Here is the second one again:

http://michaelandeileen.com/mini/2005ZamudioValentines_Rally/FinishLine2.JPG

http://michaelandeileen.com/mini/RacingStripe/

http://michaelandeileen.com/mini/2005ZamudioValentines_Rally/FinishLine2.JPG

The only thing I whish I had on my all black ’05 MCS is LSD. I ordered darn near everything else except leather but LSD wasn’t available yet.

Color wise mine is specced exactly like yours with the anthracite headliner and interior which look fabu! I cant imaging a dark colored MINI without the anth headliner!

I have found that my silver S-Lites look just right with about 2 weeks worth of brake dust on them so you might look after market for some not so bright wheels to keep the dark theme going.

In an effort to de-cute Ripper I put on a matte black racing stripe and blacked out the chrome waistband. I am really happy with the way that turned out. Here are some bad pics:

[url]http://michaelandeileen.com/mini/RacingStripe/[/url]

Here is one that shows off the waistband but you cant see the stripe too well:

[url]http://michaelandeileen.com/mini/2005ZamudioValentines_Rally/FinishLine2.JPG[/url]

You will hate trying to keep it clean. Just make sure you attend regualr club functions to force you to give him/her regular baths.

I know it doesn’t get too hot in chi-town but tint the windows and sunroof. It makes a HUGE difference in the overall blackness.

-m

Another example of how you keep the focus, stay positive and provide loads of useful info.. Way to go!

You deserve a FREE car!!!

I was turned onto your site when car shopping by a neighbor – the knowledge and enthusiasm of you and the readers commenting about this fantastic car is the reason I now MOTOR…in a mini.

Keep up the fantastic work.

For The Engineering Major: A Limited Slip Differential (LSD) is a modified or derived type of differential gear arrangement that reduces wheel spin, especially when cornering at high speed by allowing for some difference in rotational velocity of the output shafts. Limited Slip Differential (LSD) does not allow the difference in speed to increase beyond a preset amount. By limiting the velocity difference between the pair of driven wheels, useful torque can be transmitted as long as there is some friction available on at least one of the wheels.

For The Rest of Us: The Limited Slip Differential (LSD) reduces wheel spin while cornering at high speeds to maintain:

*Go-kart like handling.

*Optimum traction between tires and pavement.

This is a mechnical traction aid that is meant more for “spirited driving” where DSC is a software traction aid meant to help keep you out of trouble.

Which Mini wheels are more expensive? I see the JCW wheels listed at $2334 on Miniusa :0 The closest I see is the Anthracite R90 at $1948.

Hard question to answer…very personal your question is.

I kept my 05 light; HK, cold weather package, chrono package, iPod, Xenon headlights and fog lights, 17 forged BBS RGR wheels with Kumho 712. I also added the 05 JCW package. This is a company car. if I were personally paying for more peformance, I woulf go the after market route. The warranty is a concern, but much more power can be had via after market for $5000.00 large.

Only other factory option that I couldn’t get was the LSD. Get it! Oh, invisible bra for the entire front end – do it!

Brake and suspension upgrades are always an option and I’m about to pull the trigger on my purchases. My 05 already has almost 19K miles on it

I took delivery of a black MCS Convertible in December. I’m crazy about it and it gets tons of compliments. Its pollen season and yes, It needs lots of baths this time of year but who cares, its still fun even when its dusted with yellow.

Here’s how it’s set up:

Black with black cloth top black/gray two tone pleather – love’em Anthracite dash – beautiful HK – rocks DSC (If it were an option when I ordered, I’d have gotten the LSD too) Multi Func wheel Cold weather package Chrome mirrors (look awesome on black, a must) Xenon’s Fog Lights Driving Lights (really stands out against the black and looks killer) 17″ bullet wheels 6-speed standard(sorry auto-lovers) Rubber mats (also a must)

I don’t have nor miss the extra digital stuff like climate control and computer or chrono, but know many enjoy these, to each their own.

My one option I may change in the future are the wheels, though the bullets look great I want something a little edgier. I also may step up to 18’s or the great looking R90 wheels in anthracite which would be awesome with black.

My neighbor has a similar MCSC with the JCW package that’s incredible. He also has the rear fog light that looks cool and fills in the toggle bar nicely.

Enjoy your quest to find your perfect combo.

CHEERS!

Ay, guero. Blingisimo.