What's so good about Mini's?
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1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13
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Achilles, if you don't mind me asking, about how much did you put into your car?
Also, did changing the antenna improve reception or did was it just for esthetics? How is it compared to the stock antenna?
Also, did changing the antenna improve reception or did was it just for esthetics? How is it compared to the stock antenna?
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,358
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From: Graham, NC
Once you have some top options identified, then maybe post any questions here to fill in any remaining gaps in information.
Good luck and enjoy the new MINI!!
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,785
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From: Fairfax, VA
hmmm i think i have spent around 3k so far and the antenna is just for esthetics doesnt hurt reception at all
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 116
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From: Hollywood, FL
it was, quite possibly, the greatest mod ever.
Neutral
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6
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Great gas mileage and fun to drive are my too key points. I can fit me, my gf and both my pitbulls it in and go. Its like I was explaining to a coworker. The reason I love German built cars is due to the soul of the vehicle. I have driven makes and models from most manufacturers but nothing makes me want to just go out and drive like a German built car.
I wanted to say thanks to everyone for your insights. I'm glad to see that so many people are passionate about their minis. I've never been on a car forum before. Are there forums like this for every car out there, like KIA's and Nissan Sentras also?
I must say that over the past week, I have found myself sitting at my desk, looking for reasons to drive somewhere. The car is growing on me. I'm still in the break-in period (380 out of 1200 miles), so I'm not pushing it at all... but I'm really looking forward to when I can open it up a bit.
I've liked the car from the beginning, obviously, that's why I bought it. And for the price, though it's expensive, it's probably the best vehicle in that price range.
After looking over some other forums, I think I should probably personalize my car a bit to make it more 'me,' if for nothing else... at least as a bonding experience between us (me and the car that is)
I've never done any 'mods' to my car before, but after watching some youtube videos of suped-up cooper's, I might look into a throaty exhaust system. Any recommendations? "cat-back" (whatever that means) seems to sound good (not too teenage Fast-and-Furious-wannabe, yet still sporty). Thoughts? Should I just go to a different forum?
Thanks again for instilling some mini-passion in me!
I must say that over the past week, I have found myself sitting at my desk, looking for reasons to drive somewhere. The car is growing on me. I'm still in the break-in period (380 out of 1200 miles), so I'm not pushing it at all... but I'm really looking forward to when I can open it up a bit.
I've liked the car from the beginning, obviously, that's why I bought it. And for the price, though it's expensive, it's probably the best vehicle in that price range.
After looking over some other forums, I think I should probably personalize my car a bit to make it more 'me,' if for nothing else... at least as a bonding experience between us (me and the car that is)
I've never done any 'mods' to my car before, but after watching some youtube videos of suped-up cooper's, I might look into a throaty exhaust system. Any recommendations? "cat-back" (whatever that means) seems to sound good (not too teenage Fast-and-Furious-wannabe, yet still sporty). Thoughts? Should I just go to a different forum?
Thanks again for instilling some mini-passion in me!
The mini club I am in is great. But, note that being a BMW, your local Mini club may be an offshoot of the local chapter of the BMW Car Club. But do not dispair, they can be some great people too.
As for mods in general, read and watch this blog. You will see a lot of different things as people make posts. There are some amazing people doing amazing things to their Minis.
As for exhuast...I had an Invidia and thought it was too loud and it did drone at highway speeds. I love the sound of my new 2012. It is a bit louder than the '07 I had and no drone. A good option between the stock and Invidia would be the Borla system (not the agressive.). But here again is a case where meeting up with other mini owers would be good. Some one of them probably has a non-stock system in their car that you can listen to directly.
Most importantly...do it for the fun of it and enjoy
I don't want to disappoint you, but hardtops, convertibles and clubmans are all built in the United Kingdom. Which as you may know is the finest country in the world for car manufacture. We are also proud to produce Jaguars and Range Rovers along with Aston Martins and Morgans. Honda, Toyota and Nissan also have plants here. Most of these brands are foreign owned, but their owners are wise enough to know that British expertise in car manufacture cannot be beaten.
At that time the British car could "turn on you"
However, before you jump on me, I did learn a lot about cars with the MG and I appreciate it for that. I will also say that the Brits know how to put some "charm" in their cars that the German's seem to think is unnecessary. I bought the Mini, in part, because of that charm and knowing full well it was made in the UK.
Neutral
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6
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Oooo...my first car was a '59 MGA and I as a very happy person when that car became a Fiat 124 spyder... At that time the British car could "turn on you"
However, before you jump on me, I did learn a lot about cars with the MG and I appreciate it for that. I will also say that the Brits know how to put some "charm" in their cars that the German's seem to think is unnecessary. I bought the Mini, in part, because of that charm and knowing full well it was made in the UK.
