So i just picked up a 2006 MCS and i have come up with a few questions after the first 5 days...

1. The clutch pedal is pretty hard, and being a Porsche tech, that's usually an indication of a clutch on the way out. I'd never driven one before getting this one, is it normal?

2. Whenever i put the full headlights on, the windows won't roll back up. Also the fog lights will turn on and refuse to turn off unless i try(unsuccessfully) to roll up a window at the same time. I talked to a service adviser as it's still warranty and she said it was a common occurrence having to do with a control module. Has anyone else seen this?

3. I'm trying to get back into college full time in a less than friendly climate, how well do these cars handle snow?

That's all for now. Thanks!

 

The clutch is pretty hard compared to other cars. I've driven 5 or 6 different manual cars and the MINI had the stiffest clutch. This list includes a Honda S2000,BMW E46 325i, '06 Beetle, and a Honda Fit.


If you get a set of snow tires, MINIs are very very fun in the snow. Be sure to turn DSC off. (sometimes when you start out in snow it will sense traction loss and cut power incrementally until you go nowhere - like in an intersection)

 

1)My clutch was hard too, dealer replaced said there was bulletin on it.
2)?? But I would complain till they fix it.
3) Winter tires and Traction Control Off=FUN

 

Sounds like the SA is trying to blow you off, don't let her, get it fixed ASAP.

And, howsoonisnow1985, why do you say this, "?? But I would complain till they fix it.", and then proceed to tell ezputt in another thread not to?

 

You can always visit a few local dealers who have a MINI or two or your local MINI dealer if one is nearby and sit in a few MINI's and see what the clutch feels like compared to yours. That should give you a good idea if yours is stiffer than normal or not. I am no help on question 2. As others have said, how well the car handles in the snow is really a product of how good your tires are in the snow. I have a 4WD truck that I take in the winter when it looks like snow but the few times I have driven the MINI in snow my very poor tires for winter weather make driving and starting in deep snow almost impossible. However once I got going I was surprised that the same tires did pretty well. I have ASC on my 02 and sometimes switch it off to start but switch it back on when driving. I find driving with it on is helpful to maintaining control.

 

Thanks everyone!! :3