Thoughts on the black pearl light checked seating option

[skim]

Hi all,
I’m considering a pre-built SE that was configured with the black (leatherette) pearl light checked seating option. At first I thought I was pretty flexible that I would take (nearly) any SE that I could get sooner than later. When the opportunity came up, the seat option - specifically the color tone and pattern (not the material per se) - felt less tolerable to me.

I haven’t actually seen it in person, and my opinion is based on various pictures online as well as actual “non-professional” photos of the seats.

I know this is all personal preference (ie there are no “wrong” choices), but wanted to get perspective on those that either have this option or have it on order. I suppose an informal poll to hear from those that specifically picked this, and perhaps why. Would you make the same choice again?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[SpeedyRS]

Hi all,
I’m considering a pre-built SE that was configured with the black (leatherette) pearl light checked seating option. At first I thought I was pretty flexible that I would take (nearly) any SE that I could get sooner than later. When the opportunity came up, the seat option - specifically the color tone and pattern (not the material per se) - felt less tolerable to me.

I haven’t actually seen it in person, and my opinion is based on various pictures online as well as actual “non-professional” photos of the seats.

I know this is all personal preference (ie there are no “wrong” choices), but wanted to get perspective on those that either have this option or have it on order. I suppose an informal poll to hear from those that specifically picked this, and perhaps why. Would you make the same choice again?

Thanks,
Steve

You’ve clearly chosen wisely in looking at the SE
For what it’s worth I am not a fan of that interior at all, and if it were me, if I had doubts about it I’d wait to get the interior I wanted because you interact with the interior every mile you drive in a car. Like you I’ve not seen it in the flesh, but I dislike it in all of the photographs and YouTube videos I’ve seen which show it. For such a nicely designed car and interior it’s a weird styling choice for Mini / BMW to make IMO. Having said all of that it may look and feel great in the flesh and I’m sure there are others for whom this would be their first choice interior.
I do t know what the wait time is for a new order. Mine came in 3 months arriving just before Christmas, but I know there have been shutdowns since. Would your dealer allow you to place a refundable deposit on the one that’s available and allow you to walk if you don’t like the interior when you see it in person?

 

[chrunck]

Which seats are we talking about? The yellow ones?

 

[insightman]

Hi all,
I’m considering a pre-built SE that was configured with the black (leatherette) pearl light checked seating option. At first I thought I was pretty flexible that I would take (nearly) any SE that I could get sooner than later. When the opportunity came up, the seat option - specifically the color tone and pattern (not the material per se) - felt less tolerable to me.

I haven’t actually seen it in person, and my opinion is based on various pictures online as well as actual “non-professional” photos of the seats.

I know this is all personal preference (ie there are no “wrong” choices), but wanted to get perspective on those that either have this option or have it on order. I suppose an informal poll to hear from those that specifically picked this, and perhaps why. Would you make the same choice again?

Thanks,
Steve

If the seats are the only problem you have and the SE that is available right now is a good deal, you can simply install seat covers to your liking. They will help preserve the leatherette seats to improve the car's resale value, too.

 

[Scrambler]

If the seats are the only problem you have and the SE that is available right now is a good deal, you can simply install seat covers to your liking. They will help preserve the leatherette seats to improve the car's resale value, too.

My thoughts on those seats are the same. I'm looking at the Resolute Edition, mostly for the exterior paint, but I'm not so sure about those seats. I asked my dealer if I can pay to upgrade to the MINI Yours leather seats, but I expect the answer is no. If I really don't like them in person I'll just put covers on them and/or look for some other seats to swap in.

 

[Tommm]

I didn't mind the burlap like cloth on the plus. My wife did. She would be uncomfortable in the summer in a tank top, so we ordered leather. As for color, gray or black is OK. The yellow was a bit too funky. I think the dealer had a swatch of it. Youvhave to look at that one in person to decide.

The vinyl on the base is nice. It is nicer than the vinyl on my 128i. The burlap v vinyl put us in a "in production" base instead of a plus that had the cloth.

 

[skim]

Thanks all for sharing your thoughts.

General sentiments from the few vocal opinions are

• It doesn’t seem to be a first choice. (But would still like to hear from someone that picked this over the other options.)
• Possibly unavoidable for the Resolute trim. (Didn’t know that; I guess that trim isn’t for me.)
• Not that big of a deal (ie use seat covers)

In the end, I decided to pass on the option. One scenario that I considered was to just buy it to enjoy it now, and also keep my pre-order. If I really didn’t like it, I would sell it in a few months around the time my pre-order is ready. Under normal circumstances the economics wouldn’t make sense, but the fed tax credit (yes, car is new) combined with “temporary” shortages and production delays (ie resale value should remain high) - likely means I could end up with zero carry cost, or maybe end up ahead. But this would still “cost” me time and effort, which I didn’t care for.

I’m just going to stick with the original plan, which is to keep my pre-order, and entertain offers to take over someone else’s build/order should it already be in enroute - just as long as it’s not configured with the yellow / pearl checked seats.

 

[chrunck]

In general I think the black pearl seats are great. I find cloth seats to be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer vs leather or vinyl. The yellow version, though, is definitely not for me. The grey version, OTOH, is great and was my #1 choice for seats

 

[drdunkyn]

Yeah, get what you like. I wasn't a fan of the fabric options, and went with the Lounge Leather, and feel like it's an amazing option. If they offered a truly gray fabric I would've considered it, but just didn't care for what was available in my build. Couldn't be happier with my choice, but you really need to choose what works for you. Try to find something that you can see in person to make your decision. I couldn't, so went with my gut.

 

[Scrambler]

• Possibly unavoidable for the Resolute trim.

I talked to two different dealers today and confirmed that the Resolute Trim can only be had with the Cloth/Leatherette Black Pearl Light Chequered seats, no option of switching to leather. I guess I'm getting the yellow checkered seats, because I really want the Rebel Green and Pepper White paint.