DEFAULT BASS LEVEL Why would you even want to turn it up.

 

There is a good, objective review, which captures my thoughts very well, on the MINI2 site: http://www.mini2.com/reviews/review20.html.

What the author articulates well is the feeling I have that many of the ’05 “upgrades” seem to originate more from “product surveys” than anything else, and he correctly questions the loss of individuality/character that the car may suffer when BMW rushes to accommodate requests/complaints. In the end, it seems to me that if some of these buyers out there need a rack for their 7/11 “Big Gulp” and a dozen other places to store trash and change, then please, I wish they looked to another car. Adding change cups, some junky storage underneath the central pod, hand grips, and on and on for the interior--- this is all just clutter which trivializes the British quirkiness of the car which so many of the original buyers loved so much. Although I have ordered my second car, I am very disappointed that BMW has taken this route. OK, so I can pull out the underdash storage, but that stupid change box and other stuff, I can’t. While I don’t want to live in the past, (I admit it, those BL cars we had a few decades ago, sure, they were flash, but terribly unreliable), and embrace the new BMW technologies, it is distressing to see the company moving to address these issues and making these types of changes so early in the life of the car. I don’t think Mr. Stephensen would have approved. I remember very well, CARPETING across the hump between the seats--- not storage. What a pleasure, when I got my ’03, to find that same little patch of soft right there… (I had never even sat in the car prior to taking delivery, despite that I have a dealership right in the area, there was no need to do so, was “sold” on the car). And where would our aftermarket vendors be without storage lacking, and the chance to sell to those who can’t live without combined armrest/storage/james bond switches etc. etc., (not to mention, our enjoyment perusing those catalogs… !) Moreover, the clock was in an ideal spot above the windscreen—to move it and replace with some (I’ve read many “bad” reviews, and don’t look forward to seeing in my ‘05) silly, overwrought lighting (what I have in my ’03 is FINE!!!)… this is just so frustrating, and with the taillight treatment, well, you see where I am going, BMW just seems to be moving the car in a more conventional direction. I remember having a chuckle when my ’03 was new, a family member was quite annoyed, he wanted to look under the hood and couldn’t find the release--- “oh, I should have known, its on the WRONG side…” he responded, but of course, I got a kick out of that, its’ British, don’t you see? OK, so I am prattling on and on, but while I acknowledge the need to move the car forward, at the same time, I just wish they’d leave well enough alone. I fear that, by the time I can afford/want to replace my ’05, I might not be at the MINI dealer… ?

 

I am very pleased c my car. I did not drive the standard mc until my dealer loanded me one when my car was in for service to install the sportlink system.
What a difference. The loaner was a mc convertible. You notice the lack of the extra horse power and the sloppy suspension and transmission. I still found the car fun to drive. You get what you pay for with the MCS upgrade!

 

It's been a long time, or so it seems to me, since I posted this review request. Since then, I've now had an '05 CVT MC for about 4-5 months, and posted a brief review elsewhere shortly after I picked up the car.

Since I never test drove or owned a MINI before, complaints about too much extra storage space added on, and such, didn't phase me much in my purchasing decision. In the USA model '05 MC, there is no shelf under the steering column. There is a small glove box, three cup holders/or two cup holders and an ash tray, and the storage compartments in the doors, as well as two small "pockets" for the back passengers. The additional hand holds are no big deal, and are of some usefulness, w/o getting in anyone's way. The additional sunvisor for the driver is a nice addition, which also doesn't seem to get in the way.

I'm not hot on the new Xenon headlights look, and I won't likely get that option again if I ever order another MINI, which I just might...since my upholstery isn't what I wanted, and it's had me mad ever since I picked up the car. The other minor styling cue changes (rear lights, interior lighting, exterior chrome option, etc.) are all relatively "minor", and not of much concern to me.

I've had several rattle and creak noise issues, most of which I've finally gotten taken care of through the dealer...after 10,000 miles of use. Now, after my 1st oil change service, I've got a technical issue with my "service engine soon" light. Ugh, one more thing to go back to my dealer for...120 miles away...over a snow covered mountain. *sigh* I still have some unresolvable noise issues with my MINI, which it seems I'll just have to learn to live with...unless I order another one, which I'm highly tempted to do, but through another dealership.

