R56 Questions on ordering an 09 MCS
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 587
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From: Richmond, VA
As far as I can tell, my 2009 MCSa armrest is just like prior year armrests. It's not great, but works okay and not worth the hassle of replacing, in my opinion. I just rest my arm on it (I keep my 8-track player elsewhere), and no one can sit in the back seat long enough to need a drink anyway.
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4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
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Looking for it to be my daily commuter car here so no extreme racing with the traffic of where I live so sounds like the standard S suspension will be more than sufficient.
Saw the anthracite liner/chrome line/surface piano black combination at the dealership yesterday and it look very good
I am with you on the armrest; sounds like it is not the best design out there, but will serve the purpose for my needs.
As for the wheel size, extra weight or whatever, for me the 17" are the only way to go. Again, for my driving, the extra weight won't even be noticeable, but sure do like how the 17s sit compare to the 16s.
Have you tinted or done anything to your sunroof to provide more sun shade?
Saw the anthracite liner/chrome line/surface piano black combination at the dealership yesterday and it look very good
I am with you on the armrest; sounds like it is not the best design out there, but will serve the purpose for my needs.
As for the wheel size, extra weight or whatever, for me the 17" are the only way to go. Again, for my driving, the extra weight won't even be noticeable, but sure do like how the 17s sit compare to the 16s.
Have you tinted or done anything to your sunroof to provide more sun shade?
- I agree that the standard S suspension is stiff enough for me as is.
- +1 on the anthracite liner and chrome line! I went with the wood dash, and the doors have a piano black "arc" on them (not wood). Piano would probably give you black/black on the doors.
- I like a place to put my arm, so I'm ok with the arm rest. I agree that it has a tendency to slide open sometimes when I wack it hard with my elbow and that it pretty much blocks the rear cup holder (except for 12oz size cans). Still ok to me though.
- I think my web spokes and 17" rock, even if they are a few pounds heavier than some of the others. Can you tell that your car handles differently with 2/3 of a tank of gas compared to a full tank? whatever
- +1 for the auto-AC, just set and forget. Delete if you want to save $$$.
- Delete the mats! Have the dealer to throw in the 4 "S" mats and the one in tbe boot!
- -1 for sunroof, but thats just me.
- +1 for the xenon!!! I love them.
- Love the punch leather seats too.
- +1 on the anthracite liner and chrome line! I went with the wood dash, and the doors have a piano black "arc" on them (not wood). Piano would probably give you black/black on the doors.
- I like a place to put my arm, so I'm ok with the arm rest. I agree that it has a tendency to slide open sometimes when I wack it hard with my elbow and that it pretty much blocks the rear cup holder (except for 12oz size cans). Still ok to me though.
- I think my web spokes and 17" rock, even if they are a few pounds heavier than some of the others. Can you tell that your car handles differently with 2/3 of a tank of gas compared to a full tank? whatever
- +1 for the auto-AC, just set and forget. Delete if you want to save $$$.
- Delete the mats! Have the dealer to throw in the 4 "S" mats and the one in tbe boot!
- -1 for sunroof, but thats just me.
- +1 for the xenon!!! I love them.
- Love the punch leather seats too.
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 986
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From: Boca Raton,Florida
lawnboy to answer your question about the intermittent wiper setting they all have it just push up once on the wiper stalk is intermittent,push up further for slow and push up all the way for fast.Also if you are driving in the rain with the wipers on they will automatically go to the intermittent setting when you come to a complete stop but go back to the regular mode when you begin driving again.
The rain-sensing wipers option only turns them on automatically if it begins to rain.
The rain-sensing wipers option only turns them on automatically if it begins to rain.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 171
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From: New Melle, MO
I disagree. I have the driving lights. On an unlit 2-lane country highway, they add enough extra light, especially to the sides, to increase visibility for keeping an eye on deer and other critters that tend to jump out and cause much damage. My wife and I are glad to have them under those conditions, and it's why we spent the extra $740 for them.
