General MINI Talk Shared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Astro Black Registry

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 8, 2008 | 05:40 AM
  #501  
CleanSC's Avatar
CleanSC
2nd Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
A birdbomb on my AB left a permanent stain on my bonnet that requires compounding to remove. Wax nor polish didn't even touch it. Etched right into the clearcoat.

If you see a bird land one on your car, remove it ASAP. That stuff has nasty acids in it and will do permanent things to your finish.

I get angry at MINI paint sometimes. I don't have these issues with other makes.

Keep your cars freshly waxed!! It makes a difference and they NEED the protection.
 
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2008 | 08:30 AM
  #502  
DixonL2's Avatar
DixonL2
6th Gear
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,173
Likes: 2
From: Pgh, PA
swine birds...
 
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2008 | 09:13 AM
  #503  
mnimule's Avatar
mnimule
3rd Gear
iTrader: (-1)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
Please Check the Marketplace I am selling a beutiful 2008 MCS/JCW Astro Black with less than 1,700 miles on it!!!! I am relocating to Athens, Greece and got to get rid of it ASAP!!!
 
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2008 | 06:25 PM
  #504  
blackdelight's Avatar
blackdelight
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Newtown, PA
Originally Posted by CleanSC
A birdbomb on my AB left a permanent stain on my bonnet that requires compounding to remove. Wax nor polish didn't even touch it. Etched right into the clearcoat.

If you see a bird land one on your car, remove it ASAP. That stuff has nasty acids in it and will do permanent things to your finish.

I get angry at MINI paint sometimes. I don't have these issues with other makes.

Keep your cars freshly waxed!! It makes a difference and they NEED the protection.
I'm wondering whether this is a result of leaves dropping onto my car from the recent rain. In any event, I'm going to take it to the dealer and have them look at it just to make sure there isn't a defect in the paint job.
 
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2008 | 06:40 PM
  #505  
wikedgolf's Avatar
wikedgolf
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 0
From: all over Socal
 
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2008 | 05:26 PM
  #506  
Chugiakgirl's Avatar
Chugiakgirl
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Omaha
Another photo

Here's another photo of my Astro Black MCS - Rally, the Black Rook. I've had him for almost 2 weeks and still love every minute of the drive!
 
Attached Thumbnails Astro Black Registry-rally-the-black-rook.jpg  
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:24 PM
  #507  
bettehead's Avatar
bettehead
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
Newbie Here...Just Ordered My Astro Black MCS Two Days Ago!

Hello, Everyone.

Wellllllll....I've taken the plunge. I've got to admit to being really nervous about putting a deposit on my MINI. Why? Because the car I have now is nearly 21 years old and I'm the original owner. *laughs* It's been awhile since I've done this! EVERYTHING has changed: price (!), options, etc. Browsing this thread has made me feel a bit better, as all of your "babies" are just gorgeous. I just got my order tracking number and it says I ordered a Sparkling Silver MCS (!) but my MA says that's okay and it happens until the computer can "catch up" and correct the color. He assures me that it WILL be black.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you all for the "graphics therapy". Looking at your photos has calmed me. Somewhat.
 
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:43 PM
  #508  
blackdelight's Avatar
blackdelight
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Newtown, PA
Originally Posted by bettehead
Hello, Everyone.

Wellllllll....I've taken the plunge. I've got to admit to being really nervous about putting a deposit on my MINI. Why? Because the car I have now is nearly 21 years old and I'm the original owner. *laughs* It's been awhile since I've done this! EVERYTHING has changed: price (!), options, etc. Browsing this thread has made me feel a bit better, as all of your "babies" are just gorgeous. I just got my order tracking number and it says I ordered a Sparkling Silver MCS (!) but my MA says that's okay and it happens until the computer can "catch up" and correct the color. He assures me that it WILL be black.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you all for the "graphics therapy". Looking at your photos has calmed me. Somewhat.
Welcome to NAM! Congratulations on ordering your MINI. You will absolutely love it once you get it and personally I think Astro Black is the prettiest and least common color out there. Keep us posted on your order. I've heard that sometimes the orders show up with an incorrect color initially but they do straighten themselves out. This didn't happen to me but my MA told me it was a possibility.
 