I love driving my MINI, and I put about 2,000 miles a month on her. Power is just fine in the CVT model, especially after her break-in, and even more so now after her 1st oil change service. I don't recommend the cloth interior in the MINI, at least not the Space Gray one, as it doesn't hold up well to regular use. I might go with the Octagon Tartan Red/Black Leather combo next time, though I'm disappointed that the door panels won't be red as well. What a shame. I miss not being able to have the old two-spoke S-Style MFSW as well, but the other MFSW is fine.

For Winter driving, the DSC has been very helpful, and seems a good option. Great help on ice, or even loose gravel, plus you can always turn it off if it seems to cramp your driving style. For $500, the Xenons are just not powerful enough to feel like they are all that worthwhile, plus they add some weight (for those that care about such things). One of my biggest problems with the MINI, using base model wheels and rubber, was a tendency to bottom out a lot, which I solved by buying larger tires for about $400. Unfortunately, some lower facia damage was already done (not that anyone would notice), that'll cost $600 to repair...for two plastic parts, so I'll likely skip having that done.

My MINI's exterior finish has suffered many little dings from small rocks and such. The car is low, and just seems to attract a lot of this sort of minor damage. I've already had to replace one front windshield, which cost about $420 at the dealer shop. I should've replaced it elsewhere, as the dealership didn't do that great a job. Not bad mind you, just not as good as one would expect. I'm very disappointed with MINI dealerships so far, in both sales and service. The MINI is a costly car to own, above and beyond what you pay to drive one off the lot.

The very high resale value of used MINI's is a big plus for me, and I intend to sell mine in maybe a year or so...to pay for the new MINI, with the right upholstery.

If I do re-order another MINI, from another dealership, I'll be sure to get mudguards, and a clear bra, and drop the Xenon headlight option, as well as dropping the heated side mirrors and heated washer jets, as those options just aren't worth the money...or the extra hassle they bring. The H & K stereo upgrade is nice, when it's finely working right after a few dealer shop visits. The sunroof, despite it's extra weight, is also a real nice option, despite it's high cost. The MFSW is also very, very worthwhile, and a bargain for the money...even when it didn't always want to work. The CVT is a real slick device. It's costly compared to a stick, and will never perform as well, but you can have a lot of fun getting it to perform as best as possible...which can be better than many might think.

Overall, mechanically, the MINI has been very sound. The carpeted floor mats are cheap however, and don't hold up well, or even work very well...as the heal pad is not where it should be, so skip paying for that option. The rubber mats, or some aftermarket mats, are likely a more practical option. Wax, and otherwise protect, your MINI's exterior as best as possible, as it will need it. The elements just don't like MINI's very much. If it's possible to do so, I'd also clear bra the front windshield. Is that possible? Anyone know?

Ok, that's it for my update review on my '05 CVT MC, after 10,500 miles of driving her. She's a fun car, but she's a pain in the *** to take care of. If I was any poorer, I'd have to get rid of her, despite the motoring joy I've had with her. Because, after all, she's just a damn car, ya know?

Happy motoring.

Sincerely,

-BillyB

 

I'd considered the possibility of replacing my current MC with an MCS, but it'd have to be an automatic for me, and that's just too much money. An MC can be ordered with the same Sport Suspension Plus as an MCS, and that might be a worthwhile option (though pricey), but I like a decent ride as well. So, I'm mixed on that option. I like how my MINi drives well enough as it is, especially now that it has better tires, but... Well, I'm still thinking it over. Any opinions? (Heck, I'm not even sure yet if I can afford to re-order another MINI at all! It all depends on what I could likely sell my current MINI for in my area...compared to the 25K I still currently owe, or rather the 21K I'll owe 9 months, and 15K miles, from now.)

 

You sure had a lot of things go wrong for you, it sounds like. I'm sorry to hear.

I have a question for you though, how are heated mirrors and washer jets a hassle? This is not a slam, I'm just feeding my own personal paranoia .

The gold nugget in the "cold weather package" is the seat heaters, anyhow.

