Cheers All. I just purchased a 2009 Mini Cooper S by trading in my "Old Reliable" 89 Chevy van with 200K under the CARS program. My MPG should jump by over 20. It's British Racing Green. I feel like Jim Clark or Graham Hill without the talent. I studied at Exeter University in England in 1975 and fell in love with Minis then. Next weekend I'm supposed to take it on the "Tail of the Dragon" at Deals Gap. Any advice?

 

Hey Gregg!! Congrats on your new MINI!! Only advice that I can think of is to remember you are in your"break in" period,,,

I was emailing my MA yesterday and she says that the CARS program has her dealership hopping like crazy!!
I love how far I can drive on a little 13.2 gallon tank!!!!

Welcome and happy motoring!!

 

What is the actual "break in period?" How many miles and what are the RPM restrictions/recommendations etc?

 

1200 mile break-in period. I was told to not exceed 4500 rpms and to not use the sport button.

 

Check page 84 of your Owners Manual under Break-In Period, more detailed info there.

 

Thanks, all. When all else fails read the directions..errr..Owner's Manual.

 

Yep, well, I did try copying and pasting from the official PDF manual but it's copy protected. That said it's waaay to much to transcribe.

However I can add here that you shouldn't go WOT, of course

 

Congrats on the new MINI Gregg!! I picked up mine in June. I finally got through the 1200 breakin miles.

I was not too **** but I did keep the revs below 4500 RPM and I made sure to mix highway and in town driving. Most will tell you to avoid long periods at one engine speed during the break in period.

I had no hesitation about using the sport button. With a manual transmission all this does is make the throttle more sensitive and reduce the steering boost. If you have an automatic it will also raise your shift points - possibly above 4500 RPM.

There are many who advocate not babying the engine too much to ensure that the piston rings are properly seated those first several hundred miles. I tried to make sure it was warmed up but once warmed up I did get into the turbo - I just kept below 4500 rpm. This car has so much torque with the turbo that you can accelerate quite briskly without exceeding 4500 RPM.

Despite assurances that it is not required - I will change my initial engine oil before 2,000 miles and I will also change the manual transmission oil. Mike Miller - the technical guru of BMW's Roundel magazine - is adamant that BMW and other German car makers decided that no maintenance was required once it was offered for free. He recommends oil changes at 8,000 miles even with synethics and an initial manual transmission oil change at about 1200 miles - what used to be called a break in oil change.

If you have a manual take it easy on the clutch for the first 300 miles or so to allow it to wear in.

But most of all enjoy the MINI. I sold my BMW 3 series convertible for this -'09 MCS Convertible and love this car! No tickets so far but it will be hard to prevent them with the ease at which these S MINI's accelerate.

Post some pictures and details about your new MINI when you get a chance. Happy Motoring!

 

Great advice. Thanks so much. My son and I spent last night driving and figuring out the buttons, bells and whistles. What a fun car!

 

Thanks for all the great advice. I'm currently at 700 miles and am heading for the Ocean at Wilmington tonight. The sunroof should come in handy.