R56 First time MINI owners... so what do you think???
First time MINI owners... so what do you think???
Hello All
OK, this is my first Mini. I have always owned high power sports cars but always loved the Mini...even the mini's from way back when, but never gave into my will of owning one until about 2 months ago.
I purchased an 09 JCW and I can now say I am sorry I didn't get one long ago. As a guy who always owned rear wheel drive big V8's the Mini was not exactly the car that fit in with the crew I would hang out with. since a buddy of mine who owns a Z06 bought an MCS it started me back on my intrest of getting one myself. After a couple of test drives I am the proud owner of a new Mini. I have to say it is one of the funnest car I have ever owned and am having a blast modding it to death.
Likes:
1. Handling
2. Power
3. Looks
4. MPG
5....I could go on and on
My biggest complaints:
1. TS...it has been greatly reduced since I added the Alta 22mm sway bar. This is a snowball effect, now I am going to redo the entire suspension
2. The upgraded stereo system....not really happy with it.
3. The lack of gauges. This every performance car should have the basic gauges.
The good thing is all of these items can be improved upon.
Not really much of a list...this is one great car.
OK, this is my first Mini. I have always owned high power sports cars but always loved the Mini...even the mini's from way back when, but never gave into my will of owning one until about 2 months ago.
I purchased an 09 JCW and I can now say I am sorry I didn't get one long ago. As a guy who always owned rear wheel drive big V8's the Mini was not exactly the car that fit in with the crew I would hang out with. since a buddy of mine who owns a Z06 bought an MCS it started me back on my intrest of getting one myself. After a couple of test drives I am the proud owner of a new Mini. I have to say it is one of the funnest car I have ever owned and am having a blast modding it to death.
Likes:
1. Handling
2. Power
3. Looks
4. MPG
5....I could go on and on
My biggest complaints:
1. TS...it has been greatly reduced since I added the Alta 22mm sway bar. This is a snowball effect, now I am going to redo the entire suspension
2. The upgraded stereo system....not really happy with it.
3. The lack of gauges. This every performance car should have the basic gauges.
The good thing is all of these items can be improved upon.
Not really much of a list...this is one great car.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: North Western South Carolina
That's one good lookin car
I too am a first time MINI owner,08 MCS, I came over from the Porsche 911 crowd,(covered in the garage) why did I wait so long......
The MINI is the most fun car I have driven yet. I've had more powerful cars(1970 Ram Air IV GTO Judge, a monster) and more Iconic like the 911 but none more fun.
Dislikes: Headlights, I did not go for the bi-xenons, and the leatherette is very hot in these South Carolina summer days. That's about it for dislikes
Everything else is good
I too am a first time MINI owner,08 MCS, I came over from the Porsche 911 crowd,(covered in the garage) why did I wait so long......
The MINI is the most fun car I have driven yet. I've had more powerful cars(1970 Ram Air IV GTO Judge, a monster) and more Iconic like the 911 but none more fun.
Dislikes: Headlights, I did not go for the bi-xenons, and the leatherette is very hot in these South Carolina summer days. That's about it for dislikes
Everything else is good
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota, FL
Back in the early 90's I bought a VW GTI, 2.0Liter, 16valve. I think it was a '92. I sold it when I moved to Florida in 1996 and often rued the day I sold it. It was a ton of fun to drive, not all that fast but handled like a sports car. I bought a Cooper S in May 07 and I now have my GTI back in spades. The Mini handles as good as, if not better than, the GTI and goes faster and is much better on fuel. In fact, I sometimes think I like the Mini more than my 335i. The 335i is relatively big and bulky compared to the Mini. I'd advise anyone who wants to have a blast driving a car to get a Mini. I reiterate the big drawback of the car, very limited instruments, especially, no coolant temp gauge, wow, unbelievable but one can be added.
.
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: GatorCountry
The Dislikes:
- Very poor ergonomics and very poor placement of switches and instruments.
- Very high wind noise particularly from the rear view mirrors.
- Poor flow through ventilation.
- A standard tire (non RFT) option is not available.
- Excessive understeering requiring cure with extra cost parts.
- Indifferent steering on stock suspension cars.
- Excessive torque steer on stock suspension cars.
- Indifferent reverse lock on manual cars.
- BMW ignores the extremely high temperatures causing hood scoop warping.
- BMW ignores the engine rattle noise.
