Hello, all! I just ordered my MCSC last week and can barely control the anticipation.

The only issue I can find fault with, and it is minor compared to the joy of driving a MCSC, is the less-than-stellar visibility when the top is down. Since I can't imagine many circumstances where I would keep the top up, I have one question for you current MINIacs... Does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve it? Do you learn to adjust to it or is there some modification that could be made to ensure the driver has a clear view of what is happening behind him or her?

Forgive the ignorance... While I wasn't born a MINIac, I converted at the first opportunity. And to think I almost bought a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon! I am extremely thankful that my brother insisted that I drive the MINI! I was a day away from ordering it when he drove me to Momentum MINI in Houston to try it for myself. That day changed my life ... [sniff] I still get teary-eyed. I love you, man!

If you can help me with the visibility question, I would be grateful.

Thanks,

Kristin

 

first and foremost, welcome to NAM and congrats on ur MCSc. as for the visibility problem in the cabrio's, here's the only solution i was able to come across. hope it helps:smile:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t=My+First+Mod

 

Thank you so much for the welcome and the link! I checked out "My First Mod" immediately and was thrilled to find such a great suggestion. I have them on my current truck to improve visibility, but never considered adding them to the outside edge of Micia's mirrors.

Thanks for taking the time to respond and, again, thanks for the welcome!

 

Hi Kristin! I just ordered a Chili Red MCS Conv. from Momentum in Houston on Mar. 12. I know your loving it with this great weather, meanwhile I wait and suffer till mid-May! I don't have an answer to your rear visibility problem, but just wanted to say hi. I hope Momentum turns out to be a good dealer. So far, I haven't been able to get the MA to return one single phone call, and I've only been able to get any response by emailing MiniUSA. I did think it was odd that so many people get their production date so soon. When MiniUSA contacted me they said production by April 16th. I would think Momentum would have a pretty large allocation and get a quicker turnaround. Anyways, just wanted to say hello.

The specs I can remember are
Sport Package
17" Wheels
H/K Sound System
Chrome Int and Ext Package
Chrono Pkg
Leatherette
Black Bonnet Stripes
Xenon Lights

 

Welcome to NAM my friend! I see it didn't take long for the smile to appear... From one Cabrio owner to another, you'll get used to the visibility issue. I've always been in the habit of "backing" into a parking spot - especially with the MINI. Enjoy!!

Donna
02' MCS CR/W (gone to MINI heaven)
05' Cool Blue MCSC "Ariel"

 

Welcome MINIjen and MINImicia! Just another Houstonian here and thought I'd invite you to check out HMMS.org (Houston MINI Motoring Society). We have monthy meetings (there's one today, but it starts in 30 min!), rallys and all sorts of fun stuff! Also, visit CooperSpeed.com. There's a lot of Houston events/stuff on there too.As for Momentum, well....hmmmmm. I hear they're trying to mend bridges, but most of us have headed north to MINI of the Woodlands. They have EXCELLENT customer service.Momentum has really burned a lot of us...too many reasons to name now.

 

Congrats on your Chili Red MCSC! Small world! Momentum is where I ordered my MINI; though almost two weeks after you (March 24th)! My MA, Chevis, was extremely helpful and a blast to work with, but I had a difficult time getting phone calls returned as well. On the up side, I don't know how many MAs would be willing to continue taking you on test drives even after you have ordered your car... Too bad I don't have the time to take him up on it...

Wonder if we had the same MA as well as dealership? I would love to know when your MINI goes on production as mine should follow shortly! It is so nice to be able to share the anticipation and rewards with a entire community of MINIacs. Once again, CONGRATS!

Kristin

 

Thank you so much for the information! I will definately check out the site. I have received some incredible advice from current and future MINIacs and would love to have a chance to meet some face-to-face through HMMS.

I was sad to hear the Momentum hasn't provided consistent service. I wish I had known about this site before I purchased my MINI; I would have appreciated getting a referral from someone who has already motored this path.

Thanks again for the information and the welcome! It is so nice to share the excitement with others!

Kristin

 

Welcome to the madness of MINI'S...You will LOVE your MINI..One thing that I tell all my customers when they comment on the poor rearward visibilty is to go to a parking lot when it is empty and PRACTICE backward driving using the mirrors and backup sensors ONLY !! This is the same advice that was given to me when I bought a 40 ft motorhome.

Learn to use the mirrors and trust your instruments!

 

Okay, I am an idiot! I kept thinking that you all had to have second sight to know where I purchased my MINI until I reread my post. Let's just say the excitement of welcoming Micia home has interferred with my normal thought process!

