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MINI Cooper

14647485052

Comments

  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Sadly I learned tonight that I may have to sell my 07 Cooper S in December. I was just fascinated at the concept of losing only a few k. Right now my car seems to be down about 13% from my purchase price but it's only 15 months old.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Why do you suddenly have to sell? What happened?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    simple as this:

    1. I have limited mobility
    2. Number 1 means that the options on baby seats is limited to 1 option and it's not the small, easy kind
    3. Cooper's got the ability to fit even the large seat but see 1
    4. Must drive the kid - to be born in late November - daily to grandmas starting in January.

    Loaded with about 15 lbs the car seat I can use (the buttons on most carseats were designed by odd folks - why would you push a button down into your child?), simply is too unwieldy to comfortably lock in and remove from the back of the Mini. Fitting in the back is not the problem. My physical ability to pull the carseat out and put it into the back of the Cooper without causing the kid major trauma..that's the problem. I don't want my poor kid to feel like every trip is a cause for much cursing and jostling.

    I knew going into the Mini I only had a two year window. The baby production was a bit easier than anticipated (we read most couples "try for 6-12 months" but we tried for one weekend!). So it seems the Cooper's realistic shelf-life for me will be about 20-21 months. Shrug. But that means 3-4 years later, I'm in a 1 series (unless something more entertaining arrives).

    :D Now do you see why I'm interested in real-world resale? The gas crunch is probably helping resale on Coopers.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "we read most couples "try for 6-12 months" but we tried for one weekend!)"

    Hey, never underestimate the power of Viagra! ;) :P

    Congrats on the baby!
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Thanks. I guess I should be happy I don't have more kids running around; or that this is my wife's first kid. Regardless, I'm alternately excited and despondent. I really don't want to see the Cooper go but I also don't want to scramble my kid getting him in and out of the car. :)
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Would the Clubman be the answer to your dilemma?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I'm contemplating it, that's for sure. :)
  • tslbmwtslbmw Member Posts: 172
    FWIW, that is the reason I bought my Clubman in April. I have a 5 and 3 year old and the seats are easy to install with the "clubdoor" open, the LATCH hooks are very easy to access, and my boys have plenty of room back there.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    That's encouraging. My wife suggested checking out the clubman further too. This time I can get the features I want... comfort access again. Yahoo!
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I noticed at the mini dealer that their lot was almost empty. A salesguy told me that they had sold 9 cars between Thursday night and Saturday afternoon at 1 pm. He said they can't currently keep the Cooper in stock.

    I know the dealership, as I bought from them and visited on many occasions over two years. I've never seen their lot so empty. It was almost creepy. They had a total of 2 convertibles, 2 demo clubmans (2 were sold and waiting to be picked up), a handful of Coopers and S models. Wow.
  • jbettenjbetten Member Posts: 8
    This question is for anyone who has driven both the S coupe with and without the Sport package. My concern is whether or not it will make the ride uncomfortible for a dayly driver. While I like great handling and the 17" wheels, I don't want to pay a bunch and the regret it because it ends up being too firm. I thought the regular suspension was pretty good and the ride a good balance between handling/comfort. For $1500, the S.P. adds DSC, sport suspension, 17" wheels, and bonnet stripe. I'm not sure what "sport suspension" really adds. A dealer recommended (as he does to most people), that I don't get the S.P. and just add the 17" wheels as a lone option for $750. I really like the 17" Web Spoke rims, but its a $1250 option alone, when is getting up there, and nearly on par with the S.P. (plus the extras it includes). Some please help me!!! :confuse:
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I drove a 2007 with sport and 17" wheels and it was harsh for everyday driving---but I could certainly live with it on the highway or in the country. In a city environment, I think it would get on most people's nerves. You'd have to drive one and make up your own mind, but be sure to take it over some rougher roads and on the freeway to see if the rhythmic thumbing gets to you or not.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Well, to be honest, in a city environment, after awhile even the base suspension gets on my nerves! It is not a comfortable ride if the road surface is not reasonably perfect. :mad:
  • jbettenjbetten Member Posts: 8
    Are the springs stiffer on the Sport Package? I read that the sway bars were thicker, but I wouldn't expect that to make for a harder ride, just less body lean around turns. Comments? :confuse:
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I'm sure the springs are stiffer. But by how much I don't know. Personally I would just upgrade to the 17" wheels without the Sport Package. But I heard that is not the most cost-effective move. ie. just the wheel/tire upgrade may cost more than the entire Sport Package. :cry:
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I'll opt for the sport suspension and bypass the sport package as I do not want 17s on a Cooper again. I don't see a huge advantage.

