So, I recently ordered a 2013 r59, custom build. Order was placed through the Pentagon Exchange Military Car Sales program, which allows active duty military members to purchase american spec vehicles overseas, tax-free and with below MSRP prices. The program does not work with a typical dealer type set-up - for all intents and purposes I am buying the vehicle directly from BMW Mini.

We originally walked into the dealership on 9 June to test drive the vehicle, came back 3 days later to put in our down payment. We were told that because we were rolling into the new model year that the next production slot would be in July and that we couldn't place an "official" order until the new MY prices/options dropped. We were told we could do the purchase order to secure a production slot, then once all the new prices and option packages were available we could come in, make any changes we wanted to and place the final order. Our "dealer" also secured us a priority 3 build. We are stationed in Italy and traditionally everything shuts down the month of August, so if we had waited we would be looking at the end of September before we saw our vehicle.

So, desiring to be non- PITA customers, hubby and I waited until the prices finalized, around 15 July (Pentagon has to negotiate new prices with Mini every year). Went in same day, requested the following changes: Mini Yours leather dashboard, center armrest, white turn signals. Even though the car hadn't even entered the production stage, the changes rejected. Why? Because our oh so helpful dealer placed an order on 4 July (without consulting us) based on our original "placeholder" purchase order, and because it was a priority 3 build it was too close to production to make the requested changes.

When I purchased this vehicle I went in with the ultimate "you-ification" mindset and that I would get whatever I wanted option-wise with this vehicle because that is the beauty of Mini. You can customize to your hearts content. Plus, there's no reason with a custom build that you shouldn't have exactly what you want, that's the whole point, right?

The only way out of this would have been to cancel the order and place a new one, but with the way things are going who knows when we would've finally taken delivery? We are opting to take the car as-is, the dealer is procuring the center armrest at a reduced price and we can install ourselves. (Generous, huh?) As for the white turn signals, the research I've done says that the xenons only come with white turn signal lenses anyway. (Can anybody confirm this for me? Lots of stories of people who did not order white turn signals say that their xenons came that way.)

SO - that just leaves the dashboard...the one thing that I would see from the inside of the car every .time. I drive it. And I know it's going to drive me nuts! Does anyone know if there is a way to retrofit the dashboard? If so, where would I go to look for the OEM dash assembly?

If that isn't possible, how crazy is it to cover the dash ourselves? Technically speaking the husband and I are capable of doing this. Advice, opinions? I fully realize that this is crazy and I am sure that I will still love my car when it gets here but I am really upset that I am going to have to do all this work when it would have been so simple for the dealer to touch base with us before he placed the order.

Apologies for the long post, thanks for letting me rant!

 

In an R56 (I assume it's the same on an R59), the armrest is integrated with the center console and retrofitting it would not be a simple bolt-on. On MotoringFile.com, Gabe described deleting his armrest, and it was a major project. He had to completely take apart the center console, and some of the console parts replaced with non-armrest versions.

You should be able to order the leather dash parts from MINI and retrofit them, although for the new model year it may take awhile before they become available to order separately.

Personally, I would just cancel and reorder the car. Look at it this way... it would be the same situation as if the dealer had waited for you to come back in. It's unfortunate that the dealer proceeded without consulting with you, but sounds like the slot opened up as an unexpected opportunity and it could just as well have happened that it didn't come up. If you're really impatient and in need of a car, you'll be able to modify it to the way you want, but you'll have to decide whether to deal with the hassle.

 

Sorry
Have 2012 R59 w/ xenons
Have yellow turn signals.

 

rkw - Thanks for your input. We did check on the armrest in the test vehicle and is integrated as in the R53. Was hoping for a couple of bolts, but alas it looks like it will be a project. It's too late to cancel the vehicle, so it looks like we will be DIY'ing until we're happy. I may just give up on the leather dashboard as it isn't the best for outdoor parking (I'll garage at home but no covered parking at work).

noreen99 - I am interested in your response to this as someone else with xenons thought they had the yellow turn signals as well but it turned out it was just the bulb, not the lens. All the turn signal bulbs have to flash amber by law, so the bulb itself will be yellow. Is the lens in front of your bulb yellow?

 

Another option is to see if the dealer can provide you with the euro armrest - it's a much easier DIY install, and very sturdy. Here's one thread with more info/pics: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r-armrest.html

I'm not sure about covering the upper part of the dash, but redlinegoods.com offers aftermarket leather colorline wraps. http://www.redlinegoods.com/MINI07dash.php

Hopefully you'll eventually get your Mini exactly the way you want in. Modding is half the fun, right?

 

[QUOTE=Kirby11;3554908]

I'm not sure about covering the upper part of the dash, but redlinegoods.com offers aftermarket leather colorline wraps. http://www.redlinegoods.com/MINI07dash.php



as you can see the lens are amber. there was some chatter on another thread about lens on countryman coming in white w/amber bulb. also some threads about removing the lens but it was not high on my list of things to complete.

although like Kirby11 pointed out redline goods seems to be great i ordered several peices from them, boot shifter, e brake, door, arm rests, and head rests. all arived promptly and are of excellent quality for the price. also if your still looking for the leather the place i ordered my bonnet stripes does custom interiors www.mini-graphics.co.uk/

good luck

 

Thanks for the info on redlines - I've been checking them out and thinking about contacting them to see if they can do a custom dash.

Noreen99 - your justa is a cutie with that sunscreen! Thanks for a definitive answer on the amber lens question. For me, I am definitely going to have to pop those out.

Guess I've got lots of mods ahead! Thank goodness for NAM and all its knowledgeable members!