R50/53 Falling out of love...
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Oakland
.....
Lastly, as I drive home of course I hit rush hour traffic. The stop and go is inevitable, but my MINI's incredibly weak low end makes it difficult to accelerate then stop time after time. Granted this is an easy fix with a pulley or chip or whatever, but I won't be able to mod for a while to come. ....
Lastly, as I drive home of course I hit rush hour traffic. The stop and go is inevitable, but my MINI's incredibly weak low end makes it difficult to accelerate then stop time after time. Granted this is an easy fix with a pulley or chip or whatever, but I won't be able to mod for a while to come. ....
Zooming up two car lengths and stopping over and over again will just increase your chances of kissing the bumper in front or more likely that a cellphone yapping doofus behind will zoom and boom you. Relax and enjoy some tunes. 
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,966
Likes: 1
1. Make sure you are using top tier gasoline. Using cheap gas will cause problems with starting and power. If it continues to be hard to start, have your MINI dealer look at your car.
2. Get rid of the run flat tires. This will improve ride quality substantially.
3. You MINI doesn't lack low end power, it is hampered by the DSC. Turn off the DSC and drive yor car like the sports car it is. You'll be surprised by the difference this will make.
2. Get rid of the run flat tires. This will improve ride quality substantially.
3. You MINI doesn't lack low end power, it is hampered by the DSC. Turn off the DSC and drive yor car like the sports car it is. You'll be surprised by the difference this will make.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
No, but the traction control can play hell with getting the car moving - admittedly not as likely in a stop-n-go traffic situation. My car drove me up the wall for the first few weeks until I tried driving it with the (ASC) traction control off. I turn it off everytime I start the car.
I've had "bumps" in the road with my Mini. I've had the thoughts of "what kinda POS did I buy?" Check engine light, check gas cap light... all on for several weeks during the first few months of ownership.
Nothing in this world is perfect, The good thing about machines is they can be fixed! Any squeaks, rattles, broken pieces can all be tracked down, shot and replaced! Things took time to figure out with my car but the dealership was patiant (Even tho I wasn't alot of times) and everything was worked out.
If your the type that isn't willing to work thru problems then selling it might be the answer. Otherwise, take her in and have the dealership go over it eh?
Anything you want to add to my post there grammer police? I'm sure you could have a heyday with my post so have at it
i've been on internet forums for a long time and I'll be honest, I'm nearly speechless. this sort of wise thinking and rhetoric doesn't come around often online, and I thank you for it. After reading your post I can't really argue with your logic haha. BTW, I only use Supreme from Chevron and its got about 37000 on the odo. From everyones advice I suppose I'll go to the dealership and reflash my ecu for the coldstart issues. As for mushrooming, I suppose I'll just have to deal with it untill some funds accumulate for the stb. Thanks guys I was really frustrated when I posted today and this has really calmed me down.
You can also get the plates, not the whole bar for much less. I would really suggest them.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 1
i've been on internet forums for a long time and I'll be honest, I'm nearly speechless. this sort of wise thinking and rhetoric doesn't come around often online, and I thank you for it. After reading your post I can't really argue with your logic haha. BTW, I only use Supreme from Chevron and its got about 37000 on the odo. From everyones advice I suppose I'll go to the dealership and reflash my ecu for the coldstart issues. As for mushrooming, I suppose I'll just have to deal with it untill some funds accumulate for the stb. Thanks guys I was really frustrated when I posted today and this has really calmed me down.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,790
Likes: 10
From: Kansas City
My '03 MCS Works has the cold start issue, and the dealer said it already had the latest flash.............and they told me to try a tank of 87 octane to fix it! (which I decided not to do)
As to the ride and mushrooming - I think if I had to drive my car on pot holed terrible roads all the time in heavy stop and go traffic, I'd probably think twice about it for a daily driver as well.
Fortunately, I don't. My commute is 20 miles of 4 lane divided hiway into the country, and I love the handling and performance of my MINI (once I get it moving!
)
But whenever I drive one of my other cars, I start comparing it to the MINI and they always come up short - so I guess I'm stuck!