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:54 PM
  #509  
bettehead's Avatar
bettehead
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
^ Thanks, BD, for both the welcome and the kind comments! I really appreciate both and will try to live vicariously through the AB owners here until mine arrives. At least I've got a couple of months to get used to the idea. *laughs* I'm keeping my nearly 21 year old Nissan, as it's worth MUCH more to me than the book value implies. The MINI will be a nice addition, I'm sure. It just all seems very surreal at this point.

Thanks again!
 
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2008 | 04:50 PM
  #510  
Chugiakgirl's Avatar
Chugiakgirl
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Omaha
Originally Posted by bettehead
Hello, Everyone.

Wellllllll....I've taken the plunge. I've got to admit to being really nervous about putting a deposit on my MINI. Why? Because the car I have now is nearly 21 years old and I'm the original owner. *laughs* It's been awhile since I've done this! EVERYTHING has changed: price (!), options, etc. Browsing this thread has made me feel a bit better, as all of your "babies" are just gorgeous. I just got my order tracking number and it says I ordered a Sparkling Silver MCS (!) but my MA says that's okay and it happens until the computer can "catch up" and correct the color. He assures me that it WILL be black.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you all for the "graphics therapy". Looking at your photos has calmed me. Somewhat.
Congratz and welcome! I am on week 4 with my MCS and still enjoying every moment. I actually HATE it when I arrive to work each morning and have to leave it in the parking lot. You'll find something amusing when you get it...everyone smiles at you a LOT when you're driving it. I had a guy the other day in a Nissan Z convertible stop at a stop sign in front of me, and turned around and gave me the THUMBS UP Made my day!
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2008 | 04:39 PM
  #511  
bettehead's Avatar
bettehead
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
^ CGirl,

Your baby is GORGEOUS! Thanks for the kind words of welcome. I'm really enjoying the photos of your MINI. I hope someday I can share some with everyone here.

CleanSC:

If you see a bird land one on your car, remove it ASAP. That stuff has nasty acids in it and will do permanent things to your finish.

I get angry at MINI paint sometimes. I don't have these issues with other makes.

Keep your cars freshly waxed!! It makes a difference and they NEED the protection.
I found your post very interesting. When I put a deposit on my MINI last week, my MA told me about the MINI paint protection system (they also apply water and stain protectant to the interior as well as part of the package) that's offered by the dealer, not by MINI. At first, I wondered if it was all hooey, but he said that MINI paint is water based and more environmentally friendly and therefore it's only the clear coat that protects it. He said that bird doo, leaves, etc. can make little spots that are actually opaque areas on the clear coat. The optional paint protection applies a coating to the car when it's new, then reapplies it annually for 5 years. If there is any spotting during this time, they will repaint the area. My MA said that he himself had this happen to his preowned MINI which had no protective coating. He had it repainted and had the coating applied to his car, he said.

Anyway...just thought I'd pass that along, for what it's worth.

Thanks again for the welcome, everyone!
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2008 | 05:20 PM
  #512  
whoapower's Avatar
whoapower
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by bettehead
When I put a deposit on my MINI last week, my MA told me about the MINI paint protection system (they also apply water and stain protectant to the interior as well as part of the package) that's offered by the dealer, not by MINI. At first, I wondered if it was all hooey, but he said that MINI paint is water based and more environmentally friendly and therefore it's only the clear coat that protects it. He said that bird doo, leaves, etc. can make little spots that are actually opaque areas on the clear coat. The optional paint protection applies a coating to the car when it's new, then reapplies it annually for 5 years. If there is any spotting during this time, they will repaint the area. My MA said that he himself had this happen to his preowned MINI which had no protective coating. He had it repainted and had the coating applied to his car, he said.
The MA is a good salesman. He's selling you an expensive wax treatment, nothing more. Interior is just scotchguard.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2008 | 05:46 PM
  #513  
bettehead's Avatar
bettehead
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
^ Well, I wasn't sure and, for the price, didn't want to take the chance.....
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2008 | 06:21 PM
  #514  
whoapower's Avatar
whoapower
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
If you just put in your order with the deposit, you can call and change your mind. Tell him, you thought about it and would like to change some items in your order - and that would be it. You haven't taken delivery of the car yet, so unless you signed an agreement to pay for it, it should be no problem.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2008 | 07:59 PM
  #515  
Chugiakgirl's Avatar
Chugiakgirl
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Omaha
Originally Posted by bettehead
^ CGirl,

Your baby is GORGEOUS! Thanks for the kind words of welcome. I'm really enjoying the photos of your MINI. I hope someday I can share some with everyone here.