At that time the British car could "turn on you"However, before you jump on me, I did learn a lot about cars with the MG and I appreciate it for that. I will also say that the Brits know how to put some "charm" in their cars that the German's seem to think is unnecessary. I bought the Mini, in part, because of that charm and knowing full well it was made in the UK.
I get a great feel of wellbeing when I jump into my 2011 Cooper S diesel convertible. The ability to make such a wide range of trim choices makes it feel like it has been made for me, and of course it has!
By the way, I know 'oil burners' are not popular your side of the pond, and they are condemned here by purists, but I must say the 2 litre BMW unit is a masterpiece and the torque delivery suits my lazy driving style and the 'gas' mileage is wonderful in relation to the performance.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 408
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I don't want to disappoint you, but hardtops, convertibles and clubmans are all built in the United Kingdom. Which as you may know is the finest country in the world for car manufacture. We are also proud to produce Jaguars and Range Rovers along with Aston Martins and Morgans. Honda, Toyota and Nissan also have plants here. Most of these brands are foreign owned, but their owners are wise enough to know that British expertise in car manufacture cannot be beaten.
I'm just confused, that's all.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: ~PHX
MINI = built in Oxford
Oxford = located in England
MINI = built in England
This is important, it will be the essay portion of the final exam everyone takes they day they pick up their car. British law states that a minimum score of 80% is required, any motorers who don't score 80% have to wait one month before being eligible to re-take the exam and pick up their car.
Oxford = located in England
MINI = built in England
This is important, it will be the essay portion of the final exam everyone takes they day they pick up their car. British law states that a minimum score of 80% is required, any motorers who don't score 80% have to wait one month before being eligible to re-take the exam and pick up their car.
Last edited by Subzero; Dec 16, 2011 at 04:54 AM.
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Mobile, AL
Unless you're talking about the vintage MINIs, I don't understand how this is true. A UK car should have a VIN that begins with SA-SM. A car made in Germany has a VIN that begins with WA-W0. I think my Mini is WAWA or WYWY, I can't remember...but I know it starts with a W, which is Germany manufacture.
I'm just confused, that's all.
I'm just confused, that's all.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 2
MINI = built in Oxford
Oxford = located in England
MINI = built in England
This is important, it will be the essay portion of the final exam everyone takes they day they pick up their car. British law states that a minimum score of 80% is required, any motorers who don't score 80% have to wait one month before being eligible to re-take the exam and pick up their car.
Oxford = located in England
MINI = built in England
This is important, it will be the essay portion of the final exam everyone takes they day they pick up their car. British law states that a minimum score of 80% is required, any motorers who don't score 80% have to wait one month before being eligible to re-take the exam and pick up their car.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 2
I don't want to disappoint you, but hardtops, convertibles and clubmans are all built in the United Kingdom. Which as you may know is the finest country in the world for car manufacture. We are also proud to produce Jaguars and Range Rovers along with Aston Martins and Morgans. Honda, Toyota and Nissan also have plants here. Most of these brands are foreign owned, but their owners are wise enough to know that British expertise in car manufacture cannot be beaten.
I know that Britain is rapidly loosing manufacturing but posting on a MINI forum... heheAnyways, since all my family are Brits, I think I can honestly say that historically British cars have been... ummm... sometimes questionably designed and built. Let's say lots of character, unique designs but not always well built.
I think with BMW taking over ownership we have all seen significant changes in build quality... just like Ford taking over Jaguar caused a huge jump in reliability. But I still have a rattle in my 3 week old JCW which should make you wonder what the Oxford plant is doing...
Either way, one of the reasons I chose a MINI is because to me it is still fairly "British" but with a lot of German car qualities - but maybe not as dull as a 100% "German" car.
Neutral
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
This strikes me as a slightly odd first post... hmmm. You representing the British manufacturing industry. I know that Britain is rapidly loosing manufacturing but posting on a MINI forum... hehe
Anyways, since all my family are Brits, I think I can honestly say that historically British cars have been... ummm... sometimes questionably designed and built. Let's say lots of character, unique designs but not always well built.
I think with BMW taking over ownership we have all seen significant changes in build quality... just like Ford taking over Jaguar caused a huge jump in reliability. But I still have a rattle in my 3 week old JCW which should make you wonder what the Oxford plant is doing... Either way, one of the reasons I chose a MINI is because to me it is still fairly "British" but with a lot of German car qualities - but maybe not as dull as a 100% "German" car.
