MINI Cooper

novice

We're all thumbs...

bodble2

Apparently the Mini alarm comes with a tilt sensor function. Does that mean you can't park on an incline, or does the tilt sensor monitors only a change in the vehicle's tilt angle? In other words, you can park on an incline or a sideway tilt, as long as the angle of the car does not change while the alarm is armed?

akitadog

That's a good question,

I suspect it's the latter, as I've heard of people's cars getting stolen by tow trucks (happened to my neighbor's cousin when he was in town). When they raise the front or back of it, the alarm should go off.

bodble2

I asked the Mini service manager today, and he said he honestly doesn't know the answer. But he said, anecdotally, no one that he recalls has ever complained about the alarm going off when parked on an incline.

Logically, you wouldn't think BMW would use a design that only works when the car is parked on a flat surface!

Perhaps you can ask your service guy when they install your alarm.

smehder

With gas at the price that it is now, has anyone used regular gas on a consistent basis? And if so what are your comments. I had a Lincoln LS that couldn't tell the difference although the specs recommended 91 octane.

crunch

Even with the current high gas prices is the $2 difference per fill-up worth the risk?

markjenn

Compared to a normally aspirated motor, I'd feel more nervous about feeding lower grade than recommended fuel for turbo or supercharged motor. Any kind of boosting tends to push octane requirements. I'm sure it has knock sensors, but I'd still be nervous about it.

- Mark

smehder

I agree with the need for premium with the supercharged motor, but what about the MC, not the MCS?

snoopy1126

I posted this message in "Pricing and Buying Experience" but thought it should be here instead:

I just found out the S comes in an automatic! So excited!! :P Wish I found that out sooner. I'm planning on ordering one outside of California due to mark ups or a year wait, but I'm hesitant about transporting the Mini.

If someone had their's shipped, can you share your experience? How was the process (ordering, transporting, costs, registration, etc.)? I heard registering a new out of state car costs more than in state.

I'm so excited, I want to order ASAP, but want to be sure about transporting and registration. Please help! Thanks in advance for your response!

crunch

My wife filled her MC once with regular (87 octane) by mistake. I don't remember if there was any audible knocking but there was a noticable loss of performance. Her MC has the CVT so it needs all the help it can get. It might have been less obvious with a manual gearbox. I' m sure that it didn't hurt the car. I don't think that MINI would require premium fuel if there wasn't a good reason. There's nothing in it for them.

markjenn

I'd feel "less nervous" about feeding regular to a MC. Both the MC and MCS have knock sensors so the should adjust, but turbos and supercharged engines push their systems harder.

I read recently that many engine management systems on cars are starting to go with "incipient knock" systems that continuously change engine tuning to bring the engine right to the edge of knock for highest efficiency, rather than systems than just back off from a fixed state of tune when knock is detected. With these engines, you truly will be able to feed them any grade of gas you want and simply get a reduction in preformance depending on conditions.

- Mark

rayt2

Spark knock will damage the pistons if duration is long enough. Should you develop an engine problem from use of regular unleaded fuel and its determined by Mini as such YOU eat the bill, no warranty coverage, nadda :sick: You bought the Mini fully aware its requirement for premium fuel and now you are penny pinching for a couple dollars a tankful :confuse:
IMO and Mini's, Use the required octane fuel and avoid a costly headache down the road. Look at the mpg your getting in lieu of the premium fuel req.........:shades:

smehder

Looking to buy a mini and because I need to "share" this with my wife, when I need to take "her" SUV on kayaking trips, I need the automatic. A vast majority of the cars that I am finding are 5 speed. Would like some opinions on the automatic. We live in central NC and have very few hills/mountains.

bodble2

I think the conventional 6-sp automatic on the Cooper S would be better than the CVT on the base Cooper. The CVT is smooth enough once it gets going. But it has a very sluggish tip-in, and is also lurchy at low speed.

smilingdog

I also have to have the steering rack assembly replaced for the 2nd time.

I have a 2004 MCS delivered 12/2003. First rack assembly replacement was March 2004. That replacement never did fix the 'catch/hitch' I was feeling in the steering wheel. Now it has to be replaced again for the same reason - leaking.

