I would not purchase a car without it.

 

When first shopping for my MINI I attempted to find an '07 on a lot with my
feature selection just to save a few bucks. Contacted several dealerships, then
found one in particular that really went out of the way to try to find everything
I needed.

I ended up ordering from a dealer closer to me... but with so many dealerships
in the midwest, I'd be surprised if there's not something with the majority of the
things your looking for sitting on a lot somewhere. If nothing else, compromise
on the "luxuries" , not the safety features....

I would be possibly looking for a dealer willing to do a bit more legwork.
Heck... it's the end of the month... you might even find one willing to back
off of MSRP a bit. It happens, even though a lot of folks act like it doesn't <g>.

Good luck.

 

Order it.

You get what you want, and it doesn't take that long, it only seems that way (and I'm still waiting).

In Chicago, you'll like having the DSC.

 

Hi all. Thanks for your opinions. I would totally order it (as I had always attended) if this new job didn't jump at me so quick. My MA called me and said that they secured the vehicle and it should be here in about 2 weeks (it's ahead of schedule and porting on the 30th), which is perfect cause if i push 3 weeks without a second car it's really gonna hurt.

I live in the City and roads are plowed and salted usually only a few hours after the snow falls (just avoid the alleys), so if anything I'm dealing with wet city roads (no fast or sharp turns here).

We tried searching the inventory with different options to get DSC (I don't want the sports suspension = no sports package) and for whatever reason just the DSC option on coopers are rare and add xenons to them and they are pretty nonexistent. And coming from a bmw its hard to give up some of those "luxuries"


Any thoughts on getting the tires swapped out to all weather ones? Should I bring that up now, or when I go to pick up the mini?
Thanks

 

All weather tires are OK, but regardless, you have to watch the wear on them. They're lovely expensive things, but if well taken care of they'll last. I am a big believer in the run-flats nowadays, having experienced their usefulness first hand on the autobahn. Having to stop and change a flat on the side of the road gets more and more dangerous every day with idiots with drivers licenses (not to mention cell phones) it's worth it.

 

I ordered my MCS without DSC. In my case, DSC doesn't work if you shut it off everytime you start the car, so I would be paying $500 for something I would never use. My car has front fog lights but I'm thinking of removing them. With xenons, you will not ever need them for their light; it's purely a looks thing.
The one thing I'd look into is a manual transmission. I live in L.A. where there is a ton of traffic but wouldn't consider losing the control and engagement of a 3 pedal car for some perceived convenience.

 

Wolfgang80 - If you had DSC you would shut it off? Why?

 

For a few weeks, you are getting a car that isn't what you want? That's quite a sacrifice. Don't plan on keeping it long?

Why would you want Xenons in the city? In most cities, you see well enough without headlights. IMO, Xenons are only of benefit at high beam, and you can't do that much in a city.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...dvantages.html

Shouldn't be a problem.

 

Yes, because I prefer to drive a car that allows a loss of traction without interferring. It's more enjoyable and safer in my daily driving.

BTW, can you shut off ASC and keep DSC enabled?


The OP asked if DSC was necessary. IMO, it isn't or else I would have got it. Others, like miniclub, have differing opinions but in the end, the OP can take the information and decide what is best for him.

 

I am not a DSC guy...I like to have a little more input on what my car is doing.

That said, I'd get the Cooper with two sets of wheels and tires, 15s for winter with snow tires and 17s for summer with sticky tires. You'd be able to go anywhere.

Check out this site on winter driving in the MINI...
http://www.mini.ca/en/More_MINI/Wint...I/default.aspx

It is a trip!

 

I usually use or don't use DSC as I feel it's appropriate to the conditions of the road. When it's dry I turn it off, when it's raining, snowing, icy, dirt, or gravel it's on 99% of the time. I think I'm gonna miss the toggle switch for it when I get my R56. That button seems harder to get to for me.

It's nice to have DSC but your MC won't be a deathtrap without it. You've still got ASC as a bad weather option.

Enjoy!

 

OMG that winter survival book on minis canada site is hilarious!!!

Thanks for everyone's input. I think I should be fine without the DSC... as long as I'm not making any sharp turns at 40 mph on slippery roads (which i mostly don't and drive slow).

I can't wait for my mini to come in!