So I finally sold my '06 911 S and now I need a new car. I'm a car guy so I like cars period. The Mini has always been something that I have wanted and now is the time to get one. Any input that you guys can give me would be great. What options are ones that I absolutely have to add and which ones are not so good? I'm not really a race type of person. I'm more into the design and look of the car. Looking for any help I can get! Can't wait to join you guys!

Thanks...

 

What colour it will be?

 

Its a great car to have for driving to town in, no parking issues what so ever, there is enough power to be a street fighter, get the Copper S, just picked up mine last week and im happy with it, when driving you dont feel that small, but when you step out and look at the car you will say DAMN thats small.

 

I picked mine up 2 weeks ago. Go to South Bay BMW and see Philippe. He will give you a discount from MSRP.

As for options, I got pretty much everything, but I love to have all the options on all my cars.

Must haves:
1. Limited Slip Differential
2. Convenience package

If you have the extra bucks, it's nice to have the NAV system also.

 

Thanks guys. I'm getting excited about this.

Okay, the color combo I'm thinking is black body and roof with the red lounge leather interior. (it's more of a brick color) I plan on ordering it with all the chrome trim parts on it as well. I think this will be a little different than what most would order. And no, I'm not a pimp!

Question, I want to get some nice wheels, but I really don't like the ones that Mini offers. My thinking is that I can save some money if I get the cheapy wheel that come standard and then go buy after market ones. I don't want to spend the money on HRE's (expensive) but I do want to get somethig that looks nice. Any ideas? Also, I noticed that run-flats come with the car. Are those needed or can you guys recommend a tire that is good on the mini. Thinking of running 18's.

twisted... yes, I am getting the "S"

trojanman... thanks for the lead. I have a friend who knows the sales manager at Irvine Mini and said that he would do me good.

 

Yeah, it's a pretty rare colour combo but i think it will look really good. What brand of wheels are you looking for?

 

ArnGar: ordering is fun. i picked up my first one off the dealer floor, but it had everything i wanted (and a few i didn't). i ordered my second one, and it was very similar to my first. LSD is a good option ($500 when i ordered mine). i don't like the oem nav as the "square in a circle" isn't classic MINI. i'd say go aftermarket here. i deleted the chrome on my second car (you sure that your not a pimp?) definitely get the anthracite headliner (or whatever it is called now). the light grey standard headliner was an unneccessary additional color that didn't work for me. the wait will kill you, but it will be worth it. congrats.

 

Not really sure Speedshaq. There are so many choices now. Any recommendations? All I know is that I like the way an 18 inch wheel looks in the wheel well. I'm not sure 19 inch is the way to go (at least for me) in that I want to have a decent smooth ride. My 911 was like driving with no rubber at times.

Hey Beaner, when they have the leapord skin interior option available from Mini, then maybe I'll let you call me Pimp... I did ask if they had the patten leather jumpsuit though.

 

i guess i shouldn't talk as i'm adding ostrich inserts to my interior......

matching driving suits are always a nice touch!

 

Get everything, or close to it. If you order every package, it will be around $36k.

Must have is LSD, Sport suspension, Connivence, Lifetime Satellite radio, leather.
Nav is really cool, so is the bluetooth & iPod. The duel sunroof makes the car feel bigger inside.

Really the only thing on ours that makes us shake our heads is the voice activated part of the radio, bluetooth & nav.

 

My sales guy was off today so I get another day to configure another 50,000 variations, geeez...

Thanks Stealth. Seems like the LSD is the big one to get. Can you tell me what the difference is?

Anyone get the JC brake upgrade, Not sure if it's needed, but the calipers and drilled rotors look very cool. Not sure it's worth the $1,350 though.

I'm iffy about the factory NAV. People have so many different takes on it. Seems like it's a no go for most.

 

I think the must have options for a terrific daily driver are:
Sport Package
Premium Package
LSD
Xenons

Thats all. The Dual Pane Sunroof is included in the Premium package, as is an upgraded stereo. This combo comes to around $26,000.

I've sat in a R56 with cloth seats and loved it, but then again I'm not to big of a leather seat guy. Especially at this time of year.


Honestly, I'd hold off on the JCW brakes. One of the reasons being your pad choices will be severely limited. Get the standard brakes and if you want something more aggressive get some aftermarket pads.

 

Besides having the standard BMW brakes that dust when you look at them, they work very,very well, & IMHO are a little over boosted. Going from the 911 to the Mini, I have to be very cautious with my first few stops. The stock brakes are great, the JCW ones are more for looks, I don't really see the car stopping any faster, or less fade with the kit.

If you don't get the LSD, you will get more torque steer & do one wheel burn outs, it will be bad if you modify the engine for more power. But I'm sure you can add a quaiffe diff aftermarket, but it will be much more then the $500 factory one.

We also got all the JCW carbon fiber bits, they look really cool, but are really just expensive bling.

Yea, get the HID lights, I forget you can get the car with out them.

The nav is good to have, with the satellite radio, you get traffic information that shows up on the screen, it's super helpful. Plus the nav screen is used for so many things in the car, you really miss out with out it. But the nav it's self is a BMW unit, & just OK, the nav in my Audi was so much nicer! Also with the Nav you get the BMW i Drive thing, it helps you get through all the cars systems fast, & go through all the different screens. You really have no idea of what this car tell you on the screen!

 

I know what you mean about the brakes. When we did the test drive my wife just about put our heads right through the front glass. The idea of the brake kit was for looks only, but clearly not worth it.

Unfortunately, I have to get an automatic (deteriorated knee) and it doesn't allow the LSD. I just checked.

I have my appointment tomorrow after work. I heard it takes over 8 weeks for delivery due to demand. Bummer, it's going to be a long summer without the 911. I guess it will be delayed gratification!

Thanks for all the help guys. Now I need to start looking for after market wheels. Anyone know of a good shop out in OC, California?

 

Do you want blk wheels?