I'm happy to say I picked up a new 2016 MINI Cooper as a "fun" car. Automatic, heated seats, armrest, that's it.

I must say, the passing power is very impressive for a 3 cylinder. It feels very much like my old Saabs in terms of 30-50 and 50-70 passing power. That's a good thing.

I think it's weird that certain interior lights stay on for a few minutes after I lock the car, but they do eventually turn off. Do you notice that your hazard light button, headlight switch, and the center area surround LED stay on for a few minutes? The center LED actually glows red off and on. I know it's probably some setting, but I can't find it.

Looking forward to learning about the car. I wish it had a dipstick, but can't let that issue stop me from having fun.

 

Congrats!
The computer will let us know when the oil is low.
I am used to not checking the dipstick.
I had to play with the settings to get rid of unwanted interior and exterior lighting.

 

Test drove a 4 door 3 cylinder and was very impressed with the acceleration and handling.

 

Color? Stripes? Wheels? Sunroof? Congrats on the MINI! Manual explains the interior color settings.....There are an array of colors to choose from, it takes a few minutes to get it right.

 

Thanks for all the congrats. I got White Silver with basic black/carbon interior. Black roof and mirrors and the back trim piece is also black. It has the basic 15" Heli? wheels. I like the contrast between the black roof and the almost white metallic paint.

Are the black fender trims prone to fade like Jeeps? Does everyone just use that 303 UV spray when washing/detailing to keep them black?

It's funny how "lumpy" it is at idle but immediately smooths out upon going. I'd always heard that 3 cylinders are rough...but to me, it's character!

 

Another congrats on the car. Hope you have years of fun with it.

I just bought some Mother's Black to Black for my black plastic outside trim yesterday. Was reading the instructions in the store and it mentioned it will clean wax residue off the black trim. Since I have a spot here and there, for $7.88 thought I'd give it a try. Did the lower rear back skirts and the product worked great. Took off the wax and dirt and left behind a nice black finish. Will do the rest of the black trim today.

 

Welcome to NAM and congratulations on your purchase! Got any pictures? I use Adam's VRT to protect plastic components on the exterior of my car. It also provides UV protection and is water repellent. I have no complaints about the product.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/Mini/cat...admpo2_pg9.htm

 

My experience with Back to Black is that it is more of a dye than a preservative (like Vinylex, or similar product). Not so sure that will be the best for new vinyl. I use Griot's Garage Vinyl & Rubber treatment and I've been really happy with it. I would never use Armoral on anything! (Although I am not familiar with Mother's, so maybe it's not what I am thinking of the "Back to Black", which has been around for years...so, maybe you are ok).


John

 

I never had a problem with the wheel arches fading on my 2007 MCS. I used a pretty basic plastic protectant similar to Armour All. I still use it. I did use some of the quite expensive, very tiny amount needed called Black Wow on my wife's 2010 Honda, which has a lot of black plastic. stuff does a great job. Apply with makeup sponges, small drop at a time.

 

I avoid Armoral also. I compared the Mothers Back to Black to some of the others (Meguires. Turtle Wax, etc.) and Mothers apparently has a cleaning agent in it (my issue wasn't with fading as much as the wax reside I invariably get on the plastic trim pieces.

Did an application this morning and all the wax residue is gone and the trim pieces look fine. I see how it weathers over time. Summer sun in SW Florida is brutal. As long as it doesn't streak or fade out horribly I'll be happy.

My car is garage kept and doesn't see much sun or bad weather. The plastic skirts looked fine (except for the errand wax smudge here and there). Basically un-faded. After applying the "Back to Black", it did add a bit more black to the plastic

I've always had good luck with Meguires and Mothers products (both have a good reputation with car guys) so I'm assuming this product is tried and true to the advertising.

I was going to get this (as it came highly recommended), but saw the "Mothers" and figured for $8, it was worth a shot.

 

The interior lights, exterior post shut off your car "pathway" lighting, and the center ring and "heartbeat" (the pulsing red light) are all configurable from your settings menu on the car... Not sure the exact steps as they vary depending on features (radio, nav, large/small screen, etc)... but here is a slew of videos (some older, but some current) to pass the time with and to give you some clues...

http://www.miniusa.com/content/miniu...your-mini.html

- Will

 

Congratulations, and please post some pix when you have the chance