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MINI Cooper
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At 70 miles, my ``Service engine soon'' light went off. I was told the gas cap may have been loose, causing the light to go off. At 260 miles, the light went off again. After checking the car more thoroughly, the dealership found the problem was with something called the self-check pump; it was broken. This is a pump that pressurizes the gas line with air to make sure there are no leaks. No big deal, except for one thing: There is not one of these pumps to be had in the U.S. -- NOT A SINGLE ONE. After being told the pump was ``on back order,'' I got the service rep to admit, point blank, not one can be located in the U.S. I asked if one can be shipped from Germany. He is checking, but thinks the pump may not have been required on the European model. He can't give me any idea when this pump will show up. BMW in the U.S. or Germany (he doesn't know which) has it on order from the manufacturer. Meantime, if I really do have a problem with the engine, I won't know it because this ``service engine'' light is on all the time. (It won't go out for good until the pump is replaced.)
Secondly, I can't get all the radio stations on the FM dial. All the parts that can be replaced on my radio (amplifiers, antenna, etc.) are being replaced.
I have called the MINI assistance center number, too, to prod this along.
I am trying not to let this spoil my enjoyment of the car, but what carmaker today puts out a new model then doesn't have the available parts when the dealerships need them? What kind of way is this to introduce a new model? I expected better of BMW; I have learned my lesson.
As far as an update from someone who actually has the car, It handles great, is relatively roomy (a bit squishy with 4 people in it but certainly fine for trips around town, to dinner etc) I get tons of attention in it, the first night I had it back someone in a new beetle stared for about 10 seconds, all I could do was feel sorry for her car being so 1998. One person came up to me at a sub shop and asked if it was my car since she saw the parking sticker. I was playing with the handling doing some quick turns in a parking lot, loads of fun and it does really handle like a go-cart. I'll probably end up taking some pictures this weekend, but if anyone has special requests post them here and I'll try and oblidge. Rest of the specs: chrome bumpers, premium package, 16" wheels, panther black profile leather interior.
The MINI is going to fill a particular niche for drivers who want something different, that handles well, gets decent fuel mileage, and hopefully proves to be reliable. Having driven BMWs for many years, I am hopeful that my MINI will be reliable. I am confident that it will be fun to drive.
Now if the car will just get here. My production date is 5/24 so I am hoping for an early July delivery.
Happy Motoring.
1) What is the best way to break in the car? In terms of driving, RPM's, etc.
2) What is the best way, waxes, cleaners, etc. to maintain the exterior of the car?
3) What is the best way to maintain the leather interior of the car?
I am hoping that 30 years from now I will be showing this car off at a car show. And 60 years from now, using it in lew of a whell-chair:)
2) wax and cleaner are 2 diff things.
A. First wash use dish soap, then never use it again, buy car soap. Wash atleast 1/month
B. Any wax called a "cleaner" wax has fine particals in it to scrape your outer clear coat off. You dont need to use cleaners each time, more like 1/year clean and polish and touch up nics. Wax 1/every2month or if u like it 1/ month. None of them last much longer then that if you drive your car every day. No wax is 100% carnuba, despite what the box says. If you want good non synthetic wax get Griots(30% carnuba)http://www.griotsgarage.com
Otherwise just get meguiers or whatever if not into waxing. If you want synthetic get Zaino or Blackfire (I dont like the look but some people do).
3) Dont clean my leather with anything but water and the stuff that came with my vette (gift package). Im sure Meguiers makes leather care products, if not Mothers does.
I found this surprising, too, being a staunch every-3000-miles guy, but the service manager explained that with new BMW and MINI engines, there is no need to change the oil before the recommended interval.
And although the service manager didn't mention this: if you perform maintenance that is not part of the schedule, you may risk the free-maintenance part of your warranty. Something to think about.
The owner's manual also states that you should keep the engine below 4500 RPM and vary the speed for the first 500 miles.
Good luck!
I liked the indi blue, red and silver cars but thought the red was too flashy (speeding ticket magnet) and the silver too conservative so I went with my usual favorite, a fairly dark blue.
The owner's manual says to vary the revs but keep them under 4500RPM for the first 2000km. This isn't too bad as 4500RPM is max torque and the band from 3000-4500RPM is quite usable. The broken-in test car I originally drove was more fun so I can hardly wait for the break-in period to end. Even without being able to really rev the engine, the cornering is great -- I absolutely love the way this car drives and handles!
The clutch is a bit tight but I'm sure it will loosen up with time. There is a small squeak in the dash near the middle air vents that I will mention to the dealer if it keeps up. Otherwise, it seems to be well put together.
What octane level fuel are you guys using? 91, 92, 93, 94? The book just says 91 and up so is there any advantage to the 'max performance' high octane fuels in this engine? I was glad to see the book recommends ethanol instead of MTB additives as ethanol (up to 10%) blends are what I usually put in my vehicles.
To all the new Mini Cooper owners- Please let me know if/when you're interested in starting up a Mini Cooper Owner's Club here. Happy motoring!
