Buying a 2007 MCS: The Order
Last week I announced that I was selling my 2005 MCS and buying an 2007. This week, my ’05 MCS was officially sold and the order went in for my new R56. There was a slight delay as I refined my specification a bit but I’m happy to say that everything is now a go. But before I go on about the various choices I’ve made, I need to thank all (almost 100) of you who gave me some great ideas for ordering my 2007 MCS. Seeing all that feedback did help me make a couple tough decisions I had been wavering on. But more on that later.
I put my order in a few days later than anticipated but my MA (and good friend) David Olenick was still able to get me a week 23 (early June) build slot. That should be perfect timing considering my MINI United schedule and that I’ll just be getting in the country a week or so earlier than the car will be arriving.
So let’s take a look at what I chose. As I mentioned before, the car had to be black. But what I didn’t mention is that Pepper White was my first choice. However after some consultation with some close friends, I realized that black just makes more sense for me. So with that out of the way, I present you the specs. I’ll go through each one and give a quick reason why I chose it:
Exterior
Astro Black Body Color w/Body Color Roof/Mirrors $450 – Yeah, it’s not actually black. But the truth is it’ll be a nice change from th Jet Black MCS I currently own. And of course this continues my tradition of sinister all body color MINIs.
White Turn Signals $100 – it’s tough to pay $100 for something that is white rather than yellow but… they do look fantastic on a black car.
Packages
Premium Package $1,400 (Automatic AC, Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof, On-Board Computer, 3-Spoke w/Cruise and Multifunction, Leather Sport Wheel w/Multifunction) – Really a must have for me. The sunroof, while heavy, is a high point of the interior for me.
Sport Package $1,400 (Dynamic Stability Control, Front Fog Lamps, Xenon Headlamps w/Power Wash, 17″ Crown-Spoke (all-season), No Bonnet Stripes) – I thought about not getting the package but at the end of the day it just makes sense. If you’re wondering, yes the 17″ Crown Spoke w/all-seasons will be my winter wheels and tires. My 18″ OZ Ultraleggeras are coming over from my current 2005 MCS.
Performance
Sport Suspension $500 – Normally this would have been a no-brainer similar to LSD. However I’ll be going another route that makes this $500 option reduntant. More on that in the days ahead.
Front Fog Lamps STD
Rear Fog Lamp $100 – An essential safety feature in my book.
Limited Slip Differential $500 – If you ever plan on driving your car aggressively on the track or on a deserted road, you need limited slip.
6-Speed Getrag Manual STD – See above.
Power-fold Heated Mirrors $300 – This is the reason I’m not getting the cold weather package. And it’s also sort of a long story. I’ve been critical of MINI USA not offering power folding mirrors for years. Critical as in I’ve told them for years I wanted to buy them. And for their part I’ve been offered a set for my R53 in the past. However that did little to resolve the lack of a factory option in the US. So yes, I feel a little obligated to actually get them with this latest MINI.
Interior
Sport Seats STD
Heated Front Seats $270 – I’ve found this an essential option for a happy marriage.
Chrome Line Interior $200 – Since I’m going with the classic look in the cabin, I felt chrome was mandatory. Even though I’m well aware that this is probably the single most marked-up option in the entire range. Except for maybe those white lights I’m getting.
On-Board Computer STD
Bluetooth $600 – Yes this is the cost of five really nice bluetooth headsets. But once you actually see it in action and use the address book integration available with the Nav system, it’s hard to not come away impressed. The only issue (and it was potentially a big issue for me) is the mandatory armrest. My arm simply doesn’t fit in between the shifter and the armrest. And having the armrest in the up position 100% of the time is not the kind of aesthetically pleasing solution I’d be willing to live with. Luckily it only take a few screws and it’ll be in my bin ‘o’ MINI parts in the corner of my garage along with my ’05 US spec cup-holder.
6-spkr AM/FM CD Player STD – Yes, I’m not getting the Hi-Fi upgrade. Nor do I care for satellite or HD radio. I simply don’t drive enough to take advantage of it. And when I do, I have an iPod (soon to be an iPhone) full of music to keep me going.
