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As previously reported on MotoringFile the ever popular MINIUSA flash based configurator will be delayed for the 2005 model year. If you missed the original story you can read it here.
But before you give up in dispair and put the checkbook away an update is indeed on the way.
MotoringFile has learned that MINIUSA will be updating the site with 2005 features and specs very shortly. This update will be followed by what we've all been waiting for closer to the end of the month… the “build your own” section.
In other news MINI Canada today launched it's 2005 configurator complete with the 2005 MINI convertible. You can check it out here: MINI.ca/configurator (currently not compatible with Safari).
Update (8/03/04): As predicted above MINIUSA has updated it's website with the 2005 colors and general information. As mentioned on MotoringFile yesterday MINIUSA has delayed the launch of the 2005 configurator – officially now set for 9/01.
<p>Hey Gabe,</p>
<p>The link to the configurator has a typo. </p>
<p>However, for those who cannot wait for Gabe's correction, one can still reach it easily by going to the Mini Canada site.</p>
<p>Surprise, surprise… Canadians can get the Anthracite headliner for only US$150…
“Cost issue” my ass.</p>
<p>MiniUSA, just let us pay for the damn thing like everyone else!</p>
<p>Ditto the headliner. Does anyone know where I might find an interior 360 for the cabrio? I'm interested, but worried about it's major 3/4 blindspot.</p>
<p>Instead of complaning here about the headliner, lets all write letters to MINI. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.miniusa.com/link/questions/contectus/email" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.miniusa.com/link/questions/contectus/email</a></p>
<p>It worked with the rear fog light.</p>
<p>So, electric blue IS available on the Cooper, not just the Cooper S. I hope this will be the case in the USA. Does anyone know for sure?</p>
<p>I am about to just order mine from Canada and just switch the speedo. I am pissed about this anthracite headliner issue, it was the option I was most excited about! Maybe I'll just order the parts and do the headliner in suede… hmmm sounds good.</p>
<p>Yes, as noted previously on MotoringFile it will be available on Coopers in the US too.</p>
<p>I am also considering ordering from Canada, but I don't know what hidden cost will be incured ie. customs duties, conversion of speedo, taxes. Any thoughts? I have already lodged my complaint with mini and niniusa. I hope we get some movement on this issue soon, so that I don't have to deal with the canadian importing. I'm ready to order.</p>
<p>Ugh!!!! I've installed the new flash player twice now and still, I can't view the configurator!!! I'm using Mozilla, can anyone help me?</p>
<p>I've no personal experience with importing cars from across the border, but from everything I've read, you'd be in for a world of pain to even attempt it.</p>
<p>Good post Gabe! </p>
<p>It looks like MiniUSA's only WebSite designer came back from holidays and is beginning to get to the stack of things that were to be done in June. </p>
<p>Compared to the Mini sites in the rest of the world, the MiniUSA one seems to be the most behind and has the least amount of information. They still have the MC40 up there almost 6 months. That is ridiculous. Not to mention almost no information about the convertible, although most of the international sites have lots of pictures about it. Still nothing official about the '05 changes. It is, in my opinion a very dead site, and something that is not given a lot of attention at BMW USA.</p>
<p>I found that canadian mini dealers are prohibited from selling to anyone without a canadian address by thier agreement with MINI. They think they may be able to import the headliner parts however. I'm looking into it.</p>
<p>The miniusa page has now been updated, but still no configurator. The page says that the configurator will arrive September 1 along with the 360 degree views of the 2005 and convertible. Oh well!</p>
<p>Obviously we are all speculating on why it is not up and so on, but it would be really interesting to find out the delay. Not the marketing line or PR speak, but what the web site designer is really saying. I would really be curious.</p>
<p>Same goes for the Anthracite headliner. Although I have a gut feeling that will be back. Can we say rear fog lights. This year we will be the single largest market for Minis in the world. With that clout and our voice, I am confident seeing it come back.</p>
<p>Anyone notice that specs for the Cooper S has it rated at 168 HP vs 170 HP?</p>
<p>dgszweda1 – maybe someday I'll be able to spill more info on some of the reasons behind the relay. I really shouldn't right now unfortunately.</p>
<p>Hey Gabe, your update says 7/03 not 8/03.</p>
<p>Okay you caught me – I've been travelling back in time for years now :)</p>
<p>Wow…that's amazing…</p>
<p>88mph in a MINI eh? ;)</p>