    That said, I drove a Clubman S with sport, convenience and premium. I liked it more than my Cooper S. It's bigger and a tad slower but it felt more buttoned down and really, really smooth. Plus the backseat access is great and the trunk is twice as big. It will easily work as a family car for me.

    Now I will obviously look again at the GTI and Jetta TDI - which makes the most sense of all the cars. Actually the TDI may get me for a combo of reasons:

    22k price, 36-37 combined mpg is realistic, diesel is 5-6% more than premium. We'll see...
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I like the 17" wheels primarily for looks. The Clubman's longer wheelbase smooths out the ride a bit. The Jetta TDI is tempting, unless you've seen the Euro version....essentially a Jetta GLI with a diesel. Now, that's nice.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I've got some questions about Comfort Access for any Mini techie out there:

    How exactly does the MINI/BMW Comfort Access system work? I know there is a 2-way communication. Does the car send out a wireless signal to the key fob, or vice versa, or both. Since Comfort Access is optional, what exactly do they install or enable when you buy this option? What about cars without this option? Is there still signal being emitted.

    I'm curious because I swear our MINI (without Comfort Access) is interfering with my home wi-fi network when it is parked at home. (One of my routers is located very close to where the car is parked).
  • waterflamewaterflame Member Posts: 22
    Poltergeist Mini! :D

    I have no clue about the Comfort Access system but maybe you can get around the problem by switching to another frequency channel on your router. Most people leave it on the default channel(usually Ch. 6). It might help.

    If you find out the answer, please post it. I'd definitely be interested..for curiosity's sake :)
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I asked my computer consultant friend about switching channel. He also didn't know anything about the Comfort Access potential issue but he said switching channel won't do anything. All the channels are basically on the same range of frequencies, and the different channels are just subsets of that range.

    I did some poking around on the internet about keyless ignition systems in general. It appears those systems run in the 300 - 400 Mhz range, whereas the 802.11g wi-fi is in the 2.4 Ghz range. So, in theory, even if the car is emitting some sort of wireless signal, the different frequency ranges should not interfere with each other. :confuse: But some external force is definitely affecting my wi-fi network! :sick:
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    I did some poking around on the internet about keyless ignition systems in general. It appears those systems run in the 300 - 400 Mhz range, whereas the 802.11g wi-fi is in the 2.4 Ghz range. So, in theory, even if the car is emitting some sort of wireless signal, the different frequency ranges should not interfere with each other. But some external force is definitely affecting my wi-fi network!

    There are other sources of interference in the 2.4 Ghz range...Older wireless telephone handsets (not cellphone) are one. Microwave ovens are another. I have experienced this in my den, using my laptop. On one of my computers (I have 2), often I would lose signal when my kids made microwave popcorn. After the oven was finished, I got signal again.

    I really doubt that its your car causing the problem, but to find out, park it somewhere else overnight, say maybe at a neighbor's house, and see if the problem persist.

    Please let us know what you find out...Good Luck!
  • wilemakeitwilemakeit Member Posts: 17
    Here are a few thing that could cause a problem.

    Do you have a dog fence?

    Do you have a wireless heart rate monitor.