[B]CleanSC:



I found your post very interesting. When I put a deposit on my MINI last week, my MA told me about the MINI paint protection system (they also apply water and stain protectant to the interior as well as part of the package) that's offered by the dealer, not by MINI. At first, I wondered if it was all hooey, but he said that MINI paint is water based and more environmentally friendly and therefore it's only the clear coat that protects it. He said that bird doo, leaves, etc. can make little spots that are actually opaque areas on the clear coat. The optional paint protection applies a coating to the car when it's new, then reapplies it annually for 5 years. If there is any spotting during this time, they will repaint the area. My MA said that he himself had this happen to his preowned MINI which had no protective coating. He had it repainted and had the coating applied to his car, he said.

Anyway...just thought I'd pass that along, for what it's worth.

Thanks again for the welcome, everyone!
Thanks! Looking forward to seeing your photos!!!
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2008 | 07:44 AM
  #516  
CleanSC's Avatar
CleanSC
2nd Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
Originally Posted by bettehead

CleanSC:

I found your post very interesting. When I put a deposit on my MINI last week, my MA told me about the MINI paint protection system.
If you wax the car yourself at LEAST every 6 months with a good synthetic wax (I prefer every 3), you won't have this problem nor need the treatment.

In fact, treatment or not, you need to be waxing the car so if you can get out of it, do it. Those paint protection systems are basically just ways to inflate dealer profit as much as possible.

Besides, AB is pretty phenomenal after a fresh wax. You will fall in love all over again.
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2008 | 05:21 PM
  #517  
bettehead's Avatar
bettehead
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
Thanks for the feedback, Everyone.

I may just stay with the order the way it is...since it seems to cover any paint damage at all for 5 years. That might be worth it by itself. (?) *shrug*

I also look forward to posting photos! *laughs!* I suppose it'll be in about two months or so.
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 04:35 PM
  #518  
bettehead's Avatar
bettehead
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
Yay! My MINI just moved from "On Order" to "Scheduled for Production".

Just wanted to share.
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 04:40 PM
  #519  
Chugiakgirl's Avatar
Chugiakgirl
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Omaha
Originally Posted by bettehead
Yay! My MINI just moved from "On Order" to "Scheduled for Production".

Just wanted to share.
Congratulations! If it goes like mine did, you should have it in 3-4 weeks! I'm excited for you!!!
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 04:45 PM
  #520  
bettehead's Avatar
bettehead
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
^Really? That soon? I didn't think they could build 'em that quickly. My MA did say "November" but November's a long month. *wink*

THANKS for the wishes!
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 04:52 PM
  #521  
Chugiakgirl's Avatar
Chugiakgirl
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Omaha
Originally Posted by bettehead
^Really? That soon? I didn't think they could build 'em that quickly. My MA did say "November" but November's a long month. *wink*

THANKS for the wishes!
Mine went into production on July 28 and I picked it up on August 31. 1 month exactly from the start of production. I'm in Omaha, NE. The West Coast takes longer and the East coast is a little quicker. So depending on where you are, that's probably about right.
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 04:57 PM
  #522  
bettehead's Avatar
bettehead
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
*happy dance!!!!*


East Coast-er here!
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 05:25 PM
  #523  
blackdelight's Avatar
blackdelight
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Newtown, PA
Originally Posted by bettehead
*happy dance!!!!*


East Coast-er here!
And the dancing will continue once you get your MINI. I've had mine for almost 2 months and I love driving it. It's a blast.
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 06:28 PM
  #524  
jakeryanitc's Avatar
jakeryanitc
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Mission, KS
Hey guys. I should be getting my first MINI next week. all these posts about the paint job have me worried! I don't have a garage and am really lazy, so waxing every 3 months probably won't be happening. I hope the 09 models have better paint...
 
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2008 | 05:27 AM
  #525  
CleanSC's Avatar
CleanSC
2nd Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
Originally Posted by jakeryanitc
Hey guys. I should be getting my first MINI next week. all these posts about the paint job have me worried! I don't have a garage and am really lazy, so waxing every 3 months probably won't be happening. I hope the 09 models have better paint...
Ask around locally for a good detailer and pay to get it done.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:05 AM.