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MINI Cooper
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I've seen nothing on the MINI site to show anything closer.
So what do people do just take a day off of work or rent a car when you get the car serviced?
Also does anyone have any experiences with either dealership? I can't recall the names offhand but opinions are really welcome. Also about the back seats, are they really useable or is it very tight back there? We won't have the option to actually sit in one for a while as we are outside the country but so far the MINI really appeals to me wife and I like small cars that are good for a lot of highway use.
I'd really appreciate some feedback.
2. Do you need to insert the key fob into the dash before you can start the car with the Start/Stop Button, ala BMW 3-series? And do you need to turn the engine off before the fob can be extracted?
3. It appears there is some sort of a LED light built into the top of the tachometer instrument pod. Is that for the security system option, so that it would blink if the security sytem is installed (and armed)? On the old Mini, the LED is on the tip of the turn-signal stalk.
> Engine responds more spontaneously to
movements of the accelerator.
> Steering response is more direct.
With automatic transmission:
> More rapid gear shifting in Sport program
PG 25 The engine can be started or the ignition can be
switched on when a remote control is inside the
vehicle. It is not necessary to insert a remote
control into the ignition lock, page 35.
PG 24 The engine can only be started when the
vehicle detects that the remote control is
inside the vehicle.
In vehicles with an alarm system preparation
package, LEDs are located on the tachometer. If
the vehicle is equipped with an alarm system,
the LEDs indicate the various functional states.
For more information on the alarm system, refer
to the separate Owner's Manual for the alarm
system.
Can you ask your daughter, at your convenience, if there is any mention in the manual, about whether or not the engine has to be turned off, before the fob can be extracted from the slot in the dash?
Many thanks!
more than 13 gallons of fuel. I queried the dealer, who said that the rating and actual capacity can be different. However, I wonder if the 13.2-gallon (50 liter) tanks for the Cooper S are also being put on the Cooper base. My "range" on the central console currently stands at 560 miles, and that seems high for 10.6 gallons. Anybody know about gas tank sizes?
I'm about to purchase a 2007 Cooper S; however, I wanted to get feedback on Dynamic Stability Control and Limited Slip Differential options.
In speaking with the dealer that I am working with he says that not many customers go with these options. I'm not sure how much this is true so wanted to get input on the pros and cons of these two options and whether they are really worth getting.
Thanks!
Mark
http://motoringfile.com/2007/05/20/minis-get-large-fuel-tank-in-the-us/
Pls, I need to consider all these factors. I did test drive and I love it so bad.
The thing is I might buy at the end of this year since I have to work hard for my fisrt dream car MINI. Somehow, I am scared because of all problems I have read the forums. I don't think I can effort all expenses that would occur. And I never saw anyone talk about how MINI works well on snow. I also want to know about that thing as well. I don't understand what do u mean a 1st-year model?
Thank you so much
Regarding snow performance, for whatever it's worth, we've haven't had any trouble getting through light to medium snowfalls around town with our base MINI, with the standard all-seasons. In deep snow, I think the low front clearance may be an issue.
The Cooper had just adequate power with one person. Maybe 2 at most.
I don't think people who plan on buying the new stretched Clubman because they want to carry passengers in the back seat will want this engine. I doubt it can safely accelerate with the weight of a full load of passengers.
Since I will be driving with no more than 1 passenger and mostly with no passengers, I think a base Mini automatic would be "livable." Maybe it would be a bit quicker with the 6-speed stick.
The Cooper S automatic was way faster. It had so much power that it caused torque steer and was jumpy and difficult to drive smoothly. You can avoid the torque steer by not using all the power, but the car was still jumpy even with light throttle.
The ride of the S was hard and bumpy and the engine was too loud at cruising speed. Everything seemed louder in the Cooper S, even the tires and road noise.
The worst aspects of the cars were the quality or the "quality control." The first car had the airbag light on and the salesman said don't worry about it, it's just a light that has to be reset.
Both the base Cooper and the Cooper S had power side view mirrors that seemed to stick and jam in certain positions when you try to adjust them.
The Cooper S passenger seat had a very loud rattle over ever little bump in the road. I thought the door wasn't shut properly, so I stopped and reslammed the passenger door and then realized it was the passenger seat making all that noise.
The manual A/C on the Cooper S seemed stronger than the automatic A/C on the base Cooper. I'm not sure if it is because an S has a more powerful A/C unit than the base Cooper or if something was just set differently.
