R56 2011 Ordering
1st Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
I was always interested in Spicy, but afraid to order it! Then I had a chance to see it in person. It is a wonderful color...at least to me! It changes in different lights - Colorado is mostly sunny...it looks great in the sun. I will definitely post! This is my first Mini - I wanted it to be fun!
Neutral
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
i'm loving the spice orange but my wife insisted on the white silver
we should be picking ours in about 10 days now
but it's been a loooooooong wait since late july
delivery times are a joke in my country
i envy you guys in the US
we should be picking ours in about 10 days now
but it's been a loooooooong wait since late july
delivery times are a joke in my country
i envy you guys in the US
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
I believe you guys--I wasn't even considering Horizon Blue until I saw it on several cars at a MINICross event. It looked much darker and I liked it instantly. I think it's especially hard to photograph and show some of these colors online when they look so different under different lighting conditions. Maybe I'll see it when I go pick up my car! 
1st Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Yea, I had to see Sp Orange first! It is a REALLY nice rich color that changes in different lights. I don't think I will ever get bored with it! Plus - I have been driving a Van for 20 years! It is time to have some fun! I have earned it! Now, I just have to figure out how to detach some wires at night so none of my kids or my husband steal it!!!!!!!!
Ual
Nothing is certain just yet, but yes. I'm definitely a DIY mods guy, but given the high costs of tending to our toddler and the money we'll likely lose ontrade-in when taking possession of the clubman, I'm actually more inclined to let the dealer install a few things I'm thinking about. Actually, probably just one, and I'm not certain I'll do it. This time around I want some additional lights up front, and while they're easy enough to install at home, it's something I might fold into the car sale to add to the loan. The oem system requiring a new grille unless you hack your own, tying into the lights etc. I'd honestly rather do it myself, but I'm exploring options for cost effectiveness. I can grab an accessory discount at time of sale, which is really just comparable to various sales for NAM members from these vendors here. It'll depend on how the install pricing looks.
As far as initial accessories on my buy list, from whatever source I ultimately choose:
- blackjack scuttles
- rally lights
- the requisite badge holders etc ( though I have most of my old badges)
- eventually a concealed hitch, though with the onset of winter it is lower priority, as its for bikes. In fact I'm still waiting to hear back from minidomore about 2011 clubman compatibility
The rest of the planned work to the car early on is either stuff I already have, that never made it onto the last MINI (same color etc) or vinyl work Lyle will be doing for me.
T
Nothing is certain just yet, but yes. I'm definitely a DIY mods guy, but given the high costs of tending to our toddler and the money we'll likely lose ontrade-in when taking possession of the clubman, I'm actually more inclined to let the dealer install a few things I'm thinking about. Actually, probably just one, and I'm not certain I'll do it. This time around I want some additional lights up front, and while they're easy enough to install at home, it's something I might fold into the car sale to add to the loan. The oem system requiring a new grille unless you hack your own, tying into the lights etc. I'd honestly rather do it myself, but I'm exploring options for cost effectiveness. I can grab an accessory discount at time of sale, which is really just comparable to various sales for NAM members from these vendors here. It'll depend on how the install pricing looks.
As far as initial accessories on my buy list, from whatever source I ultimately choose:
- blackjack scuttles
- rally lights
- the requisite badge holders etc ( though I have most of my old badges)
- eventually a concealed hitch, though with the onset of winter it is lower priority, as its for bikes. In fact I'm still waiting to hear back from minidomore about 2011 clubman compatibility
The rest of the planned work to the car early on is either stuff I already have, that never made it onto the last MINI (same color etc) or vinyl work Lyle will be doing for me.
T
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: So. San Francisco
Thirdraildesignlab
I want to post a reply but my computer is telling me security for NAM has been compromised. My computer won't even let me view this site. As a result, I am posting this from my iPhone.
I want to post a reply but my computer is telling me security for NAM has been compromised. My computer won't even let me view this site. As a result, I am posting this from my iPhone.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: So. San Francisco
Thirdraildesignlab
Driving lights would look great. Have you considered getting checkered mirror caps? They really grab people's attention when installed on a Pepper White Clubman. Check out this picture I found.
