Greetings. I'm putting together an R58 MCS order and have a few questions about options.

This will be my second MINI; the first was an '03 R53. I drove it for about four years before selling it after getting a fleet car from my employer. Now I'm giving that up and going back to MINI. With the kids out of the house, it's time to downsize to a two-seater!

I've been to the dealer and driven the R59 and the R58 MCS and JCW models.

I understand you-i-fi-cation and am not looking for others to make decisions for me. But I am interested in suggestions on what is either more or less important to consider when configuring an R58 than an R53 (or R56).

I liked the auto-dimming rearview mirror in my R53. I'd be interested in thoughts on the auto-dimming (outside) mirrors. How well do they work? Does the height of the mirrors on the R58 make them more (or less) useful?

Are 2013 US orders now being delivered with a heat shield? If not, am I better ordering it thru the dealer? I've read the heatshield thread and there seems to be quite a variance on the 2012 depending on country, shield, etc. My concern would be with having the dealer make things right if there's any burning.

I'd also welcome any thoughts about the DTC.

Thanks in advance.

Auto tint outside mirrors - If you are going to tint your side glass, really no reason to purchase the side mirror tint option....may end up being too dark at night IMO.

I am under the impression, heat shields and bonnet blanket/shields are standard now.

For both these models, get the PDC sensor option !! Backing up can be a PITA without it.

Thanks. I am not planning to tint my side glass. After backing the R58 into the dealer's parking spot I understand the PDC recommendation.

The one thing I didn't order on my R58 JCW was the PDC, having now

driven the car for nine months I maybe should have gotten it. At the

time I thought it was only for little ole ladies..wrong!

Xenon headlights before all else!!!

Auto temperature , hk sound , Xeon , arm rest, black wheels!

I just got my 2013 JCW, no heat shields or hood blanket. I asked my MA about it and he said they don't come with them anymore.

It is a little outrageous that there is not more clarity on this from MINI. The need seems pretty evident.

Ask your SA to provide their parts dept with the last 7 of your vin. They need to put that into ETK parts system and go to section #51_6155, sound insulation.




They have to keep clicking onto each part no in this image (1,2,3 ) until they highlight one that DOESNT trigger a comment box reading "This part not installed on this vehicle".

I bet ya a 6pk they find a bonnet blanket in there for your vin. I will also bet ya any R56S that gets sport stripes without this insulation will eventually need new stripes....

Thank you!

My MA told me all heat shield issues have been resolved so I shouldn't worry about it on my new order. Then he showed me the metal covering on the turbo so I'm inclined to believe him.

If you want to be rare, get the Recaros. You'll be one of fewer than 100 in the states most likely. Maybe even fewer than 50.

Sounds like I blew it by not ordering the backup detection thing too. Crap. My car's built and waiting for a boat. That's probably not something that can be added afterward. I forgot rear visibility is bad in these things.

Here's my hood when I enter my VIN, the description says heatshields for cars with bonnet stripes.

Thanks for the replies. I will include the PDC sensor. My first MINI had xenons and HK and this one will, too.

Before I pull the plug and send a configuration off to the dealer, let me ask the question a bit differently: suppose you were building and buying two cars, an R56 MCS and an R58 MCS Coupe. Other than the previously-mentioned PDC sensor, would you put anything on the R58 Coupe that you wouldn't put on the R56? If so, what and why?

I made the decision to add Recaros to my R58 order at the last minute because of several reasons:

1.) They are sweet looking and will feel great and start conversation at MINI rallies.

2.) MINI discontinued them on the Roadster and I feared they might do the same to the coupe or discontinue them because they don't sell in high numbers.

3.) The GP has them so why shouldn't I?

4.) 0.9% financing means I can roll them into a 5-year payment and it won't raise the cost too much month-to-month.

5.) They will make my MINI a little more rare because so few order them.

Also, if you're ordering the R58, I would consider the fixed rear wing. It brings the color from the roof down to the back of the car. It's a personal preference thing. I think it looks a lot better than the motorized wing, which seems to tiny to me. Again, this is totally subjective but I think the fixed rear wing completes the look of the back of the coupe.

If I ordered another Hardtop I'd order it with the driving lights because it's such a traditional MINI thing to have and I love the tradition behind the car. I don't feel the extra driving lights on the coupe make it look more "MINI" like they do on the hardtop since the coupe styling is already such a departure from the original shape of the car so not everyone can even tell it is a MINI at all.

Lastly, yes, all these options make these cars stupidly expensive. I'm looking at it as more than basic transportation. It's a style statement as much as it is a vehicle. When I think of it as the world's cheapest M car and that I'm getting such good financing it takes some of the sting out of the sticker shock.

+ on the Xenons.
I also have the optional driving lights because they were already installed but after using them wouldn't want to be without. The Xenon high beams combined with the driving lights absolutely flood the woods/highway with light.

One thing I haved used maybe twice in the 3 months I've had my current Mini is the voice command. Never used it in my Infiniti either and feel it's mostly a gimmick.

Comfort access is a nice option too.

I wish I had held off on the OEM driving lights when I ordered and put Hellas on afterwards. Better lights and much less expensive. That would be my advice for people ordering their MINI from the factory and looking for usability.

Thanks for all the comments. I will be placing an order tomorrow. Stay tuned!

OK, so with my 1,000th post on NAM (born MCO) here's the configuration for my second MINI, ordered earlier today:
'13 S Coupe--PW/B
JCW Interior Package
JCW Bl Checkered Cloth
Cold Weather, Premium Packages
Xenons w Black Housing and White Turn Signals
Black Star Bullet w All Seasons
Comfort Access
Center Arm Rest
HK Sound
Glove Box Organizer
Union Jack Side Scuttles

Let the fun begin!

Still don't have a production number; I understand they won't be out until the first full week in January. I decided to change the order...dropped the Automatic and went with a stick.

If you live anywhere even remotely cold, I'd strongly suggest getting the heated windshield! It's been extremely cold here in Canada these days (-20C as a high today), and I regret not having spent the extra $450 for that option each and every day!

I have the cold weather package but we're still in the mid-40's (F) this week. Our winter season near the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland is rather short.

Regarding the auto-dimming mirrors, I have them on my Roadster (the side and RVM). When the rear spoiler goes up, it casts a shadow over the sensor for about 50% of the cars out there. Trucks are never a problem, it's when a car is back there that it happens. I plan on bringing it up to my MA.

When they do work, they are fantastic. I think it's worth having the side mirrors dim because they are a bit more important with the limited visibility you have when you look over your shoulder.