MINI Cooper

seminole_kev · April 2002

How many times did you forget ;-)

someblondeguy · April 2002

How'd that happen?

Oh well, at least I'll get my point across. ;-)

speculative · April 2002

I still didnt here you. :-)

steelypip · April 2002

Duplicates happen when you reload the page you posted on.

Happened to me once - now I'm on my guard. :-)

rsunico · April 2002

FYI the dealership in Princeton, NJ is open and supposedly (according to the Mini Rep in NY) they have cars (including S) for test drives. In her opinion the way to go would be the regular Mini Cooper. Minimal difference in 0-60 (6.9 versus 8.5). With the 15 inch tires you get a real spare. The battery on the S model is moved to the bonnet and hence no tyre. She told me that if I went with the 16 inch tyres and add the sport package -- I'd be happy. I'd have the Union Jack on the roof! At least in the states we don't have the Mini One as in the UK with a measly 90hp engine! A friend in the UK bought one of the first Mini Ones and he had electrical problems and BMW replaced his One. Has anyone on this post actually purchased one of these marvels? Any feedback as to pricing of dealerships and preliminary experiences? I'm seriously thinking of getting rid of my 7 year old Saab convertible and switching. I will have the Mini and my Forester.

hals · April 2002

I'm amused. I'm also thinking of replacing my Saab convertible (a 1990!) with a Mini. I'll then have a Mini and Passat wagon.

Since I've now registered and can post instead of just lurking, has anyone seen a British racing green with green leather? I'm wondering if they match.

My test drive is next week!

rsunico · April 2002

Please let me know what you think of the mini, post test drive. I can't make it to Princeton this weekend but will do so the following weekend. I rang and confirmed that they do have test cars (including the S). However, ordering the car now will ensure that you receive your mini by "winter" (Nov/Dec). Guess I should order the bum warmers as well.

tys42 · April 2002

Hi Everyone

The new MINI is the only new car that has appealed to me in a long time. I currently drive a Citroen 2CV, so some issues mentioned in this forum don't concern me too much: Such as the "weak" engine, lack of dealers, and small size. What I do need to know, however, is if I can fit my bicycle in the back. Has anyone tried? Can the rear seat be removed?
I'm hoping to test drive one in the next week or two, maybe I should bring my bike along.

Cheers

speculative · April 2002

6.9 vs 8.5? thats a big big SOTP difference. Trust me.

rickrover · April 2002

Those numbers are a huge difference - the S I drove didn't seem that fast - I think what the S lacks is low end torque. You really have to rev it to feel anything approaching performance - similar to a Honda Vtech. The last car I drove that gave the the same sensation of slugdom was a 6 speed Mercedes C240, another weak torque, sluggish feeling vehicle.

I'm addicted to AutoX and weekend track racing. I love to modify little hatchbacks for AutoX and track use - although I want the car to be tolerable for daily driving as well. I've had all sorts of track cars - 88 E30 M3, Miata and VW's (2000 VR6 GTI, 2002 1.8T turbo GTI).

I think the reason the MINI S feels like such a slug to me is my 2002 1.8t (turbo) VW GTI. I paid just under $20k for it with luxury (Sunroof, Monsoon sound) and 17" wheel package. I've done a few simple, inexpensive and effective engine and suspension modifications which have resulted in a 230+ HP 235 Lb's torque - peak HP and torque on the GTI appear low in the rev range - increadable low end grunt. I modified the GTI for AutoX and track use inexpensively - and it's still a great daily driver.

The 2002 GTI starts with 180 HP that stock feels a lot faster and more responsive than the MINI S. I've done an APR ECU chip upgrade ( www.goapr.com ). Most of the rest of the upgrades are all from Nuespeed ( www.greedspeed.com or www.neuspeed.com )- Turbo air inlet pipe, Downpipe, Upper front stress bar, 28mm rear sway bar and racing springs. Other upgrades are a K&N air filter in the factory air box, TurboXS bypass valve and a Eurosport exhaust - all this adds up to a little less than $2k. So I have about $22k in this little rocket - it absolutley rocks on the track and the street - runs circles around a MINI S including a 204HP works S I'd think.

