MINIUSA Adds Countryman to Configurator
Both are online however the homepage and top navigation hasn’t been updated on the site. Therefore to configure a Countryman you need to choose a model (a Cooper S for example) and then click to change the model and choose the Countryman.
At this time it looks like the launch will be a multi-stage process with many of the JCW accessories not yet available on the configurator. But we’ll have more on that tomorrow.
<p>I may not buy one, but I am very interested in configuring a few dozen to visualize the possibilities and costs in comparison to the other MINI offerrings – should be a fun day on the configurator!</p>
<p>We’ve already ordered my wife’s Countryman 2 weeks ago thanks in part to your posting of the options list with pricing. Being a current MINI owner, I gave my wife some ideas for options.</p>
<p>PR/PR
Parallel lines Pure Red
Cold Weather Pkg
Premium Pkg
Steptronic auto
Alloy wheels in Silver
Comfort Access
Chrome Line interior
Chrome Line exterior
Chrome mirror caps
Center armrest
Anthracite headliner
Color Line Pure Red
2 part center rail (we are waiting for the bench option then I will remove the rear rail)
Flat load floor
Rain sensor & auto headlights
Adaptive Xenon</p>
<p>Configurator is up.</p>
<p>Henry – be prepared to give test drives when it arrives ;)</p>
<p>MINI needs to build a site that people can see without requiring Flash. I use an iPad for most of my browsing and shopping, and I removed Flash from my Mac. I can use the BMW USA site just fine, but MINI USA is strictly Flash-only (and it was very flakey even when I did have Flash installed).</p>
<p>Well, at 9:30 eastern, the MINI Connected and Nav options were there, but no Clubman.</p>
<p>Oops, I meant no Countryman. :o</p>
<p>The clubman is up, has been all the time. and As of 9:05am Eastern, the Countryman has been up too. Once in the builder, change model, then choose countryman.</p>
<p>OK, I found it. Sneaky putting it only on the change page.</p>
<p>I was hoping but not expecting some JCW engine love and found none. They did have the JCW aero kit on there, but not a great picture (though what’s been posted here is better then they could give on the configurator anyway).</p>
<p>What is everyones thoughts on buying the underpowered base MINI Countryman then doing a chip mod to get the power to S levels? That way you can still run on Regular gasoline but not have a heavy slow MINI</p>
<p>Configurator for the Countryman is up!</p>
<p>Put together a nicely optioned S for $30,700 … not bad considering a similar Clubman is just slightly less.</p>
<p>Configured mine @ nearly $38K!! The clicked delete. Until I get a rear bench seat option, I am NOT paying $38K for a MINI. Also, not wild about the color selections…</p>
<p>ScoGold,</p>
<p>All MINI’s run on Premium fuel, that includes non turbo models. You are just better off with the turbo for power.</p>
<p>I’m not getting into the configurator. They must be having high traffic, the configurator just sits on a black screen.</p>
<p>ScoGold – You will not be able to make up the power difference between the non s and the s model with a simple chip mod. I’d be surprised if you get more than 5hp peak gain on the non-turbo engine with a chip, new exhaust and new intake.</p>
<p>…the following is how I’d felt upon reading the good news: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59fPX4CAQwk&feature=related" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59fPX4CAQwk&feature=related</a> …</p>
<p>My friend has a 2005 base Cooper and he’s been fine with 87 Octane. Just curious.</p>
<p>Looking at the Celtic Tuning site makes it look like the chip mod is possible but overall I think I would rather go with the straight up S. Probably would be the most interesting to chip up the ALL4.</p>
<p>Re: Premium fuel – I ran 87 Octane in my ’03 R50 (<a href="http://dbmini.us/maybe-not/" rel="nofollow">details here</a>) and can tell you that it is less than a pleasurable experience and highly recommend against it. Spend the extra .10 per gallon and run mid-grade at least.</p>
<p>Re: Countryman – this is just me, but there is <strong>no way</strong> I would drive a Countryman Cooper. There is too much MINI and not enough power, especially if it’s fitted with an automatic transmission. If you are looking to ‘chip’ your MINI, why not just spend the extra and get an S instead? Cost difference can’t be that much. And I’m pretty sure that a mod like that would void your warranty, or a part of it. That would not be fun.</p>
<p>I highly doubt adding 50% more power to the Cooper by ECU tuning is possible, let alone advisable. Spend the extra $3600 and get the Cooper S. That way if something happens to your powertrain you won’t be left holding the bag for an extremely expensive repair.
