What do you think MINI should add to the product line. Here are my initial thoughts:

o More storage (e.g. Audi has under seat bins, and slot under the steering wheel for the manual so it doesn’t fill the glove box)

o Add “time driving” to the trip computer

o Ability to read MP3 encoded CDs with the stereo.

o Harddrive MP3 player option, with WiFi connection so you can download music from your home PC right to your car.

o Auto dimming side mirrors (as part of the review mirror auto dimmer)

o Self programmable features (via USB), so you don’t have to take it in to a dealer.

o Bluetooth for cell phones.

Any other thoughts out there?

 

Well you suggestions are all accessories but I would like to see a LSD option for my JCW cooper S as it would pay for itself in tire savings over a short period. :0}

 

Agree, make the external rearview mirrors autodimming as well (not just interior one).

Proper seatback folding mechanism for rear seat access, with a pull-handle in the upper part of the seat back, the way VW and most other car makers do it.

Make an open headrest design (front seats) for improved rear visibility when backing up.

Trimmable auto-level headlights: have a set of buttons to adjust headlight auto level aim up/down maybe by 2 or 3 notches. For example, in city driving I'd like to keep them aimed low to avoid blinding others, when driving on country roads I like to have them aimed high. To avoid issues with mis-aimed lights, this feature would re-set instelf on center position on every startup.

Yep, I agree, ability to read MP3 CDs.

Timer or switch to turn off heated mirrors with cold weather package. They are now permanently heated, which always leaves uggly water spots.

I wish they would re-design the door windows or surrounding seal so the stupid window-dip function is not needed. I still have to reset mine about once a week and am in fear of the day when the windwos don't dip, I close door, won't notice the gap and rain will get in....

 

A tan top on the convertible, for goodness sake! That would look so kewl on many colors !!!!!!!!

 

LSD

 

I only just noticed this after getting to sit in the back. Padded rear seat armrests instead of the hard moulding which are part of the side trim. Is the aftermarket listening?

 

One word:


HOMELINK!

 

*better sun-visors (think this is addressed for 2005 models?)

*Improved door arm-rests (also an 05' improvement?)

*Compass

*Turn signal indicators for each direction (ie. left & right, not combined)

*Marginally lower 6 gr. ratio on the MCS, to improve highway fuel
econ... I guess considering the shape and supercharger, tho, 30MPG
isn't too bad...

*NO YO-YO!!!!! (I guess I didn't get this option when I got mine???)
on the MCS...

FYI- Bluetooth is supposed to be a MINI accessory (soon?) I recall
from MotoringFile something
about it pricing in somewhere in the $400 range- OUCH

 

Automatic "on / off " headlights & a garage door opener is a must

 

>>Automatic "on / off " headlights & a garage door opener is a must


I agree...I am sick and tired of carrying a brick sized remote control garage door opener when other cars (Including BMW) offer factory installed HOMELINK.


The 'automatic' headlights already exist. I have them in my 2004 MCS...this feature (Programmable) is called "Follow me home lights".

 

I too would like to have an auto-dimming rear view mirror with a compass.

LSD would also be nice.

 

An OEM cup holder that actually holds a cup would be nice. Tired of putting my drink BEHIND me.

Does anyone else have a problem with the rear view mirror causing a blind spot when driving on curvy roads? If road curves up to the right, the mirror blocks it. I know dash mounted like old MGs wouldn't work with rear seat passengers .... so I guess it will have to be REAR CAMERA that plays thru NAV system.

Y*E*S*! ... OMG Give me SUNVISORS that block the sun from side window!!!

On 1955 Chevy's they had a glass gadget that sat ont eh center dash that reflected the traffic light ... so you could see when the signal changes. I gotta lean down low or pull way forward till I can see it thru the sunroof.

 

A Bluetooth kit is available in the accessory catalog, and it isn't cheap.

I'll third the dimming side mirrors...

How about brakes that don't coat the wheels with brake dust?

Not sure why a compass was requested, I had one in three vehicles, never used it... Never saw the point of it.

 

LSD

 

LSD
Memory Seats
Smaller key
Pull out flaps on the sunvisor
Better leather for less money
Less weight
Lightweight wheels
Auto up windows and a garage door opener (both of which are solved with Ian's circuit)
A way to leave the rain sensing wipers "On" all the time.
Compass
I think it would be cool if the rear glass opened independant of the hatch

 

My Mini needs a how much fuel is left read out not just how many miles i can go.... If i am coasting down the mountain I'd like to know how much gas I really have. MY BMWs always had it, what gives. They also need to allow XM radio and NAV at the same time as those of us XM fans want NAV too...and bluetooth too. IT also needs a cell phone mounting nipple or a flat spot on the sides of he radio to mount stuff....even i hey would sell ga"L" shaped bracket I can mount to the side of the head unit to give me a small flat spot would be nice. Also should switch the mi spot with the sunroof switch...i hate screaming to talk on a phone.

 

A chop-top option to kill off some of that roof height.

 

Compass
better visors
dimming side mirrors

 

I want a coupling device on the front and rear so I can couple 3 minis together like locomotive engines, to be able to pull a houseboat .... or maybe use it as a commuting device where you can hook up with other mini's on the highway and create a mini-train whereas combined power would save a ton of gasoline .... it would give an entirely new meaning to "car-pooling" .... you could car pool your minis and not have to sit next to the woman wearing too much PARFUM. ............ OOoooooor. Sneak up behind a PT Cruiser and latch on and let him pull you thinking he was outrunning you, then unlatch when you get to your destination .......

--Warranty that honors Federal Warranty laws
--A little black-box that records my driving habits so I can prove it's not my driving that wares out the brake pads and clutch ..... but doesn't record my SPEED
--Vibrating heated lumbar seat backs
--Voice activated NAV system & stereo
-- MUTE button for the NAV instead of current controls

 

>>An OEM cup holder that actually holds a cup would be nice. Tired of putting my drink BEHIND me.
>>
>>Does anyone else have a problem with the rear view mirror causing a blind spot when driving on curvy roads? If road curves up to the right, the mirror blocks it. I know dash mounted like old MGs wouldn't work with rear seat passengers .... so I guess it will have to be REAR CAMERA that plays thru NAV system.
>>
>>Y*E*S*! ... OMG Give me SUNVISORS that block the sun from side window!!!
>>
>>On 1955 Chevy's they had a glass gadget that sat ont eh center dash that reflected the traffic light ... so you could see when the signal changes. I gotta lean down low or pull way forward till I can see it thru the sunroof.
>>

BuckDodgers,

Great idea with the thingy that shows you a light change. I hate having to bend my head all the time.
:???:

 

>>Great idea with the thingy that shows you a light change. I hate having to bend my head all the time.
>>

_________________

 

I just bought this windshield mount prisim traffic viewer off ebay for $24+$3sh .... They have more. But I'll post it when it comes in and try and photo it with light reflecting on it -- to let you know if it works. I was just blowin off steam .... I've been grumbling about bending over to see the signal, but never was motivated to look for a solution. .... Maybe this will work!

 

Audi TT-style fuel door. I second the dual turn signal indicators. Better placement of seat controls. Better seat controls. Of course, a useable cup holder that doesn't look like an afterthought. How about a line of Mini OEM modifications? A Mini performance stainless exhaust; Mini CAI; Mini 15% reduction pully; Mini tweaked ECU; Mini header??? And yes, Mini LSD!

They (Mini/BMW) are passing up a huge pile of money from all of us mod mad speed freaks. Oh, and these Mini mods would not void the warranty.

-joe

 

My land rover has the same single light for turn signals and I never noticed that the MINI was unusual by not having a left and right light on the display.

It's a minor point, but does anybody really need an extra light to remind them which way they are planning on turning?

 

>>I just bought this windshield mount prisim traffic viewer off ebay for $24+$3sh .... They have more. But I'll post it when it comes in and try and photo it with light reflecting on it -- to let you know if it works. I was just blowin off steam .... I've been grumbling about bending over to see the signal, but never was motivated to look for a solution. .... Maybe this will work!
>>

Very cool. Retro look could go well with the MINI. I'll be interested to see how it works out.