My wife and I took deliver of our 2006 Mini Cooper S with the semi-automatic tranny yesterday. We kept the option package simple: Chili Red and white roof, sunroof, Xenons, 16" rims, cloth interior, DSC, heated seats and that's pretty much it.

Since I was supposed to go up to Lime Rock for a HPDE with my 93 RX7, I convinced the wife to take a drive up there to observe for a bit. Wound up putting 270 miles on it in the first day.

I must say, this car drives really well! I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did since I generally don't like FWD cars or any car with an auto trans, but I am impressed. The steering and general suspension feedback is great. I am particularly impressed by the performance and behavior of the semi-automatic box. It shifts and even downshifts at very appropriate times - like I would if I had a manual. Pretty frickin' cool.

We got it from Hassel Motors here in Freeport, Long Island (NY). The guys there treated us very well. Our sales guy was Dennis Miniero. He is a fellow Mini/car enthusiast. It was cool working with him. He wasn't one of those BS'ing sales guys. Just a down to earth person explaining options and how things work and letting us decide to work with him. I know the service manager over at Hassel also from when I had a BMW. Definitely recommend them if anyone is in the area.

Hey - if anyone knows where I can get a Clear Bra/Invisishield kinda thing installed on Long Island or the NYC, please let me know.

Cheers!

 

Congrats on the new car!!! ... I know Dennis personally for a long time as a fellow MINI enthusiast and you could not have been in better hands

 

Hope you have better luck with your MCSa than we are. We had a fun first 2000 miles and it's been down hill since. Currently at 6500 miles and we are pursuing lemon law proceedings.

 

What is going on?

 

Congrats!

Have you asked Hassel? Up here MINI Peabody sets up Autobahnd installs with a local company at the dealership.

 

Yes, I did ask the Business Manager and he said that they haven't installed or sold the stuff in ages. I also asked MINI NYC and they said the same thing but that they could get someone to do it. So I figured I'd ask around to see if anyone has a good reference to a place.

 

Small world eh
Maybe I'll see you around some day.


Oh and I was going through the paperwork and realized we got the sport package and cold weather package.

 

MiniMe05 - I certainly hope we don't have those issues. If we do, I hope my good relationship with the service manager will help us to get the issues properly addressed. Good luck with yours. German/European cars seem to have developed all kinds of electrical issues as they've become more complex.

Here is a pic of "Penelope" as my wife has christened her for anyone interested in some eye candy.

 

Very nice picture of Penelope! Even though I ordered Chili Red with a Black Top, I still love the classic look and lines of the CR/W MC! In fact, I own a small version of the same thing...

 

Dennis is well-known to many of the old-timers here on NAM. For a while, he was a Core Moderator! Great guy and nice to know you were in such good hands. Welcome to NAM! Enjoy the site. If you have any questions, please PM me. :smile:

 

Congrats! I hope you give the manual shifting mode (via the paddles or shifter) a try - it does behave very well on its own but I find the transmission really shines shifting at will in man. mode.

Its a great car, have fun and keep the shiny side up