- BMW ignores the engine squeaking noise.
- High priced car, very high priced options.
- A better Mini can be built but it requires expensive extra cost parts.
The Likes:
- Good power on the S model.
- Good fuel economy on the manual model.
- Excellent gearbox shifting on manual.
- Cult car looks.
- More fun to drive than thought possible on paper.
- Car can be improved with available extra cost parts.
On balance I will be keeping this 2009, which was purchased as a stop gap measure, but I fear that by the time I am finished paying the dealer for the necessary upgrades, the cost will equivalent to a BMW 3-series which is a far superior car for my purposes.
- Very poor ergonomics and very poor placement of switches and instruments.
- Very high wind noise particularly from the rear view mirrors.
- Poor flow through ventilation.
- A standard tire (non RFT) option is not available.
- Excessive understeering requiring cure with extra cost parts.
- Indifferent steering on stock suspension cars.
- Excessive torque steer on stock suspension cars.
- Indifferent reverse lock on manual cars.
- BMW ignores the extremely high temperatures causing hood scoop warping.
- BMW ignores the engine rattle noise.
- BMW ignores the engine squeaking noise.
- High priced car, very high priced options.
- A better Mini can be built but it requires expensive extra cost parts.
The Likes:
- Good power on the S model.
- Good fuel economy on the manual model.
- Excellent gearbox shifting on manual.
- Cult car looks.
- More fun to drive than thought possible on paper.
- Car can be improved with available extra cost parts.
On balance I will be keeping this 2009, which was purchased as a stop gap measure, but I fear that by the time I am finished paying the dealer for the necessary upgrades, the cost will equivalent to a BMW 3-series which is a far superior car for my purposes.
Trending Topics
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: WV
I like my MCSa better than any car I have owned. I have driven past my house a few times after work because I just wasn't ready to arrive.
If I could change a couple of things it would be:
1. The accelerator pedal has kind of a dead spot for the first 1/4 inch. It is much better in sport mode but I don't usually push it for the daily run.
2. I would like some speed selection for the intermittent wipers.
If I could change a couple of things it would be:
1. The accelerator pedal has kind of a dead spot for the first 1/4 inch. It is much better in sport mode but I don't usually push it for the daily run.
2. I would like some speed selection for the intermittent wipers.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, WA
Hmmm....
[quote=KrautHammer;2617772]The Dislikes:
- Very poor ergonomics and very poor placement of switches and instruments. The ergonomics seem fine to me, as are the placement of switches and instruments, although if there is something in the cupholder(s), it is a little inconvenient (but since there's no eating/drinking in the car, not really an issue)
- Very high wind noise particularly from the rear view mirrors. I've never heard a sound caused by my rear view mirrors. There is some noise when the sunroof is open, but with spirited driving, high speed will cause some wind noise.
- Poor flow through ventilation. Whether my sunroof is open or not, the ventilation has always been fine.
- A standard tire (non RFT) option is not available. A lot of people get aftermarket wheels, which is a good time to get standard tires, for MUCH less than through a dealership.
- Excessive understeering requiring cure with extra cost parts. I haven't noticed any understeer in my car.
- Indifferent steering on stock suspension cars. Indifferent? I'd say mine is pretty responsive, and it is stock.
- Excessive torque steer on stock suspension cars. Torque steer, yes. Excessive? Eh.
- Indifferent reverse lock on manual cars. Not sure how a reverse lock can be indifferent. I put it in reverse, it goes backwards. What else should I want it to do?
- BMW ignores the extremely high temperatures causing hood scoop warping. I've had my car over a year now and haven't had any hood scoop warping.
- BMW ignores the engine rattle noise. No engine rattle noise.
- BMW ignores the engine squeaking noise. No engine squeaking noise.
- High priced car, very high priced options. It's not high priced if you don't get the options. I don't know of a car that I'd want to own that undercharges for popular (or otherwise) options.
- A better Mini can be built but it requires expensive extra cost parts. A better any kind of car can be built with expensive extra cost parts.
The Likes:
- Good power on the S model.
- Good fuel economy on the manual model.
- Excellent gearbox shifting on manual.
- Cult car looks.
- More fun to drive than thought possible on paper.
- Car can be improved with available extra cost parts.