1st time I was without a car for 3 days. This time... we'll see. Patrick MINI, Schaumburg, IL wouldn't give me a loaner last time. I can't do that again.

Oh, and I have to wait a couple of weeks for the rack assembly replacement to arrive at Patrick. In the meantime, I have to drive a faulty car.

kyfdx

You had a warranty repair at the dealer where you purchased.. your car was down for three days... and, they wouldn't give you a loaner??

Wow.. Even my Honda dealer will get you a car from Enterprise for warranty repairs...

smilingdog

Apparently, loaners are an option left to the dealer to decide, not a universal policy.

Patrick is largely a BMW dealer. The MINIs are quite beneath their upstuck noses.

kyfdx

Yeah... my BMW dealer is also a MINI dealer... And, they give me loaners when I'm in for BMW service, and I didn't even buy the car there.. I know that their MINI customers get loaners also.....

I know it is optional, but I'm amazed... You have to figure a lot of their MINI customers are also BMW buyers..

rayt2

Mine wasn't leaking but on a left or right turn you could hear the creaking like an old door hinge needy oil. Loaner was available each time for this job to get done. Mini service writer should have offered one or to pay cost of the rental since you were in for warranty work. I think I would speak with General Manager about your past visit and see what his take is on it and if he'll reimburse for past rental if that's what you ended up doing., I'll bet he wasn't aware of this happening to you.

I still have original brakes/rotors with plenty of life left on pads.

2003 Cooper - 57k and still motoring........ :shades:

bodble2

What kind of city mileage are all you CVT owners getting. Ours seems to be nowhere near what the rated mpg is.

novice

We get around 27 in town and 38 highway--maybe a shave less with A/C running. We have the base Mini, CVT, 2005, w/sports package and premium. It's my wife's car--she loves it. I think it's a kick to drive. Weekends I'm looking for places to go since when we're together she prefers that I drive.

Only 1500 miles but so far, none of the problems I've seen posted by others. A couple small new car wrinkles but nothing mechanical or major (e.g. a window pad; flawed plastic door pieces--all replaced no questions asked). We're finicky owners but the dealer has been great. :shades:

bodble2

Wow, that great city mileage! We barely get 25 if we're lucky. But that's based on imperial gallons, which are 20% more than US gallons.

miniluna

Mark, I have been very confused with the function of the ASC vs. DSC. Your information has been very useful. I just ordered a 2005 Mini S. I was very insistent not to have any options, trying to keep costs down. But after reading New Car Test Reviews, it recommends getting the DSC in Mini S. I just called the dealer to add it on. Will the car come with the standard ASC plus DSC, or just the DSC? Funny thing - in a discussion with the dealer he said I didn’t really need it, but I think he wanted to sell me other options. Everything I have been reading as you mentioned DSC is a good safety option. Will I be gaining Skid control that the ASC cannot offer? Or is this just a $500 redundancy. Would LSD and DSC be a good option or over kill. I do live in New England and Winter is tough. Also, I read a review that the S worst feature is "Tall gearing, sluggish throttle response from a STOP, because throttle is laggy, stop and go traffic is frustrating. What is Tall gearing? A long throw from gear to gear, and missing the correct gear? On my test drive I did find you have to baby first gear and balance the perfect amount of gas and clutch. Too much gas and you lurch out, not enough you can stall, but once in second gear and on the SuperCharger kicks in and let the good times roll. Anybody out there experience any frustration in stop and go traffic? - .

kyfdx

DSC is the ultimate in stability and traction control... I'm not sure what ASC is missing, that DSC has... But, if you have DSC, you have it all..

I can't really speak to the LSD... Some people think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but I've never driven a FWD car with it, so I can't really attest to that..

"Tall gearing" describes the ratio... When the reviewers complain about it, they feel the the next gear is too high compared to the one before it... In other words, when you shift at 4000 RPM, instead of being at 2500 RPM in the next higher gear, you might be at 2000 RPM, and it takes time for the engine to rev back up into the "sweet spot"....

Hope this helps... I don't have a MINI..

regards,
kyfdx

markjenn

Again, in the US at least:

ASC: Standard. Electronic traction control. Stops wheel spin when pulling away on slick surfaces. Mainly a foul weather (snow) benefit. Standard on nearly all cars these days, including the Mini.

