Bluetooth / other options etc
Discussion
Hi All,
Am thinking of getting a Mini for the wife. We're thinking of getting a pretty much standard Cooper but wonder what options are deemed as 'must haves'? I believe the basic bluetooth includes a USB socket such that you can hook up an iPhone for music. Is this correct? And is the interior light pack well worth the £125?
TIA.
Am thinking of getting a Mini for the wife. We're thinking of getting a pretty much standard Cooper but wonder what options are deemed as 'must haves'? I believe the basic bluetooth includes a USB socket such that you can hook up an iPhone for music. Is this correct? And is the interior light pack well worth the £125?
TIA.
Interior lights are eye candy; I've had one MINI with and one without and barely notice the difference.
In hindsight I'd go for full bluetooth as it includes the multi-function steering wheel (so you get cruise) and the armrest (so it's easy to add the phone cradle and avoid wires trailing about - there's no convenient place to park the phone). Suggest you take your phone to the dealers and try it out; I've had no success with my iPod via USB but maybe the software's been updated in the last year.
Rear park sensors are useful.
Xenons if you live in the country and need to drive at night.
Extended storage includes a 12V outlet in the boot; useful for a mini-fridge if you like picnics.
The standard aircon works well enough.
In hindsight I'd go for full bluetooth as it includes the multi-function steering wheel (so you get cruise) and the armrest (so it's easy to add the phone cradle and avoid wires trailing about - there's no convenient place to park the phone). Suggest you take your phone to the dealers and try it out; I've had no success with my iPod via USB but maybe the software's been updated in the last year.
Rear park sensors are useful.
Xenons if you live in the country and need to drive at night.
Extended storage includes a 12V outlet in the boot; useful for a mini-fridge if you like picnics.
The standard aircon works well enough.
Are you going for any option packs?
Pepper Pack includes Basic Bluetooth as standard, as well as Climate Control, and a few other niceties. Basic Bluetooth works well in my experience, no needs for any more.
Xenons are the best option you can add on a 2nd gen MINI IMO, for me the standard lights are exceptionally poor.
Sports steering wheel is a little smaller than the 2 spoke item, and I think it is far nicer to hold and more pleasing on the eye. £80 option IIRC. Multi Function wheel is useful if you can't fathom the central controls, you can control phone calls and music, plus you get cruise control included. £170~, and only available with sports steering wheel.
Depends how much you enjoy your audio, but the Harman/Kardon upgrade may be worth looking into, although the facelift models have a much better BOOST system over the pre-facelift cars.
Pepper Pack includes Basic Bluetooth as standard, as well as Climate Control, and a few other niceties. Basic Bluetooth works well in my experience, no needs for any more.
Xenons are the best option you can add on a 2nd gen MINI IMO, for me the standard lights are exceptionally poor.
Sports steering wheel is a little smaller than the 2 spoke item, and I think it is far nicer to hold and more pleasing on the eye. £80 option IIRC. Multi Function wheel is useful if you can't fathom the central controls, you can control phone calls and music, plus you get cruise control included. £170~, and only available with sports steering wheel.
Depends how much you enjoy your audio, but the Harman/Kardon upgrade may be worth looking into, although the facelift models have a much better BOOST system over the pre-facelift cars.
Hi 0llie,
Basic BT + MFSW (what I chose) is priced so close to Full BT that I think the latter is worth while since it also gives the armrest to hold the phone. It's £45 difference on the configurator between BBT+MFSW and FBT, and the former doesn't include the armrest.
Total agreement on Xenons unless you live in the city and never drive outside lit areas.
Not convinced by the Pepper - the auto aircon is nice, but the standard aircon is adequate and most of the other extras in the pack (mats, lights, computer, passenger seat height adjustment !??!) you really wouldn't notice if you didn't have them.
Basic BT + MFSW (what I chose) is priced so close to Full BT that I think the latter is worth while since it also gives the armrest to hold the phone. It's £45 difference on the configurator between BBT+MFSW and FBT, and the former doesn't include the armrest.
Total agreement on Xenons unless you live in the city and never drive outside lit areas.
Not convinced by the Pepper - the auto aircon is nice, but the standard aircon is adequate and most of the other extras in the pack (mats, lights, computer, passenger seat height adjustment !??!) you really wouldn't notice if you didn't have them.
Thanks All. Car is now ordered and we went for the option 15" wheels (for ride comfort), Pepper Pack and Media Pack. The only think I would have liked are Xenons, but the car is for the Wife and she wasn't bothered, doesn't really drive at night and doesn't really drive out in the sticks.
Still, Media & Pepper packs give us full BT, Sat Nav, Visual Radio Boost, MFSW etc etc which is pretty comprehensive.
Still, Media & Pepper packs give us full BT, Sat Nav, Visual Radio Boost, MFSW etc etc which is pretty comprehensive.
Sounds good, looking forward to seeing the pics.
Was in the dealers myself this morning for a paint touch-up kit. Fortunately the parts desk is close to the entrance so I only had to walk by a rather fetching pale blue cabriolet and a PH-style black clubvan (on black wheels with red pinstripes). Must avoid looking at bright shiny things!
Was in the dealers myself this morning for a paint touch-up kit. Fortunately the parts desk is close to the entrance so I only had to walk by a rather fetching pale blue cabriolet and a PH-style black clubvan (on black wheels with red pinstripes). Must avoid looking at bright shiny things!
15" aren't so bad. I ran them on my 58 Cooper:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/photos-photoshops-video... and still use 15" steelies for the winter tyres.
Not as sharp turn-in as my current 16" but good MPG and kerb-proof (unmarked in 3.5 years, which given my driving skilz is pretty good going).
http://www.mini2.com/forum/photos-photoshops-video... and still use 15" steelies for the winter tyres.
Not as sharp turn-in as my current 16" but good MPG and kerb-proof (unmarked in 3.5 years, which given my driving skilz is pretty good going).
Which colour did you go for in the end?Thanks all 
The 15"s were deliberately chosen - better ride, cheaper tyres and, most importantly of all, more resistant to kerbing. I am buying the car for the wife after all!
As for colour, the good wife decided on red with a white roof and mirrors. As much as it's her car - good for keeping her away from my C63 AMG - I have to admit to being a wee bit excited myself! Roll on September.
The 15"s were deliberately chosen - better ride, cheaper tyres and, most importantly of all, more resistant to kerbing. I am buying the car for the wife after all!
As for colour, the good wife decided on red with a white roof and mirrors. As much as it's her car - good for keeping her away from my C63 AMG - I have to admit to being a wee bit excited myself! Roll on September.
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