[Syy]

Hi Guys,

Ive been seraching around and this forum defo looks like the best source of info on the F56 so hello to everybody

Im on the verge of purchasing an F56 (very excited) however i have a conundrum im hoping you guys can help with. for some background here is my build so far...

Packs

- Chili Pack
- Media XL Pack

Exterior

- Midnight Black
- Darkened Rear Glass
- JCW Roof Spoiler
- "17" Cosmos Alloy in Black

Interior

- Cross Punch Leather (Black)
- Glowing Red Colour Line
- JCW Steering Wheel
- Anthracite Headlining

Other

- Variable Damper Control

So here is the problem, i am currently at the top of my finance budget but i really would like the LED headlamps (although an expensive option). If you were in my position would you consider any of the below to get the headlamps?

a) Loose the Leather?
b) Loose the Metallic Paint and stick with white?
c) Loose the variable dampers?
d) Other?

Are LED headlamps worth that extra cash or are there any options which in your opinion are worth having other others?

appreciate all feedback

 

[Totallyrandom]

Hi Syy

Have you test driven the car yet? If not, it might be worth doing to see how you get in with some of the options you're looking at. You also haven't mentioned if you're going for a One, Cooper, Cooper S, etc?

For me I haven't specced the media pack or VDC but I have gone with the other options you mentioned. Chilli pack and leather for me are a must and they're always options people look for when buying second hand.

Mini driving modes firm up the suspension in Sport mode when you have VDC but even if you don't have VDC you still get enhanced throttle response and slightly better steering control. Mid and green modes use a slightly softer suspension setting.

VDC is an option lots of reviewers rave about but for me it wasn't worth the cost as I wanted the better throttle response and steering control without having to endure the harder suspension setting that comes with Sport. Instead I think you get a constant setting in between the two. I'm sure someone will correct me there if I'm wrong.

Only testing it out can really tell you if it's worth the money to you.

I've been massively spoilt with the great standard equipment on my (cheap) Suzuki Swift Sport and one of the best features are the headlights. They're so powerful I couldn't go back to standard so I treated myself to the LEDs. That said, I've gone for LEDs on the assumption they're a better bet than standard as I haven't actually seen them yet. I would've loved the Harmon Kardon sound system but you have to stop spending at some point!

I'd always go with black over white but someone's posted a great looking white MCS with black bonnet scoop and grille that looks fantastic

 

[smithyithy]

Short answer, in my opinion, LED > VDC

 

[profiteroles]

Short answer, in my opinion, LED > VDC

+1
Mini handles great with standard suspension
LED lights are well worth it

 

[MintMark]

The LED lights are worth it... you get the distinctive LED daytime running lights and LED fog lights too... they're bright and look amazing.

You seem to have a black theme going so you must like that idea... don't drop it for a little money.

I didn't want leather... of you can live with fabric the black pearl seats are great. Not very dark though...

VDC... some people like it but some people complain about a hard ride in sport mode. You've already got the driving modes with the chili pack... maybe you should try sport mode with VDC and see how it feels?

 

[Syy]

Thank you for all your replies peeps

Sorry its the Cooper S im going for, i have read some fantastic reviews about the car and i wanted something equal in terms of power to my current Golf GTI Edition 30 but with all the modern bells and whistles my Golf lacks.

I have a test drive booked this week, although im not sure on the spec of test car so ill check that out and see if it has VDC, if not ill try and find one and give sport mode a go

To be honest the main reason i specced VDC was due to feedback on this forum, as you say i guess i need to experience it for myself before i make that choice but it seems the LED lights are a must have for most!

Leather is a luxury option i have chosen as i have never had in any of my cars and the quality looks brilliant, but push come to would be happy with the half leather options to save some cash for the LED's

ahhh decisions!

Looks like im going to have to take another visit back to the configurator...

 

[yardstick]

If your country has the option pack for JCW interior.....order that in lieu of the leather, steering wheel and the anthracite ceiling. Those three plus the pedals, door sill plates and shift/hand brake handle are included in the package for 400 dollars more.

 

[Leslie Hammond]

And you get nice cloth seats!

 

[Syy]

If your country has the option pack for JCW interior.....order that in lieu of the leather, steering wheel and the anthracite ceiling. Those three plus the pedals, door sill plates and shift/hand brake handle are included in the package for 400 dollars more.

Thats a good idea (its £1650 here in the UK) I didn't realise the JCW interior seats were different? Do you know if they are half leather? If so that could be a good solution for me

 

[JCinSyd]

I chose LED DRLs over the VDC. My dealer said that was a fair swap too.

You will love sitting in one!

 

[Washy]

We have both the VDC and the Led lights on our car, but if I had to go for one only it would be the LED lights.

 

[JVondel]

loose the spoiler :-0

In the Netherlands LEDs are included on Cooper S(D)
For Cooper Pepper/Chili pack is needed.
So check the packages as it can save budget.

 

[Syy]

So just got back from the test drive, very impressed with the car and the interior quality is second to none!

So my main focus really was to test out the Variable Damper Control. Having given the car a thorough run on some twisty B roads and some A roads in all three modes i have concluded the following..

In SPORT mode the car was very firm which made it uncomfortable under normal driving conditions and twitchy under load in the corners on the wonderful un-even, bumpy, pot hole ridden UK roads. This would would well on smooth European roads and definitely the track but for normal UK road driving i think i wouldn't get the usage out of it.

However when i switched back to MID mode all was well again the car absorbed the bumps better and i felt confident throwing it into the bends. But most importantly it was still firm enough to maintain that "go kart like" feel MINI so strongly advertise.

For this reason i personally do not feel i would get the usage out of the VDC setup therefore im going to stick with stock suspension and uncheck that box.

On the other hand however i am definitely now checking the LED headlamps box, and now possibly going for a white on black theme to hit my budget targets

It really is a MINI adventure!!

Thanks to all who advised the test drive on VDC it really helped

 

[jeremybingham]

Good choice; don't forget run flats make the ride harder firmer; I would never have them again-compliancy of ordinary tyres is so much nicer-Dunlop sport rt's on mine-very quiet-delighted (mind you they are pricey to replace for a std non runflat tyre!)