I know that Britain is rapidly loosing manufacturing but posting on a MINI forum... heheAnyways, since all my family are Brits, I think I can honestly say that historically British cars have been... ummm... sometimes questionably designed and built. Let's say lots of character, unique designs but not always well built.
I think with BMW taking over ownership we have all seen significant changes in build quality... just like Ford taking over Jaguar caused a huge jump in reliability. But I still have a rattle in my 3 week old JCW which should make you wonder what the Oxford plant is doing...
Either way, one of the reasons I chose a MINI is because to me it is still fairly "British" but with a lot of German car qualities - but maybe not as dull as a 100% "German" car.I agree with you about our poor historical design/quality record which was mainly caused by lack of investment and abysmal industrial relations, but now with the foreign money being ploughed in by Germany and India the UK has hopefully turned the corner.
It's great news that the MINI is so popular both in and outside of the UK (I'm delighted with mine) and the foreign exchange income helps with our country's balance of payments.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 2
BTW, British Smarties are the BEST!
Neutral
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I just thought your posting was funny since I just read a newspaper article yesterday about the rapid decline of manufacturing in England. I think it was about the gov't choosing Siemens over a Canadian-owned, UK manufactured train cars.
BTW, British Smarties are the BEST!
BTW, British Smarties are the BEST!
Thanks for supporting Smarties. Is Marmite popular in North America?
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 2
Apologies for the thread hijack LOL... I don't think Marmite is even available in Canada anymore. I never liked it - but my grandmother does!
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: los angeles
clearly he was looking to be wowed by electronics and bells and whistles but MINI is a drivers car and euro cars dont have the best gadgets. Look at the bmw idrive which is the same as the MINI connected not all that. But that is not the point of a mini.
Its throwing the car into turns and loving every minute of it. MINI's cover a large demographic of customers but MINI's are not for everyone. Maybe MINI is not for you
Its throwing the car into turns and loving every minute of it. MINI's cover a large demographic of customers but MINI's are not for everyone. Maybe MINI is not for you
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13
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This strikes me as a slightly odd first post... hmmm. You representing the British manufacturing industry. I know that Britain is rapidly loosing manufacturing but posting on a MINI forum... hehe
Anyways, since all my family are Brits, I think I can honestly say that historically British cars have been... ummm... sometimes questionably designed and built. Let's say lots of character, unique designs but not always well built.
I think with BMW taking over ownership we have all seen significant changes in build quality... just like Ford taking over Jaguar caused a huge jump in reliability. But I still have a rattle in my 3 week old JCW which should make you wonder what the Oxford plant is doing... Either way, one of the reasons I chose a MINI is because to me it is still fairly "British" but with a lot of German car qualities - but maybe not as dull as a 100% "German" car.
I know that Britain is rapidly loosing manufacturing but posting on a MINI forum... heheAnyways, since all my family are Brits, I think I can honestly say that historically British cars have been... ummm... sometimes questionably designed and built. Let's say lots of character, unique designs but not always well built.
I think with BMW taking over ownership we have all seen significant changes in build quality... just like Ford taking over Jaguar caused a huge jump in reliability. But I still have a rattle in my 3 week old JCW which should make you wonder what the Oxford plant is doing...
Either way, one of the reasons I chose a MINI is because to me it is still fairly "British" but with a lot of German car qualities - but maybe not as dull as a 100% "German" car.You know a car is poorly made when a Ford-takeover causes a jump in reliability, lol.
By the way, I know 'oil burners' are not popular your side of the pond, and they are condemned here by purists, but I must say the 2 litre BMW unit is a masterpiece and the torque delivery suits my lazy driving style and the 'gas' mileage is wonderful in relation to the performance.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 15
From: Silly-con Valley
BMW has brought at least one diesel over here. A co-worker has one, and I have seen a bunch of ads for them. I'm betting that they're using that as a test program and that we'll see more oil-burners if it sells well.
...And that will, at least for them, answer the question about Americans buying diesels or not...
...And that will, at least for them, answer the question about Americans buying diesels or not...
BMW has brought at least one diesel over here. A co-worker has one, and I have seen a bunch of ads for them. I'm betting that they're using that as a test program and that we'll see more oil-burners if it sells well.
...And that will, at least for them, answer the question about Americans buying diesels or not...
...And that will, at least for them, answer the question about Americans buying diesels or not...
nodoze...you don't list a LSD in your signature. With the power your Mini has, that would make a big difference.
The compact size and not having a rear axial means that the Mini has a low polar moment of inertia which means they change direction with minimal input - they are tossable...to me that means fun
The compact size and not having a rear axial means that the Mini has a low polar moment of inertia which means they change direction with minimal input - they are tossable...to me that means fun