On balance I will be keeping this 2009, which was purchased as a stop gap measure, but I fear that by the time I am finished paying the dealer for the necessary upgrades (I can't think of any upgrades that are "necessary"), the cost will equivalent to a BMW 3-series which is a far superior car for my purposes. What are your purposes? And if the MINI doesn't meet them, and the BMW is what you want, then why not go buy one?
[/quote]
[quote=KrautHammer;2617772]The Dislikes:
- Very poor ergonomics and very poor placement of switches and instruments. The ergonomics seem fine to me, as are the placement of switches and instruments, although if there is something in the cupholder(s), it is a little inconvenient (but since there's no eating/drinking in the car, not really an issue)
- Very high wind noise particularly from the rear view mirrors. I've never heard a sound caused by my rear view mirrors. There is some noise when the sunroof is open, but with spirited driving, high speed will cause some wind noise.
- Poor flow through ventilation. Whether my sunroof is open or not, the ventilation has always been fine.
- A standard tire (non RFT) option is not available. A lot of people get aftermarket wheels, which is a good time to get standard tires, for MUCH less than through a dealership.
- Excessive understeering requiring cure with extra cost parts. I haven't noticed any understeer in my car.
- Indifferent steering on stock suspension cars. Indifferent? I'd say mine is pretty responsive, and it is stock.
- Excessive torque steer on stock suspension cars. Torque steer, yes. Excessive? Eh.
- Indifferent reverse lock on manual cars. Not sure how a reverse lock can be indifferent. I put it in reverse, it goes backwards. What else should I want it to do?
- BMW ignores the extremely high temperatures causing hood scoop warping. I've had my car over a year now and haven't had any hood scoop warping.
- BMW ignores the engine rattle noise. No engine rattle noise.
- BMW ignores the engine squeaking noise. No engine squeaking noise.
- High priced car, very high priced options. It's not high priced if you don't get the options. I don't know of a car that I'd want to own that undercharges for popular (or otherwise) options.
- A better Mini can be built but it requires expensive extra cost parts. A better any kind of car can be built with expensive extra cost parts.
The Likes:
- Good power on the S model.
- Good fuel economy on the manual model.
- Excellent gearbox shifting on manual.
- Cult car looks.
- More fun to drive than thought possible on paper.
- Car can be improved with available extra cost parts.
On balance I will be keeping this 2009, which was purchased as a stop gap measure, but I fear that by the time I am finished paying the dealer for the necessary upgrades (I can't think of any upgrades that are "necessary"), the cost will equivalent to a BMW 3-series which is a far superior car for my purposes. What are your purposes? And if the MINI doesn't meet them, and the BMW is what you want, then why not go buy one?
[/quote]
I like my MCSa better than any car I have owned. I have driven past my house a few times after work because I just wasn't ready to arrive.
If I could change a couple of things it would be:
1. The accelerator pedal has kind of a dead spot for the first 1/4 inch. It is much better in sport mode but I don't usually push it for the daily run.
2. I would like some speed selection for the intermittent wipers.
If I could change a couple of things it would be:
1. The accelerator pedal has kind of a dead spot for the first 1/4 inch. It is much better in sport mode but I don't usually push it for the daily run.
2. I would like some speed selection for the intermittent wipers.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, WA
Depending on the options you got, you should be able to adjust the speed. Rain-sensing can be adjusted through the settings adjustment (which again is different and not the easiest to figure out; it's on a button at the tip of the wiper stalk on mine). And the non-rain-sensing are speed variable, so just drive faster or slower.
Depending on the options you got, you should be able to adjust the speed. Rain-sensing can be adjusted through the settings adjustment (which again is different and not the easiest to figure out; it's on a button at the tip of the wiper stalk on mine). And the non-rain-sensing are speed variable, so just drive faster or slower.
Funny
...but in reality its not that great the way it is.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,880
Likes: 3
From: Your Worst Nightmare :)
RB yr complaints echo mine. however when I added the JCW tune kit, JCW rear sway bar, and strut brace I noticed now the car tracks better and the ts is def more manageble at least. first few times I put pedal to metal w/o the JCW mods, well, Im glad DSC was on...
helllloooo ditch
and yeah gauges are a necessity, and im disappointed that MINI could not offer some kind of small "chrono pak" (w/boost) that could sit next to the tach. but friends that ride with me at night are blown away by the lighting, (blue) ambient and otherwise. "spaceship" and "wow" are frequent descriptors. So Im hesitant to add aftermarket unless it looked identical to what's there now.