Oh, and my cruise control just quit working..........sighs...........
As to the ride and mushrooming - I think if I had to drive my car on pot holed terrible roads all the time in heavy stop and go traffic, I'd probably think twice about it for a daily driver as well.
Fortunately, I don't. My commute is 20 miles of 4 lane divided hiway into the country, and I love the handling and performance of my MINI (once I get it moving!
)But whenever I drive one of my other cars, I start comparing it to the MINI and they always come up short - so I guess I'm stuck!
Oh, and my cruise control just quit working..........sighs...........
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
The ASC would kick in almost everytime I pulled out of a driveway with the wheels turned, particularly to the right, and especially if the curb angle was steep. At the slightest unweighting of the inside wheel, the thing would cut all power and render the throttle useless until I took my foot off the gas and pushed in the clutch. Dangerous as hell when traffic is coming that I expected to be able to accelerate into.
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
iTrader: (6)
Yep, it's for this reason I bought the Ian Cull Auto Up with Trackmode DSC. I drive with it off, and turn it on when I might need it which is rarely.
Recently I added an Invidia exhaust which actually has me chirping in second gear more often that before. With DSC on, it would be bogging down as I accelerated--that wouldn't be any fun!
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed that. I've seen and experienced what you're going through myself, so I know it works.
Motor on!
Richard
Recently I added an Invidia exhaust which actually has me chirping in second gear more often that before. With DSC on, it would be bogging down as I accelerated--that wouldn't be any fun!
The ASC would kick in almost everytime I pulled out of a driveway with the wheels turned, particularly to the right, and especially if the curb angle was steep. At the slightest unweighting of the inside wheel, the thing would cut all power and render the throttle useless until I took my foot off the gas and pushed in the clutch. Dangerous as hell when traffic is coming that I expected to be able to accelerate into.
Motor on!
Richard
i've been on internet forums for a long time and I'll be honest, I'm nearly speechless. this sort of wise thinking and rhetoric doesn't come around often online, and I thank you for it. After reading your post I can't really argue with your logic haha. BTW, I only use Supreme from Chevron and its got about 37000 on the odo. From everyones advice I suppose I'll go to the dealership and reflash my ecu for the coldstart issues. As for mushrooming, I suppose I'll just have to deal with it untill some funds accumulate for the stb. Thanks guys I was really frustrated when I posted today and this has really calmed me down.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,381
Likes: 0
1. Make sure you are using top tier gasoline. Using cheap gas will cause problems with starting and power. If it continues to be hard to start, have your MINI dealer look at your car.
2. Get rid of the run flat tires. This will improve ride quality substantially.
3. You MINI doesn't lack low end power, it is hampered by the DSC. Turn off the DSC and drive yor car like the sports car it is. You'll be surprised by the difference this will make.
2. Get rid of the run flat tires. This will improve ride quality substantially.
3. You MINI doesn't lack low end power, it is hampered by the DSC. Turn off the DSC and drive yor car like the sports car it is. You'll be surprised by the difference this will make.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
The MINI is more of a sports car than 90% of everything else that's out there, at least. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck....
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
iTrader: (6)
Geesh, you might want to review Rule #2
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/guidelines
and tone down your post a bit.
I agree with Ajakeski--DSC can be hazardous to your health without having to be driving like a total fool or on loose gravel. And whether it's a sports car or not, it IS a fun car that is marketed as one to be driven enthusiastically.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/guidelines
and tone down your post a bit.
I agree with Ajakeski--DSC can be hazardous to your health without having to be driving like a total fool or on loose gravel. And whether it's a sports car or not, it IS a fun car that is marketed as one to be driven enthusiastically.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
Likes: 2
If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck ... OK, then its a hatchback
No way is any MINI a "sportscar".:impatient "hot hatch" maybe. Sportscar
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Yeah, it's a hatchback, but so what? Do you not consider Jaguar E-type coupes, MGCs, BMW Z3 M-Coupes sports cars? Their owners would probably disagree.
