Mini Questions - Need Help

[JetBlackE46]

i was thinking of getting a new mini, what options/packages would you guys recommend?

how much are you guys paying?

thinking about the S

[///MDriver]

If you can afford it, all of them. :D Unless it gets cold, you really don't need the CWP. Otherwise, they are pretty inexpensive. What's your price range?

[m3brad]

I've owned an "S" for over a year now and really do enjoy the car.
Mine was one of the two "launch" vehicles. I have the electric blue with white top and mirrors. It's only option was the SPORT package w/ the 17" wheels. The dealer also installed the white hood stripes.

If I were to order one, I'd again, get the SPORT package and get the option that gives you the radio controls on the steering wheel. I've heard mixed reviews on the sunroof. Some say there's alot of wind noice from the roof when it's open at higher speeds.

Due to the fact that the brake pads dust horribly, I would replace the front pads when you get the car. I can't imagine trying to keep the white wheels clean. I clean my silver wheels at least twice/week and the fronts still have some stains on them from the brake dust. I E-mailed Mini about it and they said there is a balancing act between dust and performance. That's bullshit! The brakes are pretty weak when used on a roadcourse, the dusting is unreal!

As far as color combos, I think they all look great :buttrock

[JetBlackE46]

i looked at one this weekend with an msrp or about $23K

after the dealer addons and markup the asking price was $33K!!!

i'm looking to spend whatever its' worth but not $10K over msrp

is the navigation worth getting?

r u guys used to the speedometer being in the center?

any other negatives besides the brake dust that you guys have encounter? squeaks? rattles? etc...

tia

[kapolani]

I've had my Cooper S for 10k miles now.

I have every package except the Nav.

If you live in an area that has chilly winters then the cold weather package is pretty cool.

I also have the sunroof. The only problem I've had with it is some minor rattling when the weather is cold. There's a fix for it - some type of rubber mounting tape that you can use - I just haven't gotten to it yet.

I've had a crack in the windshield that is stress related and I'm going to have it looked at when my first service comes up.

I belong to some Cooper boards and I don't have many of the problems that some of the earlier builds have had (knock on wood).

I think it's an awesome car and it always brings a smile to my face when I'm tossing it through in the twisties.

[JetBlackE46]

thanks! what are some other good cooper forums?

[The Beastmaster]

MiniCooperonline.com is a good one and there's Mini2.com

As for my MCS, I took it off the lot w/ only a few options; multi function steering wheel, auto ac and heated seats. I had driven many different Coopers when I had problems with my Cooper so I experienced many different options.

Sunroof - makes the car too hot, affect structural rigidity for racing
Nav - don't need it for Hawaii, but would be nice on the mainland
leather - feels strange, unlike BMW leather
ASC/DSC - I hate it, it shuts down the power at the worst time
Xenons - Nice, get it with the sport package