Also, what dealer did you order your car from, and did you negotiate the out-the-door price when you placed your order?
Driving lights would look great. Have you considered getting checkered mirror caps? They really grab people's attention when installed on a Pepper White Clubman. Check out this picture I found.
Also, what dealer did you order your car from, and did you negotiate the out-the-door price when you placed your order?
Ual
I was half way into adding red caps to my last pepper white when we sold it. I still love that look. Most of the color or pattern exterior touches I think look better with a black roof, and we go with body color pepper white roof out of nostalgia. I'm going to wait and see what the car tells me it wants. My biggest exterior adjustment is no aero. I loved the first gen aero which I put on the last car (as seen in my gallery) and while I wasn't as thrilled with the muted look of second gen, I'm still hoping that the 2011 jcw aero kit, if it ever comes out, will look cool.
I love the look of the bkac rims in th photo by the way. I was back and forth on that all the way up till the last second. My wife doesn't like dark rims, but I had put anthracite enkeis on the last mini before it was sold and loved the darker look under the arches. I was waffling on the new car because I didn't like the contrast rim as much. We ultimately stuck with the silver version of the same wheel, though if the uk anthracite version had been available I'd have taken it.
I talked with all local dealers, and while I went with mini of concord the last time, I went with sf mini this time. I'll shoot you a pm.
I was half way into adding red caps to my last pepper white when we sold it. I still love that look. Most of the color or pattern exterior touches I think look better with a black roof, and we go with body color pepper white roof out of nostalgia. I'm going to wait and see what the car tells me it wants. My biggest exterior adjustment is no aero. I loved the first gen aero which I put on the last car (as seen in my gallery) and while I wasn't as thrilled with the muted look of second gen, I'm still hoping that the 2011 jcw aero kit, if it ever comes out, will look cool.
I love the look of the bkac rims in th photo by the way. I was back and forth on that all the way up till the last second. My wife doesn't like dark rims, but I had put anthracite enkeis on the last mini before it was sold and loved the darker look under the arches. I was waffling on the new car because I didn't like the contrast rim as much. We ultimately stuck with the silver version of the same wheel, though if the uk anthracite version had been available I'd have taken it.
I talked with all local dealers, and while I went with mini of concord the last time, I went with sf mini this time. I'll shoot you a pm.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: So. San Francisco
Ual
I was half way into adding red caps to my last pepper white when we sold it. I still love that look. Most of the color or pattern exterior touches I think look better with a black roof, and we go with body color pepper white roof out of nostalgia. I'm going to wait and see what the car tells me it wants. My biggest exterior adjustment is no aero. I loved the first gen aero which I put on the last car (as seen in my gallery) and while I wasn't as thrilled with the muted look of second gen, I'm still hoping that the 2011 jcw aero kit, if it ever comes out, will look cool.
I love the look of the bkac rims in th photo by the way. I was back and forth on that all the way up till the last second. My wife doesn't like dark rims, but I had put anthracite enkeis on the last mini before it was sold and loved the darker look under the arches. I was waffling on the new car because I didn't like the contrast rim as much. We ultimately stuck with the silver version of the same wheel, though if the uk anthracite version had been available I'd have taken it.
I talked with all local dealers, and while I went with mini of concord the last time, I went with sf mini this time. I'll shoot you a pm.
I was half way into adding red caps to my last pepper white when we sold it. I still love that look. Most of the color or pattern exterior touches I think look better with a black roof, and we go with body color pepper white roof out of nostalgia. I'm going to wait and see what the car tells me it wants. My biggest exterior adjustment is no aero. I loved the first gen aero which I put on the last car (as seen in my gallery) and while I wasn't as thrilled with the muted look of second gen, I'm still hoping that the 2011 jcw aero kit, if it ever comes out, will look cool.
I love the look of the bkac rims in th photo by the way. I was back and forth on that all the way up till the last second. My wife doesn't like dark rims, but I had put anthracite enkeis on the last mini before it was sold and loved the darker look under the arches. I was waffling on the new car because I didn't like the contrast rim as much. We ultimately stuck with the silver version of the same wheel, though if the uk anthracite version had been available I'd have taken it.
