[rix]

About to 'pull the trigger' on a 5 door order for my wife.

Spec so far...
5 Door Cooper S
Pepper White, body colour roof/mirrors
16" black victory S spokes
Satellite grey lounge leather
Satellite grey colourline trim
Heated screen
Auto wipers/lights
Visual boost stereo/connect
Chromeline interior
Heated seats

http://www.mini.co.uk/design-your-mini/?configurationID=h0a6l4r7

What do you think? Slightly apprehensive about the satellite grey interior (esp with pepper white) but they do look so awesome!

Any pointers?

 

[Shigaman]

Rix, I have an F55 Cooper S, which I love. I have most of that you've listed in your planned spec, and there's nothing I'm unhappy with. I am a big fan of the 16" black Victory spokes, and they do look good with your choice of Pepper White. Your planned interior looks great too.

Obviously, there are quite a few other things you could add. I like the comfort access system, and the rear view camera and parking sensors, for example - but could do without either. Like you, I didn't go for the Harman Kardon sound system, and am more than happy with the standard set up (6 speakers - I think that comes with the Visual Boost, but you might want to check). However, two things I would definitely add to your spec are:
1) Driving modes - particularly with the "S", you and your wife are going to want the option of switching between Sports, Mid and Green modes. I'd always assumed this was standard on the F55/F56 but it isn't, and it doesn't look as if you have selected it. I think Driving Modes is a "must" to get the most out of driving the car.
2) If there is one other thing I would recommend adding to your list it's the Head Up Display. It's not essential, but very helpful indeed to have key information (speed/navigation info) there for you in your line of sight. No need to take your eye off the road, so a great safety feature, I think.

 

[rix]

Cheers, this speccin business is an exhausting experience! To be honest I've never really felt that much difference with cars when they've had a sport mode or similar, how pronounced is it on the S? The head up would be nice but I think its a luxury too far possibly? its so easy to get carried away... The only reason I've justified the leather to myself
was that we were going to go for a sunroof but have changed our mind - the leather didn't seem as much extra on that basis!

 

[Shigaman]

Understood about "spec creep", and with every option you're right to ask "do I really need this?" And, of course, you don't need Driving Modes or the HUD to have a fabulous car. Just to say that from my own F55 MCS owner's standpoint, budget allowing, those are the next two things I would want to want to add to your own spec.
Re. Driving Modes - The Sports setting definitely enhances the excitement factor, providing a more responsive throttle and tighter steering. You can certainly do without it, but if possible do try the Driving Modes out for yourself on a test drive before deciding against this option. Re. HUD - if you've never had this, you won't miss it, but once you've driven with HUD support my guess is you'll want to keep it. When speccing my car I didn't hesitate to add anything that I thought would enhance safety, and the HUD does that, I think. Again, if you can, test drive a car with HUD before you decide.

 

[Hat]

Driving Modes is a must to my mind, it gives you 3 cars in 1.

Personally i would be wary of satellite grey with Pepper White, do they work together? Another option worth looking at if you want to lift the interior colour is the Mini Yours White Interior which adds a porcelain white colour line on the dash and doors. it would match the pepper white perfectly & you also get the added bonus of light piping along the doors that you don't get with any other interiors

 

[siriuszero]

Another vote for the Driving Modes, especially if you're getting an S model. SPORT mode will give you the pop and burble from the exhaust and it makes a noticeable difference in driving feel.

....and sure, GREEN will give you better fuel economy, if that's your thing...

 

[siriuszero]

Oh, and maybe the Storage package...that flat load floor in the back sure is handy when loading bigger items in the boot and just giving you more cargo versatility overall.

 

[rix]

Thanks (for spending my money!) I'm almost convinced on the modes wotsit coz its virtually pennies (well, ish), but the HUD I'll probably skip. Orders looking likely for tomorrow, been quoted 8 weeks delivery, better than I'd've thought!

 

[MD1]

gotta get LED's - best option on the car for me

 

[jeremybingham]

Roof rails if you ever ever think you may need a roof rack!

 

[littleblackdog]

Please can someone tell me what HUD stands for? I know it is the on board diagnostic computer but can't figure out the letters. Roof rails, also wondering how many people have them. I am making the F55 decision too and the dealer said that the car could be fitted with the roof rack later, but not sure what that would entail. Rix I am following your decisions closely! All Pepper White sounds lovely. Too many decisions though :/

 

[Balypu]

Please can someone tell me what HUD stands for?

is stands for Head Up Display

 

[siriuszero]

Please can someone tell me what HUD stands for? I know it is the on board diagnostic computer but can't figure out the letters. Roof rails, also wondering how many people have them. I am making the F55 decision too and the dealer said that the car could be fitted with the roof rack later, but not sure what that would entail. Rix I am following your decisions closely! All Pepper White sounds lovely. Too many decisions though :/

HUD is Head Up Display - it's the little display window that pops up out of the dash in the driver's line of sight like a fighter jet and is separate from the On Board Computer.

Please please PLEASE, avoid retrofitting the roof rack if you can. While it can be retrofitted, it is NOT an easy procedure and labor costs are what rack up the price (pun intended). Here in the US, it's at least $1100 and I've seen up to $2000+, depending on the dealer.

 

[jeremybingham]

Absolutely. Your dealer is talking rubbish.want some one drilling holes in your roof. Get the rails the roof is specially made for them and it really isn't a retro fit. I like them and the bmw bars fit beautifully.

 

[littleblackdog]

Rix did you order? Wondering what the final tally was re: the comments. I'm stuck on HUD, Visual Boost.

 

[rix]

Yep, did indeed order...

Kept my original spec but plus the Mini driving modes. Quite fancied HUD, but then I also fancied the HK audio, and LEDs... Media XL would have been nice too!

Thought it prudent to draw the line somewhere so that's what I did.. I think the PW and sat grey Leather Lounge is going to be a fairly unusual combo!

 

[rix]

Oh and re visual boost, my dealer said that it was currently a compulsory order but for that reason it was at £200 rather than £260. That also includes mini connected so I thought it was well worth it, if even for the appearance of the central display

 

[Shigaman]

Good call on the Driving Modes, Rix! Hope you and your wife don't need to wait too long for your awesome, new, Driving-Mode-enabled vehicle!

 

[mick]

Well done Rix on placing your order and keeping close to your original spec ! ��

The Lounge leather seats look stunning in Satellite Grey..great choice

 

[rix]

I may be a *little* excited at the prospect of a new car... Its going to be a long couple of months... There's definitely something about speccing a car exactly to your pleasing!

My own car is a Monaro (6.0 v8 brute), so this will compliment it beautifully!