I'm keeping an eye on MINI performance upgrades as time rolls on - I haven't counted a MINI S out of my future by any means. I'll wait for all the hype to die down - give it a year or so for the hype to fizzle completely. It sounds like it already has for the regular MINI you can walk right in and buy a regular Cooper at my dealer. I still may take advantage of purchasing one of the first MINI S at my dealer - only to sell it for an obcene profit to some impatient person - I love the concept of supply and demand - this isn't the first time I'll take advantage of it.

speculative · April 2002

This may surprise some people but the brand new GTI Turbo 1.8 actually isnt 180hp. I think it was sport compact car who tested it but it came to more like 200-210hp stock based on corected wheel hp figures, far more then clamed. This car is actually stronger then they give it credit for, probably so they can gradually raise the claimed HP in the years to come, yet have the same engine. Just a chip will net you a lot more hp on turbo cars.

johnny36 · April 2002

Test drove one. Amazing! Loved it even more than I thought I would. Ordered British racing green.

for Hals: Morristown BMW in northern N.J. (who I've been on a list since Nov.) has (had?) a green Mini with a tan and green leather interior. My opinion; looked darn ugly, but perhaps, very British.

aerostar45 · April 2002

I test-drove MINI at MINI of Towson, MD on last Saturday, both the S and non-S. Here below is my feedback. Hope it will help.

The first impression of MINI is that it looks really small, smaller than VW bugs. However, the interior is not bad, at least for the driver seat and passenger seat, they are quite comfortable. However, the back seats are cramped IMO, although the deal sitting on the back seat kept saying how comfortable she was. I am only 5'6", but my wife (5'4") told me she was not comfortable when she sit behind me.

I was initially decided to choose the GPS option largely because I want to move the speedometer into the front, but after seeing it in person I am kind like the way it is.

I first drove the non-S. It is a metallic blue with white roof and Union Jack on top, 16" five spoke white alloy wheel with run flat performance tire.

The clutch is quite smooth. However, the engine doesn't have enough torque at low RPM, especially in the start, it will take a second for the torque and HP to kick in no matter how hard you floor the gas.

The ride is pretty good. The suspension is tight but it is comfortable. Even driving on an up and down country road, I can maintain a relatively high speed but still feel I am firmly stuck-on the ground.

The S I drove is on Pure Silver with white roof. It has Premium and Cold package on it. 17" eight spoke silver alloy wheel with run flat performance tire.

I don't know why some of the post upstairs said that the S is slow. It does not give you a kick-a*s feeling like the M3, but the acceleration is pretty dissent. The engine is quite response to your input and it is easily distant the non-S away. More horse and 6-speed did the trick. The ride is about the same as non-S. I found the panoramic moon-roof is a fun option to have.

Complains:

The dealer told me that the auto-dimming rearview mirror in not available in the Cold package. It is not that the package is not included; it is "unavailable"! I can hardly believe it.

17" 8 spoke alloy wheel is not available on MINI Cooper. However, the dealer does offer another 17" 14 spoke alloy wheel with "MINI" badge on it. The price is $2565 a set. Some other 17" wheel is also available with price $225 each, which is, in my opinion, less attractive.