Leather: Lounge Carbon Black w/Cream White Piping $1,900 – I’m not one to typically spend unnecessary cash on seat coverings. But my Lord, these are sweet. The black and white piping is simply stunning in an otherwise black car. They will surely be a focal point of the interior. I had planned on going with Redwood Red Lounge Leather but the thought of an entire white/black look was too much to pass-up.
Color-Line: Cream White INC – Yes you heard that right. Adding more white to the interior, the color-line will also help make the center navigation unit look even more pronounced as it naturally leads your eyes to the center of the car. And this combination will surely set my car apart from the crowd.
Anthracite Headliner $200 – Another mandatory with an all black car. It also adds more visual drama to the interior considering the white and black contrast elsewhere.
Interior Surface Piano Black $200 – Again this helps with the black/white theme by adding yet another material to the mix. However this trim also has the ability add quite a bit of depth when waxed.
Computer Nav. System $2,100 – I’m a sucker for tech and I’m a sucker for cool. The new navigation unit is both incredible looking and incredibly functional. But let me back up a bit. BMW’s new electronics system in the 1 Series, 3 Series and MINI are really best used with a large screen. Using the radio to interface (in non-Nav cars) can be a frustrating experience at best. The Nav liberates the system and allows it to become the focal point it needs to be considering the functionality is houses. With the joy-stick controller, the system is intuitive and very full featured with traffic, optional bluetooth and PDC integration. And don’t forget the optional yet exceptional iPod integration available as a dealer or VPC accessory.
Total (MSRP): $30,970
Notable ordering exceptions: I actually was more impressed with the HiFi stereo option than I remembered at the press launch last February. However, since I don’t consider my car as the ultimate place to listen to music (I tend to do that at home with my Grados or Sure EC3s) I skipped it. Satellite radio and HD radio are also two other options (all part of the Audio package) that I didn’t have any interest in. Since I only listen to one radio station and my iPod (soon to be iPhone) pretty much exclusively, I don’t see a need for the added expense.
Also not here is the ever popular convenience package. While I love the idea of keyless operation and bluetooth, the other options I could do with out. And since I’m getting the bluetooth a la carte (and ditching the armrest) I see no need for the other luxuries.
Update: The rumors are true, I bit the bullet and got the HiFi stereo. It just sounded to goog to pass up.
Accessories
Later this week I’m going to talk specifically about the accessories, what I’ll be ordering from MINI and why. So consider this just the tip of the ice-burg. And of course if you think those crown-spoke wheels with all-season tires are staying on the car, think again. I’ll be moving my OZ Ultraleggeras over the minute I drive it into my garage. I’ll also be trying a new set of tires in a larger size than the R53 would allow.
Again a huge thanks to my good friend and MA David who has been stellar to work with as usual.
I’ll have plenty more on the “youification” of my new R56 in the days ahead…
[ Full Spec List PDF ] MINIUSA.com
Update: you can check out my accessor plans (including all sorts of JCW goodies) below:
[ Buying a 2007 MCS: The Accessories ] MotoringFile
right. on. gabe!
Congrats Gabe for taking the dive
congrats on the ordering gabe! can’t wait to read more about it
Great spec Gabe! I look forward to seeing your new baby when it comes. Sounds like its gonna look amazing. With your explanation you helped me think about what I will need and actually use when I finalize my spec. Thanks.
<blockquote>Power-fold Heated Mirrors $300 – This is the reason I’m not getting the cold weather package.</blockquote>Someone on NAM posted that the configurator doesn’t allow you to select both of them but the dealer’s system does, and he has a car on order with both of them specified.
<blockquote>Color-Line: Cream White […snip…] this combination will surely set my car apart from the crowd.</blockquote>Of course, now everybody is going to copy you.
Congrats, Gabe!!
All good choices, I like the black and white theme.
One thing though, I realy do think that the HiFi is worth the extra money.
See you at MINI United.
Very nice Gabe… Congrats!… Interesting that you thought of Pepper White first, but I’m a big fan of Astro Black as well…
I agree with your ‘Notable ordering exceptions’… The iPod/iPhone certainly is more interesting than having a choice of radio stations… I certainly missed my iPod interface when I was in the mountains…
Looking forward to MINI United!…
No Chrome Line Exterior?
