Changing my mind to not get it the MCSS.

As I read more and more threads here, I see more of annoying rattles and noises that the "Beast" makes as it wears on. My ears are so sensitive about noises when I'm riding my car. The only thing that I tolerate is my radio! I don't like it when I hear noises that the car shouldn't be making. Whether it's sun visor touching the ceiling, plastic covers/panels, top cover noises. Front Panel... etc... It shouldn't make that noise. You pay way too much for the car and expect quality product -- Not irritating noises as I will drive the car for many years to come. The only noise that I expect to hear as it wears will be the Leather seats. I have a 16 year old benz that dont make annoying noises except leather seats and engine.

Sorry for the rant but I guess, My ears are just sensitive or I'm just picky or have selective hearing problem :-)

 

I have yet to own or ride in a car that doesn't have a rattle eventually.

 

Same as above except for my wife's Lexus LS400 and we trade it often enough that it's gone before the rattles start . she now has an ES330 and it has been OK so far - no noise but just a few 100 miles

I say crank up the radio and drown out any little rattle that may start.

Earl

 

Mine has almost 60,000 miles now and has had very few rattles. Any rattles it did have were easily fixed myself. I would say I haven't had any that I havent had at one time or another in any other car I've had. This car is better built than most


Nik

 

I have a 20 year old Pontiac Fiero that has recently developed an irritating rattle that I can't figure out how to fix so I feel for you. If it helps, I had a Toyota Corolla with it's vaunted reputation for quality that developed a rattle in the doors less than 2 years in that annoyed me enough to get rid of the car after owning it for 3 years.

Because of the plastics in pretty well most cars, rattles are not unexpected. I would be somewhat annoyed if pieces started falling off, but most of the time, a bit of silicon lube would fix rattles.

And you're right, Mercedes Benz's are one of the few cars that I know of that rarely develops a rattle. But then, you're probably paying for that level of engineering too.

 

Every car is a compromise. I have really had no rattles in my '04 MINI that have not been easily fixed, but it is not a quiet car by any stretch of the imagination, and I understand that the run-flat tires on an "S" make it even noisier. If a dead quiet interior is important to you, then maybe you should re-think the MINI. But if you are willing to put up with a little noise in exchange for a car that puts a grin on your face every time you drive it, then a MINI is the way to go! All in all, I have almost 25K miles on my car now and I have been very impressed with the build quality, but I am sure there are quieter cars out there.

 

Yup, you better bag it. Mini's are a stiffly sprung, short wheel base car made in England. It may not rattle when new but it's almost guaranteed to start shortly there after. If all the other features a Mini offers don't outweigh this fact for you, then you will not be a happy camper.
On the other hand, if you can get past the rattles and noise, a Mini will provide countless miles of happy motoring.

 

You have to ask yourself why you are buying the car in the first place. If supreme quiet is a priority, a MINI is the wrong car for you. If a well-built, good-handling, economical, fun, non-SUV is what you are looking for than a MINI is a great choice.

Decide on your priorities before you decide on a car.

Just my $.02!

Dave De Rosier
2003 DS/B MCS 15% pulley... and a couple of noises

 

I agree, everything through the variety of BMWs I've owned/been in (Z Coupes/assortment of E46s) have had various noises/squeaks/rattles. Some are fixable with enough perseverance, some are less fixable. I think that with most modern cars there are so many fitted pieces for airbags, electronics, fold down rear seats, and safetly/crumple zones its more likely then not to have time and physics cause some sort of noise. It is even more likely in a performance oriented car with stiffer suspension and less insulation.

I don't know if you can get a car like the 16 year old Merc anymore since much of the newer safety equipment and plastics used now can be the source of noises - but IMHO one of the quietest cars you can get nowadays is a big Lexus with soft suspension. Sounds like you are really looking for something like that, not a stiffly sprung sporty car like the Mini (or most any BMW really).

 

Unfortunatley, if this is your main gripe then the Mini is not for you. You see the Mini is not just a car, but a way of life. All us Mini owners know exactly what I am talking about. I've been through all of the rattles and recalls and what not, but will never, ever give up my Mini fro anything.

 

Exactly

Nik

 

Well sadi about BMW and other inputs about noises. I guess I'm just used to a bigger cars. You can't get everything. Compromise! I will still have to wait if my heart will really settle for the mini or just go the new slk convertible!

Thanks for your two ($.02) cents input!

My god i still remember the MCSS test drive though... it's a fun car.

 

If noises bother you I'm amazed that you are looking for a convertible - hard or soft top, they are way more prone to creaks and squeaks (whether its a Mercedes, Porsche, etc or not.). I see plenty of people with high end 'verts complaining about issues - just be sure you'll be happy with it.

Best of luck.

 

I am a Mini owner and don't really know what you are talking about. A way of life? Please. My Mini is definitely a car... one that is pretty entertaining to drive and rattles like a *****.

 

Ya know, ma hoss don't rattle, but he farts some.

 

Thanks Eval... will let you know!

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by maneeto
You see the Mini is not just a car, but a way of life. All us Mini owners know exactly what I am talking about.

I am a Mini owner and don't really know what you are talking about. A way of life? Please. My Mini is definitely a car... one that is pretty entertaining to drive and rattles like a *****.

If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand .

 

"The way of life" too deep!

 

My background is in Miata's, so I can totally relate to your car being part of your way of life. Thats what separates enthusiasts from drivers.

If I was out for a reliable, quiet, trouble free sporty car – I'd take a look at a new Honda Civic Si, new VW GTI, or a RSX Type-S. I don't think any of them will have the vault like quality of a Lexus, but you have to compromise a bit.

A true sports car, you can drive with the windows (or preferably the top) down, radio off, and just enjoy the noises the car makes – the sound of the engine, the wind, the road. If you don't find that appealing, I don't think a sports car is for you.

 

I am not worthy of even a tiny fragment of your great wisdom, oh Master.

 

I have driven my MINI for 40K+ miles,it has the odd rattle and buzz,but a punch here and a thump there deals with most,road noise tends to cover most,and the radio gets rid of everything

 

Hey a squeak or rattle won't leave U stranded in the middle of nowhere, and that, to me, is the bottom line. Jimbo

(If U do get your MINI, there's an alarm at 37 degrees F that chimes to warn you that the weather is getting colder and rattle/squeak syndrome is aboot to get worse )

 

Craig N

Please don't tell me that Mini Convertible is a sports car in your book coz I don't.

A Sports is consider a rag top and only sits two and also a rear wheel drive in my book.

 

these noises dont bother me, i just fix them, i'm waiting on my first mcs right now and its killing me. My current ride - nissan sentra se-r spec-v has such a stiff suspension that when the rear hits bumps or holes it sounds like i have nuts and bolts rolling around somewhere. it sounds like its made of mexican jumping bean bolts so the mcs cant be that bad-i hope

 

I use to think the same thing then I sold my Miata for my MINI and won't go back. Might have both someday though...