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
My schedule was totally packed today but is wide open tomorrow - I may be the owner of a that electric blue S sometime tomorrow. - anyone interested?
It's just as well, I'd rather see only a handful on the road as opposed to a glut (like Honda) on every corner.
I too thought the MINI was larger in person than it would be (not a bad thing, mind you as the space for the driver and front passenger are great). In width, it is actually not small at all.
I wasn't part of the initial hype though. I just started test driving new hatchbacks this winter and spring and recently came across the MINI. Other test drives left me underwhelmed but the MINI left me wondering how soon I could get one (the week after as it turned out and those following this board already know).
In general the demand here is good but not silly. All the cars coming in pre-speced are spoken for through June, or so I'm told but special orders would come in during late June or late July so the wait for an order (assuming all the features you want are available) is just 2-3 months which is close to industry average.
This is good in general as you shouldn't see the large additional price hikes that people got with PT Cruisers and such which inflates the initial price but hurts resale when the bubble bursts.
I too thought that the car was definitely bigger in person than I initially thought it would be.
Anyone else out there 6' or over? With me driving the car is essentially transformed into a 3 seater. Depending on who is in the front passenger seat, it might be down to a two seater. I think I'd keep the back seats folded down most of the time.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
I've got a similar situation(I'm only 6'4" though), no wife, kids... Otherwise this would clearly have to be a second car.
The only thing I noticed about driving that will take some getting used to is that the pedals are extremely close together. Is it just me or did anyone else notice this? Maybe, it only bothers you if you have big feet.
And I'm a whopping 5'8", and fit five people in my Mini (okay, one of them was a kid) going to dinner the other night. As I've said before, the car is just very short, not very small.
We had snow this morning, of all things, possibly an inch or two. I only have summer tires on my Cooper so I waited until the roads were mostly clear before leaving. It was just fluffy stuff anyways, though the I think the ABS did go off for one stop.
To everyone- I posted a message a short while back asking if/when people were interested in a a Mini Cooper Owners Club here. In addition to Segesta's feedback, I've also received a couple emails from participants that are interested... and I've forwarded them onto the proper sources.
If you're interested in having an Owner's Club, please post your messages in this discussion. That way, others here will know who's interested in participating. One of the advantages to having an official Town Hall Owners Club is that we can set aside a separate area for you.... which will also be linked to this discussion.
In addition to creating new Mini discussions as the need arises, we can link up all these Mini related discussions throughout Town Hall to your club area. This format will make it easier for Mini owners to discuss and find issues that are of concern (maintenance, problems, Aftermarket, etc.) to them rather than having to wade through numerous Town Hall boards and messages to find the information they need.
Thanks for your participation. ;-)
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
And I'm a whopping 5'8", and fit five people in my Mini (okay, one of them was a kid) going to dinner the other night. As I've said before, the car is just very short, not very small.
As far as an owner's forum I think it'd be a good thing, MINI2 is nice, but its got a definite UK slant, so there's certainly oportunity for a more north american view of ownership.
You're right, the MINI2 has a majority of UK posters but it has a wealth on info and their boards are well organized. If you want to know how much the sunroof weighs, or specifics about DSC, after market products etc. just do a search. Also, owners post lots of pictures.
As far as an owners club, I have to wait until nov for my S but go ahead and I'll join you then.
Had our son in the back seat and my wife in the front passenger seat, actually quite roomy, and enough room in the trunk for a decent amount of baby gear for a day trip.
For the break-in it isn't easy to vary the speed all the time on the highway but I figured out a method where I pass a car, pull up behind the next one, slow down for a bit and then pass them too, and repeat.
BTW, my wife absolutely loves the heated seats! Not that we needed them today but her back was sore and she says it is quite theraputic.
I certainly can't blame you, I was checking the status of my car online daily for nearly a month, I certainly understand being obsessed. Its worth the wait and its a great hobby
Fledge,
I've certainly found MINI2 to be helpful and didn't mean to be negative, In fact I've found it useful for information several times when no other source even mentioned what I was looking for, (like their FAQ on wheels and tyres (sic.) My point in supporting a north american centric board was more of a convinence factor. There's room for both, and I browse edmunds out of bordem on a regular basis so why not have something here too?
And one quick question... does anyone know the exact break-in period for the engine?
Since it is used, although only 37 miles, should I try to get if for less than their aasking price of $22,165? The options as priced (silver metallic paint, premium package, leather seats, fog lights, chrome package, (dealer added pin strips and bonnet strips on the hood) add up to 20,280. I was thinking of offering 20,000.
Man was that test drive sweet! Its been years since I drove a stick and it was easy as ever.
Thanks,
Jim
Actually, the engine break-in limits isn't too bad. 4500RPM is at max torque though without max throttle you won't really be at maximum. The 150km/h maximum is almost harder to stay away from, as 5th-gear at 4500RPM would be over that speed. The car handles well at speed, if you're wondering...
Also, another question...
Since the Oxford plant has added another shift, and hired over 1000 new workers, does anyone know if they'll raise the original figure of 20,000 coopers to the U.S. this year? I'd love for my electric blue S to come even sooner