Is it not a "sports car" because it has a back seat? So does almost every Porsche 356 and 911.
Is it not a "sports car" because it doesn't have 400hp? Uh, sports cars are not defined by their power - see "Lotus".
Sure, "hot hatch" is the category that the MINI is more likely to be shoved into, but MINIs also handle a lot better and have better brakes than most of them.... at least the older ones.
Last edited by 70spop; Jul 9, 2007 at 05:07 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Labels are to be broken. The only difference between a 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider and an Alfa Romeo Berlina was the body. They even drove the same. The spider was obviously a sports car the Berlina was obviously on of the ugliest sedans ever made (though I loved mine). How about we split the difference and call it a sporty car? In the end it will embarrass alot of sports cars at an autocross and that is what really counts.
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 312
Likes: 1
From: NY
I've read on these forums that too high octane can make cold starts tougher. If you are using 93, try a tank of 91 (I use Sunoco, not BMW's preferred list, but they offer 91). The posts I've read said a single tank (once the fuel lines are rid of the 93) is all it will take. Worth a try.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
Likes: 2
There is nothing wrong with a GT type car, but when it gets that "image" it loses some of its "edge" or rawness. I think you may find many 997 owners consider their cars to be GT.
Now a GT3 = sportscar. Why? no back seat. Race car ready for the full racecar treatment as GT3 Cup Cars. Much more raw, much less plush.
I specifically decided AGAINST buying a 997 because it did not have a "sportscar" feeling but more of the GT feeling.
OK, but those aren't sportscars so I'm not sure what the point of that is.
And E type roadster = sportscar. E type 2+2 ... not really. Z3 is a sportscar. M Roadster = sportscar. M3 = sedan.
Traditionally, sportscars have two seats, power does not matter so much as handling. Preferably a ragtop. You can reach your hand down out an open door and touch the ground. Elise/Exige = sportscars. 911? Originals one were considered one, the iconic sportscar. Then again, many p-car owners will tell you they haven't made a real one since they went to water cooled engines. Today? Many people will tell you that a 997 is NOT a sportscar but has become a bloated GT.
There is nothing wrong with a GT type car, but when it gets that "image" it loses some of its "edge" or rawness. I think you may find many 997 owners consider their cars to be GT.
Now a GT3 = sportscar. Why? no back seat. Race car ready for the full racecar treatment as GT3 Cup Cars. Much more raw, much less plush.
I specifically decided AGAINST buying a 997 because it did not have a "sportscar" feeling but more of the GT feeling.
Thats fine. Sorry, but some people want to claim Mustangs, Camaros, etcs are sportscars too and it just makes me laugh. There is nothing wrong with being a hot hatch or a GT car, but they are not sports cars.
And E type roadster = sportscar. E type 2+2 ... not really. Z3 is a sportscar. M Roadster = sportscar. M3 = sedan.
Traditionally, sportscars have two seats, power does not matter so much as handling. Preferably a ragtop. You can reach your hand down out an open door and touch the ground. Elise/Exige = sportscars. 911? Originals one were considered one, the iconic sportscar. Then again, many p-car owners will tell you they haven't made a real one since they went to water cooled engines. Today? Many people will tell you that a 997 is NOT a sportscar but has become a bloated GT.
There is nothing wrong with a GT type car, but when it gets that "image" it loses some of its "edge" or rawness. I think you may find many 997 owners consider their cars to be GT.
Now a GT3 = sportscar. Why? no back seat. Race car ready for the full racecar treatment as GT3 Cup Cars. Much more raw, much less plush.
I specifically decided AGAINST buying a 997 because it did not have a "sportscar" feeling but more of the GT feeling.
Thats fine. Sorry, but some people want to claim Mustangs, Camaros, etcs are sportscars too and it just makes me laugh. There is nothing wrong with being a hot hatch or a GT car, but they are not sports cars.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
OK, but those aren't sportscars so I'm not sure what the point of that is.
That was my point. 90% (probably more) of what's on the road are nowhere near being sports cars. The MINI comes close.
And E type roadster = sportscar. E type 2+2 ... not really. Z3 is a sportscar. M Roadster = sportscar. M3 = sedan.
Agreed - M3 -Sedan. But I was talking about the Z3 based M Coupe.
Traditionally, sportscars have two seats, power does not matter so much as handling. Preferably a ragtop. You can reach your hand down out an open door and touch the ground. Elise/Exige = sportscars. 911? Originals one were considered one, the iconic sportscar. Then again, many p-car owners will tell you they haven't made a real one since they went to water cooled engines. Today? Many people will tell you that a 997 is NOT a sportscar but has become a bloated GT.
And I'd agree with them, as well as with your description of the traditional sports car. But to the general population, Porsches are still sports cars. Of course, the general population tends to have a rather broad definition of "sports car", as you mention below.
Now a GT3 = sportscar. Why? no back seat. Race car ready for the full racecar treatment as GT3 Cup Cars. Much more raw, much less plush.
mmmmmyeaahhh.... I guess, but I'd hesitate to qualify a car as a "sports car" because it's a "race car". I get your point, though, and I don't disagree.
Thats fine. Sorry, but some people want to claim Mustangs, Camaros, etcs are sportscars too and it just makes me laugh. There is nothing wrong with being a hot hatch or a GT car, but they are not sports cars.
That was my point. 90% (probably more) of what's on the road are nowhere near being sports cars. The MINI comes close.
And E type roadster = sportscar. E type 2+2 ... not really. Z3 is a sportscar. M Roadster = sportscar. M3 = sedan.
Agreed - M3 -Sedan. But I was talking about the Z3 based M Coupe.
Traditionally, sportscars have two seats, power does not matter so much as handling. Preferably a ragtop. You can reach your hand down out an open door and touch the ground. Elise/Exige = sportscars. 911? Originals one were considered one, the iconic sportscar. Then again, many p-car owners will tell you they haven't made a real one since they went to water cooled engines. Today? Many people will tell you that a 997 is NOT a sportscar but has become a bloated GT.
And I'd agree with them, as well as with your description of the traditional sports car. But to the general population, Porsches are still sports cars. Of course, the general population tends to have a rather broad definition of "sports car", as you mention below.
Now a GT3 = sportscar. Why? no back seat. Race car ready for the full racecar treatment as GT3 Cup Cars. Much more raw, much less plush.
mmmmmyeaahhh.... I guess, but I'd hesitate to qualify a car as a "sports car" because it's a "race car". I get your point, though, and I don't disagree.
Thats fine. Sorry, but some people want to claim Mustangs, Camaros, etcs are sportscars too and it just makes me laugh. There is nothing wrong with being a hot hatch or a GT car, but they are not sports cars.
Those people drive me nuts, too. I also tend to prefer rather traditional definitions when it comes to cars. Heck, I don't like it when '69 Z/28s and '65 Shelby Mustang GT350s are called muscle cars, but I understand it and I think they are perfectly fine being shown/raced/drooled over alongside GTOs and Road Runners. By the same token, I would say that 427 Cobras and Corvettes are more akin to muscle cars (or endurance race cars) than sports cars, at least if defined by function rather than strictly by build layout.I agree with you that callling the MINI a sports car, stretches the definition, but despite it's hatchback trappings, the MINI (at least the MCS) was designed and built to drive like a sports car. It's small, lightweight (at least in a world where Mustangs weigh 4,000 lbs) and agile. It goes quickly, stops quickly, and handles better than most. The fact that it supplies the same fun driving experience as traditional sports cars (minus the folding top on the coupes) is what I took from the original "drive it like the sports car it is" posting.
OT: How do I put multiple replies within the post to which I'm replying? Like chows did in his response to my post? This post is supposed to be like that.
Last edited by 70spop; Jul 9, 2007 at 06:59 PM.
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
iTrader: (6)
Instead of pressing the Quote button, press the button to the right of it on each post you want to reply to. Then on the final post to reply to hit the Quote button and all those you selected will be multiquoted.
Richard
Richard