This is my second MCS, and it's just more comfortable, interior wise, than my R53 could dream of being. And otherworldy faster. And more fuel efficient. And (hopefully) more reliable, because one factor Ive noticed that's the biggest change from G1 to G2: cheaper, lighter, less substantial materials.
helllloooo ditch and yeah gauges are a necessity, and im disappointed that MINI could not offer some kind of small "chrono pak" (w/boost) that could sit next to the tach. but friends that ride with me at night are blown away by the lighting, (blue) ambient and otherwise. "spaceship" and "wow" are frequent descriptors. So Im hesitant to add aftermarket unless it looked identical to what's there now.
This is my second MCS, and it's just more comfortable, interior wise, than my R53 could dream of being. And otherworldy faster. And more fuel efficient. And (hopefully) more reliable, because one factor Ive noticed that's the biggest change from G1 to G2: cheaper, lighter, less substantial materials.
Last edited by sequence; Jan 6, 2009 at 04:20 PM.
RB yr complaints echo mine. however when I added the JCW tune kit, JCW rear sway bar, and strut brace I noticed now the car tracks better and the ts is def more manageble at least. first few times I put pedal to metal w/o the JCW mods, well, Im glad DSC was on... helllloooo ditch
and yeah gauges are a necessity, and im disappointed that MINI could not offer some kind of small "chrono pak" (w/boost) that could sit next to the tach. but friends that ride with me at night are blown away by the lighting, (blue) ambient and otherwise. "spaceship" and "wow" are frequent descriptors. So Im hesitant to add aftermarket unless it looked identical to what's there now.
This is my second MCS, and it's just more comfortable, interior wise, than my R53 could dream of being. And otherworldy faster. And more fuel efficient. And (hopefully) more reliable, because one factor Ive noticed that's the biggest change from G1 to G2: cheaper, lighter, less substantial materials.
helllloooo ditch and yeah gauges are a necessity, and im disappointed that MINI could not offer some kind of small "chrono pak" (w/boost) that could sit next to the tach. but friends that ride with me at night are blown away by the lighting, (blue) ambient and otherwise. "spaceship" and "wow" are frequent descriptors. So Im hesitant to add aftermarket unless it looked identical to what's there now.
This is my second MCS, and it's just more comfortable, interior wise, than my R53 could dream of being. And otherworldy faster. And more fuel efficient. And (hopefully) more reliable, because one factor Ive noticed that's the biggest change from G1 to G2: cheaper, lighter, less substantial materials.
Neutral
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
You sure you've driven the car hard enough? I'll admit, it's not as notorious as other FWD cars, but nonetheless, there is still understeer there.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
First MINI for me. 2007 R56 MCS. Came from an Alfa Romeo 147.
Absolutely love the car.
Only thing I can say I'm disappointed with is poor build quality. Rattles are doing my head! I'll find the source of one and then another will appear. It's endless and frustrating. You'd think this would be the last thing on your mind when buying a BMW, but it's evident it's not of the same build quality despite being in the same price bracket.
Absolutely love the car.
Only thing I can say I'm disappointed with is poor build quality. Rattles are doing my head! I'll find the source of one and then another will appear. It's endless and frustrating. You'd think this would be the last thing on your mind when buying a BMW, but it's evident it's not of the same build quality despite being in the same price bracket.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
First post, first mini. Oh boy am I in love.
Picked up my red body / white roof 2009 Factory JCW 2 weeks ago. All I can say is what a ball of fire it is to drive. The engine is a real little rip snorta (Aussie slang for 'love it'). For those who know the Victorian coast I took it down the Great Ocean Road to break it in. Truly one of the great driving roads! The mini was pure fun along that road.
Very few things I dislike with the car. My only real concern (for my tastes) is the steering. I have come from an mx5 (miata) and Honda type-r's which I tracked a lot so compared to these cars the steering is a little numb. Yes it is pretty direct but I find it does not telegraph what the wheels/chassis is doing as well or as quickly as my previous cars. But hey this can be fixed very easily.
I have been speaking with Adam from Alta and been organizing some Cross Coilovers, rear sway bar, sway bar endlinks front & back, rear adjustable control arms for camber and alta's PSRS for the front. This should solve my issue with the steering/handling very nicely. I am actually itching to get the JCW out on track with these suspension parts to see what it is really capable of!
