Do I want to add this when I order my MC? What exactly does it do? TIA!

Cindy

 

It gives you the following readouts:

Outside temperature
average fuel consumption
average speed
estimated miles to empty


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SE Regional, BAMA Club Moderator: PM me

 

I wouldn't say it is necessary, just another toy to play with. I do like having the outside temp handy though. The estimated miles til empty is nice during trips also. I've heard the average M.P.G. is incorrect, and haven't tested mine to see if it's true or not. I haven't found a use for the average M.P.H. yet though.

 

You also get the electronic speed readout (Regardless of whether you order the trip computer or not).

I have it in my '04 MCS and use it quite often.

 

i wish mini would incorporated "light out" warning with the computer similar to the 3-series

 

I use the "Range" (aka miles to go until you REALLY run out of gas) function quite often. As for some reason I just can't tell from looking at the analog gas gauge how much gas is left. So, I always find the red light on...and then go to Range on the computer to see how quickly I need to find gas. It's mostly correct, btw. Although once I drove about 60 miles (and the Range read -4 or something obviously wrong) before I found gas. That was close...

Also, if you don't get the computer, you won't be able to post "How come my MINI beeped at me?" in the fall when the temperature falls below 37 degrees.

And regarding the temperature warning, has anyone ever wondered why the thing's set up so that it ONLY beeps when you cross 37 degrees (going either up or down)? If the temp is already less than 37 when you start the car, no beep. Did someone convince the MINI engineers that ice ONLY forms at 37 degrees and not when it's colder?

 

I find myself contantly... switching thru the different readings...
It's become standard fare for me and a habit of sorts.
I particularly enjoy the "miles left " b4 you run outa gas ...reading

 

I use the average speed function of my OBC to set my cruise control speed. I find the speedo is not very accurate. Depressing the button once resets the speed and a second later gives you an accurate LED display of how fast you’re going. I find my speedo can be off as much as 5 MPH. That’s the difference between getting to work on time or being late because I was stopped and given a ticket. On the highway 5 MPH may not mean much, but traveling 30 and 40 MPH roads, 5 MPH can get you a ticket easily in my area.

 

>>Do I want to add this when I order my MC? What exactly does it do? TIA!
>>
>>Cindy

Cindy -- I'm not sure what you're ordering with your MC, but the OBC comes with the premium package, which if you're getting the sunroof and MFSW is a good deal.

MINI_Dreamer (not for too much longer )

 

>>>>Do I want to add this when I order my MC? What exactly does it do? TIA!
>>>>
>>>>Cindy
>>
>>Cindy -- I'm not sure what you're ordering with your MC, but the OBC comes with the premium package, which if you're getting the sunroof and MFSW is a good deal.
>>
>>MINI_Dreamer (not for too much longer )


You can also get OBC as a standalone option for $200. I have OBC and Sports MFSW steering wheel, but did not get the complete Premium Package (Sunroof and auto A/C).

 

I don't have the OBC and the little window shows outside temperature. How do you get it to show an electronic speed readout?


>>You also get the electronic speed readout (Regardless of whether you order the trip computer or not).
>>
>>I have it in my '04 MCS and use it quite often.

 

If you have a 2004 MC or MCS with or without OBC, LCD Speed readout is available in the tach by pressing the button located on top of the left side turn signal/lights stalk.


LCD speed readout is not available in 2002-2003 MINIs.

 

I like what happens when I fill up after some leadfooted city driving, w/ a low average mpg on the computer. The miles per fuel remaining will tell me that I can go 260-285 miles on a tank. Then I'll go out on the road and drive at a steady speed (70-75) for 15 minutes or so. While I'm driving, the miles per fuel remaining will climb, sometimes up to 400 miles, as the car refigures.

 

Get it. It's not a lot of money, but ifs fun to use. Gives you something to do to keep yourself occupied on long freeway trips.

 

The trip computer comes with our package (MCS due in May), but it doesn't impress me. I like the idea of using it as a back up for an analog speedo that might be less than accurate (which would be a pitty). As for countdown to empty feature, I've had good luck in our CRV pushing the clear-odo button manually as soon as the "reserve tank" light comes on... knowing we have aprox 2 gallons left at that time, and aprox. 25-28 mpg, I have gone to 50 miles being relaxed until I get to an out of the way station on the road. Perhaps the computer will be accurate enough to do the same... we'll see.

 

Thanks for all the info everyone. I'm not getting any of the packages because there are certain thing I really don't want in them.... especially the sunroof.

Guess I'll have to take a closer look at the OBC next time I test drive one.

Cindy

 

>>And regarding the temperature warning, has anyone ever wondered why the thing's set up so that it ONLY beeps when you cross 37 degrees (going either up or down)? If the temp is already less than 37 when you start the car, no beep. Did someone convince the MINI engineers that ice ONLY forms at 37 degrees and not when it's colder?

 

I believe the new MINIs also have tell the current mpg and not just the average. I wish I had that feature! And also the current speed.

 

>>I believe the new MINIs also have tell the current mpg and not just the average. I wish I had that feature! And also the current speed.


You are correct. Current or "real time" MPG readout is also a new prompt added to the '04 MINIs.

 

>>You are correct. Current or "real time" MPG readout is also a new prompt added to the '04 MINIs.

It is also almost entirely useless :smile:

The ONLY use I can see for it is on a nice long highway trip where you go at a constant speed for hours. Then you could get a good feel for your mileage as you went along and estimate gas costs or something?

Other than that it jumps up to 99mpg when you slow to a stop and about 9-11mpg when you first take off. Getting an accurate measurement from this in city driving is completely impossible :smile: