Maybe this is common knowledge for you all but I thought i'd share my discoveries.

I am now an owner for 1 week with 256 miles driven thus far.

NYC has been having some very odd weather this year, Heat/Humidity and Heavy flash rains.

1. Today I noticed the speed sensative wipers that slow down a notch once your car slows to a stop. I used to do this manually and was happy to see the car doing this on its own. (exclusive to 2006 as per the programable options list)

2. The doorlocks unlock once the key is removed from the ignition. (preprogrammed from the factory)

3. realtime potential mileage gauge (noticed this after installing the new signal stalk with alarm indicator light). Ive had this in my bmws and now have it on my mini

4. Aslo noticed that the clock is on the dashboard and not located above the mirror. Great for not having to lift my eyes off the road.

I am still learning how great this car is. My wife and I are both so pleased with the car thus far. We are glad to have customized a new car rather than going in the used car market. Just thought I'd share...

 

Having owned my share of MINIs ('02 MC CVT [wife's], '04 MCS and '05 MCS) I couldn't agree with you more. I think most of the improvements MINI introduced during the 2005 model year, really went a long way in making the car even more pleasurable to drive and own.

You still have more nice things to discover, but I won't give you any clues....

 

The speed sensitive wipers have always been offered since 2002. My '02 wiper's slow down when the car comes to a full stop or with speed +/- variances.

 

I think he could have meant that the non-automatic wipers (i.e. no special windshield sensor) are speed sensitive now... or is that what you were referring to as well?

I did want to comment that the "unlock when car turned off" option has been available for a while now. I have that set on my 05... I'm not sure if it was available as an option for 02-04. Also, mileage gauge comes with any MINI that has the on-board computer installed. I like mine - I keep it on "miles remaining" 99% of the time.

acitydweller - it's interesting that you like the new clock location in 05s & 06s... a lot of people hated the fact it moved from the headliner to inside your speedometer! Personally it doesn't bother me, but then again I never owned an 02-04.

 

Correction - if you have Nav, you don't get 'realtime' MPG with OBC. But you do get a second 'consumption' figure (consumption 1, consumption 2.)
Unlock on engine off is available in the '02-04.

 

I made a point of getting an '06 JWC Mini. The '07's will have a turbocharger instead of a supercharger. The experts can cite paper figures all they want, turbo's have inherent throttle lag, which as an autocrosser, I do not need.

They also run a lot hotter. This too, I do not need.

 

My MINI's OBC display in the tach has the realtime MPG, as well as the first "average" (i.e. consumption) one. Perhaps it was a new feature in the 05+?

I also get the second "average" one that you mentioned but it is only visible from the Nav screen.

The one OBC feature I am annoyed about not having is the digital speedometer. Even though the analog one is right there behind the steering wheel, I don't see why they needed to disable that option for MINIs with Nav or the chrono pack.

 

You're right Edge - I should have stated that was WRT pre-'05s.

I share your ire for lack of a digital speedo. Sure, it's on the same gauge that shows the analog speed, but given that it's probably something that had to be DE-FEATURED in the Chrono/Nav cars, it's a bit irky. :impatient

 

Actually, the speedo readout on the tach was first introduced for the '04 model year, regardless of having the optional trip computer (OBC) or not.

 

I have been told supercharged engines are more durable vs turbocharged ones.

 

C4, I think you misunderstood the concern. Our gripe is that the digital speedo is removed if you have either the Nav system or the chrono pack. We weren't referring to the OBC for that feature - the feature in question that is "new" in 05/06 with regard to OBC (according to acitydweller) is the distance remaining on the current fuel tank (i.e. range)... but I am not 100% clear on whether acitydweller owned an older MINI beforehand.

 

How do you get to that conclusion? A properly engineered turbo-charged engine can easily get to 200,000 miles. There are a number of Volvo 850 Turbos in my neck of the woods that are driving around with 200,000 mile badges (factory promotion - if your car has 100,000+ verifiable miles (great thing for the dealer service departments, because they have to do the verification...), you can get a badge...). Note the qualification on properly engineered. I am not referring to something that was N.A. and got converted; but instead, came from the factory with a turbo. BMW may go through some teething experiences for the first couple of years, but long term, the turbo is superior to supercharging for efficiency.

 

Don't shoot the messenger. I wondered about that myself.

 

I don't know if that's true or not. A turbo doesn't fit into what I plan to do with my car. Especially the extra heat a turbo generates under such a small, cramped space such as a Mini's bonnet!

 

Don't forget having to wait to shut off the engine with a turbo, very annoying on my old '80 280ZX.

 

I like the puddle lights in the doors, the oh-s**t handle on the passenger side, and the backlit door handles in my 06 MCS. The 03 MCS I had didn't have these features. I still find myself looking up for the clock, now there are map lights there and the warning light for the airbag in the passenger front seat. Just some little touches that make motoring with family and friends a bit nicer.

 

Trust BMW. They have engineered plenty of heat shielding (actual heat wrap to protect items from heat as well as protective coating (ceramic or similar)) on the manifold and turbo and possibly the downpipe to protect from heat.

 

With the new turbos, there is a technology that goes by various names, but what it does is to continue to pump oil past the turbo's bearings to prevent heat coking of the oil.

 

These are nice features; but they were released with the '05 models - my 2005 MCSa (3/23 build date) has them.

 

Well, you will have to see how BMW does the throttle lag elimination game. On the 335ci, they have used two turbo-chargers (one for bost at low speeds; and the other for bost at higher speeds). Also, the turbo-chargers are variable vane technology to further reduce throttle lag. The proof will be in the pudding (so to speak). You will have to accept the accomplishment of the turbo if you start to see '07s beat the '06 and earlier cars at the track....

 

The coolest aspect of the 'O6 MCS, for me, is a optional factory installed & fully warranted JCW tuning kit including brakes & LSD, etc.!

Hey Acitydweller, my JCW is also a week old, with 'bout 230 miles! I don't know technically what has changed, but I see a big difference in the DSC between my '06 compared to my former '03. The '03 DSC shut my car down too often, even at the slightest chirping of the tires. So far (granted, I'm babying the car during 1st 1500 miles) the DSC seems much, much less eager to correct my assertive gas pedal behavior! Is this new to '06?

 

I have to agree with you on the factory warranty. i am second guessing my NAV / premium options in favor or the JCW kit... but I am extremely happy with my current configuration. I dont believe there was any change to the DSC however everything in your car is still in the process of being broken in. I am fairly gentle with my brakes, clutch and engine with sub 3500 revs.

5. Puddle lights for the door handles. very cool feature...

 

I wanted (and got) my 2006 MCSC because I wanted a supercharger and not a turbo. However, I have found that on very hot days, after running at freeway speeds for long times, when I stop, and then try to go in 1st again, it is very sluggish, and I end up either revving it or chirping it. My husband called it a heat soak/sink and it occurs with his 2006 MCSC as well. Anyone else have this experience?

 

Depends on where SCCA slots them into the classes.

 

I've had that problem with non-charged cars. I've always felt it had more to do with the engine management system or air intake control.