Someone upstairs asked that if the MINI can hold a bike in it. Well, by fold the rear seat down, the MINI does create a large room to house appliance, it seems to me it can swallow a bike with the front seat move forward and the bike front wheel dismounted. However, they do offer a roof rack system that has bike holder option with a total ~$284.

aerostar45 · April 2002

Sorry I forgot to mention on my last post that during the test drive, I have 3 people in their car, 1 fire truck driver and 1 policeman give me thumbs-up when I pass them by, plus several kids running and cheering after me on the sidewalk.

johnny36 · April 2002

I should mention that I've always loved the original MG Minis. Not because it was a finely build sports car (because it wasn't) but because it was a fun and surprisingly comfortable 'get-about' auto. I believe the new Mini has the same appeal (certainly for me).
Many of the comments I've read criticize the motor/pick-up. Without question the Mini falls a little short of (say) a VW GTI, but it has enough power to get out of a dangerous driving situation. And that is enough for me and (I imagine) many of buyers.
I'm not a fast driver (I'm rarely above 75) but I like handling and control; the areas were the Mini shines. If your a 'pedal-to-metal' driver the Mini will not likely make your heart beat fast. Not all driver need outstanding acc. in their auto, hence (perhaps) the appeal of the new Bug.
As for 'little piece of tin' I would take issue. Mini is certainly 'little' but seeing one in person it conveys a solid feel. A fact that is confirmed when you drive one. BMW has put a VERY strong and ridged frame in the MINI and six air bags. So, yes, if a 18 wheeling changes lanes on top of a Mini it will probably be time for the junk-yard, but there is a great chance the driver/riders will be alive.
As to gouging. Obviously there has been some, but many dealer are selling for exact MSRP.
If you love Camaros, Vette, etc. DON'T get a Mini. Save your pennies and get a striped-down 330 coupe. Last time I checked $35k is a great price for an auto that has a hard time staying below 85.

rmorin2 · April 2002

Well today I received the production number for my MINI. It is scheduled for production on 5/24. If any owners out there have installed aftermarket tires and wheels, I would be interested in your opinion. My dealer wants a fortune for BMW wheels and run flat tires. I plan to keep the 15" spare and go to 16" wheels with 205-50-16 tires. Will use the 15" wheels in the winter with snow tires. I've contacted Tire Rack to inquire about fitments since their website does not show any for the MINI yet. Will post when I receive information from them.

m37steve · April 2002

rmorin2:

You're using the same strategy as I am. I'll run the 15s thru this year-- stock tires may suffice for winter-- and go to 16s on aftermarket wheels for summer next year. I hear that Yokohama has a grippy but very quiet 16" tire. Check out mini2.com for lots on wheels and tires-- 16s, 17s, even 18s on a Mini . . .

secdept · April 2002

I drove into the local Mini/BMW/Porsche dealer, not knowing anything about Minis. I saw it and bought it and paid sticker plus the marked up dealer add-ons including the American Flag for the roof and the Bonnet Stripes for the hood for $790, $300 floor mats, and a 6 CD Player for a ridiculous $995! Ignoring the high price due to high demand it is a fun car with high quality components. I took my buddy for a ride who drives a 2002 Porsche Boxter, he was irritated at the high number of looks the Mini was getting compared to his high priced car. It is definately a "class-less" car. Everyone seems to just get a happy face and a lot of thumbs-up given when they see it. The only down side to the car is (1) my insurance company never heard of it so I am still waiting for an underwriter to value it , and (2) I need to park far away from the entrance otherwise swarms of people flock around it to look at it.

rmorin2 · April 2002

Received an email from George at Tire Rack. He lists several wheels that will fit the MINI but unfortunately for me, none are what I am looking for but the prices are pretty good. They range from $105 for a SE Fox 5 to $315 for a SSR Comp.

I am looking for a nice simple 5 spoke, single slender spokes, probably in a 17" size. Any help would be appreciated.

I also received the production number for my MINI and the build date. Once you get the production number from the dealer you can go the MINI website and track the progress of your car from the factory to the dealer. Pretty neat.

Happy Motoring!

segesta · April 2002

I take delivery of my Mini tomorrow morning from Bill Jacobs in Naperville, IL. I am very happy with the treatment, knowing the popularity of the car and the potential for gouging. All I wanted was a sunroof but stock wheels. Because I found one that was still on the truck (and the sales manager was out for the day) I avoided their mandatory thousand-dollar foglights and $2600(!!) 17" wheel package.