Congrats and welcome to the R56 fold! I think you’ve made a fine choice with your selection and should be nothing short of stunning!
Congrats Gabe! Looks like a sweet ride. Hopefully the sport suspension substitution you are thinking about will be something that will lower that bad boy :).
Very impressive!!!
Going to be a sweet ride for sure. I assume Gabe is going for the soon to be annouced JCW suspension. Kinda suprised you didn’t go for the chrome line exterior Gabe, though 31k was probably enough ;).
Whats your official delievery date now?
So Gabe, why did you initially go for Pepper White? Pepper White with Black Roof is a great combo in my opinion.
Get it right, Gabe. It’s not Astro Black. It’s British Racing Black. Like the BRG not being a true British Racing Green but more of a Bavarian Racing Green. AB is not a true black. 😉
Cool! The only thing I don’t necessarily agree with is the decision NOT to get the Hi-Fi. The R56 stereo is not easily upgraded (particularly the head unit), should you decide to do it later. iPod or not, it all sounds better through the Hi-Fi.
Never have understood the idea of having a high end stereo in a car, to me high quality music should be someplace where there isn’t a growling engine and ambient road noise. I am with Gabe on that, leave the quality sound systems at home. I could have had the nicest system around but that would make no sense, kinda like parking my home system in the middle of the highway and trying to enjoy it. Then again maybe thats just me. 🙂
<blockquote>Sport Suspension $500 – Normally this would have been a no-brainer similar to LSD. However I’ll be going another route that makes this $500 option reduntant. More on that in the days ahead.</blockquote>
Let’s try my comment again:
Thumbs up!
Why don’t you choose the Flame spoke alloys, for the same price (in Europe) ?
And in Europe, you can get Exterior Chrome only for front and rear bumpers (not on mirrors), it’s better looking with chrome on the bumpers 😉
Hey Gabe, Congrats! As I had posted earlier, I shall reserve judgment on the interior until you post some snaps from MINI Utd. Anyhow, there are a couple of things you might want to look at:
1. The total price in the first image doesn’t exactly match with your total.
2. Your PDF spec list isn’t accessible.
Btw, have you found an acceptable substitute for the factory armrest?
Virtually my exact specs to be until I was seduced by redwood LL. Slap some black bonet stipes on to complement the white piping on the seats. Those will set you apart and are classy/sporty/unique. I notice JCW was not mentioned. Is there a delay in the stage one or are they not taking orders yet? Have you changed your mind on the aereola kit?
I thought he would like the chrome line exterior too. But I guess if your gonna put chrome somewhere, put it where you spend 99% of the time you’re with your car which is in it. The nav system renforces the retro 60’s meets modern tech feel where as the normal speedo doesn’t really do that.
I think convenience opening is a must too – Margarets new BMW has it and omitting the key is a fabulous feature 🙂
>1. The total price in the first image doesn’t exactly match with your total.
Sorry – old pic from an earlier spec.
>2. Your PDF spec list isn’t accessible.
It should be now.
>Btw, have you found an acceptable substitute for the factory armrest?
Yes – no armrest 😉 I’ve always been a big “hands on the wheel” at all times guy so I have little use for an armrest other than long road trips.
> I notice JCW was not mentioned. Is there a delay in the stage one or are they not taking orders yet? Have you changed your mind on the aereola kit?
I’ll talk about that next week – you’ll like the news.
>I thought he would like the chrome line exterior too. But I guess if your gonna put chrome somewhere
I love the exterior chrome line but one of my accessories makes it redundant.
>I think convenience opening is a must too – Margarets new BMW has it and omitting the key is a fabulous feature 🙂
I’m sure it is but I must draw the line somewhere 🙂
>Why don’t you choose the Flame spoke alloys, for the same price (in Europe) ?
Todd and DB would kill me but if they were available as a no-cost in the US I would. They’re not unfortunately. But remember I’ll only have the Crown-spokes on the car for a few of the winter months.
what can I say Gabe; big “congrats” and I love your selection especially your interior. I am jealous 🙂
Nice set-up, Gabe. June is turning out to be an awesome month for you.
