Hi,
My wife wants to buy MCS as her next car. We had a test drive recently. I have few questions:
1. Is it normal practice that dealership sells MCS at MSRP? Or is it just my dealership? We want 08 MCS with most options, and I was really surprised when I have heard there is no chance for any discount.
2. Is there any way to have windows fully close without holding the switch?
3. Is there any way to have sunroof fully close without holding the switch?
4. How does the blinker stalk work? Is it speed sensitive? We could not figure it out: one time it was blinking till we made a turn, and other time it blinked just once.
5. One of the features of my '06 VW Jetta is when I tap the blinker stalk it will make 3 blinks (great for changing lanes). Is there something similar in MCS?
6. What is the maintenance interval for MCS? Our turbocharged '02 VW Jetta was 5k.
7. Does anybody have a maintenance schedule available? I know that up to 3yrs/36k maintenance is covered, but I am a DIY person and would like to know in advance what is going to be involved after 3yrs/36k.
8. Is there any repair manual available? I checked BentleyPublishers, but they only cover 1st generation of MINIs.
9. Is there any website/software listing the part numbers for MCS? VW uses ETKA which is available online.
10. Is there any diagnostic cable and software available at reasonable price? I have VAG-COM for my VW and it allows me not only to check for problems but also customize things like Daylight Running Lights (DRL), remote windows closing, windows closing upon rain etc.
11. Speaking of customization: I have read it is possible to have few things changed upon delivery, e.g. DRL. Is there any list of such items available?
12. My VW uses front fogs as DRLs. Is there such option in MCS?

Thanks for the answers and happy new year

 

1. As a result of demand and other factors, it is in fact normal practice for MINI's to be sold at MSRP and sometimes even higher. Especially when you're ordering. Also I'm pretty sure that it being so early in the model year doesn't help either. If you shop around you can sometimes get a couple hundred knocked off MSRP, depending on your area, but there's no guarantee. You should be able to get a couple freebies thrown it though.

2. In the 2007's no, but 2008's have one touch up windows.

3. Unfortunately not.

4. It's just like a regular stalk, you just have to get used to the very subtle detents and the fact that it automatically returns itself to the middle position after you activate it. Not sure what you mean by speed sensitive, but it is steering angle sensitive.

5. MINI's have this exact same feature. Also it can be adjusted from 1-3 blinks upon touching the stalk.

6. It's determined by the on board computer (OBC) which constantly updates when your MINI should be serviced. Oil is about every 15,000 miles. My MCS is only 3 months old, so I'm not sure about other items.

7. I've never heard of one, although I'm sure it's out there.

8. Last I checked there was not one available for the R56 (2nd gen MINI). However, that may have changed by now.

9. This website is your best bet.

10. I believe there are a couple diagnostic units available. You just have to make sure it's CAN compatible. As far as customizing things, that is done through the OBC as well.

11. Not sure if there's a list, but off the top of my head there's: DRL, auto-locking, lock/unlock confirmation, having only the drivers door or all door unlocked upon hitting the remote button once, how many blinks for one-tap signaling... I'm sure there are others.

12. Nope. When DRLs are activated it's the headlamps/tail lamps that illuminate.

Best of luck on your purchase!!!

 

Thanks for your response.

We still debating few options:
1. How does the factory alarm option work? Does it have tow-away sensor and ultrasonic presence sensor?
2. Parking aid option: is it just rear or rear and front?

 

Your welcome!

1. Directly from the MINI website:

"The Alarm System provides protection for the doors, the trunk lid and the hood. On top of that, an Ultra sonic sensor provides interior protection. The alarm system reacts if: a door, hood or tailgate are opened, there is any movement inside the car, there is a change in incline and if there is an interruption in the power supply from the battery. An LED light integrated into the rev counter displays the status of the alarm system."

Also, opting for the alarm system is the only way to get audio confirmation when you lock/unlock your MINI.

2. Just the rear. You'd think it'd be unnecessary in a vehicle as small as the MINI. But given its high belt line, I find PDC to be a very valuable aid.

 

Interesting--I plugged in the info into the "tree," and washed out with production month. All are in 2005 or 2006.

 

Go to a dealer and take a test drive. They are free, and you can get many of your questions answered and get a chance to motor in someone elses car...

I will probably do it with a 08, just to see what they changed....