We've received word from the fine folks behind MINIUSA.com that there were a few issues at launch time last Thursday that have since been cleared up. They read through all of the comments regarding the initial launch on MotoringFile to help define all of the issues that some people where experiencing (mostly database related). There are still are a few things that need some work but for the most part glaring problems have been fixed.

As mentioned previously the configurator was launched on September 2nd, which, contrary to some expectations, was the original scheduled date (early September is traditionally when most new model year information is released). MINI was apparently very aware that people were hungry for the configurator as soon as possible, but the logistics around securing photography and building something as complex as this application made it difficult to accelerate the timing.

Hopefully this clears up some of the confusion regarding the new 2005 configurator. I think the folks who put MINIUSA.com together did a fantastic job considering the restraints they were under. Well done guys!