R56 Ok, now I need config. help
#51
It's ok flaco; that happens on forums sometimes. It is easy to misread someone's tone. I should not have flamed up so fast either; that is one personality thingy I have to watch. I can see where you would be a little flustered with all that going on with your MINI- I know about the run-flats and plan to go with non-runflats as soon as the runflats wear out. It is hard to get those RFs with their reinforced sidewalls off a wheel; it stinks your wheel took damage in the process. I plan on getting a donut spare once I get the runflats off, and having a canvas bag made for it so it doesn't scratch the inside of the boot up or something. Have to think of something to hold it in place too.
#52
3rd Gear
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: OH / Midwest
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, I like the white mirrors better than the chrome --- but --- I like the chrome piece on the back above the license plate. I like how it breaks up a field of solid color. So everything is compromises of course. If you could have just that one bit of extra chrome and leave everything else from the extra exterior chrome package off, it would be nice. Maybe that option is out there aftermarket? Where to look?
I am going to go play with the configurator in a bit to see the white vs regular-color wheels. It might be tomorrow or so before I get to do that however. It is definitely a thought.
I am going to go play with the configurator in a bit to see the white vs regular-color wheels. It might be tomorrow or so before I get to do that however. It is definitely a thought.
YES you can definitely go with an aftermarket chrome boot handle. There were many many sorts of things like that for the R53 and certainly in the pipeline for the R56. If you just wanted SOMEthing different, you could always go for the Carbon Fiber rear handle (I think THAT is sweet!) but there are definitely alternatives to an entire chrome-package.... that way you could go with white mirrors and still have something cool on the rear end.
-Also while dressing up the rear, have you thought about the white turn signals too? They're only $100, and though it's not much of a change, I ordered them because I really enjoy the more modern look- they really DO look sweet. I can send/ post pictures tomorrow after I PICK UP MY CAR !!!!!!!!!!! :g rin:
#55
Yes, I like the white mirrors better than the chrome --- but --- I like the chrome piece on the back above the license plate. I like how it breaks up a field of solid color. So everything is compromises of course. If you could have just that one bit of extra chrome and leave everything else from the extra exterior chrome package off, it would be nice. Maybe that option is out there aftermarket? Where to look?
If it's just the chrome boot handle you're after, it is possible for your dealer to order it (or any other bit on the car) seperately. A quick search on realoem.com turns up the exterior chrome package. The chrome boot handle is part number 51132753603, which, when plugged into the search at www.pelicanparts.com shows that it should cost rougly in the neighborhood of $93.70. So you could either order that with your car and have the dealer install it before you take delivery, or order it from one of the two dealers that offer a 20% NAM discount (Classic MINI of Cleveland is one, I forget the other off hand) and install it yourself. That's much cheaper than the whole Exterior Chrome Package if you only wanted that one bit.
#56
#57
A floating *what*??!!!
Hurray! I'm ordering a floating whorehouse! This really reminds me of people who get a new computer (or other gadget) and add everything they can to it, anything and everything sparkly or fun. Yep, people like me. After you have had computers for a while and you have reformatted x number of times, you tend to simplify. You're over that "OMG it's so sparkly!" phase. I'm buying my first MINI and I *want* it to be sparkly and out there. I'm not a race driver (yet) and it's a daily driver and I want it to be really fun. I'm sure those of you who have owned MINIs from the beginning like the minimalist design better. Check back with me in 10 years and my next MINI might be way less shiny (or not).
#58
Hurray! I'm ordering a floating whorehouse! This really reminds me of people who get a new computer (or other gadget) and add everything they can to it, anything and everything sparkly or fun. Yep, people like me. After you have had computers for a while and you have reformatted x number of times, you tend to simplify. You're over that "OMG it's so sparkly!" phase. I'm buying my first MINI and I *want* it to be sparkly and out there. I'm not a race driver (yet) and it's a daily driver and I want it to be really fun. I'm sure those of you who have owned MINIs from the beginning like the minimalist design better. Check back with me in 10 years and my next MINI might be way less shiny (or not).
#59
Suggestions
Your restraint is admirable in passing on the convenience and premium packages.
You might want to think about the sport package: the essential item here is DSC. The (heavy) Crown Spokes and runflats are a drag on handling, while the sport suspension is needed if you have genuine sporting (ie track auto-x) ambitions. The stock suspension is quite firm enough, and can be easily boosted with aftermarket swaybars. Maybe you might want to get the OEM Bridgespokes and swap them out for lightweight aftermarket wheels and non-runflats. With this and the stock suspension, you will have a more comfortable and better handling car than the Sport package will provide.
Instead of the driving light you mention, you should by all means get the Xenons!! An incredibly valuable upgrade. Most who have the Xenons would not think of buying another car without them, they are that good. And they make driving lights superfluous.
One last thought: Unless you live in a perennially warm climate, you will find the Cold weather package very rewarding for a modest price. The heated seats are really a treat.
Otherwise your spec sounds great. Enjoy your MINI!
You might want to think about the sport package: the essential item here is DSC. The (heavy) Crown Spokes and runflats are a drag on handling, while the sport suspension is needed if you have genuine sporting (ie track auto-x) ambitions. The stock suspension is quite firm enough, and can be easily boosted with aftermarket swaybars. Maybe you might want to get the OEM Bridgespokes and swap them out for lightweight aftermarket wheels and non-runflats. With this and the stock suspension, you will have a more comfortable and better handling car than the Sport package will provide.
Instead of the driving light you mention, you should by all means get the Xenons!! An incredibly valuable upgrade. Most who have the Xenons would not think of buying another car without them, they are that good. And they make driving lights superfluous.
One last thought: Unless you live in a perennially warm climate, you will find the Cold weather package very rewarding for a modest price. The heated seats are really a treat.
Otherwise your spec sounds great. Enjoy your MINI!
#61
False, I believe there are quite a few of us who had xenons and decided not to reorder them, or would not order again should they buy another MINI.
#62
Well I'm not "quite a few of us". Xenons are great, best lights I've ever had. Get heated seats. I didn't, wish I had.
#63
Well he did say most who have the xenons, not all. I have them and will not buy another car without them, period. Looking through numerous posts here on NAM regarding the subject, consensus seems to be about the same. I don't have driving lights and haven't heard of anyone doing tests, but I cannot imagine that they are brighter than xenons with high beams turned on. Astonishingly bright. Granted the low beam cutoff can take some getting used to, but it's not at all a problem for me. Not to mention they look amazing on the MINI even while turned off, come with auto-leveling and washers, and add to resale value which is always a plus in my book.
Last edited by Msteadman; 12-18-2007 at 11:50 AM.
#64
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
OttomanFD3S
Drivetrain (Cooper S)
5
03-04-2013 11:05 AM
Casey Jones
R55 :: Clubman Talk (2008+)
14
09-05-2008 06:06 AM