They cars looked very nice. The interiors looked great with the optional $1900 lounge leather, chrome trim and piano black trim (except for some cheap gray plastic pieces that do not get upgraded with the optional trims and end up looking even cheaper in comparison to the upgraded trim around it).
It's probably not a good idea to buy a 2007 or maybe any new Mini unless you have the time to take it back to the dealer a few times to fix various problems that will very likely come up.
Some of these problems should have been found when the vehicles were inspected at the factory and then again at the dealer. Who knows what other problems would turn up after a few days of driving.
Even then, I still found it adequate driving by myself. I was able to get on the freeway quickly enough with the A/C on, but no power to spare.
The quality issues are a bigger problem.
I thought the quality control was sloppy and an embarrassment to all who were involved in first causing and then not finding and correcting the issues.
How could I do then? If I wait for 2008 MINI, clubman, I dont think I like it. It looks bigger and as jaxs1 said, the power doesn't adequate for sure. Is anybody light me up the way... huh!!
I don't think it is quality issue per se. I just write it off to new model teething problems. The reason why I recommend waiting for the 2nd, or even 3rd year, if you can help it.
You can always get a Clubman S.
Maybe the 2008's will have better quality control and maybe you will be lucky and get everything fixed right the first time in only one or two trips to the dealer.
I guess you just have to consider going to the dealer a few times a year to get problems repaired part of the "experience" of driving a Mini.
BRAKES GROWLING
I have been told by the Service Advisor that ALL of the above is NORMAL.
I have bought many cars over the years and NEVER have had these problems (specially on a brand new car).
Please let me know your thoughts on this.
Thank you.
The thing that I really want to buy MINI is that I love it, and in my country its cost about 80,000 dollars here. but here is what I can effort by myself. I hope to keep track of all new mini launching in the market soon from you guyz.
Thank you so much, I appreciated.
Paul_MD
Occurs when decellerating through 3000 - 2500 RPM w/o engaging clutch and when engine is warm.
Return to Mini of Universal City. Force problem before arriving, they verify. (Dealer is great. Doing what they can!!!, BUT unknown code so need to contact BMW east coast. No one seems to have solution. Dealer has begun to order parts. 3 week old MCS. No driving without malfunction. I refrain from driving. Now 5 days in service at dealer. Do I need to contact CA Atty General's Office re: Song Beverly "lemon law"?
Help! I miss my Mini and really want it fixed. So far, car is dangerous to drive (problem could occur at inopportune times, and who knows what the error could create?) I'm not faulting dealer, BMW has manufactured and sold an inoperable vehicle.
I want my MCS (working)
Alan Lisook
I know the best thing is to go to a dealer but we are just not going to be back in the US for a while and my wife who is 4'11" tall figures with her slim build she can fit in the back seat when needed.
Size is such a relative thing but I've heard it's very tiny in the back but I'm only 5'7" tall so I drive in a relaxed position but hardly way back like a very tall guy. Any ideas about how to measure the seats? has anyone actually done this? I always thought the measurement was from the front of the rear seat cushion to the back of the front seat back. Is this correct?
can anyone actually measure the distance that way in theirs for us that way? That way I could try and push the seats in my current car to that size and see if she fits.
I've seen the Mini Ad on the Mini website where 4 big guys get out of the car but I doubt they were very comfortable sitting in there.
We dropped another car off our list and are narrowing down our suspects and they just don't sell Mini's in this country, unless you want an old one.
Help with this would really be appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks, I went out and measured it and she can fit in the backseat but I cannot. But the seats in my truck do not go back that far they go to about 7 inches.
I can go to the Toyota dealer hand have her sit in the 3rd seat in an Innova and that should be more comparable. Those are very tight in leg room. I'll measure that distance and see what it is. She really had a problem in the back of the Innova as it's really for kids or the maid.
Thanks for the help
I would think four foot eleven should be fine.
I would think four foot eleven should be fine.
We just watched a You Tube video and a 5'11" guy was able to fit into the rear seat of the Mini, a 911 and a Ridgeline truck trunk. So I guess it's doable. She's the one who will have to sit back there if we take my aunt anywhere. At least until we buy a bigger car as a primary car. I want small and mid size so it's a tossup between the Fit, The Scion xD and the Mini Cooper S (might as well get an S) Yes the prices vary a bit
My wife is going to want the mini but it's got to fit at least 3 people and go on a 90 mile trip once every few week with all of us. Most of the time it will just be either one or the both of us.
