I’ve had my BRG Mini for a couple months now, and have been favorably impressed. It has been absolutely trouble free, but I have not been able to really rack up the miles. I do not have a daily commute (work out of home office), but have some of the most beautiful twisty roads at my disposal. Other life priorities have precluded a real road trip, but looking forward to one soon. I have really been impressed with the state-of-the-art nature of the Mini. Keep in mind that I’ve stepped up from my trusty old 1981 Honda Accord. As one would expect, quite a difference! I am still getting accustomed to not having to crank up the windows (However, I still love the simplicity of the squeeze bulb window washer in my old Datsun!) A couple of thoughts I had as far as options/technology I would like to see offered in future Mini models.

There was a good post a while back (with photos) concerning removal of the rear seats. I would like to see the option of a nice flat rear deck… A clean seat replacement module to accomplish such. An aftermarket product available soon?

A more complex issue is… I wish we could avoid the mechanical ignition key. I have my key chain whittled down to the Mini key, belt hook, and Gym ID fob. I understand the steering wheel antitheft locking theory, but I suppose that could be accomplished electronically. I am thinking of computer chip / smart card technology that could be used to open the door, activate the ignition, etc. Chip imbedded in a swipe card, watch band or, think of it… a Mini decoder ring… cool! Maybe the same ring imbedded chip could be used to de-activate the safety on your Glock or Smith and Wesson? Here is my vision: Get in your personalized Mini, your decoder ring activates the ignition circuitry. Depress the clutch, place your thumb on a dash mounted, machined billet titanium ignition button, and vroom…

Any other ideas, practical or otherwise?

 

here is my earlier post entitled: I want a flat floor

 

Sounds like you want the new S class Mercedes. It just has a keyfob piece, that so long as you are within X distance of the steering column, you just press a button and go! ....where's that drool emoticon again??

Seriously though, I'd like to see AWD a posibility. RWD wouldn't be right at all on a MINI...but AWD could work. And I'd buy it. Ohhhh! Convertible AWD MINI!! YES!!

R

 

A convertible wouldn't help me get to the ski hill...but a second MCS with the factory roof rack and AWD would be the ticket! I wonder what color would suit my ski-mobile MINI the best? White would be cool...but it might be mistaken for a mogul!

 

>> Maybe the same ring imbedded chip could be used to de-activate the safety on your Glock or Smith and Wesson?

Keep your Democratic gun control fantasies away from my guns! Besides, the only safety on a Glock is the person behind the trigger.

X2

 

>>Keep your Democratic gun control fantasies away from my guns! Besides, the only safety on a Glock is the person behind the trigger.
>>
>>X2

And keeping one out of the chamber. Know how many
people shoot themselves in the leg playing quickdraw
with a Glock?

 

>>>>Keep your Democratic gun control fantasies away from my guns! Besides, the only safety on a Glock is the person behind the trigger.
>>>>
I was wondering if that firearm comment might solicit some response. The Glock actually has two mechanical safeties, trigger and firing pin. (I carry a Glock almost everyday.) I'm with you X2...the most important safety is the human one controlling the trigger finger. There is no good excuse for that one malfunctioning.

How about any other innovative ideas, lets get this thread back on track. But debate… how would Martha say… It’s a good thing. X2??? How about some toggle switch activated artillery (for defensive purposes only, a la Yemeni Scuds). I will give up my Mini when they can pry my cold dead fingers from the leather multifunction steering wheel!

DennisJ (Hunter Education Instructor, Game Warden, Errand Boy)



_________________
Mini with Beezer.

 

>>I was wondering if that firearm comment might solicit some response. The Glock actually has two mechanical safeties, trigger and firing pin. (I carry a Glock almost everyday.) I'm with you X2...the most important safety is the human one controlling the trigger finger. There is no good excuse for that one malfunctioning.
>>
Amen! I'm GlockGuardian over on Glock Talk and a lifetime member of the GSSF.

>>How about any other innovative ideas, lets get this thread back on track. But debate… how would Martha say… It’s a good thing. X2??? How about some toggle switch activated artillery (for defensive purposes only, a la Yemeni Scuds). I will give up my Mini when they can pry my cold dead fingers from the leather multifunction steering wheel!
>>
Now there is an option I would pay for

X2

 

I thinik the "Ring" idea is a good one.
Now lets add a second anti theft aid. How about
programed weight memory in the seat to assure
that the owner or family member (also programed)
is driving the car, and not someone who just happened
to "find" your ring ie.. friends, inlaws, or thugs.(^-^)

 

>>I thinik the "Ring" idea is a good one.
>>Now lets add a second anti theft aid. How about
>>programed weight memory in the seat to assure
>>that the owner or family member (also programed)
>>is driving the car, and not someone who just happened
>>to "find" your ring ie.. friends, inlaws, or thugs.(^-^)

You would have a lot of stranded MINI owners after Thanksgiving (meals)

 

>>>>I was wondering if that firearm comment might solicit some response. The Glock actually has two mechanical safeties, trigger and firing pin. (I carry a Glock almost everyday.) I'm with you X2...the most important safety is the human one controlling the trigger finger. There is no good excuse for that one malfunctioning.
>>>>
>>Amen! I'm GlockGuardian over on Glock Talk and a lifetime member of the GSSF.
>>
>>>>How about any other innovative ideas, lets get this thread back on track. But debate… how would Martha say… It’s a good thing. X2??? How about some toggle switch activated artillery (for defensive purposes only, a la Yemeni Scuds). I will give up my Mini when they can pry my cold dead fingers from the leather multifunction steering wheel!
>>>>
>>Now there is an option I would pay for
>>
>>X2

I love my Glock model 22 with the neato pre-ban 15 round clip that houses my 40 S&W Federal Premium Hydra-Shok bullets!
I just need to install the original sight back in...this adjustable one stinks.

