After reading some negative and positive owner reviews from fellow Mini owners, I thought I would post mine as well. Keep in mind I was very nervous about custom ordering a BMW spinoff that is assembled in England from parts sourced from all over the world. 1.6L Tritec engine from Brazil, Getrag 6-speed tranny from Germany, etc.. On top of that, a clean sheet of paper auto only imported into the USA for a total of 22 months. What made me do it? The magical test drive (how can you NOT buy one after that), reasonable MSRP, two Mini dealers within 25 miles, that bulldog styling, and the generous 4 year, 50,000 mile bumper to bumper factory warranty. What the heck I figured. With such high resale value, even if the car fell apart at the spot welds I could probably sell the MCS privately and get back most if not all of my investment.

So, here is a list of the problems/troubles I have encountered in the 4 months I have owned my new 2004 MCS;

-ah...
-Mmm...
-let me think...
-Ah, my service receipts...
-Darn, the folders empty...
-aahhhh...
-Has to be something...
-Oh ya!...
-What was it...
-Oh ya', Here it is...
-Engine computer v.36 software update, no charge...
-Darn, no squeeks to report...
-Ditto on rattles and buzzes..
-Coolant bottle is OK still...
-How about that windshield..
-Nope, still good...
-Let me check for brown coolant..
-Darn, that's OK also...
-Ahh, I know...
-Rattling door glass with window down...
-Nope, BMW made an engineering change...
-I give up..

In summary, not counting software upgrade, my MCS is as tight as a drum, 100% troublefree, and with fit and finish to BMW standards. Remember, Mini had some quality/teething problems when it was first launched. Considering the average new car is assembled with roughly 15,000 parts, I am impressed so far and would highly recommend a Mini to potential buyers. BMW has made engineering changes as they go and it is evident. Here is a photo...





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2004 MCS - Pepper White/ Black

 

Lucky dog!

8400 miles in 4 months? You sure do drive a lot!

 

It's been fun! I still get a grin on my face everytime I get behind the wheel of my MCS. 2,500 of those miles was driving from Florida to California. Then I commute to work 400 miles a week, so it does add up. Averaging over 30 mpg on the freeway! Premium fuel here in So. CA is about $2.35 a gallon at the moment. OUCH!!!

 

speltzer:

You did what I wanted to do -- order an MCS from the farthest dealer and enjoy a nice scenic drive back to CA. It's not often you get to do a one-way cross country trip in your own car and be home when you're done! Unfortunately, I couldn't get away long enough and ended up buying from a closer state.

Glad you're having good luck with your MCS!

 

6,552 miles in exactly 4 months with a 2004 MCS owner update...Ryephile edition ) .... oh wait, I can count my CD player being a PITA, even this second one (which was erroneously programmed as a Euro-unit!) doesn't like to play CD's without skipping, the pile
yea, ok, just Motor-On,
Ryan