If you only drive in the city, you'll probably never use them. They only work when the brights are on.
If you only drive in the city, you'll probably never use them. They only work when the brights are on.
Totally agree!! We live in the country and there are lots of great 2-lane motoring roads we drive daily. We have driving lamps and they make a big difference when used with the Xenons. The extra money is well worth it and cheaper than a repair if you hit a deer or other critter...
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4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
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Interesting...so with the high beams, the fog lights don't work, but instead the driving lights are on then? Sounds, like they kind of take the place of the foglights then, but providing light to the sides too instead of just far out in in front?
BTW, those JC wheels look great with the Chili Red.
BTW, those JC wheels look great with the Chili Red.
I disagree. I have the driving lights. On an unlit 2-lane country highway, they add enough extra light, especially to the sides, to increase visibility for keeping an eye on deer and other critters that tend to jump out and cause much damage. My wife and I are glad to have them under those conditions, and it's why we spent the extra $740 for them.
If you only drive in the city, you'll probably never use them. They only work when the brights are on.
If you only drive in the city, you'll probably never use them. They only work when the brights are on.
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4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
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Good suggestion on the Checkered or Black Jack side scuttles, along with all your other comments Think the sunroof definitely give the MCS a totally different feel on the interior.
Think the sunroof definitely give the MCS a totally different feel on the interior.Yes, I have it on my bumper and and bottom part of bonnet. The MINI's hood is very upright in the front and is susceptible to getting nicked and chipped, especially if you do a lot of highway driving with cars/trucks kicking up debris. Maybe I'm more obsessive than most; it frustrated me when the paint chips started to amount. Some dealerships can install themselves but others contract out which raises the price, so get a quote from the dealer first and then look elsewhere while you're waiting for your build.Those stripes, the "Sport Stripes" and possible matching roof and boot stripes are on the configurator under step 6->Exterior Styling. Talking about step 6, there are also the Checkered or Black Jack side scuttles (trim behind side-marker lamps) that I think have a nice contrast with Chili Red rather than the standard chrome, or the step 5->JCW Exterior Styling->Black Grille side scuttles
Well if we're not racing, the weight isn't as much of an issue and a heaver OEM wheel will be sturdier than an aftermarket lightweight wheel. According to MINI2 Wheel Guide, the Web Spokes weigh 22.3 while the Crown Spokes weigh 22.7. The weight difference is so small but the Web Spokes have so much more of a presence than the Crown spokes. Beautiful, powerful design for the MINI.
It's subjective. If I lived in rural NH rather than suburbs of Boston and didn't have the Xenons, maybe I'd appreciate the driving lights more, but in my opinion the minute difference in visibility doesn't justify the $500+ (in any scenario) and there are aftermarket options that are worth the price.
I loved the sunroof on my 2003 R53 until is started to leak and creak. Many complaints are for the R53 and not R56 although the R56's sunroof does have a tendency to get stuck in high-temps, it is generally more reliable than the R53s. With any feature comes added complexity. You'll never notice the added weight on standard roads. I love the sun and never closed the shades on my 2003, ever. You get a sunroof because you love the sun, not to hide from it. I only pulled the shade when parking in the sun and heat. Maybe if I lived further south I'd be worried about the poor shades, but it sounds like if you get some snow consistent triple-digit temps wouldn't be the norm and you should be fine.
Well if we're not racing, the weight isn't as much of an issue and a heaver OEM wheel will be sturdier than an aftermarket lightweight wheel. According to MINI2 Wheel Guide, the Web Spokes weigh 22.3 while the Crown Spokes weigh 22.7. The weight difference is so small but the Web Spokes have so much more of a presence than the Crown spokes. Beautiful, powerful design for the MINI.
It's subjective. If I lived in rural NH rather than suburbs of Boston and didn't have the Xenons, maybe I'd appreciate the driving lights more, but in my opinion the minute difference in visibility doesn't justify the $500+ (in any scenario) and there are aftermarket options that are worth the price.