So: Pure Silver, black top, premium package, leather seats, $700 CD changer (ouch), $285 Breakdown Kit (ouch again, and not very reassuring) and $90 floormats means out the door for $21,300. From what I've heard about other dealers around Chicago, and due to my good timing with the shipment, I got lucky. So I recommend Bill Jacobs if you're in the area.

speculative · April 2002

the base mini with the cvt is the best deal...maybe when prices come down a little.

schectman · April 2002

Well, I ordered a Mini today! I did 2 test drives this week: The first mostly on city streets, the second crusing on a freeway. I'm not a "car enthusiast" so I won't comment on "tail sway" or "engine torque". All I can say is that it is a fun car to drive. Plenty of power for me (accelerating onto freeway with 2 passengers and the air conditioner on), handles great, and cruised at 75-80 on the freeway without too much engine or road noise. The ride was a bit harsh (standard everything), but it wasn't a particularly smooth patch of road.

As I said in a previous message, I'm coming from a 1990 Saab convertible (turbo).

I'm 6'2 and weigh way too much, but the car was very comfortable for me in the driver's seat with the salesman in the passenger. No way my wife could have sat behind me, but she wasn't too uncomfortable behind the passenger seat. We have two kids, but this is a second car and we hardly ever needed all 4 seats in my Saab.

I asked a previous question about BRG and green leather. I saw swatches of both and decided I didn't like that combo. Coming from right field, I ordered velvet red/black top/beige leather. Premium package and heated seats. I wanted the HK audio but didn't want to wait until November!

Allison BMW is charging a straight $1K dealer markup, which I hate paying, but seems to be pretty fair compared to other dealers, especially in the SF Bay Area.

Thanks to the folks from NJ who responded to my questions. I grew up in Long Branch!

300silverbulit · April 2002

what BMW dealers here in Monmouth county, NJ are going to gouge for a MINI. I am looking to get a new car in the fall. I would love to get a base Mini with just a CVT trans as a option. In red with white roof and mirrors.

I'm afraid that a blue collar worker like myself will not be able to compete with all the wall streeters that live in central NJ. 17-18 grand full MSRP is a decent price for a base mini with automatic only. It is better than some MSRP's for compact cars from other brands.

However I'm sure the high amount of 'rich" folks will gladly pay whatever the dealer want's to get a one of the only 20,000 MINI expected to come to the states this model year.

After I see what they are paying for Mcmansions here to move out of New York city and still live within commuting distance. I know i won't have a chance at getting such a great car for only 18 grand. If they are paying $400,000 and up for those plywood castles I can only imagine how much more over MSRP they will pay for a MINI to drive on the weekends to the beach.

revka · April 2002

So when will you be taking delivery? We look forward to hearing all about it.... Please keep us posted. Thanks for your participation. ;-)

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards

sphinx99 · April 2002

I suspect that the Mini will play out similarly to the PT Cruiser - it may take a year or two, but eventually the enthusiast community will become saturated while the car becomes a hot commodity to students, etc., who will be unable and unwilling to pay premiums.

silver_bullet · April 2002

I was in the Washington D.C. area this weekend, and went to MINI of Sterling to look at a MINI. What a wonderfully designed car. I hope the dealership situation gets sorted out so I can get one here in TX.

rickrover · April 2002

I think you'll be able to get a base Cooper at MSRP sooner than you'd think. The waiting lists for base Coopers doesn't seem to be all that long. I stopped by my local dealer last week, they basically said their 250+ waiting list had evaporated. They called everyone on the list and told them they had to put up a $1k deposit down to stay on the list. Bottom line - if you walked into my dealer tomorrow with the $1k deposit you'd have a base Cooper in a couple of months. They said the Cooper S list is about a year long - that means if they get the expected 5 or 6 S' in a month they have around 60 confirmed people on the S list - big whoop.

