Drillslinger Posted November 13, 2005 Report Share Posted November 13, 2005 I'm looking at getting a new Cooper S and was wondering if y'all had any advice? We've been quoted a good (For a Mini) price for a new Checkmate, and are looking to add the LSD, Harmon Kardon, Chrono Pack, and Auto AC. From what I understand, the Alarm and cup holder (Yes, I'll need that ) will have to be purchased / installed (Alarm at least) from a BMW/Mini dealer, is that right? I'm also interested in any Chrono vs. Navigation views. We want the speedo shifted over the wheel, but not sure about the extra $$$ of the Navigation. Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zerocool Posted November 15, 2005 Report Share Posted November 15, 2005 hi there,I work at a bmw dealership,personally I think the hardon kardon is a waste of money,you would be better of doing you own speaker install. sat nav does look good,but like you say costs a bit. I just put a smaller pulley on the supercharger for a mate of mine,pulley os approx 10mm smaller,you need to get a special tool to remove the old one,but the power gain is not much less than a john cooper s works kit,and that is 3500 quid,wheras the pulley and tool is approx 200 quid. are you buying a new mini or a used one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullett Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 I guess its slighly different in the US with the name of the bits. I think the SatNav looks rubbish and the big central speedo is one of the key features of the car and looks great. (and its sodding expensive). No thoughts on the Hardon kardon except its expensive and I found the single slot cd version fine for daily car audio needs. Auto air con, not really worth the hassle, every car I have ever had with climate control was a bigger pain then benefit. I can press a switch to turn the normal air con on. The one thing I would get 100% is the upgraded steering wheel the one with the hifi controls and cruise controls on it. The best £350 optionon the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drillslinger Posted November 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 Thanks for the input guys I'm looking to buy new, and the reasoning behind the Harmon Kardon option was that I want the stereo to be decent enough that I'm NOT tempted to modify anything We got our first car used and I just couldn't help but start "Improving" things from the beginning When we bought the A3 we coughed up the $$ for the Bose, and while some folks didn't think it was worth the $$, it was enough of an improvement over stock that I've been fine with it these last 5 years I've been looking into the Mini aftermarket a bit too and there are a few options to be sure. I think the first thing I'll do (if we DO get it) is go for an intake. Then work up the $$$ for an exhaust before going after the Remap / Pulley. I've seen a "How-To" on the pulley install and don't trust myself to jack up the engine like that I've also been thinking of ditching the auto AC for the multi-function wheel, but not sure yet. My A3 has the Climate control and it's nice to just set it and forget it, and I do fine without buttons on the wheel now... but I'll have to see how it is while actually behind the wheel. My dealer is getting a Cooper S Demo within the next 10 days or so, so I'll get some seat-time then Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbor32 Posted November 18, 2005 Report Share Posted November 18, 2005 In my opinion the sat nav is a complete waste of money - i own a mcs, and had a demonstrator with sat nav - it tried to send me down one way streets, and did not know any short cuts that i knew around the city...... the female voice is also really annoying Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drillslinger Posted December 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Well, just to keep some "Mini Traffic" going through TSN here's what I think we've decided upon (Gonna order sometime soon) Astro Black Mini Cooper S w/ Silver Roof, Mirrors and Bonnet Stripe Cold Weather Package (includes Heated seats, side mirrors and washer jets) Premium Pack (includes sunroof, cruise/multi-function wheel, climate control and on-board Comp.) Sport Package w/S-"lites" (Includes DSC, Xenons, and Fogs) Limited Slip Diff. Rear Fog (A Must here in Germany) Lapis Blue Leather interior Anthracite Trim AND Headliner Arm Rest Harmon Kardon Will be posting pics in late Feb / Mar when we get it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ritey Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Looking forward to seeing the pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drillslinger Posted December 24, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 24, 2005 Thanks, looking forward to buying the car I can already see it posing "Problems" for the Frau I've even got the Pulley kit, intake and new hood scoop planned out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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