I talked with all local dealers, and while I went with mini of concord the last time, I went with sf mini this time. I'll shoot you a pm.
I don't like the black Web Spokes as much as I like the silver ones. The black ones are easier to clean, but the color hides all the detail that make the Web Spokes great. Besides, black wheels look aftermarket and makes it look like a cheap knock-off of some more expensive wheel.
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
Something to look forward to!
For those of you who already had a Mini, you can ignore this. I picked up my 2011 Clubbie about 3 weeks back. It is more than what I hoped for. I love looking at it, and I love driving it. I think its even more special to me since I ordered my own and built it with the options I wanted. 
Different from buying a 2011 off the lot, that might be missing some things you wanted, or might have options you don't care about. I've been leasing Dodge Caravans for the last 10 years. I drove the van to the dealer yesterday to turn it in - it was like driving a bus! The van leans hard around corners and the tires always squealed. The Mini goes faster around the same corners with no lean and no squeal.
Different from buying a 2011 off the lot, that might be missing some things you wanted, or might have options you don't care about. I've been leasing Dodge Caravans for the last 10 years. I drove the van to the dealer yesterday to turn it in - it was like driving a bus! The van leans hard around corners and the tires always squealed. The Mini goes faster around the same corners with no lean and no squeal.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: So. San Francisco
For those of you who already had a Mini, you can ignore this. I picked up my 2011 Clubbie about 3 weeks back. It is more than what I hoped for. I love looking at it, and I love driving it. I think its even more special to me since I ordered my own and built it with the options I wanted. Different from buying a 2011 off the lot, that might be missing some things you wanted, or might have options you don't care about. I've been leasing Dodge Caravans for the last 10 years. I drove the van to the dealer yesterday to turn it in - it was like driving a bus! The van leans hard around corners and the tires always squealed. The Mini goes faster around the same corners with no lean and no squeal.
Different from buying a 2011 off the lot, that might be missing some things you wanted, or might have options you don't care about. I've been leasing Dodge Caravans for the last 10 years. I drove the van to the dealer yesterday to turn it in - it was like driving a bus! The van leans hard around corners and the tires always squealed. The Mini goes faster around the same corners with no lean and no squeal.
Ual, I agree on the webs. I had them on the first pepper white MINI and I love the look of those rims. I understand the wait is an issue for some track folks, and certainly they aren't fun to clean, but I like the styling. In the end, and not to disparage the choices made by fans of the black web spokes, I just thought the silver looks nicer. As you mentioned, you lose the visual detail with the gloss black.
Black and blue, yes, we need pics! For me the biggest and most anticipated change will be how the day to day experience will be different, having owned a coupe before this. I was amazed, on my test drive, that you could hardly tell it was a longer MINI.. Though not enough freedom in a test drive to really slam it around and get a feel for the physics of the thing. Frankly, as I'm transporting my young daughter now, I doubt I will often have a chance to drive that aggressively, which I'm fine with. I'm looking forward to being behind the wheel of a MINI in the first place. The details are gravy!
Black and blue, yes, we need pics! For me the biggest and most anticipated change will be how the day to day experience will be different, having owned a coupe before this. I was amazed, on my test drive, that you could hardly tell it was a longer MINI.. Though not enough freedom in a test drive to really slam it around and get a feel for the physics of the thing. Frankly, as I'm transporting my young daughter now, I doubt I will often have a chance to drive that aggressively, which I'm fine with. I'm looking forward to being behind the wheel of a MINI in the first place. The details are gravy!