The Cooper S isn’t just the turbo. You also get a different transmission, clutch and brakes.</p>
<p>Not quite perfect yet, as not all of the options show up in the finished image but here is my first idea:</p>
<p><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1253/5179295856_f1be1356b1_b.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1253/5179295856_f1be1356b1_b.jpg</a></p>
<p>what no bench seat?</p>
<p>It is up on the front page now.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>what no bench seat?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>As we mentioned awhile back it’s about 6-12 months out</p>
<p>ScoGold – Looking at the website you posted. For cooper you go from 118hp to 131hp. That’s 50 hp less than the stock Cooper S engine. As I said before, you wont be able to make up the difference in HP on that non turbo engine with just a chip tuning alone.</p>
<p>Even with the new 121hp engine you’d be lucky to see 135hp from just chip tuning alone.</p>
<p>I’m sure a 2.0 liter isn’t on the drawing board but I bet that would make it a major contender in its class. Also, I know they say the rear bench is coming but I bet that will slow sells significantly at first for those needing 5 person seating and the ability for the rear seat back folding flatter. As I have said, a 2.0 liter for the R60 along with all other models with JCW will be a good move for MINI imho.</p>
<p>stupid question, but humor me…is it possible to get the countryman right now (with no bench seat option obviously), and later when that option becomes available have it installed? is it possible to even do that? i did say it was a lame question…</p>
<p>Wondering why the system showed me logged in as Chris Rosenberger? Logged out and came back and it’s fine.</p>
<p>My first build had me at $37,000! Selective cleaning got me down to $34k-ish. On a monthly basis, though… how much does an extra $3k cost you, if it gets you what you really want?</p>
<p>My big gripe is that we don’t have the cloth option available on the UK site. “Cloth, Diagonal Track” they call it. Looks like a light blue piping around the bolsters. Our cloth options force leather on you – and the leather bolsters always show the most wear!</p>
<p>Oh yeah – for those complaining about the Flash requirement, go visit the UK site. It actually uses a full-blown java applet, also not iPad friendly! Haven’t seen that in quite awhile.</p>
<p><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/382621/ClothMini.png" rel="nofollow ugc">http://dl.dropbox.com/u/382621/ClothMini.png</a> shows the other interior I mentioned in my first post. (Hope the UK site doesn’t mind.)</p>
<p>Yup, for as hip and modern as MINI likes to portray itself, they sure are stodgy and clueless when it comes to understanding the state of internet use (i.e. mobile computing).</p>
<p>Blerg. Perplexing configuration combinations, really expensive, and when is Mini going to post a real 360 view? I know, I know, to many options. Still, there’s not a good interior shot to be found.</p>
<p>And offtopic but why can I get green lounge seats with orange but not green or blue? Orange? Really?</p>
<blockquote>As we mentioned awhile back it’s about 6-12 months out</blockquote>
<p>Thats it…the decision has been made, I will wait at least a year. It just sucks that my lease is up on my VW January. Decisions….Decisions</p>
<p>No bench seat yet? I have three kids! I was considering this to replace my Toyota FJ Cruiser but now I’m OUT.</p>
<p>What are you thinking Mini? Why do you always shoot yourself in the foot?</p>
<p>I decided to get a 2011 MCS and wait for a JCW/ProDrive version of the Countryman with a beefier AWD system (or at least, more proven), stronger engine and maybe some kind of torque vectoring.</p>
<p>It was a tough decision, though. I really like the Cosmic Blue, but the gray kinda sucks compared to Eclipse Gray on the Coopers.</p>
<p>My first MINI cost me less than $2,000 in 1974 in the U.K. It was an 850cc. Fun to drive but unreliable. My second MINI cost me $23,000 in 2003. It was an S and well priced. My third MINI cost be $31,000 in 2007. A Countryman with 4 wheel drive as an S configured at $34,000 with nav. Now, I think that’s spot on, and not too expensive. Love the expanded view of interior and exterior. Great car website.</p>
<p>Minty 2008 R32s are going for $20k…</p>
<p>Having gone to the dealer this weekend and now optioning it out on the website, it seems like a great car! My wife also really liked it. Driving it will be the absolute final word, but initial reviews are promising.</p>
<p>The guy at the dealer (my usual person wasn’t there) said that the bench would be 1-1.5yrs due to crash testing if it even comes here. Likely “don’t wait to buy” was my thought on that comment. I know you guys have been saying 6-12mo, which seems more realistic. I won’t use the bench every day, but absolutely need to here and there. Especially with a second child in a couple of years.</p>
<p>Also, when will the JCW engine package be out for the Countryman? About the same time as the bench option? A little more oomph for the extra weight and we’ll be in business!</p>
<p>Now, do I trade in the 325i or pay it off and keep it as a compliment to the R50 and the Countryman?….</p>
<blockquote>Minty 2008 R32s are going for $20k…</blockquote>
<p>Minty 2010 R56s are going for $20k.. That’s 24 better and 2 years newer!</p>