I loved the sunroof on my 2003 R53 until is started to leak and creak. Many complaints are for the R53 and not R56 although the R56's sunroof does have a tendency to get stuck in high-temps, it is generally more reliable than the R53s. With any feature comes added complexity. You'll never notice the added weight on standard roads. I love the sun and never closed the shades on my 2003, ever. You get a sunroof because you love the sun, not to hide from it. I only pulled the shade when parking in the sun and heat. Maybe if I lived further south I'd be worried about the poor shades, but it sounds like if you get some snow consistent triple-digit temps wouldn't be the norm and you should be fine.
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4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
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Yeah, I think what I had in mind is the variable intermittent which probably isn't even necessary.
lawnboy to answer your question about the intermittent wiper setting they all have it just push up once on the wiper stalk is intermittent,push up further for slow and push up all the way for fast.Also if you are driving in the rain with the wipers on they will automatically go to the intermittent setting when you come to a complete stop but go back to the regular mode when you begin driving again.
The rain-sensing wipers option only turns them on automatically if it begins to rain.
The rain-sensing wipers option only turns them on automatically if it begins to rain.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
Ideal solution for the armrest issue for me was to order and install (0:20 minute job)
MINI's European version of the center armrest.
Button latched flip-top and is much larger and more comfortable for two elbows.
Link to one of the order sites can be clicked in my 'sig' below and photos can be seen in my Gallery.
MINI's European version of the center armrest.
Button latched flip-top and is much larger and more comfortable for two elbows.
Link to one of the order sites can be clicked in my 'sig' below and photos can be seen in my Gallery.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
Answers for LawnBoy
Yes I went with the Factory Aero kit instead of the JCW for three reasons. First I liked the look of the Factory vice the JCW and I asked some friends for their opinion and came to my conclusion. Second, you pay for the JCW and it comes to the dealer primed only. YOu then have to pay for them to paint it and install it or someone else to do it and that raises the price to around 2 grand for a $1200 option. I learned that from this site and asked the MA and it was true. I like the Factory aero much better than JCW's I have seen up close. That is not only a personal choice but a monetary one as well. Lastly, I like factory install better. Better quality becasue they do it more often than your dealer plus you throw in paint matching. THat however is just my humble opinion.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
Arm Rest pics
Ideal solution for the armrest issue for me was to order and install (0:20 minute job)
MINI's European version of the center armrest.
Button latched flip-top and is much larger and more comfortable for two elbows.
Link to one of the order sites can be clicked in my 'sig' below and photos can be seen in my Gallery.
MINI's European version of the center armrest.
Button latched flip-top and is much larger and more comfortable for two elbows.
Link to one of the order sites can be clicked in my 'sig' below and photos can be seen in my Gallery.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
Interesting...so with the high beams, the fog lights don't work, but instead the driving lights are on then? Sounds, like they kind of take the place of the foglights then, but providing light to the sides too instead of just far out in in front?
BTW, those JC wheels look great with the Chili Red.
BTW, those JC wheels look great with the Chili Red.
Besides, they look cool too.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
Interesting. My 09 JCW came with the slide top (with phone cradle).
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,880
Likes: 3
From: Your Worst Nightmare :)
lawnboy one of the biggest misconceptions about driving lites is that they good for fog-- they're waaay too bright and project waaaay too high to be of any use, even the B-Xs are not good in fog.
I'm in the same camp as Robin C: waste O dough. I also drive dark country roads at nite (did so last nite coming home from turkey day) and so far the B-X's do just fine.
And someone please explain to me (and everyone else that has them in their auto and DSG cars, not just MINI/BMW drivers) how paddle shifters are a "gimmick."
Im sure many F-1 drivers would like to hear this as well....
I'm in the same camp as Robin C: waste O dough. I also drive dark country roads at nite (did so last nite coming home from turkey day) and so far the B-X's do just fine.
