Fill it up every day and you'll never have to worry about it.

 

All I can say is ....:smile:...to the 2 pages of comments.

Peace,
D

_________________
I own a 2002 MCS w/ alot of stuff on it.

 

I think the biggest mistake being made is assuming that the MCS gets good gas mileage. In my opinion it just isn't so. I haven't gone over 300 miles to a tank yet in the year I've had my car. I know by mileage when I need to fill up. Just keep an eye on it.

 

>>My 2004 MCS can be programmed to "ding" when the "almost out of gas" light blinks on. Is this feature new to this model year?
>>
I don't think it is new for 04s. On either here or mini2, someone posted a list from their 03 and it showed that "ding" is a dealer programmable option. If anyone is concerned about themselves or their significant other not noticing the fuel gauge running low, then it might be a good idea to ask your dealer to program your fuel warning tone on.

 

I suppose the first time you run out of gas you may blame the car. The second time it's all your fault, no excuses.

 

My 03 was programmed to "ding" when the light goes on.

Also, since I had a car with a bad gas gauge, I am in the habit of setting the trip odo every time I fill up...also to check the MPG against the OBC.

It also does not hurt to scan the gauges once in while.............

Regards,
Red

_________________

The meek shall inherit the passenger seat.
CWFAC 03

 

One thing I'll say on the author's behalf is that it's really hard to see the light on during the day as I recall on one sunny day that it took me a second or two to try to figure out if the light was on or if it was just the reflection due to the sun (which wouldn't be good while moving, especially considering that your eyes already have to wander so far from forward with a central instrument cluster). I check my central guages every now and then, so it's not much of a problem (however, in the mornings, I'm more focussed on the temp guage than the gas guage as I wait for "go" time). The instrument I check most is the tach, of course.

In my previous car, when I got to 1/4 of a tank, I'd automatically fill up (even though it also had a fuel light that would come on near empty), but the MINI has such short range that it would feel ridiculous filling up every 180/200 or so miles, so I try to wait until the light comes on, unless I know I'm going to drive extended distances.

Fortunately, I only have an 8 mile commute to work and my preferred gas station is along the way, so when the light finally does come on, it's not that big of a deal to stop on my way too/from work.

 

>>One thing I'll say on the author's behalf is that it's really hard to see the light on during the day as I recall on one sunny day that it took me a second or two to try to figure out if the light was on or if it was just the reflection due to the sun (which wouldn't be good while moving, especially considering that your eyes already have to wander so far from forward with a central instrument cluster).>>

Yes, you do have to move your eyes further to view the center mounted console, but you are actually better off with the console in the center. Peripheral vision is far superior to the left and right, especially compared to 'up' due to many people having a brow line obstructing perihperal line of sight.

so while it may take longer to consult the gauges, you have a better chance of seeing whats ahead of you by glancing right (of left for the brits) rahter than down.

 

>>Fill it up every day and you'll never have to worry about it.

So tell us about the girl who works at that station.

Regards,
Red

 

To those considering a dinging "gas is low" sound effect re-program:

My Jeep Cherokee has this feature, and it irritates the hell out of me...it starts up when you've got about 50 miles to go on a tank. When I have a bunch of little errands to run and gas is at the end of the list, that beep gets REALLY annoying. I always find myself shouting "I know...I KNOW!" at the Jeep. Just watch your gauges. Be one with the car, Obi Wan.