So we'll see but at least we know it's possible.
Thanks
I have a love – hate relationship with my 2003 Mini Cooper. I love to drive it. I love its looks and what it stands for. However I have found that although the car has wonderful styling and peppy drive, it’s seriously unreliable. In the last three and a half years, I’ve been in and out of the dealership with a cornucopia of issues:
-severe oil leak, entire transmission replaced
-two broken fuel pumps
-broken oxygen sensor
-strut covers fell off
-two broken glove boxes
-windshield wipers & sprayers re-installed (twice)
-door locks on both sides replaced
-battery replaced 2x in 1 year
-poor A/C
-passenger’s & driver’s windows stop working
-driver’s & passenger’s doors won’t open
-sunvisor won’t fold shut
-torn upper strut mounts
This car has near about broken my heart. My warranty ended last spring and it’s become apparent I cannot afford the upkeep. I’ve spent $3000 in the last six months! My gut is telling me to quickly trade it in for something new, while I still can get a decent value out of it. But what to replace it with? Mini has my heart; I haven’t found another car in the universe (priced 25K or under) that revs my engine. I test drove a Prius and it was nice enough but it seemed huge and looks like a spaceship. Not cute and zippy at all.
I’ve considered staying in the Mini family and getting a 2007, but complaints about the “teething” issues are starting to flood several message boards.
Like I said, it's crushing to even consider not getting a Mini. But reliability matters! Any suggestions or advice on this would be greatly appreciated. I am totally stymied. Do I stay in the Mini family and sacrifice reliability for style? Or do I choose a practical car that lacks the unique Mini zing? The only thing I know is that I need to get rid of my 2003 before it breaks down again!
I've been through what you are going through but it's been with other brands.
I guess you can always buy a 2008 model which should have the 2007 bugs worked out of them otherwise you'll have to try another brand. have you tried the Mazdaspeed 3? Yes bigger and a hatch but for small zippy cars there is only the MINI. British cars are usually notoriously unreliable. My wife wants one but the dealer is very far and reliability is a big factor. I honestly can't think of anything that can compare except a Mazda Miata. I had one and they are great! But only 2 seats, but the fun factor is very high and they are RWD and about $25K. They are also very reliable. The manual top takes only 10 seconds to drop from inside the car.
I'd be interested to know what you do end up getting.
I am very interested in buying a 2008 Mini Cooper/ S and just test drove both equipped with the automatic. Of course the test cars were 07's but anyway the Cooper had stock 15" wheels w/o the sport package and the "S" had 17" wheels with the package. I did notice that the car had a better ride with the 15's and I was wondering if the tire size was the difference or the sport package combined with the larger 17's on the "S was the reason? I really like the look of the bigger wheels but the ride is actually more important to me. Do you think that the 16" wheels would be a good compromise? Also I didn't really feel much of a difference between the two motors out on my test drive. I took it easy and just drove like I normally would so I'm thinking that the more horsepower and turbo would benefit me more in passing and accelerating with the peddle to the metal so to speak. Otherwise the 118 hp would do just fine. Any thoughts?
Thanks..........Dennis
http://onlocation.consumerreports.org/AutoShowDetroit/2-Model.asp?ID=349
From the 2007 Detroit Auto Show:
"The iconic Mini Cooper is updated for 2008, though you need to look close to note the differences. The front-end has been extended 2.4 inches to allow for a new powertrain family and to meet pedestrian safety goals. A revised grille and more aggressive front fascia modernize the appearance.
The interior is more thoroughly revised, though it remains true to the previous iteration's distinctive layout. The center speedometer is larger, and the gauge face now accommodates more functions. Center-stack controls have been updated, though the toggle-switch array is still used. A Lights Package provides a series of ambient illumination.
The base Cooper features a new 120-hp , 1.6-liter four-cylinder, with a slight power increase. The more exciting Cooper S sees the supercharger replaced with a turbo. Peak output is up slightly at 175 horsepower, though the performance character is likely different. The standard transmission on both is a six-speed manual, with a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic available. "
Sorry but this sounds like the 2007 Mini and not the 2008 which isn't even out yet. The changes are almost zero but prices have gone way up. $500 more for the Sport Package which is the same as the 2007 Sport Package.