Ok, I did my first Autocross with my Mini Cooper S...and it hasn't reach the break-in period.. I've got 859miles...I just couldn't wait to try autocross...
I tried to take it easy and not push my mini...but I lost my mind! and just opened up the throttle and dropped the clutch...and eeekk...did I torture and punish my mini? Now, my husband said I can't do autocross with the mini because he didn't pay 30thousand dollars for me to abuse my car... he said he would buy me a cheaper older project Mazda Miata for autocross.. So what type of driving can I do in my mini? "performance driving on straight-away?" So did I really screw up my warranty and parts doin autocross the other day? The car does feel loose? maybe? I guess , I'll be puttering around in my mini, for a while?

 

As long as they, the dealer, dont ask, dont offer no info. That probably wasn't the greatest idea you had there, but at least it was fun

 

Clutch dumps are not good in any car, new or old, so that is not good, but I doubt 1 day of Autocrossing did any real harm to the car. These cars are ade to be driven so enjoy it.
Also the Miata is a great Autocross car and if you enjoy hanging the end out a bit you will for sure like driving it

 

You just need to learn not to drop the clutch at the start. There is no need for it for the most part as there is usually a small space to get up to speed before the timing light. AX will put more stress on the brakes and tires and wear these out faster for sure. Many people buy wheels and tires just to AX. You need to learn to drive more smoothly and that will not only be easier on your car but also lead to better lap times.

I used to AX my GTI-VR6 and it did fine. I used to beat the day lights out of that car too with smoke shows most of the way around the course. Standing the car on the outside front wheel (three wheeling) probably did in my wheel bearing faster but they're not that expensive.

IMHO this sport is no worse than driving around the surface stress here with all the pot holes, ruts and stupid drivers. Many people AX their daily drivers for years with no problem. It's a great learning tool and a good step toward doing other driving events like DEs (Drivers Education... full tracks).

Just my $.02

 

I would have waited a little longer to complete 1000 miles before going but 8xx plus is probably good enough of a break in period.

If you warm up the car a little before the run and allow a little cool down time after, it should be fine. If you start to do a lot of AutoX, perhaps a little more preventive maintenance might be in order. I have also found that AutoX seems to take a toll on the cars alignment.

I think the Mini enjoys a little AutoX just as much as you.

 

[quote=slinger688;2907833]I would have waited a little longer to complete 1000 miles before going but 8xx plus is probably good enough of a break in period.

If you warm up the car a little before the run and allow a little cool down time after, it should be fine. If you start to do a lot of AutoX, perhaps a little more preventive maintenance might be in order. I have also found that AutoX seems to take a toll on the cars alignment.

I think the Mini enjoys a little AutoX just as much as you.[/quote
Yep, I warmed my car up, by doing the first run so slow!! that everyones jaws dropped... I was so slow! puttering around the cones like a granny! we had 4 runs the first half and I think finally on the 3rd run...I became more aggressive with the mini...I think it took that long for me to get the hang of the cones!!

 

I am so glad to hear that you enjoy autox in your Mini.

 

You're hubby sounds like an old lady.

The Mini loves that kind of stuff. My wife just had ours on Laguna Seca a few days ago. the few seconds of throttle you gave the Mini wouldn't have cause any significant amount of stress on the motor even at that low mileage. Whats the total course time, 60 seconds or so?

Finish breaking it in and have fun with it. Check out the BMW CCA's Car Control Clinic as well.

As far as warranty goes, follow the don't tell doctrine. Its none of the dealer's business whether you autox your car and if they ask they answer is NO.