It is a great feeling knowing that there are others who share the anticipation and joy of owning a MINI. I only wish I had ordered Micia months ago, so I could have enjoyed the heated seats and convertible top at the same time! Not that we had a winter, but there were a few days where I would have loved to motor for miles in the chilly air.

Congrats, Jen! Out of curiosity, have you named him or her yet?

Kristin!

 

Thanks for the welcome, Donna. How were you able to stand the wait until Ariel arrived? I was just thinking yesterday that it had to have been a couple of weeks since I ordered Micia and was shocked to find so few days had passed.

Best wishes,
Kristin

 

Kristin,

I forgot to mention something. If you are really concerned about your ability to back up, you should consider taking the driving course from the Kilgore Police Academy. It's offered every two months or so. A bunch of HMMSers do it every time. It's a driver improvement course that apparently does a great job on backing up.

 

That sounds awesome! My brother was going to sign me up for Car Control School through the Houston Chapter of BMW CCA, but I didn't think Micia would arrive in time. Since they offer it so infrequently, I am thrilled to have an alternative. I am not sure where Kilgore is, but it sounds like I will have to plan a road trip!!!

Thanks again for the information!!!

Kristin

 

It's up in NE Texas, kinda near Dallas. There's always a caravan of HMMS members going. I do know the class thru BMW-CCA is mid-May. I won't have mine by then either. The next Kilgore class is April 30-May1, but maybe you and I can attend the one after that together!

 

Absolutely! I definately want to take one (or more) of those classes and would love to drive down with someone. Can it be a caravan if it is only two MINIs? Or is it a MINIvan? Oops, really bad joke...

Again, thanks so much for the info. Can't wait to hear that you got your MINI! This is my first "forum" and I can't believe how awesome the people that participate have been wih information and advice.

I am already having fun and I don't even have my MINI yet! Amazing!!!

Kristin

 

I am so thrilled! I received the funniest email from Amanda at MINI with a production date of April 15th -- TAX DAY! I think MINI must be an amazing place to work, because everyone I have dealt with has me rolling on the floor with laughter. Of course, it could be a side effect of being a MINIac!!! My MINI is coming! Sorry, just had to get that out!

I put her email below to share the smiles. I can't believe she took the time to call my MINI by her name. That's customer service! I am also exceedingly grateful for the reminder to file my taxes...

Happy motoring, all!

Kristin
__________________________________________________ ___________

Hi Kristin,

Thanks for contacting MINI. Micia is scheduled to be built on Tax Day, 04/15. I guess you will have something to be happy about on that day, unlike the rest of us. :-) If there are further questions I can assist with, please feel free to drop me an e-mail. I will be happy to lend a hand.

LET’S MOTOR.

Amanda Cordell

MINI Customer Relations and Services

Representative

866.ASK.MINI (275-6464)

 

Hey Kristin, well I checked w/Mini Website today and they've finally updated it as "Scheduled for Production." I called Mini USA helpline and it says should be finished by April-13! We had the same MA and although he was really friendly at the dealership, not much response since then...but told me to come test drive with him anytime before mine comes in.

 

Kristen,

If you think the visibility is bad with the top down....try it with the top up!

The side views work well.

 

Hey, all. I just called MINI and they told me that Micia began her journey across the Atlantic Ocean on April 19th! Should I worry that they began production on the 15th and had it ready to ship on the 19th?

Somehow I doubt they worked through the weekend just to complete my MINI, though she is beautiful; regardless, I am so excited that she is on her way! I found out last week that my personalized plates were approved and are ready for pick up, so Micia's name has the stamp of approval from the great state of Texas.

I looked to see if anyone could offer a timeline for how long it generally takes from order to delivery, but did not see one. When I asked the gentleman at MINI, he suggested the nominal timeline for the cross-Atlantic journey is 12 days and that I should figure on an additional 7 days from the distribution center to my dealership. Since I will be having a few toys installed, I am guessing that the dealership could conceivably have my car for another week... Less given a certain amount of gentle encouragment and, if that fails, obnoxious whining...

Thank goodness I have work work, school work, house work, and a garage to clean! That keeps me from thinking about Micia 24/7. Kind of...

Can't wait to hear how your MINIs are coming along! Tell all, folks! I love living vicariously!

Happy motoring,
Kristin

 

Too funny, Bob! I didn't even try to drive it with the top up... On the plus side, I don't believe that I have ever had a car without a few personality quirks that either took some adjustment to on my part or an aftermarket part to adjust it to me. Regardless, I can't wait!!!

Thanks for the response and happy motoring,
Kristin