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Update: Just got this from someone at MINI:
Looks like the chrome restrictions have been lifted. The supplier has come through with sufficant quantity. Option 405 & 346 are now available.
Previous article:
Here's an excerpt that appears to be from an internal MINIUSA document just released regarding some newly placed ordering restrictions for the 2005 MINI:
Mini Product Planning & Strategy Dealer Bullitin: 2005 Option Restrictions
The 2005 Model year is off to a great start. Lets keep it going.
In particular, demand for the 346-Chrome Line Exterior and 405-Chrome Mirror Caps (and Hinges) has been very high.
To ensure the volumes and quality can be maintained during the MY05, both of these items will be restricted. Please do not order these items until further notice. This applies to all vehicles.
This will help balance supply issues and help you set the proper customer expectation.
It's not clear what the time frame of this restriction is or if it's US only or worldwide.
<p>I'm not impressed with the way MINI has handled this model refresh. They planned it, yet seem caught off-guard by it. They have no new brochures for 2005 (or 2004 for that matter) and haven't updated the configurator, yet they have been taking orders for them for a few weeks? And the dealers just got the price lists? Now they are short on the chromeline exterior. What's the “bone” look like without the chrome, is it black or body colored? I think MINI is leaving the dealers hanging, not to mention customers trying to order a 2005.</p>
<p>The “bone” is body color when there is no chrome line trim.</p>
<p>Gabe,
Does this mean those of us with 05 MCS Production Numbers who ordered the chrome packages are SOL? Nick</p>
<p>I think that's a good question for your Motoring Advisor actually – I'm really not sure.</p>
<p>I think it will be another allocation issue, and I don't think Mini is off to a bad start for '05 as it is only June and the car is still a few months off and the configurator should be up in July.</p>
<p>I just talked with “Ask Mini”, they were not aware of the “strategy bulletin” advising dealers not to order the interior/exterior chrome packages on 05 MINIs. All is well in MINI Land. I do enjoy the mystery, the not knowing –a great marketing concept!</p>
<p>well im glad i got my 2004 mcs becuase it seems to me that MINI is begining to stop producing their cars as well. for one, the tiallamps-they look corny since you can see the lightbulbs, the headlamps arent chrome on the inside, and the grill has no desin, too bad they had to kill such a great car</p>
<p>pete – You sound like someone with new version envy. :)</p>
<p>I just ordered my MCS pepper white today with the chrome exterior and the dealer did not inform me of any problems. The one thing I did find curious is I don't want the chrome mirrors, just the grille and bumper but couldn't seperate it out of the package. I think the black roof and mirrors look much nicer than chromed mirrors on the pepper white.</p>
<p>Like Donald I also just ordered a 2005 MCS with chrome line exterior and was not warned off by my Motoring Adviser… also the chrome mirror caps seem to be inseparable, unfortunately.</p>
<p>Slightly off topic, I found out that the body color interior option is available for Electric Bue, not just the new blue colors. I ordered it immediately :-)</p>
<p>Does anyone have links to images for the chrome line exterior? Trying to figure out if I need it …</p>