Picked up my red body / white roof 2009 Factory JCW 2 weeks ago. All I can say is what a ball of fire it is to drive. The engine is a real little rip snorta (Aussie slang for 'love it'). For those who know the Victorian coast I took it down the Great Ocean Road to break it in. Truly one of the great driving roads! The mini was pure fun along that road.
Very few things I dislike with the car. My only real concern (for my tastes) is the steering. I have come from an mx5 (miata) and Honda type-r's which I tracked a lot so compared to these cars the steering is a little numb. Yes it is pretty direct but I find it does not telegraph what the wheels/chassis is doing as well or as quickly as my previous cars. But hey this can be fixed very easily.
I have been speaking with Adam from Alta and been organizing some Cross Coilovers, rear sway bar, sway bar endlinks front & back, rear adjustable control arms for camber and alta's PSRS for the front. This should solve my issue with the steering/handling very nicely. I am actually itching to get the JCW out on track with these suspension parts to see what it is really capable of!
I've added some suspension, exhaust, intake, and wheel/tire mods to suit my tastes and must say it's the most responsive and exhilarating car I've ever owned, and, I've owned quite a few VERY high perf cars in the past.
Every single time I leave my driveway, it's FUN and then it's FUN and then it's still more (you guessed it) FUN!!!!!!!
Could BMW have tweaked the suspension, exhaust, intake, wheels, gauges, stereo package, etc?? CERTAINLY! But, I remind myself that this little pocket rocket is still a sports car and FUN is what it's all about.
So, for me, Mini Bo Bini keeps me feeling alive and young and anxioius every time I go somewhere to "drive it like I stole it" which is, of course, FUN!!!
YRMV.....
Looks like I need to update the picture.....looks and sounds quite a bit different now.
Every single time I leave my driveway, it's FUN and then it's FUN and then it's still more (you guessed it) FUN!!!!!!!
Could BMW have tweaked the suspension, exhaust, intake, wheels, gauges, stereo package, etc?? CERTAINLY! But, I remind myself that this little pocket rocket is still a sports car and FUN is what it's all about.
So, for me, Mini Bo Bini keeps me feeling alive and young and anxioius every time I go somewhere to "drive it like I stole it" which is, of course, FUN!!!
YRMV.....
Looks like I need to update the picture.....looks and sounds quite a bit different now.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: NoHo,CA
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++
[quote=minicooperwill;2617850]Hmmm....
[quote=minicooperwill;2617850]Hmmm....
The Dislikes:
- Very poor ergonomics and very poor placement of switches and instruments. The ergonomics seem fine to me, as are the placement of switches and instruments, although if there is something in the cupholder(s), it is a little inconvenient (but since there's no eating/drinking in the car, not really an issue)
- Very high wind noise particularly from the rear view mirrors. I've never heard a sound caused by my rear view mirrors. There is some noise when the sunroof is open, but with spirited driving, high speed will cause some wind noise.
- Poor flow through ventilation. Whether my sunroof is open or not, the ventilation has always been fine.
- A standard tire (non RFT) option is not available. A lot of people get aftermarket wheels, which is a good time to get standard tires, for MUCH less than through a dealership.
- Excessive understeering requiring cure with extra cost parts. I haven't noticed any understeer in my car.
- Indifferent steering on stock suspension cars. Indifferent? I'd say mine is pretty responsive, and it is stock.
- Excessive torque steer on stock suspension cars. Torque steer, yes. Excessive? Eh.
- Indifferent reverse lock on manual cars. Not sure how a reverse lock can be indifferent. I put it in reverse, it goes backwards. What else should I want it to do?
- BMW ignores the extremely high temperatures causing hood scoop warping. I've had my car over a year now and haven't had any hood scoop warping.
- BMW ignores the engine rattle noise. No engine rattle noise.
- BMW ignores the engine squeaking noise. No engine squeaking noise.
- High priced car, very high priced options. It's not high priced if you don't get the options. I don't know of a car that I'd want to own that undercharges for popular (or otherwise) options.
- A better Mini can be built but it requires expensive extra cost parts. A better any kind of car can be built with expensive extra cost parts.
The Likes:
- Good power on the S model.
- Good fuel economy on the manual model.
- Excellent gearbox shifting on manual.
- Cult car looks.
- More fun to drive than thought possible on paper.
- Car can be improved with available extra cost parts.