DSC: Optional or included in some packages. Electronic dynamic skid control. Senses when the car is understeering (plowing) or oversteering (fish-tailing) in corners. Modulates power and individual brakes to attempt to correct the skid. Early studies have shown a marked decrease in accident rates with DSC, something that hasn't happened in other safety systems like ABS. A safety net for all types of driving.

LSD: Optional. Limited slip differential. A mechanical system to help correct the tendency for wheel spin under acceleration coming out of corners. Pitched mainly as a high performance option for aggressive drivers or the track.

DSC is not redundant of ASC. DSC adds to ASC by having a computer monitoring how the car is turning - ASC just monitors if a wheel is spinning under power. It is a very desirable safety option.

LSD is another step up and is a desirable performance option, but is worthless unless you drive hard enough to be spinning the tires under power. It mainly corrects the problem where a FWD car will tend to spin the inside wheel while exiting corners under hard power.

Now, none of this may be applicable to Canada where for some reason, Mini descirbes ASC and DSC the same. I honesty don't know what is going on there.

As to your gearing question, "tall gearing" refers to having relatively high (numerically low, but let's not go there) gear ratios in the transmission so that the engine is turning less RPM for a given road speed. It's like having high gears on a bicycle - you pedal harder,but go further with each pedal stroke. The 2005s actually make the gear ratios "shorter" so the engine RPM is higher to improve the car's acceleration and responsiveness at a slight cost of less relaxed cruising and decreased fuel mileage. Most think the 2004 gearing is a little tall, and the 2005s are just right.

The complaints about the car being difficult to get away form a stop seem overblown to me. Yes, if you bog the engine off the line by using too few RPMs and a lot of throttle, it will sometimes bog a bit, but the cure is simple - use a few more RPMs and slip the clutch slighly more. And the engine is a bit soft below 3K RPM if you're used to torquier engines - it's only a 1.6L after all. But you do adapt quickly and it has a wonderful spread of power with great mid-range torque between 3K and 5K. Some people complain the that engine lacks refinement, but I love it. The new turbo motor in the 2007s will have some big shoes to fill. And the current motor is compiling a superb reliability record.

My 2004 MCS is perhaps the nicest cars I've ever driven from the standpoint of engine, shifter, and clutch mechanics - incredibly easy to and staightforward to drive - and the 2005s should be better. You'll adjust fine.

Hope this helps,

- Mark

miniluna

Greetings everyone,
I went into my local Mini dealer like a lunatic stating I want no extra options on my Mini S. They had to persuade me to get the floor mats. I did get them, front seat only for $50.00. The reason I have this attitude against extra options is because the MSRP of the Mini S is $20,400. Then I did a search of available present inventory of Mini S’s. The Price range was from $24,000 to $30,000; one dealer had a $42,000 MiniS!! This is because of the numerous over priced options you can add on. I only wanted to pay MSRP or 4 percent to 8 percent above invoice, which is $18,360. There is no negotiating below MSRP. In the state of Mass so far the Mini S is just 10% above invoice. (Not Bad). Then, I broke down and ordered DSC. I thought Daytime running lights would be standard. From a safety feature on a small car should I get Daytime running lights? Please comment?

crunch

Daytime running lights (DRL) can be set on or off on any MINI. Its part of the base wiring package. I have my DSC off most of the time because its so invasive and in my opinion, dangerous. I only use it in wet conditions which is not very often here in Texas.

markjenn

I gotta here this. How iis DSC dangerous?

- Mark

crunch

Ok, but remember this is MY opinion; others probably will have different ones.
In my day to day commute, I encounter several T intersections with no traffic lights and heavy traffic. I have to pull out into this flow and get on my way in a hurry. All to often, the DSC/ASC interprets this accelerate and turn maneuver as a loss of control and retards the throttle and leaves me stranded, powerless, in front of on-coming traffic. DANGEROUS! I have also noticed throttle interference while accelerating on bumpy roads or over a slight dip.
Whenever I drive in a spirited fashion, I know how to control the car and I do not want the computer to help. The main reason is that without the DSC, I can predict the response of the car, with it; I cannot because I can't seem to tell when it will decide to interfere.
All DSC devices are not equal and the MINI DSC is very, very sensitive and eager to help.
If it's wet and especially when I'm driving in wet conditions with heavy traffic, I ALWAYS have the computer helping.
If you read enough, you will find that there are many others that do not like the DSC and did not know how sensitive it was or they would have never ordered it.
I have an aftermarket device that allows auto-up on the windows and also allows me to set the DSC off by default. Now I just activate it when I feel a need.
Note: I have been driving in auto x and some organized racing for many years. I have attended formal competition driving schools and therefore have a very strong opinion about my driving abilities.(I'm not saying that I'm right, just that I'm opinionated.;) I don't want anyone to think that I'm saying what's right for me is right for everyone )

