I'm Scott in Texas. Just purchased 2008 clubman. I'm new to mini & have a lot of questions. The test drive I took a few days ago was the first time I'd ever been near one, but I've admired from afar. My 2nd day of ownership & am having fun.

 

S or Base?

 

S.

 

As mentioned, I'm new to mini. I have a 2008 clubman S & I'm having problems pairing my iPhone to the Bluetooth & cannot find anything in the manual a detailing the how-to's. I've got an antennae on the roof, I've got phone buttons on the steering wheel & on the audio system. I'm just not sure how to pair the phone with the car. Do I even have that capability, since I have all the apparent necessary buttons? What am I missing?

Thanks for your help!

 

Bluetooth was an optional item; however, the buttons on the steering wheel were standard installation, and in your case they may just be there for looks.

Also, get into the habit of checking your oil level at least every week or two. And be aware that the dipstick reading can be deceiving.

Good luck with your new car!

 

Welcome Scott from Texas! Aren't these cars a blast?! If you bought it from a MINI dealer and it's close run it back to the dealership and ask them to help you connect it to the stereo. If they don't do it then it will give you an idea of what kind of service you are going to get from them. They should be happy to help you.

 

you can see if you hv bt or not by go to MENU button look for 'phone'. If you got it, select it and press PAIR. Then search it in ur phone and u should be good to go

 

Thanks for all the kind words and advice. I'll definitely keep an eye on the oil level. Does that mean it will use a lot of oil? Is this a high maintenance vehicle?

Also, bad news for me: there is no "phone" on the menu. It just has three other categories, but no phone. Guess it was a "for show" thang.

thanks again. Good news: it is fun to drive. Getting used to the smaller compartment--going from an Accord to a Mini is a bit of a change. Ride is not as smooth, but I have to restrain myself from going crazy on the highway--darting in and out of traffic is very easy and the shifting (automatic) is very smooth.

I think the Clubman is actually faster than my Accord V6. I was not expecting that. Sound system and the feedback from the steering is really amazing.

Any other advice you have for this newbie, I'll be glad to listen. Appreciate this forum!

 

I've never understood why someone would buy a MINI in automatic transmission. Sucks 50% of the fun factor out of the car.

 

Sevin,
Well, I'm basically lazy. I can only handle 50% of fun at a time.

 

Some of us have had numerous manual cars and just got tired of a manual when stuck in nasty traffic commuting every day.

 

Sevin,

Automatic transmission is nice if you're commuting. Manual is nice for weekend driving, such as a MINI rally. Anyway, it's too late, he owns the car now.


Scott,
The only way to tell if it uses a lot of oil is to keep a log. The problem comes in when people don't check their oil level on a regular basis...it results in a blown engine.

Whether your car is high maintenance depends on a lot of factors, including the previous owner(s) upkeep of the car. How many miles are on your car?

The deal is if you're not going to do your own maintenance, then now is the time to find a mechanic or a small shop that can work on your MINI, in case problems arise. I say this because the dealer will charge you BMW prices, therefore, I suggest that you rely on the dealer for goodwill or warranty repairs only.

If you plan to keep the car long-term (3-years or more), one recommendation I have is to get a code reader, or find a friend who has one and will let you use it...it will come in helpful when you get a CEL.

Take care

 

Too late, I own the car. Love the automatic, too. Auto Shifting is very smooth. Much more than my old 02 Accord V6.

Wisconsin, I have a little over 44k on the Clubman S. I'll try to find a small shop and see if I can afford a code reader. You've got some good tips. I really appreciate this. I should have joined this group before I got divorced. Ha.

I had my Accord since I bought it used in 05. I hope I can hold on to the Mini as long. It may outlive me.

 

Sevin, If I'm feeling really rested and in need of a thrill, I use the little paddles on the steering wheel to shift. Just starting to get the hang of shifting gears from the wheel. Very interesting. So, see, I can shift gears manually. Fun on an open country road in TX, but not much fun driving like that in Dallas rush hour traffic. Pray for me. Maybe next time I'll get a manual.

 

Hey Scott,

Welcome to the world of MINI. I'm fairly new to it myself.

I learned and grew up with manual transmissions but my MINI with the automatic tranny in sport mode will run through the gears and get me to 60 faster than I could shift it. By far the most fun with a car I've had in a long time.

 

I to just got a "new to me" 08 Clubman base also. Luv it. Raised in New Zealand and had 2 minis growing up, a 850 and a 1275-S. Luved them so much I just had to get one of the NEW BMW ones. Got to say the quality, fit and finish is way better than the originals, I just hope the engine is up to par, I say this because I just got a CEL. Good luck with yours. Chris

 

good luck with the new mini, even though you have disappointed this dude.

 

Welcome #pepper# Lots of good advice here. But it sounds like you know your way around the Mini.

Story of my life Mooch.

 

Scott,

Hey low miles...good! Enjoy your new car!

As for a code reader, I've heard that the C110 scanner is good...However, I'm not familiar with this model. All I can say is to get one!

Maybe someone else will have advice on the code reader.

 

Welcome to NAM, Scott and congrats on your new MINI. Where are the pics?

 

Ok, I've got another question: Since I have an antennae and all the appropriate buttons for hands-free, I guess I need a bluetooth kit for my "new" 2008 Clubman S. Any ideas on prices for those things? Or should I just purchase one that plugs into the cigarette outlet? it'd be nice to have one that allows me to use the car's buttons on the wheel and sound system, though. thanks.

 

Hey Mr. T. What up? I'm working on some photos. Stay tuned.

 

I guess I'm just a purist. I just can't have fun in an automatic, especially in a MINI. Heavy traffic and stopping and starting doesn't bother me. In fact, it helps keep me engaged with something to do when I have to stop and start a lot.

 

Sevin, I think that's great! Nothing wrong with being a purist. I feel the same way about other things. Enjoy the shifting! Embrace the manual!

 

I started out a few days ago, just getting used to this little car. I think it is slowly taking over my life. I'm becoming addicted to it. At work, I'm watching the clock to see how long it will be before i can get to my Clubman and drive around. When I finally get in the car and am driving down the Highway, I catch myself smiling some goofy smile. Is this normal?