So I'm about to order an R59 this weekend and have been trying to decide which upgrades to include in my config and which to maybe add later when possible. So I ask you, which upgrades do you tell yourself every day that your so thankful for including, and what was a waste of money? I know everyone's different but there must be some home runs out there.


And what's with the shrinking paint options? I remember when you were just limited by your imagination, now its almost like Henry Ford is in charge.

 

You should look at the JCW package. For $2,000 you get the body kit, 17 inch wheels, steering wheel, interior red stitching, seats, JCW Lower door panels etc. I think the package is well valued and is a must have if you can afford it. It will cost a small fortune if you want to add it later.

 

The JCW kit is great. Also think about the parking sensors. They're hard to do later, and if you have to parallel or reverse park with the top up you will be thankful. I didn't get them, and that's the only change I would make if I got another car.

Also, listen to the basic and Harman Kardon stereos if you can. The HK works well with the top down at speed.

 

In addition to what has been said make sure you get the light configuration and electronic option you want. They are impossible or very costly to do later. Looking back on it I regrets not having picked the xenon.

JCW kit is costly to get after as well so those are decision well worth making before.

The Audio upgrade is a nice to have but not a priority IMO.


And I agree it is sad to see them cut down on the paint options. Really not that necessary I think...

 

I forgot about the Xenons. They are an absolute must-have if you live where there are dark backroads. There are easy to fit OEM retrofits now, but it would be $900-$1000 to get them after the fact, and they are lower powered than the factory ones.

 

Exactly, better get them when ordering!

 

In looking at all you get with the JCW package this makes sense. I was wondering if I should add the sports suspension. This will be used more for a commuter car than a weekend track car.

 

You can always change the suspension. Not something to worry about when ordering. The Xenons are a must have in my opinion. A set of NM springs make all the differance in the world as well as a good sway bar.

 

Others may feel differently but personally I'd say, definitely not. The car is plenty stiff in my opinion you don't need additional stiffness unless you feel the need to have the low look and even that there might be better aftermarket options for that specific effect. Keep in mind the roadster is possibly the stiffest chassis MINI has right now and it translates into more impact to your body on uneven pavement. Stiffer suspension will be great for those occasional sporty time. But the rest of the year its a kidney pounder.

Another thing I got you might consider however which might be more directly useful for your everyday driving is the dynamic traction control option. That and some good tires will be better money spent imho

 

I have the sports suspension and run flats and I don't find it too harsh. The DTC came with the JCW pack for the 2012s, not sure if it's separate now. I like that too. The reaction control can be a bit too much sometimes, and it's nice to be able to turn it off knowing that you still have stability and the electronic limited slip on your side.

 

Oh and one more thing... to me heated seat is a must if you live near where to a cool to cold area. That's what will make you enjoy the top down even during a cold 40/45°F sunny day. There's nothing like it

 

In cold (or even cool) climates, the heated seats for sure. On a Roadster they will extend your top-down time!

I'll also second the Xenons - worth it for the improved lighting at night.

Not a fan of the JCW cosmetic stuff on a car that isn't an actual JCW, but maybe that's just a former and future JCW owner being cranky about MINI diluting the JCW "brand".
(I also will never ever understand why the JCW does not come standard with the quite-nice-for-factory JCW suspension, sigh.)

The Comfort Access is really nice - we didn't get it on our Countryman because my wife was anxious to take on off the lot, and I miss it every time I drive it. or walk up to the boot and it fails to magically open when I grab the latch! :-)

I like the rear foglights - less open spots on the dash controls! And nice if you get any serious fog.

The headlight washers are fun.

Center armrest. Another thing we miss on our Countryman. (can be added however, I think)

Seats are a big decision. For warm sunny weather, especially in a Roadster, cloth seats are superior IMHO.

If you don't plan to go after-market, I'd also suggest the HK sound system. Again, in a Roadster the additional power is worth it.

We specifically did NOT order the Mini Connected again in our upcoming JCW Roadster. And I'm a huge gadget guy, and tech nerd. Just didn't use it much in our current Roadster. The album art display was nice, and I did love the graphic display of the rear park sensors, but all in all not enough bang for buck.
(There are features that can certainly make this a must-have in many cases, but we just don't fit any of them, or at least not $750 worth)

Don

 

btw, I didn't realize the whole jcw aero was available has one kit. This is not a bad price by the way, though about $1800 after shipping
But considering the paint it is still much more advantageous to have it all done on order.

I might consider it in the near future but what would worry me the most is paint match on our body color that is so particular, kite blue.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2008-C...Body/ES515033/

 

I purchased and installed the JCW kit after the fact, the paint does NOT perfectly match.

Definitely order it from the factory if you can.

 

I'm crushed . . .

Nice kite blue hard top!

 

My advice is: Look at the option list and check everything you want or think could want in the future. I agree this method inflates the price considerably, BUT retrofits usually cost double and are often too much trouble. For me Xenons, JCW, H-K sound, connected, comfort access and chrome line interior are must haves. Heated seats, leather and leather dash are next.

 

Having unfortunately( 15000 $) every option I would never take over 17" wheels, run flats and sport suspension.
The lounge leather, leather steering whee, glass roof, armrest are for me a must.The rest is amusing and makes the Mini more fun.

 

What glass roof?! This is a roadster

 

oeps etc....

 

What? Chrome line interior a must have before heated and leather seat? never!

 

I live in sunny Egypt, so yes

 

Ha ha! That does explain. I should have pay more attention

 

For me, must haves are:

- heated seats
- HK audio
- parking sensors (do not have them, wish to God that I did. You can make do without, but for really tight spots I put the top down to park).

Nice to have:

- bluetooth audio (whichever way you can get it)
- keyless entry/start/stop
- xenons
- limited slip
- bigger/nicer wheels (can get aftermarket)