mleennj

Hi, everyone. I was just wondering if people have had problems with the AC unit. The AC on it went out and according to the dealer it went out due to a stone chip (read road hazard) put a hole in the compressor, so it is not covered under warranty and costs $650 to fix. :mad: Have other people had this problem? I have never heard of a stone causing an AC compressor to go out. Thanks. (2003 MCS 30k miles)

crunch

I've been in the MINI community for about two years now and this is the first time I've heard that one. Do you have the old compressor so that you could get a second opinion? If you're paying, you should insist on getting the old parts back.

rayt2

Crunch, Your not the first Iv'e heard complain about this feature for the same reason. Didn't need it when the computer thought the car did. Most as you are into autocross also and find it annoying. The new limited slip differntial is an advantage in the autocross and an option I would want on my next Mini should I make the jump to an MCS, right now the Cooper is meeting my needs.

AC Compressor...are you sure its the compressor with a hole in it or the Condenser??? :confuse: The compressor is within engine compartmentt and not exposed to outside objects (rocks) The condenser however is (it looks like a radiator) If that is what has a hole in it then yes it needs to be replaced because you have lost the freon charge to the system, therfore no A/C. This is not a warranty issue but rather a road hazard issue and part of your auto insurance function. Your comprehensive insurance should pay the claim based on your deductable, if deductible is high than it's out of your pocket.

Ray T. :shades:

crunch

I definitely want the LSD. If I ever need any work at all in that area (clutch etc,) I’ll have the Quaif LSD (sp) installed while the car is apart.

markjenn

Fair enough crunch. You sound like you know what you're doing and I agree with youre basic premise that with aggressive driving styles with a skilled driver, you can get into and out of places without DSC that might be problematic with DSC. And certainly, the track is no place for DSC.

I doubt your skills, experience, and driving style have a whole lot of relevence to average drivers though. Just like ABS and air bags, you can find situations where the safety systems do more harm than good, but these situations are usually outlyers, not the average situations.

I'll preach for a moment and also say that driving hard enough on the street where DSC intervention gets to be a real problem isn't very prudent. But that's your decision.

Take care,

- Mark

crunch

I agree about your assessment of the average driver and DSC. Most would never know its there. I’ll will mostly agree that driving hard enough on the street to make DSC intervention necessary isn’t prudent. In the case that I presented however, if I waited until there was no oncoming traffic in either direction, I would never get to work, and in this T intersection scenario, DSC causes me many headaches. Enough so that I prefer to leave it off. If I had the factory LSD, which I believe has less aggressive programming, or maybe if I didn’t have the 40+ extra horsepower over stock, then maybe I could leave the DSC on all the time. Point is that SOMETIMES the DSC is too aggressive and MAY leave you in a place you don’t need to be in.

ace1000

I read somewhere that the DSC is programmed differently with LSD to work more effectively with the LSD. Crunch, is this what you are referring to in your message?

I guess this is done to enable LSD to control the wheelspin before the DSC does. Does anyone know how well DSC combined with the factory LSD works?

Kirstie_H

A reporter wishes to speak with people who have recently purchased a Mini Cooper. She would like to discuss your ownership experience and what other cars you considered. If you would like to speak with her please send your name and daytime phone number to Pam Krebs, Edmunds.com PR, at pkrebs@edmunds.com by 12 noon Tuesday, June 28. Thank you

crunch

" I read somewhere that the DSC is programmed differently with LSD to work more effectively with the LSD. Crunch, is this what you are referring to in your message? "

Yes, that is what I was trying to say.

markjenn

I'd also enjoy hearing from anyone who had LSD and DSC.