And someone please explain to me (and everyone else that has them in their auto and DSG cars, not just MINI/BMW drivers) how paddle shifters are a "gimmick."
Im sure many F-1 drivers would like to hear this as well....
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
I drove a M3 with SMG II (paddle shifters) for 3 1/2 years. That was no gimmick. It provided much better performance and control than using a clutch pedal. It shined especially well on the track. I'm hoping to get the new M3 after my JCW and will definitely get the double-clutch gearbox (with the paddles).
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,880
Likes: 3
From: Your Worst Nightmare :)
lawnboy I also noticed in yr spec that U want cloth seats. Did you know that cloth (and leatherette) sports seats do NOT come with adjustable lumbar supports? You have to get cloth/leather or full leather to get the ALS. FYI.
Last edited by sequence; Nov 29, 2008 at 09:52 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,880
Likes: 3
From: Your Worst Nightmare :)
I drove a M3 with SMG II (paddle shifters) for 3 1/2 years. That was no gimmick. It provided much better performance and control than using a clutch pedal. It shined especially well on the track. I'm hoping to get the new M3 after my JCW and will definitely get the double-clutch gearbox (with the paddles).
Gimmicky indeed! 
(word is Aisin is developing a 7-speed auto similar to VW/Audi's DSG. Hope this finds it's way into MINI-land).
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 356
Likes: 6
Armrest:
Originally i was going to order but didn't. I have about 2k miles on the car and not once have i thought about using the armrest, including an 8 hour trip to Vermont.
Sunroof:
Had them on 3 previous cars over a 30 year span, hardly ever used them.
Sport suspension:
I did get this and love it. Read many posts and concluded it helps in hard cornering but is not as stiff or expensive as the JCW suspension. If you are into doing your own mods you can find aftermarket sway bars cheaper. I liked the idea of having the "factory" sports suspension.
Auto A/C:
I didn't get this for 2 reasons. Cost and appearance. I don't care for the flat circular LED readout that replaces the ****.
Chrome line interior:
Got it and love it.
The only option i didn't get that i might reconsider now would be the xenon headlights, one for their improved performance over stock headlights and two, for the cool factor.
No matter which options you end up choosing i really think you will love the car!
Steve
Originally i was going to order but didn't. I have about 2k miles on the car and not once have i thought about using the armrest, including an 8 hour trip to Vermont.
Sunroof:
Had them on 3 previous cars over a 30 year span, hardly ever used them.
Sport suspension:
I did get this and love it. Read many posts and concluded it helps in hard cornering but is not as stiff or expensive as the JCW suspension. If you are into doing your own mods you can find aftermarket sway bars cheaper. I liked the idea of having the "factory" sports suspension.
Auto A/C:
I didn't get this for 2 reasons. Cost and appearance. I don't care for the flat circular LED readout that replaces the ****.
Chrome line interior:
Got it and love it.
The only option i didn't get that i might reconsider now would be the xenon headlights, one for their improved performance over stock headlights and two, for the cool factor.
No matter which options you end up choosing i really think you will love the car!
Steve
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4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 311
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Right, didn't mean the fogs don't work, but simply they go off when the high beams come on. Do the driving lights hit more to the sides and immediately in front of the car (kind of like fog lights) with the Xenon high beams hitting further out in front? Have seen some pictures where people have covers on the driving lamps???
Fogs don't stay on with high beams on any US car. It's not legal. On the MINI, the driving lamps light only in conjunction with the high beams. Even with the Xenons I have the driving lamps cast enough extra light front and sides that I feel it was worth it to me. I don't drive dark country roads often but when I do I want all the help I can get seeing the deer well before they cause a problem.
Besides, they look cool too.
Besides, they look cool too.