The NYT just ran a story on buying small cars to save money (gas $ money) and reported against the Cooper:
<i>“From a dollars-and-cents point of view, it doesn’t make sense,” said Jesse Toprak, director of industry analysis for Edmunds.com, a Web site that offers car-buying advice. “There’s no way you’re going to drive it enough to justify the purchase, so it’s more of a psychological decision.”</i>
<i>That is particularly true for premium models, like the Mini Cooper, as well as cars in Toyota’s Scion lineup. When decked out with options like aluminum wheel covers and leather seats, their prices can climb well above $20,000, the same as a family sedan or a midsize S.U.V.</i>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/26/business/26small.html?hp" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/26/business/26small.html?hp</a>
But your ’07 will be so much more fun than an SUV.
Should used preview…
You didn’t get the JCW Aero kit?
<blockquote>I’ve been critical of MINI USA not offering power folding mirrors for years. Critical as in I’ve told them for years I wanted to buy them. And for their part I’ve been offered a set for my R53 in the past. However that did little to resolve the lack of a factory option in the US.</blockquote>
OK Gabe… you’ve got to elaborate on being offered a set of PFMs for your R53… OEM or aftermarket? If OEM, how is it possible? What do -I- have to do to get them (OEM) on my MINI?
Details! 🙂
>You didn’t get the JCW Aero kit?
The accessories list is coming this week…
>OK Gabe… you’ve got to elaborate on being offered a set of PFMs for your R53… OEM or aftermarket?
OEM.
Nice ride, Gabe! I hope you get it drive it enough to savor all the options to the max. Heated seats are now a must, and for the same reason as yours! Like the color, too, and the black with white piping is a nice retro-touch. I agree with the white turn signals, but only if it includes the fronts to get rid of the wall-eyed look – too many other cars have that already. Looking good, so far, fingers crossed.
Thanks for sharing your list with us. You have more extras than I expected for a performance-minded driver. (BT, nav, chrome line int., lounge carbon).
Love the color 😉
That’s great that you can get it built that quick.. when I ordered my Mini Cooper S Convertible (2005) it took a year to get an built slot.. or is just the Portland, Oregon dealership?
This will be one great-looking car. Congrats!! Can’t wait to see what your accessories list includes.
<blockquote>And of course this continues my tradition of sinister all body color MINIs.</blockquote>
But Gabe, wasn’t your first car was Indi Blue with a white roof and mirrors? I had the same scheme on my first Cooper. Very nice, but not what I would call sinister (or all body color).
Nice spec. I’m looking forward to hearing about the suspension.
Be sure to take some video of the Nav system working. I’ve been searching everywhere for some video examples of the interface and how it all works.
>But Gabe, wasn’t your first car was Indi Blue with a white roof and mirrors?
You’re right. I guess the sinsister tradition started in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridger/sets/72157594202243313/" rel="nofollow">2005</a> 🙂
Jayomatic:
anzqtboy has posted two videos on youtube. Search for the nav review thread on NAM. Cheers!
The more things change the more thay stay the same…
The smile keeps getting bigger…..MINI after MINI…
Happy Motoring!!!!!
Congrats to Gabe! The NAV is worth every penny. Here’s my review along with the videos:
<a href="http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98334" rel="nofollow">Text to link</a>
I just got my R56 2 weeks ago .. pretty much the same config accept i got the sound package, lumbar seats, and cold weather instead of Nav (i like getting lost, means i get to drive my Mini for longer).
I must say, the Astro black was a surprise. Has a lot of blue in it from the metallic finish… and looks pretty slick in the sun light.
Also, the iPod adapter in the new ’07 models is SLICK!! does not go in the glove compartment anymore. Hidden in the passenger side panel right above the glove button (the chrome thing)
Nice Spec Gabe. Interior very similar to mine. Will you be selling the Garmin Nuvi 660 now? I might be interested.
Congrats on the ordering gabe! I think it is going to be a very nice MINI and I’m looking forward to see it on MINI United!
Sounds nice, but here’s where you lose me.
$32k for a non- JCW, non-HK, non-sport suspension MCS.
Yes I know the Mini is more than “just a car.”
But $32k? I’ve spent a lot of time with the car and I don’t get it for that kind of money. Interior materials aren’t that great, handling is nice, but now a lot of other cars can match or exceed it.
