I've started to spec out my 2012 build and I keep switching between the Coupe and a 3rd Hatchback and one thing I've noticed is that you can't get regular cloth seats in the hatchback anymore. You can get them in the Coupe, but in the hatch the only non-leather option is leatherette which I hated in my R53. It's not that the leatherette is bad, I just found it unbearable in the summer months so with my 09 R56 I went with cloth and it's been much more comfortable all round. Why is cloth not available on the R56 anymore? I know I could go with the leather/cloth option but I'd rather spend the $1k on something else!

Once I've got this figured out, JCW body kit or not...

edit: so ok, it seems you CAN get cloth seats on the 2012 R56, but only with certain body colors? WTF is that about? Why wouldn't I be able to get white-silver with cloth seats, but I can get pepper white with cloth? Makes no sense.

 

Go for the leather, I have the Redwood Lounge leather and love them. Not hot at all during the summer and when paired with the heated seats, perfect in the winter......

 

Sure, but that $1k on leather means I have to drop something else like the Tech or Sport package which I really don't want to do. It seems like this might just be a configurator error because you can get cloth in every color EXCEPT white silver. I'm ask my MA.

 

Good call on asking the MA. I had a similar issue when I ordered mine. You could get the bridgespokes in white if you bought them separately, but only in silver if you got them in the sport package. I clarified the order with my MA and he put the order in with sport package and white wheels. It came out perfectly despite the configurator 'glitch.'

 

+1 My previous 4 cars had leather - and I like it - but they were much more expensive vehicles. What I love about my MINI S is the bang for the buck. I got the standard no-frills leatherette seats and like them a lot. (Again, I'm used to BMW sports package leather seats.) I didn't want to jack up the price on the MINI too much on things I didn't want or need.

 

I ordered a 2012 MCS hardtop on October 5th and it has cloth seats. Are you sure you aren't overlooking this? I just checked the configurator and cloth is there.

Edit: Just tried White Silver with the Coupe and I can add just cloth seats.

 

Right, with the Coupe you can do it, but not the hatchback. and only in white silver.

 

Let us know what your MA says...one of the clubbies that was a potential for me (when I was trying to find one without going through this agonizing wait) was a white silver with cloth interior....which the website will not let me build. I've also seen someone on here who had the satellite lounge leather in a clubbie, and that is something that doesnt appear to be an option on the website either. (Small thing, but the website would not let me choose all season tires with the rims I picked, but the MA was able to spec it that way)

 

Chimera: One thing to consider with the cloth/leather option...the color line trim and dash surface comes with the cloth/leather option. If you were going to go with a color line and other than the standard dash surface, then the net cost difference is $500. If those things were not something you wanted then it is a moot point...just sayin'

 

OP, the leatherette in the 2011+ seems to be different than my 2008. More soft I think.

I went with leatherette since the cloth on the MINI seemed very harsh and would also be difficult to clean with a drooly dog. I also find leather and leatherette to be both sweaty unless they are perforated. My previous car had lighter cloth seats with deep soft velour like cloth buckets and a more durable cloth centre piece. They were super easy to clean with a dog.

Anyways, like you I decided the $x000 for leather and more $$ for Navi was not worth dropping some other option or (gulp) buying a MCS over the JCW.

 

Cloth appears to only be available in combination with the sport seats.

In the configurator, trying picking the sport seat option first and then select checkered cloth - which I'm assuming is what you're looking for.