    This could be a treadmill.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I have none of those. But due to the location of that particular router, it is susceptible to interference from wireless devices that my neigbours may be using. Even for myself, I cannot use any type of extended-range 2.4 Ghz cordless phone in the house.
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    Even for myself, I cannot use any type of extended-range 2.4 Ghz cordless phone in the house

    Is that due to static/poor reception on the phone?

    If so, you have identified why you have wireless reception issues. There are devices that can track this type of interference...many computer repair shops have "sniffers" used to track interference sources...It may cost a few dollars to have someone come out, but it might locate the source of your problem for you...
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I had a Sony extended range 2.4 Ghz phone. And everytime the phone rang, the wi-fi would drop connection. It didn't matter which corner of the house I put the phone's base unit. I finally had to ditch the phone, and bought a 5.8 Ghz phone. That was about 3 years ago. I have considered that my recent problem may be due to one of my neighbours getting a new phone, but the symptoms are different. Now, when the connection drops, I can't reconnect it if my life depended on it. What led me to consider the Mini as being the source of the problem is that on 3 different occasions, as soon as my wife parked in the garage in the evening, the connection dropped, and stayed disconnected the whole night, but as soon as she drove off in the morning, I was able to reconnect. That's weird coincidence if the Mini is not the culprit! Now, mind you, I'm not saying I know for sure it's the Mini, because it doesn't happen every night, and more importantly, these symptoms did not show up until about 3 weeks ago --- and we've had the Mini for about 6 months. But wi-fi networks can be so finicky that perhaps there has to be a certain combination of factors present to cause the problem. And the Mini is just one of several factors.
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    Have you or a neighbor gotten a new garage door opener?

    Most internet providers automatically reassing a new IP address each 24 hours, to make sure the DHCP doesn't run out of available addresses to assign. Your modem/switch/router automatically requests a new address once access is denied, under normal circumstances.

    So, I would suggest this...try logging on before your wife gets in the car to leave and see what happens. If you can't, and then you can as soon as she leaves, I would agree...its the car.

    But, I still have my doubts at the moment....Good Luck!
  • cedxjljcedxjlj Member Posts: 1
    When it is 88 degrees or hotter outside, it gets VERY HOT on the drivers side by the gas pedal. MINI says this is normal as it is where the exhaust and heater core are. But it is so hot that I can hardly keep my foot on the accelerator and must use cruise control. Anyone else with this problem. I have a 2007.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    That does not sound normal.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Nope. Never had that issue. My HVAC blows hot if I don't turn on the AC but it seems all late model BMW/Mini products do that...
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "...try logging on before your wife gets in the car to leave and see what happens. If you can't, and then you can as soon as she leaves, I would agree...its the car."

    That did happen on 3 occasions, which was what led me to suspect the Mini (or the evil wife!)...however...apparently that is not the cause, or at least the sole cause. Last evening, the wi-fi cut out 3 times, and by the 3rd time I could not revive it for all the tea in China. So, I waited till my wife left for work this morning, but the wi-fi remained deader than Michael Vick's career! My friend said it's not out of the question that it may just be hardware failure. Often hardware failure would be preceded by sporadic problems leading up to final death. If the problem is hardware, my guess would be the router. My next move is probably to get a new router from Best Buy. If it turns out not to be the router, at least I can return it for a full refund!
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    A newswire reporter would like to speak with owners of the Mini Cooper. If you are an owner, please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com with your daytime contact information no later than Friday, July 18th.
  • karen31karen31 Member Posts: 7
    I'm in what's up ?
    I sent a seperate email with my contact # too.
  • feliciatwofeliciatwo Member Posts: 68
    I tried to respond but her message ...link was unresponsive.
    My issue with my mini cooper is the Sunroof they did NOT finish. Now I'm trying to engineer an intuitive attractive sunroof cover....live in Forida. The heat and sun is unbearable.
    What were they thinking?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    that's why I didn't want it. these super-expansive sunroofs appear great when open on a cool day. Get out the sun and all the glass without a proper shade turns into a rolling science experiment. Some people have taken to adding a super-dark limo tint.
  • coupahcoupah Member Posts: 18
    retty sure the 17" tires will harshen the ride, not soften it...
  • rik4rik4 Member Posts: 90
    some of the roof graphics help block the sun and still keep the car looking cool too.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    How? :confuse: (I mean the part about blocking the sun. The looking cool part I get.)
  • rik4rik4 Member Posts: 90
    you have your choice on roof grahphics. you can get perforated which allows some sun in or non perforated. when you order the graphic they will ask you which you want.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    You mean they apply the graphics right over the moonroof? I see. I guess that's the way it has to be, or else it wouldn't be much of a graphics!
  • rtboonrtboon Member Posts: 21
    I currently own a 2008 Clubman S and was looking at a used 2006 Mini Cooper S with auto transmission. Love the car, color and price but what does anyone know about issues with 2006 models and the auto transmission? My research indicates most of the problems were pre 2004 and also the CVT autos.