As I understand it, LSD is purely a mechanic system. And since it relies on a little wheelspin to engage the mechanism to transfer power from the spinning wheel to the non-spinning, yes, I would think they'd need to modify the traction control system to prevent it from kicking in first and cutting power.

I'm not sure why you would need to modify DSC for LSD as iit doesn't care about wheelspin (it's inputs are the car's yaw sensor, the steering wheel angle, and the speed of the car), but given the integration of today's systems, anything is possible.

If I were buying a MSC today for spirited driving, I'd probably get LSD. The only downside I've heard is that it increases torque steer at the limit. This is a common complaint on FWD cars with LSD - when Acura added LSD to it's TL a few years back, the torque steer was a common complaint. When the LSC kicks in, the transfer of power to the outside wheel causes a strong tug in the steering wheel. But it should only be noticeable at the limit and I'll take torque steer over a spinning wheel.

- Mark

bruce19

I'm still contemplating the purchase of a Cooper S model and trying to determine the value of the Sport package.

Can the driver switch the DSC off?

Also, I've seen conflicting reports on when the 2006 models will appear. Any new infomation on dates for the 2006 and/or pricing?

miniluna

Mark and Crunch, and other members,
I cancelled DSC on my order for my 2005 MiniS. What about ASC with LSD (traction in the snow). Power on most FWD cars goes to one wheel; Right? The Mini included, right? Does LSD send power to both front wheels, when it detects wheel spin? On the muscle cars of the 1960’s and 70’s was this called posi-traction???

canc

I know this topic has been discussed before, but I can't recall any posts that discussed this in detail. How do you find driving your Mini in the wintertime as compared to another car you've driven in similar conditions? I've spoken so far to an Mini Cooper S owner and he told me that even with snow tires, the Mini does sway a whole lot in the wintertime, and is generally hard to keep on the road.

Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.

bodble2

LSD re-directs power from the slipping/spinning wheel to the wheel with traction. And yes, I believe posi-trac was a GM name for LSD.

rayt2

The Mini will handle quite well in the snow IF you equip it with snow tires on all four corners and don't drive like a maniac. The stock all season tires are really a 3 season tire. If your ordering a new Mini I would definately get the optional limited slip differential (LSD) for $500. I have gone thru 2 winters in northeast now and really no complaints with the handling after I put the snow tires on. The first winter storm I drove in with stock tires clearly showed they were not made for snow. Your friend must be driving rather aggressively for the conditions if he says the Mini is all over the road, I did not find that an issue if driving with due regard to the conditions.
Thats like an SUV driver boasting about his traction but forgetting he still has to stop & steer like everyone else, its rather amusing to see 90% of vehicles in a ditch during a snowstorm to be SUV's. :P all because they overdrive their vehicles for the conditions.

Ray T. :shades:

markjenn

Yes, LSD is like posi-traction. It counters the natural tendency of all cars with differentials to send power to the spinning wheel rather than the wheel with traction. It's mainly pitched as a performance option, but I would assume it would help snow driving. How much, I have no idea.

If you feel you want LSD for better snow driving, I'd get DSC too. LSD may prevent you from getting stuck, but DSC may prevent an accident, and of the two, think accident prevention is more important.

Put snow tires on a Mnii and it's a pretty good snow car, although you will reach it's limits WAY before any SUV. It's just too low-slung to tackle really serious snow - the front air dam won't last long if you tackle deep stuff.

- Mark

bodble2

Reading all these discussions about LSD, I suddenly want to play my Beatles albums. Lucy in the Sky with Diamond, Lucy in the Sky with Diamond.... I wonder why.....? :surprise: :P

kyfdx

Flashback from a bad trip?

bodble2

LOL. Could be. Memory is a little hazy.... :confuse:

canc

Thanks Ray, your post made it easier in my decision-making.

Enjoy the Mini!

smehder

Went to my local dealer and drove a MC w/ auto. I was pleasently surprise with the performance and now am going to order one. The car I drove had the sports package, and this brings up the question. Is the DSC worth the price. I don't intend to race this on the track, or road. Do plan to have a "good time" driving through the mountains occasionally.

If I get the sports package am wondering, also of the harsh ride with the 16" run flats.

Let me hear others opinions.