I believe geography (I'm in Chicago brrrr) has a lot to do with it, for folks who choose the CWPkg.

In my case, I freed up some funds by switching to a non-metallic paint, and used this imaginary windfall to add rear fog lamp and CWPkg to my spec. Was a good call, I'm thinkin' :smile: .

I'm lovin' it, (but then again everything works and I got no rattles),
Tatt

 

Does that include both Bass and Trebel, or just Bass? I was wondering b/c i've had my mini for almost 2 months now and by adjusting the bass down to default it doesn't change anything but just lower the bass..

 

Have had my 2005 MINI for about two months now ...about 1500 on the odometer. The response of the car (quick kick, pin-needle steering, braking that is not jarring) gets better every day as it breaks in! It's tough to not jack rabbit to every street light like a teenager...and I'm 37!

Some features that I LOVE: HK...I've heard neg and positive. I'm in radio and am around (pretty) good sounding systems all day. This one is GOOD. They set the bass a bit up when I picked it up and I had to turn it down...a lot of thump in this system for those of you that like that..I like to hear the highs too...balanced this sound system is well worth the money.

Winter pkg...for ND, midwest, and Canada a neccessity...heated mirrors and washer fluid overkill...but the seats I now kill for!

Love the big sunroof, chrono pkg...some here hate it because no speedo in the middle of dash isn't traditional, but I REALLY like the tach and speedo at the wheel and like to see fluid pressures, temps, etc as well.

What I wouldn't spend money on again...Auto windshield wipers, auto dimming mirror. I fell under the shopping spell...auto dimming can be solved with a good tint, and the other day we had a freak middle of the winter rain in North Dakota so I got to try the wipers...they were fun but noticed that every time I stopped the engine had to turn off and on the wipers to get the "auto" part to work...so much for auto...lol.

Anyway this is just two cents from a newbie first time MINI owner.

 

I now have 750 miles on my week-old 2005 MCS. I selected Xenon's, Cold Weather Package, DSC, and LSD - and of course the 6-speed manual.

The Xenon's are the BEST headlights I've used so far. Not uber bright - the e-code Hella H4's on my Miata are brighter - but I love the auto-adjustment, and the HID lights provide a very clear, consistent beam pattern. Not enough light for you? Get the Aux lights - I may spring for the Hella kit eventually. BTW - in the G Stock forum, it was said that the Xenon's weighed only a couple pounds more than the regular headlights.

Cold weather package is a must in Maryland. Heated seats are wonderful, and the heated side mirrors help keep them from fogging up on cool/moist days.

Interior is nice. Oddly enough, my Miata has more useable places to stick stuff than my Mini. I miss having a center console compartment - and I have yet to find a good spot to stow sunglasses.

I haven’t said anything about performance, have I? I did a write up here which covered that pretty well - but, to surmise, the car is an amazing performer. That's why I selected a Mini - not for cup holders, or lights, or any of that stuff - purely for performance, and it has not let me down at all.

 

I'm not bad mouthing the Cold Weather Package at all. It's just that, despite the fact that I live in high desert country, and get snow every Winter, it's simply not cold enough here to seriously call for heated washer fluid, or even heated side mirrors. On the other hand, I love the heated seats, as do many of my passengers, and I'd not do without that option. The heated side mirrors can be troublesome when I wash my car (which I have to do at a do-it-yourself type car wash, as I live in an apartment), or any other time the mirrors get wet, the mirrors dry out quickly, always leaving a harder to clean residue. As a result of all that, I've got some fine scratches on my side mirrors I wish I didn't have, and that could've otherwise been avoided. But, it's no big deal. I just wish I hadn't paid for the privelage!

I'm not saying the Xenons are bad either, but they are expensive, and add a lot of not necessary complication to the vehicle, extra light that is certainly nice, but is it THAT nice? I used to think so, but this time around, I want I more classic looking front to my next MINI, and I'm ok with a bit less forward lighting if it saves me $500 off the top. I'll still be getting fog lights, front and back, because I love the toggle switches, and it's not an expensive option for the look and the extra visibilty...to other drivers.

