Hello, All,

I sold my e46 bmw (330i, sport package, 5-spd) mid December and have been spending a month trying to find the RIGHT mini. What a process. I have a few that I really like located sporadically throughout the country, and have been using this site as a guide to help me figure out what I should be looking for. I want an 07-08 MCS, 6-spd manual. I also want a tan or red leather interior (don't usually make such demands, but I'm holding my ground on this one!).

I already have a sound system picked out for it that should arrive soon... let the modding begin!

 

Good Luck on finding the perfect one! I gave up searching and just ended up ordering the exact one I wanted

What sound system are you going to put into it? Will you be running off the stock deck or having a completely separate head unit?

 

I think I'll be using the stock deck... unless that will limit this particular setup, in which case I am entirely open to suggestions!

My plan is to run a JL 300/4 V2... the front channels will run a set of 3-way Focal polyglass comps (front doors) and I'll bridge the rear channels to run a 10" JL sub in a downfire box in the trunk. I have to work with the imedance to make it efficient. My two biggest concerns at the moment are how to arrange the inputs (what kind of preamp outputs, etc) and how to properly tune the system. I'm not sure about what I can do with a stock unit for this. I put a great pioneer system in my e46, but those had minimally integrated radios (unlike this spread-out mish-mash the mini has).

 

I know a lot of people have used a processor and the original head unit to feed amps and then you need to tune since the signal from the stock head unit is a little funky. I didn't like that route so I have an aftermarket deck in the secrete compartment, PDX amps under the seats, and a top firing 10" IDMAX sub in the boot. The fronts I have UP6i DLS components and then some JL 6x9s to fill the back.

There are threads on how others have tuned their stock head unit as well as adding an aftermarket deck either in the center console or the secrete compartment.


Welcome to the madness...

 

Question: how do you manage the deck while driving if its all the way over on the passenger's side?

 

I have an Alpine deck. Alpine has a RF remote module that you can plug in and the RF remote is attached to my ebrake handle. I can turn on and off the unit from the remote. I only play music from MP3's so I don't need to see the display. The remote is not very good with switching preset radio stations, in that it does not so I just not bother with it all together.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500RUEM...crv=6655395385

 

I've had a remote setup before... but I do like seeing the track info and display. I have some research to do!

 

I gave up searching and ordered one to my wants as well. I just came from a E46 too, but I didn't sell it. It was a hit deer go bye bye deal. I kept finding minis exactly with the options in either the color combo wrong or they had automatic's. It wasn't easy and being that I wanted a car that I liked with the items I had on my E46 with out modding it to get that way. I was so stressed over weeks of searching, dealers not listing options, having to constantly ask dealers of what options a car has I just caved and placed the order and it was such a relief and I felt so much better.

Shes on a boat and should have it in a couple weeks. Good luck with your search and hopefully you find the right one!

 

LO and behold...

After a month of searching... the DAY I post on this lovely forum... I think I found the one! The couple is in VA but they are willing to drive a few hours south to meet me... I checked the history and it is perfect... the thing has been MINI maintained for its whole life, the last checkup being just yesterday! Sparkling grey, redwood leather, 6-speed manual, LSD, xenons, premium, 2-piece wheels... seems like a winner!

Thank you guys for the the good luck... hopefully I'll be posting pics on Sunday!

 

Cars.com? Autotrader.com. There are alot of Mini's available although you are looking for a 2007/2008 and have some specifics. If you are looking for something so unique, and can't find it then perhaps that would affect resale later. Maybe thats a cue........

 

Good luck with your search and potential new Mini. You will quickly discover that these cars are incredibly fun every time you sit in it.

 

Done and done! Sparkling silver, redwood interior, optioned out (premium, sport, cold weather, LSD, 2-piece wheels, upgraded tires, front strut bar), immaculate in and out. A few miles on it, but just broken in! As I type I have three other windows open researching what I should do first... probably just some fluid changes and figuring out the radio situation (signal processor? Not sure).

Psyched!

 

Very nice. Good luck and welcome aboard.

 

Oooo, nice! I must now hate you. I love that interior.

 

Thanks! I was holding out for that interior (which seems to most often come with sparkling silver, which is just fine by me!).

 

Very nice and welcome!

 

Welcome aboard. You'll be so glad you waited until you found what you wanted!