On balance I will be keeping this 2009, which was purchased as a stop gap measure, but I fear that by the time I am finished paying the dealer for the necessary upgrades (I can't think of any upgrades that are "necessary"), the cost will equivalent to a BMW 3-series which is a far superior car for my purposes. What are your purposes? And if the MINI doesn't meet them, and the BMW is what you want, then why not go buy one?
[/quote]
- Very poor ergonomics and very poor placement of switches and instruments. The ergonomics seem fine to me, as are the placement of switches and instruments, although if there is something in the cupholder(s), it is a little inconvenient (but since there's no eating/drinking in the car, not really an issue)
- Very high wind noise particularly from the rear view mirrors. I've never heard a sound caused by my rear view mirrors. There is some noise when the sunroof is open, but with spirited driving, high speed will cause some wind noise.
- Poor flow through ventilation. Whether my sunroof is open or not, the ventilation has always been fine.
- A standard tire (non RFT) option is not available. A lot of people get aftermarket wheels, which is a good time to get standard tires, for MUCH less than through a dealership.
- Excessive understeering requiring cure with extra cost parts. I haven't noticed any understeer in my car.
- Indifferent steering on stock suspension cars. Indifferent? I'd say mine is pretty responsive, and it is stock.
- Excessive torque steer on stock suspension cars. Torque steer, yes. Excessive? Eh.
- Indifferent reverse lock on manual cars. Not sure how a reverse lock can be indifferent. I put it in reverse, it goes backwards. What else should I want it to do?
- BMW ignores the extremely high temperatures causing hood scoop warping. I've had my car over a year now and haven't had any hood scoop warping.
- BMW ignores the engine rattle noise. No engine rattle noise.
- BMW ignores the engine squeaking noise. No engine squeaking noise.
- High priced car, very high priced options. It's not high priced if you don't get the options. I don't know of a car that I'd want to own that undercharges for popular (or otherwise) options.
- A better Mini can be built but it requires expensive extra cost parts. A better any kind of car can be built with expensive extra cost parts.
The Likes:
- Good power on the S model.
- Good fuel economy on the manual model.
- Excellent gearbox shifting on manual.
- Cult car looks.
- More fun to drive than thought possible on paper.
- Car can be improved with available extra cost parts.
On balance I will be keeping this 2009, which was purchased as a stop gap measure, but I fear that by the time I am finished paying the dealer for the necessary upgrades (I can't think of any upgrades that are "necessary"), the cost will equivalent to a BMW 3-series which is a far superior car for my purposes. What are your purposes? And if the MINI doesn't meet them, and the BMW is what you want, then why not go buy one?
[/quote]
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
I just got my mini last year. I picked mine up honestly because I have loved the look of them for ages. So for me the speed and all the other cool things were extra. I do have a few issues. But over all I would buy again. As far as my 09 MCS I dont have any rattling noises from the engine area at all. Sounds like it needs to be taken back to BMW if you hear stuff like that. JMHO
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: NoHo,CA
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++
[quote=minicooperwill;2617850]Hmmm....
[quote=minicooperwill;2617850]Hmmm....
The Dislikes:
- Very poor ergonomics and very poor placement of switches and instruments. The ergonomics seem fine to me, as are the placement of switches and instruments, although if there is something in the cupholder(s), it is a little inconvenient (but since there's no eating/drinking in the car, not really an issue)
- Very high wind noise particularly from the rear view mirrors. I've never heard a sound caused by my rear view mirrors. There is some noise when the sunroof is open, but with spirited driving, high speed will cause some wind noise.
- Poor flow through ventilation. Whether my sunroof is open or not, the ventilation has always been fine.
- A standard tire (non RFT) option is not available. A lot of people get aftermarket wheels, which is a good time to get standard tires, for MUCH less than through a dealership.
- Excessive understeering requiring cure with extra cost parts. I haven't noticed any understeer in my car.
- Indifferent steering on stock suspension cars. Indifferent? I'd say mine is pretty responsive, and it is stock.
- Excessive torque steer on stock suspension cars. Torque steer, yes. Excessive? Eh.
- Indifferent reverse lock on manual cars. Not sure how a reverse lock can be indifferent. I put it in reverse, it goes backwards. What else should I want it to do?
- BMW ignores the extremely high temperatures causing hood scoop warping. I've had my car over a year now and haven't had any hood scoop warping.