This MINI hype will be much shorter lived than the New Beetle or PT Cruiser. Wait a few short months and you'll easily get a Cooper at MSRP.

silver_bullet · April 2002

The sales manager at MINI of Sterling (VA) was offering MSRP on Coopers with no mandatory options or add-ons, and a 90 day delivery time if I placed an order this week. Only one problem - she would not sell me a car for out-of-state delivery. It seems it is up to the local dealerships to decide if they want to sell cars outside of their territory, and this one doesn't. Sure wish I could have driven a Cooper - I'm not concerned about the power, but I am a bit worried about the gear ratios on the five-speed. Has anyone driven a Cooper five-speed who would like to comment on the spacing of the gears?

segesta · April 2002

I've had my Cooper for four days, and I really like it. Wait, love it. The only gearing 'issue' for daily driving is that 5th gear seems a little short for highway driving--I wish it was taller to lessen the RPMs on the highway. Of course, much taller and you'd never be able to pass without downshifting.

The car is fine. Buy one.

solarisis · April 2002

Does the back seat of the mini fold down to create storage space?
thanks
san francisco

silver_bullet · April 2002

You might want to go to www.miniusa.com where you can see all the features built into the MINI.

rmorin2 · April 2002

Hey, how about some updates from you current MINI owners?? Those of us who are still waiting on our cars would love to hear feedback from you lucky dogs that are already "motoring"!!

Post pics if you have them. Thanks.

someblondeguy · April 2002

Yes. Both halves can be folded down.

denisjei · April 2002

My wife and I are going to the local (Cincinnati) dealer tomorrow to order our car. We were #460 on their waiting list, but it seems if I walk in and given them a refundable $1000 check I can order a car to my specs and have it in 2 months. At straight MSRP.

The car is for my wife, and we're getting Cold Weather, sport seats, and Trip computer. We'll walk out the door with a very cute, fun car for $17,600. Pretty nice considering I spent twice that for my Volvo S60 T5 last year!

rickrover · April 2002

It appears the no waiting list trend on the base Cooper is here as well. It is possible to walk right in and order a MINI - not at MSRP yet, I expect the mandatory $1k in accessories rule to go away soon - they aren't exactly flying of the lot. My dealer has 25 or 30 in stock - I didn't count them but there were a whole bunch on their back lot. The waiting list on the S is about a year and a half long - not sure the number, they were very evasive when I asked them how long the S list was. Is there really a "demand" for the MINI??? I find it interesting that the long waiting lists have evaporated a month after they rolled it out. I wonder when we'll see sales figures on the MINI. I don't think it's selling all that well - consumer enthusiasim is no where near New Beetle and PT Cruiser levels a month after those appeared on the market. This forum is another gauge of interest - not much happening here either, very quiet. This MINI Cooper rollout is not what I expected at all at the one month mark.

I'm still 14 on the S list - I could have an S as early as July.

gottaknow · April 2002

I am looking to trade in my MBZ E320 for a Mini S. Can anybody tell me if they feel at all clausterphobic or if behind an SUV it seems daunting?

someblondeguy · April 2002

To those that think the Mini is not selling well, I give you this:

http://edmunds.yellowbrix.com/pages/edmunds/Story.nsp?story_id=29248191&ID

(If the above link doesn't work, the headline can be found under: News/Auto Headlines/"Mini drives BMW sales" April 11th/2002, here at Edmunds' site. You will have to skip ahead a few pages to find it as it is an older headline)

These sales figures are for ONE month. Now don't tell me the Mini isn't selling well.

someblondeguy · April 2002

They may seem small on the outside, but not on the inside.