I like my base suspension ride. It's not too harsh, but still corners nicely for me (though better cornering would be cooler, just not at the cost of a harsher ride...being as MINI's can rattle enough as it is, or so it seems).

Yes, I've had a bit of bad luck with my 1st MINI, though not nearly as bad as some folks out there. Many people get lucky with their MINI purchase, but I don't think that's typical. Most MINI's seem a little trouble prone. Hopefully, I'll be particularly lucky this next time around, but I'm not betting on it. I expect a few problems, hopefully minor, and I expect to resolve most of them to satisfaction in short order. If I luck out, I'll be extra happy.

I'm a bit uncertain about color this time around. I'd like to get the Red Cloth/Black Leather combo heated sport seats, in either an all Pepper White CVT MC, or an all Liquid Yellow one. The red will likely go much better with the Pepper White, but I do love my MINI's yellow color, so it's a hard decision. I'm also thinking all Light Silver would go great with the red interior, but silver MINI's are more common, and it's a more expensive metallic color. On the other hand...what the heck, it'd be nice! (Picking a MINI configuration can be such a pain, eh? )

While some folks like the Chrono Package, and some don't, I can't see spending the extra money (though it's not much...even though it all starts adding up fast!) for a display of information that's apparently not that critical. Then again, while I'm having my "service engine soon" light problem, that information certainly seems a lot more critical now. Damn, another difficult decision to make. *sigh*

Though expensive, the sunroof is a must for me, as I smoke, so I need somewhere for my smoke to escape the vehicle...without building up inside and coating everything in yellow tar. However, with the sunroof, do I really need the Automatic Climate Control? I end up manually controlling the darn thing most of the time anyway, so it's "automatic" feature is pointless to me. On the other hand, I can make adjustments to it quickly and easily, and even in "manual" mode it holds well to it's settings. I've heard the other set up is a bit "clunky" in some respects, with dials that have no positive feel to them when adjusted, and that it seems somewhat cheap...though it certainly "looks" fine to my eye, from pictures of it. I'm very up in the air on which to get, as I'd like to save money where I can, and should, this time around. (I'm not buying into the extended warranty either this time. That was a big mistake.)

Because of the smoking issue, the optional anthracite headliner is a must as well. I have it in my current MINI, and it goes very well with the anthracite dash, though I might go the optional "carbon fiber" dash look this time around. Any thoughts on that?

I'm contemplating getting the dealer installed factory optional high performance muffler. I know I could get something like this for less elsewhere, but I might not do it when the time came, as it'd still be a lot to fork over in cash after I've already bought the car. One thing I wish I had with my current MINI, other than differently upholstered seats, is a little more sporty growl. Then, I could install a good cold air intake, and get a nice bit of extra ponies working for me in the CVT...which could certainly use a few more. I think that would work out well, depending on how much the dealership wants to rape me for the install work. (I'm thinking about going through East Bay MINI, as opposed the Niello MINI, which I'd used before. That alone will save me $1,000 in premium.)

I'm keeping DSC, H & K, and fog lights, dropping Xenons, and...hmmm, anything I've not thought of here? (Other than mudguards and a clear bra treatment?)

Sorry, I can't help wondering to myself aloud about all these pesky little decisions I have to make. I do want to get it right this time.

 

you bring up a good point on auto climate control...I often find it off the auto mode for no apparent reason and I have to switch it back on...however, Love the styling of the buttons forming the MINI logo

 

$500 bucks is cheap for a nice HID system. If it's more than someone wants to spend, that's understandable, but for that option on other cars, expect to spend quite a bit more.

Hella makes a HID version of the Aux lights for Mini's. I'm really tempted to pick those up, so my frequent nighttime rural road drives would be totally illuminated - but they are north of $600 for the kit.

The Xenon's do look odd, but I actually like the look - it's unique, and adds a bit of detail to that area of the car that I think meshes really well with the Mini's overall design.

Mind you, I've never driven another Mini - the stock lights are probably more than adequate. But, for five hundred bucks, I could not turn down the Xenons!

 

Some of us are slow. I never noticed the buttons were in the form of the logo! Actually the optional air system was something I wasn't looking for but have found that I actually like it. I haven't found it switches off, but the buttons are small when you reach for them withough looking.

