2007 MotoringFile Gift Guide: Interior

Replace the plastic silver inserts of the 2005 or 2006 MINI’s steering wheel with luxurious leather. Even compatible with multi-function wheels. Your choice of color or black leather. Especially nice with the extra thick JCW steering wheel. Price: $100 | Recommended Retailer: Minspeed

If you plan on taking your MINI to the track or know someone who is, a set of Schroth Belts is in order. They hold you in securely and install with ease. They also look the business. To go along with the belts (and as a stocking stuffer) we highly recommend the optional Schroth Pads for a bit more comfort. (R50/R52/R53) Price: $229.95 | Recommended Retailer: Outmotoring

The MINI OEM armrest not only gives you some elbow comfort but also offers increased interior storage. Best of all it’s designed to blend seemlessly into the look and feel of the MINI interior. The armrest is available as a dealer installed accessory and fits all MINIs Price: Around $250 | Recommended Retailer(s): Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / Patrick MINI / Otto’s MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Westchester MINI / Prestige MINI

This is one of those must-haves for anyone with a US spec first generation MINI that needs a little more interior storage space. While it’s now gone from the US dealer part system, it’s still available elsewhere. Price: $79.95 Sold Out | Recommended Retailer: Outmotoring

Another must have. This takes your glove box from use-less to useful in about 5 seconds. It’s especially helpful with the OEM iPod connection (or AUX port) in the glove box. Note that the R56′s version isn’t near has helpful as the R50/R52/R53 design due to the shape of the glovebox. (Fits all MINIs) Price: Starting around $20 (around $50 for the R56 version) | Recommended Retailer(s): Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / Patrick MINI / Otto’s MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Westchester MINI / Prestige MINI

This was one of those no-brainers that doesn’t seem as necessary until you have it. In fact, for US spec first generation MINIs that don’t feature auto-up, it’s an essential mod that has almost become a rite of passage. (R50/R52/R53) Price: $50 | Recommended Retailer: gbmini.net

Brighten up your interior with a color-coded official MINI shift knob. Fits all manual transmission cars and comes in just about every first generation exterior color. A fantastic stocking stuffer – just make sure you get the color right! (R50/R52/R53) Price: Around $80 | Recommended Retailer(s): Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / Patrick MINI / Otto’s MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Westchester MINI / Prestige MINI

If you didn’t want to give up your beloved center speedo for the factory navigation, but still want a nicely integrated solution, the Garmin Nuvi 660 has your answer. The 660 has integrated bluetooth for syncing with your phone and up to the minute traffic conditions. It also features a (really big) wide-screen layout and is one of the thinnest GPS units on the market. Best of all the price has dropped $300 in a year making it much more affordable. It’s a great leg-up at such events as the Dragon as it gives you a sneak peak at what it around the next bend (or two). Price: $490| Recommended Retailer: Amazon.com

A great way to up the quality of the MINI’s interior as well as subtly setting apart your MINI. The official JCW Alcantara and Leather Shift and Hand Brake boots add a sporting touch to the MINI’s interior without looking out of place. Price: $40-$60 each | Recommended Retailer(s): Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / Patrick MINI / Otto’s MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Westchester MINI / Prestige MINI / All MINI Workshop

Tired of that cheap leatherette shift boot staring you in the face during the commute? Looking for something a bit more substantial? Check out the Craven Speed Shift Cover Plate. Available in either anodized black, brushed silver, or chrome, it’ll add a unique statement to your interior. Price: $84.95 | Recommended Retailer: Craven Speed

One of the best upgrades you can make to a MINI. And if you’re going to upgrade anything, wouldn’t you focus on the one thing that the driver is always in contact with? Thick, soft and confidence inspiring, the JCW wheel comes in either a combination of leather and alcantara (seen above) or simply leather. The newer version created for the R56 boasts even thicker padding and better design stitching that compliments your natural hand positions. (fits all 2005+ MINIs) Price: Starting at $400 | Recommended Retailer(s): Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / Patrick MINI / Otto’s MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Westchester MINI / Prestige MINI / All MINI Workshop

Having read all the reviews over the years it’s not hard to realize that the Valentine 1 is the pinnacle of radar detectors. But actually seeing one in action versus another $300 detector this summer really blew my mind. The V1 picked up signals quicker and more accurately every time. It truly is a must own for those who want the best. Price: $399 | Recommended Retailer: Valentine 1 Store

An exceptional gift, especially for a MCS JCW owner looking for something to complete their interior. A great tactile feel, supurb weighting, and a design that your hand seems made for, this shift knobs is one of the best out there. The design And with it being an official JCW/MINI production, you know it’ll fit perfectly. (Fits all MINIs) Price: Starting at $120| Recommended Retailer(s): Patrick MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / All MINI Workshop

An excellent gift for the MINI owner who just can’t put their iPod down. Cravenspeed’s Flexipod combines the ingenious iPod mount with the ability to ad 52mm gauge of your choice. (R50/R52/R53) Price: $399 | Recommended Retailer: Craven Speed
Clean. Simple. Easy to read. A great mod to really make your R53 dash stand out. Available in white, black, red, green, blue, grey Union Jack and checkerboard. The contrast will really add some character to your MINI. (R50/R52/R53 Price: $129.95 | Recommended Retailer: Outmotoring.com
While the stock pedal covers are pretty cool, these certainly kick it up a notch. This set of machined aluminum pedal covers actually replace the stock pedal covers in minutes and add not only style but true performance in foot grip for the brake and clutch. Priced as a set of 4 as shown in photograph. This set is intended for Manual Transmission cars. Automatic owners please check out the same kit offered as a 3 pedal kit as well. (R50/R52/R53) Price: $99.95 | Recommended Retailer: Outmotoring.com
Cover your R56 dash faces in a superb quality European leather using factory parts. Select your dash leather from a wide array of colours in our selection. Each peice is carefully padded and are covered with a soft, lightly grained leather, accenting your interior. This is especially nice if you match the shift and eBrake boots, too! (All MINIs) Price: starting at $200 | Recommended retailer: Minspeed