Believe me, I undertstand brand value, image, premiumness, etc (I work for Maserati and Ferrari)..
But this is out of hand…
>Will you be selling the Garmin Nuvi 660 now?
Nope – it will now be a permanent fixture in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridger/156202574/in/set-72157594149372768/" rel="nofollow">other car</a>.
<blockquote>Believe me, I undertstand brand value, image, premiumness, etc (I work for Maserati and Ferrari)..
But this is out of hand…</blockquote>
I think the problem is more about the price of new cars in general, than about MINI in particular. For example, a Jetta GLI is $32k with the Gabe’s spec.
Also, the cars that supposedly meet or exceed the MINI performance at the cheaper price are, let’s face it, Japanese rebadges. They don’t have that premium feel that someone enamored with MINI is going to be happy with.
Gabe’s spec is pretty lux but in a few years it’ll be a $35k car, with the way the car market is rising in general. I’m pretty jealous of his ride.
Only one thing: if you’re driving enough to use a NAV, aren’t you driving enough to use the HK sound system? The extra 4 speakers for $500… it seems like a good deal to me. To each his own 🙂
$1,900 buys me a nice German made Shilling leather sofa for my living room.
Is the premium sound just 4 more speakers or is there a boost in watts as well? I’m all about getting the best sound available as well. If you listen to tunes while driving why not?
Don’t get me wrong, I love the car and his spec. It’s still high on my list for my next car.
I just can’t wrap my head around $32k for non-JCW MCS.
Not much of a Jetta fan, but it does have a nicer, more premium interior, more power, awesome seats and steering wheel, bigger wheels and tires, etc…
But of course it’s not a Mini…
>I just can’t wrap my head around $32k for non-JCW MCS.
Well it’s technically $31k. And yes, it’ll have JCW kit – bringing the total to around $33k. But I understand what you’re saying and would have agreed a couple years ago. As I said in a previous story about my choice, there are some incredible option out there for this momey on the (slightly) used market. But at the end of the day a want a MINI. I’ve already got a 3 Series in the garage and I don’t need anything more extreme. This fits both my wants and needs perfectly for the money.
Hey Gabe! Great selection of options for your car. The center armrest thing. While I agree with you it does house a button that works with certain phones to allow you to switch from the car phone system back to the handset. Are you sure you can remove it and not have a problem? That button unfortunately doesn’t work with my phone but I’m not sure if there is a way you can remove the armrest and not conflict with the wire running through the armrest. You may want to check that out!
>Are you sure you can remove it and not have a problem? That button unfortunately doesn’t work with my phone but I’m not sure if there is a way you can remove the armrest and not conflict with the wire running through the armrest.
Positive – I’ve already taken a close look at an R56 with t installed. The armrest is easily removed and you can then take out the wire and either (A) snipe and cap it or (B) just stuff it in the center console.
Gabe,
I noticed you pulled your follow-up accessories story. Are you going to repost?
Wasn’t suppose to go live until tomorrow.
Gabe, you might have issues trying to fit wheels to your 07 that previously fit your 05. From Sept. 06 on MINI switched to new lugbolts and hubs. See MC2 issue no. 8 pg. 69 for some enlightenment. Might be helpful to post this somewhere for everyone to see so they don’t buy used or possibly new wheels that don’t fit. MINIVIPER
Yes I’m very aware of the change. In fact Todd broke the story on MF last summer. But no worries – already tested it. The issue doesn’t relate to most aftermartket wheels like OZs.
Gabe
I ordered my new mini about the same time as you. I was so excited to read you went with the creme white color line. I ordered the same seats as you and was uncertain about the color line but I took a leap of faith. I also got the anthracite headliner and the nav. We have almost the same interior.
I have one question for you. My husband wants the JCW brake kit. I can’t find any info on it and its about $2000 installed. What are your thoughts on it?
First off – congrats! I spoke with Marcus Syring (main exterior designer of the R56 and interior designer of the R50) over the weekend and found out that this color spec is exactly what he would order if he was buying a MINI today!
The nice thing about the new MINI is that it basically comes with the JCW brakes. They are identical to the JCW brakes in every way except color. Therefore I’d highly recommend not getting the JCW brakes on the R56.