It is missing one automatic control necessary here in Guatemala; it should automatically go to recirculate when you get behind a bus since they all have bad injectors and billow black diesel.

Saludos

 

I own an 03 MCS/JCW with the 05 JCW upgrade, I auto x my car and love it even though they class it in a tough class, my wife was auto xing an 99 prelude but after driving my car in a evolution driving school and smoking a dozen vette drivers, sheis now the proud owner of an 05 cabrio S with LSD, premium & sport packeges along with the chrome interior upgrade. First off MINI really out did themselves on fixing the little things, there are red led's in the interior, behind the door handles, shining down from the rear view mirror accross the controls, courtesy lights on the bottom of the doors so when open at night, they shine on the ground so you dont step out in a puddle. The performance of the new gear ratio on the six speed is right on where it should have been from the start.... a lot of the earlier problems with stumble, yoyo, ect... I believe is due to incorrect gearing, the car is much smoother, nearly as fast as my JCW and is much more drivable than mine was before the JCW kit. while the JCW will still smoke hers in a straight line, the better gearing may proove to be a killer in a tight auto x course as my car does 72 in 2nd gear and bogs under 35mph in 2nd, 1st gear is out of the question for me as tire smoke quickly replaces forward momentum even with 225/16 avons. wou will definately have a distinct advantage over where us older MINI owners started, dont bee afraid to mod your car! I has a very tough bottom end! And you MUST auto x it at least once to learn the full potentioa of your new car

 

Well, I've never auto x'd, but it sure sounds like it'd be fun. I'm afraid my pocket book couldn't deal with the few extra expenses that are required to do something like that. Heck, I couldn't even afford a helmet! I have heard that the new gearing ratios on the '05 MCS do make for a big overall performance difference, almost enough to tempt me into getting an MCS stick, almost. (The price would work out to be very close to what I will pay for a CVT MC.)

Yes, for $500, the HID option on the MINI is good. But $500 is $500, and I'm trying to save about $50+ a month on what my new monthly payment will be. Of course, just dropping the extended service warranty (6 years/100,000 miles) will kill about $2,000 to $2,500 right off the top, but extra savings above and beyond that would be nice. Especially since I know I'm going to have to get new tires right off the bat, just to get the extra lower facia saving ground clearance I want.

At the current $450 a month I'm paying, I just can't afford to mod my MINI at all, so getting down towards $350, or so, on the new MINI would really free me up. The thing is, other than dropping the HID system and the extended, as well as the CWP (other than heated seats, a must have), I see no way to drop farther in price, without sacrificing desirable features. Of course, by buying where I'm not charged a $1,000 premuim, that adds up my total savings to nearly $4,000. Which, come to think of it, is pretty darn good! Still, I think that ends up putting me at $400 a month as a payment, which isn't quite where I want to be.

Then again, I'm thinking I'd like those (despite being heavier) R90 wheels, which really do look nice. Combine that with the $800 Red Cloth/Black Leather upholstery option, the $675+ high performance muffler, and a $400 metallic paint job, and I'm nearly back to where I started. Shucks.

Alright, let me get this stuff in order of priority. The R90 wheels are not must have by any means (the stock base wheels have been just fine), so that saves $600+. I really would like to go the high performance muffler route, so that $675+ stays. If I really want to go the red interior route, but want to drop metallic paint, that really only leaves Pepper White, which is a pretty cool, creamy color, but... I could just go with all Liquid Yellow, and drop the red interior, going with leatherette instead, which kills two birds with one stone.

Of course, I've already had a yellow MINI, so... Crap. Geez, what a conundrum, eh?

Oh, I figure at the very least, I need to drop Automatic Climate Control as well. The fact that the buttons and display panel are in the shape of a MINI logo, well...I could care less. Truly, it's only in photos of MINI dashes that I actually ever noticed this anyway. When I'm driving, I never notice...even though I know that's what the lay-out is supposed to look like. It's not a big savings to drop this option, so maybe it doesn't matter enough. At least with ACC, I know it works ok. I don't know how well the standard manual system works, though I assume it MUST work, right?