Read this article:

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/living/3040532.htm

silver_bullet · April 2002

After seeing a MINI in the metal, and reconsidering the alternatives, I've decided to place an order for a non-S Cooper with an out of state dealership a little later this year. At some point, the litigation that has thus far prevented the appointment of dealers in TX should be over, and I'll be able to obtain parts and service should the need arise. I'm not looking for a road rocket, so I think the performance of the standard Cooper should suit me just fine. The way I see it, waiting is a good thing - pricing will stabilize, I'll get exactly what I want, and BMW will have that much more time to work out any teething problems.

seminole_kev · April 2002

if I had hope that Oklahoma City would get a dealer soon, I might have considered the same thing. I would go for the base MINI also.

someblondeguy · April 2002

Check this out:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?s=f99d715f75e8142d85e1847dc3542f20&threadid=6689

tetonman · April 2002

Thanks for the link to MINI2.com...

I went through the forums there and it appears that many of the owners in Britain have had problems with the car pulling to the left. I would expect a few squeaks and rattles, but not something like this on a new car. I have test driven the mini and did not notice it. Was there a fix for this problem by the mfr? Have any of the owners here in the States noticed this?

hpulley4 · April 2002

Were they complaining of a drift left, ie. alignment problem, or a pull left under acceleration, ie. torque steer?

I'll be test driving one tomorrow (can hardly wait).

segesta · April 2002

With 115 hp, I *wish* my Mini suffered from torque steer.

My only gripe: AM radio reception is bad, even for the big (50,000 watt) stations. Weird.

silver_bullet · April 2002

With its equal length drive shafts, the MINI should be fairly immune to torque steer. I wonder if they aren't just confusing road crown for a "pull" - after all, they are driving on the left side of the road

someblondeguy · April 2002

The left-pull problems seem to have been ironed out on after-March production Minis.

It will be very rare now to find the problem on Minis built from April on.

Note: Bugs should be expected on COMPLETELY NEW from the ground up cars. They (BMW/Mini) seem to have worked things out now.

tetonman · April 2002

I do expect some minor issues, but thought this was a little bit more than a buyer should have to deal with. That said, glad that MINI/BMW corrected it. It's a great looking car...

m37steve · April 2002

From what I've seen, the left pull is not a torque-steer issue, and can happen on a level road on cars so afflicted. It is suspension-based. As has been pointed out, it appears to be more of a problem with early build cars, and varies from car to car. Another problem is cracking windshields, probably sealed too tight. I emailed BMW/MINI yesterday asking what they planned to do about these known problems. I've ordered a Cooper with CVT, my first new vehicle (although I've had about 30 used vehicles) and am prepared for some minor problems. After all, the MINI is a completely new design (albeit based on an older concept.) I do expect the manufacturer to be proactive about addressing widely reported design/assembly flaws.

hpulley4 · April 2002

I took a tester out for a spin this lunch-hour. What a fun car! Base car, red w/white roof with 16" Dunlop runflats, multifunction wheel, heated seats (not necessary even though there is some snow today, rare for April even here), climate control, maybe some other options.

Q: how are the sport seats on the road? The tester didn't have sport seats and it felt pretty supportive as it is, and comfortable. I sat in some SOLD cars with the sport seats and they feel fine at rest but I wonder about them at speed.

I found the power to be more than adequate on the highway and in town, even with 'just' 110lb-ft of torque. There was lots of wind today but the car felt completely solid in all aspects. It corners and brakes really well. The suspension is a bit harsh but I'd expect nothing less.

At first I found the pedal positions were awkward but once I got used to the 'proper' seating position, somewhat prone, it was very comfortable.

It felt like a wonderful driver's car. I could take it on the road without a destination. Very, very tempting...

m37steve · April 2002

WRT to my mesage #499, MINIUSA said this in response to my inquiry:

I appreciate your concern. We are aware that a few cars are pulling to the left. We recommend that these cars be inspected by MINI dealers and diagnosed accordingly.

However, we will take the MINI windshield cracking issue on a case by case basis because this has been more of an isolated event. Unfortunately, cracked windshields are not covered by the warranty when the determination is caused by road hazard. We will look into this further.

MINI Cooper

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