I just checked the congfigurator and noticed that the availability of the Hypersport and Audio packages now say "6/07" instead of "3/07". I was all set to place my order as soon as my MA returned from the dealer intro this week.

 

Hypersport is one thing -- they've got to tool up.

But the audio package? C'mon -- how hard can it be?

The individual options still say 03/07, too.

And the iPod adapter still says "coming soon" but they HAVE this in the UK?

 

Maybe they're changing things over. I'm sure they want the site "right" by the launch date. Assumedly they will start getting more interest once the ads and reviews start coming out.

My MA told me audio pakcage wouldn't be available until August. I just opted to get the hi fi and i'll add sirius once it's available. If Mini doesn't offer a lifetime subscription as part of the add-on i'll just get one from Sirius directly. It's a better deal from them, as you can take the sub with you when you sell the car, or add it to a second radio for out-of-car (or use in a 2nd car).

I also was told by MiniUSA on the phone today that the factory Aero was still "being evaluated" so maybe the photos we've seen are a test to see how it goes over, and the end result will be much improved. I'm getting the JCW but it was interesting that he used that term to describe the factory aero's current status.

 

You might not be missing much with the Hyper Sport package... have you SEEN that body kit? Kind of funky. If that's the final product (and not still under evaluation as jmelrose suggested) I personally would take a big "pass" on that one. The stock bodywork looks better. WAY better!

 

I see with the change in the confiugation of the configurator that the new factory-installed aero kit is now showing as available as a $1,300 option.

As for the audio package, I read somewhere they were still negotiating licensing details.

 

I had decided to pass on the Hypersport, but I wanted the Audio package.


Randy

 

Mini Customer Service did not know about the configurator showing the Audio Package being moved back until June when I called them this morning. They called back a while later confirming that the Package had been delayed until "at least" June. They also said that the dates for the satellite and HD radios as seperate options being also similarly delayed had not then been updated on the configurator.

My dealer had been holding my order until March 1st so I could order the Audio Package. Well, Mini, you just left $1,400 on the table. I guess I can live without it now.

If, as some believe, Mini has delayed the already seriously delayed Audio Package at least three more months to negotiate a license, that's a sad excuse. This is not "rocket science."

 

I went and drove the new one tonight and loved it. Was thinking of ordering (and thinking it was still 3/07 on the audio).

Nope.

I'm in no hurry to get a new car anyway. Maybe by the time the audio package comes in, I will have found something else

 

What's more insane is the unavailability of the alarm system and the iPod adapter in the US.

 

Although, to be fair, both are dealer-installed options and can be added anytime after install.

I agree though, the audio package is kind of lame. How hard can it be? They could have gotten another grand out of me, had they been on top of that one.

The hypersport though... bleh. Don't want sports suspension, and I don't think many of the folks who do the kind of driving that the sports suspension benefits will see much appeal in the Mini Aero Kit. JCW all the way! :-)

But then again, I'm a bit biased on that point...

 

HD & Sirius or alarm & ipod adapter? It's too bad they don't release just the HD part.... since I'm an XM listener, I could care less about Sirius.

 

I know alarm and ipod, and my dealer indicated Sirius eventually. I'm sure the HD radio would also be an option... I don't see why not.

Since the Sirius/XM merger, might be wise to take a wait-and-see approach. Maybe the Sirius radio will give you your XM channels in a few months?

 

I was talking to one of the MAs at my dealership and he said both the HD and Sirius options are easy to install modules (although I'm sure MINI will charge a small forture for the work). I hope you're on to something with the merger, it may be that the wait will be worth it. I know I really wanted the Audio Package, but after talking with my MA I decided to pull the trigger and order for a March build; week 10 production I think.

 

Well, hey, you're right in line with me then. I am supposed to be week 10, although I have officially gotten to the "production start" phase so I dunno what week that puts me in? 9? But finished in week 10?

Anyway, join us in the cleverly titled, "R56 Week 10 Production Group" thread. :-) And congratulations! I'm also waiting to see what happens with the Sirius deal, as I would like Satellite Radio in my car.

 

XM and Sirius would be cool... but I doubt we'll see any action for at least 1 year on OEM dual band antennas, etc. The merger still needs a rubber stamp. If anything Blitzsafe might bring some thing to market first.

I'm hoping that either or both the MINI audio upgrades just plug into the spot inside the boot!

 

I'm an XM listener myself, and decided not to wait for the audio package. I read in another thread on here that Blitzsafe was developing a plug in to the spot in the boot for XM Direct, so I am hoping for that as well. Crossing fingers!

 

Otherwise, I guess we can always get a portable unit and plug it into Aux.

 

So I decided I really didn't care whether I had HD radio or not and the configurator still showed Sirius available 3/07 so therefore I would just place my order without the Audio Package and just get the HiFi upgrade and Sirius. My MA still can't get the order to go through and can't get an answer from Mini as to how long before he can order the Sirius.

How long have they been working on the R56?

 

Sirius, according to a dealer bulletin, will not be available until June 2007.

There is more info on Motoringfile. Look up accesory availability and the audio package delay.

 

I agree w/ u on that one they have a German car @ the local dealer w/ the body kit and i'm totally not a big fan wouldnt want it!

 

bart,

Is it the JCW or the factory-installed Aero? The factory has clamdigger wheel arches and a much more subtle, yet ugly, appearance.