- BMW ignores the engine rattle noise. No engine rattle noise.
- BMW ignores the engine squeaking noise. No engine squeaking noise.
- High priced car, very high priced options. It's not high priced if you don't get the options. I don't know of a car that I'd want to own that undercharges for popular (or otherwise) options.
- A better Mini can be built but it requires expensive extra cost parts. A better any kind of car can be built with expensive extra cost parts.
The Likes:
- Good power on the S model.
- Good fuel economy on the manual model.
- Excellent gearbox shifting on manual.
- Cult car looks.
- More fun to drive than thought possible on paper.
- Car can be improved with available extra cost parts.
On balance I will be keeping this 2009, which was purchased as a stop gap measure, but I fear that by the time I am finished paying the dealer for the necessary upgrades (I can't think of any upgrades that are "necessary"), the cost will equivalent to a BMW 3-series which is a far superior car for my purposes. What are your purposes? And if the MINI doesn't meet them, and the BMW is what you want, then why not go buy one?
[/quote]
- Very poor ergonomics and very poor placement of switches and instruments. The ergonomics seem fine to me, as are the placement of switches and instruments, although if there is something in the cupholder(s), it is a little inconvenient (but since there's no eating/drinking in the car, not really an issue)
- Very high wind noise particularly from the rear view mirrors. I've never heard a sound caused by my rear view mirrors. There is some noise when the sunroof is open, but with spirited driving, high speed will cause some wind noise.
- Poor flow through ventilation. Whether my sunroof is open or not, the ventilation has always been fine.
- A standard tire (non RFT) option is not available. A lot of people get aftermarket wheels, which is a good time to get standard tires, for MUCH less than through a dealership.
- Excessive understeering requiring cure with extra cost parts. I haven't noticed any understeer in my car.
- Indifferent steering on stock suspension cars. Indifferent? I'd say mine is pretty responsive, and it is stock.
- Excessive torque steer on stock suspension cars. Torque steer, yes. Excessive? Eh.
- Indifferent reverse lock on manual cars. Not sure how a reverse lock can be indifferent. I put it in reverse, it goes backwards. What else should I want it to do?
- BMW ignores the extremely high temperatures causing hood scoop warping. I've had my car over a year now and haven't had any hood scoop warping.
- BMW ignores the engine rattle noise. No engine rattle noise.
- BMW ignores the engine squeaking noise. No engine squeaking noise.
- High priced car, very high priced options. It's not high priced if you don't get the options. I don't know of a car that I'd want to own that undercharges for popular (or otherwise) options.
- A better Mini can be built but it requires expensive extra cost parts. A better any kind of car can be built with expensive extra cost parts.
The Likes:
- Good power on the S model.
- Good fuel economy on the manual model.
- Excellent gearbox shifting on manual.
- Cult car looks.
- More fun to drive than thought possible on paper.
- Car can be improved with available extra cost parts.
On balance I will be keeping this 2009, which was purchased as a stop gap measure, but I fear that by the time I am finished paying the dealer for the necessary upgrades (I can't think of any upgrades that are "necessary"), the cost will equivalent to a BMW 3-series which is a far superior car for my purposes. What are your purposes? And if the MINI doesn't meet them, and the BMW is what you want, then why not go buy one?
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,963
Likes: 393
From: In the here and now, for now.
We picked up our 1st ever MINI, used, at a BMW dealership in November and are enjoying the heck out of it. Wouldn't change a thing except the bonnet stripes which appear to have what looks like tree sap stains and maybe add boot stripes if I can talk the co-pilot into it. I had non run flats mounted before it even left the dealer's parking lot. Those RF tyres are a crock as far as I'm concerned. I acquired my first car in the mid 60's, a TR Spitfire. Never put the top up, drilled holes in the floor board so the rain water could drain out. Joined up with an EVSCC group while stationed in Key West and caught the autoX, rally and road race bug real bad. Traded the TR for a '65 E Jag and ran the heck out of that. Finally blew the engine and sold it off for parts for a few hundred bucks. My greatest regret was passing on a pristine XK 120 a guy was asking 1800 bucks for, still kick myself over that one. The only Mini I ever saw from that time to this was the one in the Key West EVSCC chapter and admired the hell out of how it took corners and danced around pilons (see thumbnail). Took over 40 years and several 'responsible family cars' to get here but loving every MINI moment we get now.