That is not correct for me. My 2009 came with that cheap slide top one.

 

I have this as well, along with the AH, chrome line, and English Oak. Very classy and loved by all

 

I drove in some fog the other AM and didnt have the xenons on, way too bright. The fogs were enough, and incidentally are the backups in case the Xenons fail.

The rear fogs are REALLY bright, that's why they're mounted so low (and why they're illegal in some states).

The demo MINIs I drove with driving lites acted like much brighter versions of high beams, projecting up and out, not down and to the side like fogs. I think a couple birds in trees were blinded....

 

Not the best, but U get the idea.

 

Sounds cool; is the clearbra film something like what they show in the configurator for the Fog Lights Invisishield?

 

Wow; sounds impressive; they will definitely see you coming then

 

I don't know, but I wouldn't ever purchase any clear bra from a car dealer anyway. They typically outsource the install and add a huge markup. I had my car clearbra'd. The dealer wanted over $700, where I paid $475 to get it from the same installer they use, and I still get the same warranty on the film and installation. He did my Xenons and driving lamps together for another $50. I also paid another $60 to get the front sport stripe protected from bumper to windshield.

Most of the "dealer options" I have I did myself after delivery. I got the parts from Classic or Morristown MINI at a 20% discount (and no tax) and installed them myself. The only exception is I had my dealer install my JCW steering wheel for $52, but I bought it at Classic.

As another example, the dealer wanted $100 labor to install the checkered mirrors. I installed them myself in literally 5 minutes. Good thing, because I decided I didn't like them after all and put the original white ones back on.

 

There is a ton of info out there from reviews, message boards and the like. The MINI is no M3 even though it is made by BMW now. When I did the research I found that the transmission will shift if you dont, even with the paddle shifters. Basically you push a button to activate the Steptronic paddle shifters, but if you dont shift before the computer designated shift points, then the auto transmission will take over and shift for you. Long and short...do the research on CURRENT MINI models not BMW M3's or 2k7 models. Maybe someone who actually has an 09 with the steptronic can confirm or deny what I determined by looking in to it. That's your best bet.

 

Thanks lawnboy!

No, i like the idea of set and forget it for the A/C. I just couldn't justify the cost, plus if you get the auto A/C they replace the center **** above the toggle switches with the LED readout. I like the "analog" retro look of the ****. It's a minor thing.

You're doing the right thing (IMHO) getting input from the board. I did the same thing before i ordered my car. Were it not for the board i would have missed the chrome line interior, fog lamps and aftermarket coco mats (www.cocomats.com) - check them out - (i have no affiliation with them).

Steve

 

+1 on the M3 tranny being different than the MINI.

The M3 is it is not an automatic transmission like you get with the MINI. The E46 I had was a sequential manual gearbox (i.e. the standard 6 MT with the SMG bits) and the new M3 features an optional double clutch gearbox (a 6 MT is still standard). The new Porsche 911 also has a double clutch gearbox option. These are all very different animals from the fluid-coupled torque convertors you get with all the other paddle shifting trannies on the non-M BMWs and MINIs. Now whether the MINI slushbox is good or not is another argument and one I cannot speak to since I've never driven it.

But paddles shifters per say are not gimmicks. On a slushbox maybe they are if the tranny overrules the paddles. Now on my wife's 03 330ci Steptronic, if I put it into sport mode, the tranny does not shift for me. I can go all the way out and hit the rev limiter in any gear. I'm surprised the MINI auto doesn't work the same way in sport (paddle) mode.

 

What exactly is clearbra'd?

So sounds like the trick if finding out who the dealership is then going to them directly.

 

Um, I have, 1100 miles worth on my 09 with the auto, break in about over, and not once has it taken over for me in S mode (car and tranny) unless I allow it to downshift to 2 for me say approaching lights. But being a stick guy I stay on top of things pretty well. I get my JCW tuning kit on the 16th and I know that remaps shift points, current owners are elated.

Hey the system's not perfect, you can feel the torque converter in the lower gears, auto mode is true granny mode, etc but lemme tell ya there's nothing like gear shifting thru the twisties, w/both hands on the wheel, and having a nice tall 6th gear for maximum highway mpg!

 

I have done this no problem, but only a couple times during break-in, and not to red line obviously I sure plan on more of it once the tune kit is installed, though. No intrusions on the upshifting side...

downshifting into 2nd has been the only time the computer shift point has intervened, and I could care less really. Keeps me on my toes, for I always try to beat it

 

As in having a clear bra installed. Clear Bra is the protective film (3M and others) you can have installed to protect the paint from rock chips, etc.

If you are leasing I personally wouldn't bother with the extra expense (I did not have it on my leased M3). If buying (which I am for my JCW), it is worth it.

You don't necessarily have to have the same person as your dealer uses. In my case I did because he happens to be the best at it. See if there is a MINI, BMW, or Porsche club in your area and ask them who they recommend.

 

Still kind of unclear on this clear bra (protective film). Is it comparable to the Invisishield you can select in the configurator? Is it noticeable? Can it be removed? What areas do you have it applied to?


No, never had and never will.

 

Found this to be interesting...seems the 17" Web Spoke Wheels cannot be ordered with the All Season Tires and haven't heard from anyone yet who has had the dealer successfully do it.

Removed the Web Spoke Wheels and added the JCW Challenge Spoke Wheels and then you can get the All Season Tires...go figure LOL

 

Yes, same thing as Invisishield, or Ultrashield, etc. It is typically installed on the front of the car: bumpers, front of the hood and fenders. I've also done my lights, mirror caps, the sport stripes on the front bumper and hood, in front of the rear fenders (where the stone guards MINI sells would go), and down the door edges.

It is barely noticeable (95% optically clear), except for the edge where it ends on the hood/fenders. It can be removed and does not damage the paint in any way. You can also wax it (you should) and wash it like like you normally wash the car. You can even polish it if it gets swirl marks. It does a great job of preventing rock chips, and the MINI is susceptible to them. It is a good thing to have and will help resale value later if the front isn't all torn up from rock damage. The film I got is supposed to last 8 years or more.

 

I need to disagree also. My 2009 MCSa (delivered 9-30-2008) came with the armrest option and it slides open...no button as shown in your picture. I don't know it they made the change after the early '09s, or if some come with slides and some with buttons, just luck of the draw.

 

Ditto.

I was at the Mini dealership today and all of the '09's (20) with various production dates had the slide top armrest in them.The Attached Thumbnails posted of his armrest is the European center armrest with the Mini logo on the front of it which can be ordered from minspeed.net.

Link:http://www.minspeed.net/MAR.htm

 

Guess I got lucky then! It came in my MINI.

 

Anyone ordered the Front and/or Rear mudguards?

 

Bought them aftermarket and installed them myself. Glad I did.

 

LB while the JCW Challenge wheels look killer, they are a beeatch to keep clean. MINIs use soft brake pads and brake dust buildup is a common thing. That's why I love the Bridgespokes, very EZ to keep looking new-- hose off, wipe down, about 3-4 minutes per wheel. Im a lazy cuss when it comes to wheel detailing.

Of course if U get those wheels and let the brake dust accumulate then PRESTO y'll have anthracite wheels

 

Any pictures of how they look? Did you go with the same type shown in the configurator?

 

Are the BridgeSpoke wheels you are referring to 16"?