But, back to the topic at hand. Now that it's winter, I like to kick the snow off my shoes before I get in, but I don't feel as if the part where I kick (right under the door) is able to take lots of abuse. We'll find out I guess.

 

inovations...???
here's a couple :smile:
1. get rid of all the plastic......let's all say it out loud...CHROME!!!!
2. i think a 4-door with 1/2 size back doors would be an interesting look and totally practical.
3. been posted by many ...but deserves repeating ..AWD would be terrific !!!!!
4. a 200HP engine...

Peace,
D

 

>>inovations...???
>>here's a couple :smile:
>>1. get rid of all the plastic......let's all say it out loud...CHROME!!!!
>>2. i think a 4-door with 1/2 size back doors would be an interesting look and totally practical.
>>3. been posted by many ...but deserves repeating ..AWD would be terrific !!!!!
>>4. a 200HP engine...
>>

1. I'll take a nice Cabon Fiber finish over the chrome.
2. Doors add weight, we don't want that.
3. I'm with you on the AWD, this car is a bit tricky to launch hard.
4. With #3, 250HP would be even better.

X2

 

I love convertibles but right now I'm thinking the sunroof on the MINI is better than a convertible! I mean I had the thing open last night on the way to NYC. I mean twnety something degrees and I can be topless and not freeze. Also in the REALLY COLD weather you can still see the stars at night. A convertible is only good a few months of the year up here in the northeast. This sunroof is good all yr round. Oh yeah, it's also great in the light rain - due to certain laws of physics, it won't rain through the sunroof if it's not raining too hard!

And of course, you don't have the lack of visibility that a conv has with the top up. And hatchbacks made into a convertible generally look hideous. I don't see how they could make a MINI conv. that doesn't look like a Volkswagon Cabrio.

 

>>And hatchbacks made into a convertible generally look hideous. I don't see how they could make a MINI conv. that doesn't look like a Volkswagon Cabrio.<<

Here here, greatgro! I don't think the convertible is going to keep it's MINI-esque look too well! MINI designers? Prove me wrong!

 

I think they should make a MINi Cooper S "Lightweight." Delete the radio, install lightweight seats, no backseat, etc... Make it a barebones factory racer available to all, and make it cheap.

 

>>I think they should make a MINi Cooper S "Lightweight." Delete the radio, install lightweight seats, no backseat, etc... Make it a barebones factory racer available to all, and make it cheap.

Yeah. And with 250hp.

 

Speedster - cut down windshield, no roof, yee-ha!

So what if it would be impractical (especially in Vermont), I need one! :smile: and I guess a garage to park it in.

 

Dude ...... !

 

hands free phone operation that any cell phone plugs into

 

If you think any division of BMW is going to make ANYTHING stripped down and CHEAP you don't understand BMW's mindset very well. BMW never has and never will offer a product they don't make a fat margin on. And all of MINIs bells & whistles translate into margin. As it were, BMW's original attraction to to MINI was to move them into a product at the low end of their market and MINI was an established name. In their mind maybe MINI is an entry level BMW! The problem for the Classic MINI owners is, under BMW they are not going to get the bargain basement price they did when it was owned by any of the former British manufacturers, who for a very long time didn't make very much on the brand, having established such a low price point on the car. But then I'm sure the MINI was produced in part to compete with the Beetle and Hitler's dream of one in every garage! Such a record number of Classic MINIs were made, and made cheap, who could resist improving them?

Nope, if you want stripped, you'll have to pay full price, strip it, and customize it to your taste. Unfortunately, that's a lot of expensive extras sitting in a box in your garage. Of course, if you want help stripping it, you can always drive it to a bad section of town and leave it overnight!

I don't know about you, but my MCS is just perfect as-is! I wouldn't change a thing. (OK, 200 HP is tempting, but that's it.)

 

I love that convertible look, very reminiscent of the Audi TT in looks. I want one! I suppose their is a hide-a-way hardtop that tucks away into the boot though, right? It would be interesting to see that engineering!

 

"I think they should make a MINi Cooper S "Lightweight." Delete the radio, install lightweight seats, no backseat, etc... Make it a barebones factory racer available to all, and make it cheap. "

Daron/2Minis-- I'd be willing to bet that a lightweight racer is only a few years off. MINI people are obviously into racing their cars...and BMW has historically raced small, lightweight cars. Just this year they released an updated version of the 330CSI, a stripped 3-series meant for the track. The CSI ain't cheap, but it's fast and about a pure a racer as BMW is making for the public (so pure, I'm not sure we can import it over here with our saftey laws...). I'd be willing to bet that BMW could sell a couple hundred just to folks on this board. Heck, I even saw a stripped/race modded MINI on my dealer's showroom floor. I've had Beemers for a while, and I know if there's a demand, they'll meet it. It's a matter of time...

 

Simple request: 1 touch UP windows. Lots of cars have them, it ain't rocket science. Would it have added 98 cents to the sticker price of the car?

And I second anything that will reduce the size of that ignition key - it's bigger than my cell phone!

 

that converitble coop 8ball posted is pretty cool! the other pics of convertibles that I have seen were, um, yucky (IMO).

I do like also the idea of a 4 door, but what about a MINI truck (either pullman style or open bed). As long as it doesn't end up looking like a brat I'd be first in line!