And, yeah, I guess the "carbon fiber" look dash option is out to, eh? I can live with that. :smile:

 

[QUOTE=Craig
That's why I selected a Mini - not for cup holders, or lights, or any of that stuff - purely for performance, and it has not let me down at all.[/QUOTE]
Me too

 

Woops, never mind. The Premium Package has everything else I want, so I might as well get that, and the Automatic Climate Control that comes with it, or end up spending more money anyway.

As to cup holders... Well, geez, how many does one need? (Though I have to admit, I like that newer optional MINI cup holder a lot. It's the only one I use in my car...for holding a cup. The rest are used for storing other odd sized nick nacks, like...lip balm, or whatever.)

Extra storage areas in the MINI are nice to have (the glove box organizer is GREAT), as otherwise a lot more stuff flies around the cockpit during spirited driving...causing something of a distracted driver hazard.

 

There are probably other threads to seek info from, but it seems many here are interested in the xenons. You might instead investigate the add-on driving lights, although the dealer installation is quite high (almost $400 in my area, which brings the total to about $800!), I have enjoyed them since they throw a very crude, sprayed light outward from the car. I spend a lot of time on Route 9W and other local roads in southern NJ, and the driving lights illuminate not the center of the road, but very crudely, the sides/tree line, so you can be aware of any animals, etc. which may be about to cross. Crude, but very reassuring--having them, I can't imagine being stuck with only the stock lights. You could always purchase the MINI OEM lights through Moss or another vendor, (of course there are other products out there as well) and save the dealer install cost. If you can manage the wire-in, the installation doesn't appear to have been that difficult to me- (perhaps time consuming for an amateur?) -they've just bolted the lights to the grill, snaked the wires under the hood insulation, and of course the switch is already cut out in the dash. I've already ordered the xenons for my '05, and agree with other posts, perhaps not flattering to the "face" of the car, but too late-- and I will none-the-less augment them with driving lights as well.

 

The last MINI I owned was a '67. I can say without a doubt that my MCS05 is much improved.

 

Having seen an old Mini at my (for now) dealership, I can't help but agree that the current rendition is a much improved vehicle. Although, I think there are aspects of the simplicity of that car, much like the old VW Bug, that I can understand people missing. That car was lighter, for one, and lower to the ground, and a pretty darn nimble car for what it was. It also didn't have complex "fly-by-wire" computer control systems, etc. And, it was, from what I know, more affordable.

I think that the automotive industry could do a much better job of designing and building fun, affordable, practical, simple, "people cars". They don't though, so we just have to choose from what's available out there, and enjoy what we choose as best we can.

Although I'll be selling my current MINI, I'll be replacing it with an only slightly different one, which I think speaks a great deal for the car.

Add on driving lights might be in my next MINI's future one day. I like the idea of the kind of light they provide. When I was thinking over the subject matter though, in light of my experience with Xenon headlights, compared to my prior experience with more "traditional" headlights, I just find that the difference doesn't add up to that much. When I ordered my first MINI with Xenons, I was thinking they might make it so that I would hardly, if ever, have to use my high beams ever again. Over time, I've still found that I use my high beams off and on a lot, so that's one area where the Xenons just haven't been able to make much of a difference.

When I've just got my Xenons on, without high beams, I find it funny that many people driving past me the other way tend to flash me with their high beams a lot. That gives me the impression that they think my high beams ARE on, even when they are not. Sometimes, if there is time, I'll high beam flash them...just to let 'em know they were wrong. But...if the impression was otherwise in the first place, to them, what does the difference matter?

I'm just trying to save a little money on my next MINI, and the base headlights, while not the best, are "good enough", and that's ok by me. Maybe, after I take delivery on this next MINI, I'll be beating myself up about the lousy headlights, and how I should've stuck with Xenons. If that happens, there are aftermarket options, that are cool in their own right, that I can check into, if need be. I'm not terribly worried.

 

Isn't it ironic though, your '67 would have had more interior room than your new car! I don't consider mine any more than a 2-seater, really... Unfortunately, an SUV such as the behemoths that crowd our roads in CT coming into contact with a classic Mini would be like punting a football...