Well I took the plunge anyway. I just bought a cosmic blue All 4 today.

Here is what I bought.
http://goo.gl/h0zZpg

I got rid of my 5 series and looking for fun with the family in this new MINI.

If you guys have any advice please shoot it my way as I will be spending the next couple of weeks getting use to the car and hope I don't have any clutch issues.

 

I use to live on the other side of the Rocky Mountains from you!

Congrats.

Try to avoid using the car for ONLY short trips. That doesn't get the engine up to operating temperature and carbon buildup can occur due to the way direct injection works.

CHECK YOUR OIL. Our cars normally need to be topped off between oil changes. I put about a quart in every 4K miles and change every 6K.

Don't go by the 10K oil changes. You can if you want, but a lot of us think that's too long and do shorter intervals.

Most importantly, ENJOY!

Are you doing any esthetic mods? Performance mods? Most of us will advice, "Don't get started! It's an addiction!" and then when you don't listen we'll say, "Welcome to the club!"

 

Very nice! That is a great colour. Enjoy!

 

welcome to the cosmic blue club. Also welcome to the group who traded in a BMW to drive a MINI, you will not regret it trust me, . need pics

 

Congrats, you will enjoy. Just take your time getting used to starting out. This animal is more testy than anything in have ever driven. Just when you think you have it figured out, it will get you. 12k in I am actually getting the feel. Post some pics when you get a chance, autotrader pulled your link down.

 

I will post pictures soon!. WHo knew that it would be this much fun to drive! I am having a ball with my manual..

There are some thing in this vehicle like auto dimming mirrors which i miss. Does anyone know if this could be retrofitted?

 

Congrats and +1 on the pics.

 

Well Introducing Little Cosmic Blue

 

Wow, gorgeous color!

You will be VERY glad you got the All4 system.

Some folks don't realize this is a true all-time 4WD system. All wheels are under power at all times(depending on vehicle speed, the ratio of front to rear drive changes, but it's always there unless you are running at highway speeds where it reverts to FWD only for economy purposes)

Sure, this is great in the snow and rain, but wow, it is fantastic on dry roads when you are really hammering the turns.

We had ours on the Dragon in September, and it's great knowing that the rear end is not going to step out on you. You can really throw this car into a corner with tremendous confidence that the rear end is going to track perfectly through, since it's under power.

And it's great you got the manual. I have driven MANY M5 and M6 tranny's over the years, and I feel this shifter feel is the absolute best. So easy to heel/toe downshift and hit the exact gear your are looking for every single time. The synchros don't get sticky at speed like so many others have that I have owned.

We have 9k on ours and not a single issue. Ours has not used any oil whatsoever, but I check it every week without fail. As others have said, low oil in a turbo motor is a bad day.

And I HEARTILY agree regarding oil changes. Mini's own doc states that "the turbo operates at extremely high temperatures". That's all I needed to hear. We will pay for an oil change every 4500 miles and let Mini cover the one after that. It really is very cheap insurance.

 

looks good any mods, stripes to come?? maybe we could be of some assistance to help you with some possible personalization?? I think stripes on the CM is a must, just my 2cents

 

Very nice - that blue looks awesome!. I would have gotten a blue but I think I'm done with dark vehicles. So beautiful and shiny when clean but hard to keep them that way.


Congrats and enjoy...

 

Totally different look with the silver wheels, and no stripes than mine Shall I say your version of the same CM looks a bit more mature than mine. Very nice look

 

Just my opinion, but i really hate every iteration of the factory Mini stripes, and each of the three times I have been back to the dealership for preventative service, someone is getting their stripes replaced for one reason or another.

we have been looking at aftermarket, and i think we would have a single Le Mans stripe, right down the middle, front to back, skunk style! But we are really liking the CM with no stripes at all. it's a very small car, and I don't personally like the way the stripes divide up the already very small sight lines of the car-they just don't look good from any angle, IMO.

Now, I have read posts from folks in the know that say there are multiple compound manufacturing processes for stripes(2 specifically), but I can't remember the specifics. i do remember them saying one construction method was more expensive and was exceptional at stain and bubbling resistance-two mortal enemies of stripes. They also say that it's all in who applies the stripes. You need to find a quality graphics shop with a very good local reputation to get them applied properly for longevity.

Another concern I have with stripes. I am a detailing fanatic, and I just can see any way you can guarantee you won't hit the edge of the stripes from time to time with the rotary buffer-yes I know you can tape areas off, but I would be really concerned about this. Couldn't be very good for adhesion I wouldn't think.

just a thought for you.

 

disagree.. MINI is all about giving your car some personality. Think of your MINI as a blank canvas with endless possibilities to customize it. To each his/her own as to how you give it some character but to leave it blank ???? looks like the car is begging for some love

 

in our case, the external mods that come with the JCW, plus we have checkers on the side and rear view mirrors, and "arrest me" Chili Red paint. Trust me, folks know we are coming down the street..

 

So many things so many things to do.. I am not sure about the stripes yet but here is my

Short List.

1. Hard wire escort 9500i radar detector ( This Weekend )
2. Hook up my old iphone to my car for the mini connected ( Use hotspot from my galaxy note 2)
3. Install Escort zr4 Laser shifter in the next two months.
4.Retrofit Rear view Mirror if feasible and does not cost me an arm and leg
5. Smoked side markers..
6. Driving Lights ( Any recommendations around this would be cool)

 

After 5 years with my Clubman, I'd have to agree with Z06_Pilot. My stripes were replaced at 1 year and 2 years under warranty. By the time 3 years was up, I was out of warranty, and stuck with discolored stripes. At 4 years, the ones on the bonnet were cracking badly. I didn't have the money or the inclination to replace them, and last fall I finally got an "eraser" and buffed them off. I will opine that the stripes my selling dealer used were probably poor quality to begin with, but I don't want a styling item to be an expensive consumable. The stripes are my one regret on the car. YMMV.

 

Congrats on the CM. I have the exact same car on order and it is currently chugging up the Mexican coast to Port Hueneme on the Carmen. Still about three weeks until I get it.

 

congrats mil76 , looks like the cosmic blue crew is getting larger.