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4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 311
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I wasn't implying the driving lights take the place of fog lights, but more they shine in the same areas that fog lights typically would compare to high beams; closer and out to the sides.
lawnboy one of the biggest misconceptions about driving lites is that they good for fog-- they're waaay too bright and project waaaay too high to be of any use, even the B-Xs are not good in fog.
I'm in the same camp as Robin C: waste O dough. I also drive dark country roads at nite (did so last nite coming home from turkey day) and so far the B-X's do just fine.
And someone please explain to me (and everyone else that has them in their auto and DSG cars, not just MINI/BMW drivers) how paddle shifters are a "gimmick." Im sure many F-1 drivers would like to hear this as well....
I'm in the same camp as Robin C: waste O dough. I also drive dark country roads at nite (did so last nite coming home from turkey day) and so far the B-X's do just fine.
And someone please explain to me (and everyone else that has them in their auto and DSG cars, not just MINI/BMW drivers) how paddle shifters are a "gimmick."
Im sure many F-1 drivers would like to hear this as well....
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 311
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Darn! Well, will have to look into that. Really didn't want leather seats, but definitely like the adjustable lumbar.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
Right, didn't mean the fogs don't work, but simply they go off when the high beams come on. Do the driving lights hit more to the sides and immediately in front of the car (kind of like fog lights) with the Xenon high beams hitting further out in front? Have seen some pictures where people have covers on the driving lamps???
They come with caps: white caps if you get chrome lamps, black caps if you get black lamps. I put the caps on during interstate highway road trips, to help protect them, but I do have clearbra film on them as well. Around town I leave them off (don't want them lifted).
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
I got the Rooster Red leather with black cloth. It is a great look while retaining the grip of cloth, but adds $1500 (and includes the red interior trim).
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4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
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Thanks Steve! That DS sure looks nice in the JCW. As for the sunroof, it seems to be depending on the season as to how much I use my in other cars. After sitting in a MCS w/the sunrof though, I was sold. For me, it definitely gave the car a whole different feel to it. Automatic A/C: You mentioned you don't like the LED readout instead of the ****...you mean you just prefer to manually adjust it instead of setting it a certain temp and forgetting about it?
Armrest:
Originally i was going to order but didn't. I have about 2k miles on the car and not once have i thought about using the armrest, including an 8 hour trip to Vermont.
Sunroof:
Had them on 3 previous cars over a 30 year span, hardly ever used them.
Sport suspension:
I did get this and love it. Read many posts and concluded it helps in hard cornering but is not as stiff or expensive as the JCW suspension. If you are into doing your own mods you can find aftermarket sway bars cheaper. I liked the idea of having the "factory" sports suspension.
Auto A/C:
I didn't get this for 2 reasons. Cost and appearance. I don't care for the flat circular LED readout that replaces the ****.
Chrome line interior:
Got it and love it.
The only option i didn't get that i might reconsider now would be the xenon headlights, one for their improved performance over stock headlights and two, for the cool factor.
No matter which options you end up choosing i really think you will love the car!
Steve
Originally i was going to order but didn't. I have about 2k miles on the car and not once have i thought about using the armrest, including an 8 hour trip to Vermont.
Sunroof:
Had them on 3 previous cars over a 30 year span, hardly ever used them.
Sport suspension:
I did get this and love it. Read many posts and concluded it helps in hard cornering but is not as stiff or expensive as the JCW suspension. If you are into doing your own mods you can find aftermarket sway bars cheaper. I liked the idea of having the "factory" sports suspension.
Auto A/C:
I didn't get this for 2 reasons. Cost and appearance. I don't care for the flat circular LED readout that replaces the ****.
Chrome line interior:
Got it and love it.
The only option i didn't get that i might reconsider now would be the xenon headlights, one for their improved performance over stock headlights and two, for the cool factor.
No matter which options you end up choosing i really think you will love the car!
Steve
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: Stanhope, NJ
You know that! ~200.00 for something that looks and feels like it came from the Dollar Store!!! A real peice of junk. At least any passenger I've ever had likes it so its not a complete waste.
