It has been truly hard to get used to the idea of a new one, because I have enjoyed the original so much. But I'd like to sell mine while it still has some value and is a good buy for someone.

So, here's where I finally landed.

08 MCS - I opted for the turbo after doing without in 03!
Chili Red / Black
6-speed
standard 16" S-Winders (hmm...should I have gotten bridge spoke? I like the S-Winders on web site though)
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Black/Grey Leatherette sport seats - oddly after sitting in a whole bunch of leather seats (Lounge, Punch, Gravity), I decided the leatherette felt better to me (I'm a big guy, and I felt more like I was sitting "in" the seat rather than "on" it). I realize I'll give up lumbar support - hope I won't miss it, but if my back gets sore I guess I'll just turn on that heated seat!
Sport Suspension
Stablity Control
Limited Slip Differential
Anthracite Headliner
Fluid Silver Dash
SIRIUS
Rear Fog Lamps
Navigation System - Yes, it costs too much but I went for it anyway!

I liked the ride of the test car with 16" wheels so opted not to get the full sports package... in effect getting LSD instead of bigger wheels.

Much more forgiving on bumps than my 03, despite the sport suspension.

I'm still a little nervous about the seat choices - honestly nothing feels as good as the profile leather in my 03 with the little "nubbies", but I think I've made the best choice for me, of what's out there.

I'll find out what week I am on Monday!

 

Have fun , Great color choice. I purchased one , chilli red / black yesterday as well ! Now for the 6 week wait .

 

I ordered mine early feb and picked it up in march. I had a 46day (exactly!) wait ... so, you may get it sooner than 6 weeks =) I wouldn't hold your breath, just so you're not disappointed, but it's a nice surprise =)

 

Welcome to the R56 club. Where did you order it from, since B'ham doesn't have a MINI dealership? You would think Tom Williams would have it since they have so many other make off I459.

 

Mini of South Atlanta. They've serviced my '03 well, and didn't BS me too badly on dealer add-ons. No real breaks on price, though...

 

I'm having an existential crisis about two of my choices!

Nav System - hope it's not a white elephant that destroys resale in four years!

Leatherette - was the most comfortable to me, but the "sweaty back" stories scare me.

Hopefully I'll still come down on the side of these two choices come tomorrow AM.

 

I like my cloth, its warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It has worn well too.

 

Good choice, I got mine 4 weeks ago.