    Thanks
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I can't remember if a 2006 had a CVT or not. If it did, I wouldn't buy it personally. I remember driving a "new" (back when) MINI with the new paddles shifting automatic and I liked that one, but I think that was 2007. Just not sure of when the transition occurred.

    I don't like CVTs in any car I've ever driven (Caliber, Prius, Mini, Audi etc). They drive me nuts and they're noisy.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,199
    I don't think any of the -S- models ever came with the CVT.. just the base Cooper... Pretty sure that all of the -S- autos are 5- or 6-speed automatics..

    regards,
    kyfdx
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  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    You are correct.
  • joem5joem5 Member Posts: 201
    What's the best one you can purchase? :confuse:
  • sabrinaesabrinae Member Posts: 10
    Hello, I am a 53 year old, 105 lb, 4' 11' woman in love with the Mini (Like me it's small and British) but I have a few questions. Should I get the regular seats with Leatherette or the sport seats with leather? I can't and won't drive a stick so how is the automatic? I drove my friends 04 Mini the other day and it hesitated when changing gear, very slow on the uptake, is the new transmission any better? It will be my everyday car driving in stop and go traffic for at least 20 min of the 45 min twice daily commute. That will do to start.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    In my opinion, yes, the new automatic transmission is much better.

    The idea of the sport seat is to hold you in place during very rigorous driving. They are not meant to be comfortable as much as comforting in hard turns, etc. You might find them too stiff but maybe not. This is somewhat of a personal and subjective preference.

    Leather feels nice, smells nice, but requires maintenance and is vulnerable to spills, tears, etc. It is after all, an organic material. If you look closely at a cow, you'll see plenty of little defects from use. :P

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  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    As Mr. Shiftright said, leather is asthetically pleasing, but leatherette is so low maintenance. I think nothing of jumping in our Mini right out of the rain, or throwing a wet umbrella on the seats. And we can eat in the car with no worries!
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Add on, I love my mini's leatherette - I throw scuba gear in my car, hop in with a wet suit and do nothing for the ette.

    The new R56s with the auto aren't too bad. I'm not an auto guy but it's decent.
  • joem5joem5 Member Posts: 201
    Hi,get the leatherrette, I tore or wore out the leather due to it's kidney shape and had to have it replaced. The sport seat will hold you in your seat.
    Also, I hope you are getting the S model for a little zip or piazzz.The auto will suffice. Leather is a pain too much maitenance.
    Shifty is right.
    You might want to look into an extended warranty. There's a class action against Mini for poor clutches and Tranny replacements.
    They are no good in snow so buy 4 Rims and your choice of tire. Me I don't don't like run flats. They ride rough.But, if you don't have a cell phone to call for help you might have to get run flats. Have fun and smile alot of eyes will be checkin' you out. :shades:
  • sabrinaesabrinae Member Posts: 10
    Poor clutches and Tranny replacements! Why where they being replaced to start with? My friend had to get a new automatic transmission the 1st year she had it. Is this a large problem. Really no spare tire? Convince me I should buy this car or should I buy the Volvo C30 ?
This discussion has been closed.