Oh, forgot to mention: nice surprise yesterday, as I checked in habitually with my worldwide ship finder site and saw that the Volans Leader passed through the Panama Canal and is heading up the west coast. That's pretty exciting! Another week to go...minimum
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: So. San Francisco
http://www.sdmis.org/schedule/
You can go meet your car at Port Hueneme like this guy did.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...4-post297.html
He scheduled a tour of the port.
http://www.portofhueneme.org/connect...onal_tours.php
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 10
From: Des Moines, Iowa
Well I just had to add my two cents to the black wheel issue. Sure, on some cars it's a bit much, but my Lil Guy is Midnight Black and I ordered the black wheels. Mainly for looks, but also for maintenance with the infamous disc brake dust that gets on the wheels. Painted wheels are easier to keep clean, while the standard Challenge wheels needs constant attention. As for the after-market looks, so what, I intend on getting lighter, after market wheels in the Spring anyway. I, also intend on putting winter tires, non rft tires on the black Challenge wheels, probably as soon as I get the Lil Guy. My thoughts, my preferences, everybody has their own. Great looking Clubby there. That Lazer Blue can grow on you.
Hemi I'm no hater personally of dark wheels or aftermarket... I just wasn't feeling the black web spokes with contrast rim on the pepper white. My favorite look for my other MINI was dark anthracite enkeis and yep, does help with that brake dust...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1/ppuser/24259
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1/ppuser/24259
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 10
From: Des Moines, Iowa
Wheels, who cares, one can always go after market for the lighter weight wheels.
On another note, Lil Guy, who's on the Fedora, is almost within sight of Long Island right now. It's scheduled for a quick stop at the New York POE, then down to Baltimore.
I was looking at the map and how we are to get to the Baltimore POE, WOW, it has to go all the way down to Norfolk/Virginia Beach, then up the Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore. That has to be over 100 miles out of the way. Well, this is a vacation cruise for Lil Guy and all his buddies.
On another note, Lil Guy, who's on the Fedora, is almost within sight of Long Island right now. It's scheduled for a quick stop at the New York POE, then down to Baltimore.
I was looking at the map and how we are to get to the Baltimore POE, WOW, it has to go all the way down to Norfolk/Virginia Beach, then up the Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore. That has to be over 100 miles out of the way. Well, this is a vacation cruise for Lil Guy and all his buddies.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: So. San Francisco
Thirdraildesignlab
I did a little research. If you want to watch your ship dock in San Diego on 10/23, I think it will most likely dock at this location.
National City Terminal
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie...FYiujQPp0tT7BQ
I am sure you will be able to view the ship on one of these webcams here since there is only one way into and out of San Diego Bay.
http://www.sdwaterfront.com/baycams.shtml
San Diego Port schedule
http://www.sdmis.org/schedule/
I did a little research. If you want to watch your ship dock in San Diego on 10/23, I think it will most likely dock at this location.
National City Terminal
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie...FYiujQPp0tT7BQ
I am sure you will be able to view the ship on one of these webcams here since there is only one way into and out of San Diego Bay.
http://www.sdwaterfront.com/baycams.shtml
San Diego Port schedule
http://www.sdmis.org/schedule/
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 10
From: Des Moines, Iowa
No, mine docks at Baltimore POE on Tuesday, October 19th.
Just playing with you. It's kind of neat to be able to follow these ships, although we lost the Fedora for just about one week when it was crossing the North Atlantic.
Funny how now, the site is giving locations every 15 minutes, or so. Getting closer.
Just playing with you. It's kind of neat to be able to follow these ships, although we lost the Fedora for just about one week when it was crossing the North Atlantic.
Funny how now, the site is giving locations every 15 minutes, or so. Getting closer.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Questions about ordering
I may be ordering a hardtop MCS as soon as this weekend and being that I've never done such a thing I have a few questions:
- Is there a fee for this or does the dealer charge any kind of markup for a build to order car? I'm assuming no.
- Is payment/financing worked out at the time of order?
- Is the process just a matter of walking into the dealer and telling them what you want/don't want? Should I build online and bring the printout?
I wasn't planning to buy this soon but my other car crapped on me so it's been quite a stressful and equally exciting time.
- Is there a fee for this or does the dealer charge any kind of markup for a build to order car? I'm assuming no.
- Is payment/financing worked out at the time of order?
- Is the process just a matter of walking into the dealer and telling them what you want/don't want? Should I build online and bring the printout?
I wasn't planning to buy this soon but my other car crapped on me so it's been quite a stressful and equally exciting time.