So....the car is 7 days old today. I get out of work early and start the car and the "service engine soon" light is on. Nothing seems wrong while I drive the 15 min to get home. Call the dealer on the way, they come out to pick up the car and drop off a loaner (thank god I had the foresight to buy from a dealer with this service).
Hopefully no big deal, but damn, not a good start.
At least I have the consolation of playing with a 3 series for the weekend.

As an aside, I'm not in the least bit suprised that these cars are prone to rattles. That suspension is definitely stiff. Makes it fun in the twisties and mine is beginning to loosen up, but hell, was quite a change from my previous car.
Drove it from NY to RI on the second day, through New England roads in the middle of winter. By the time I got home I thought I might **** blood. Really felt I got the crap shook out of me. It's smoothed out a bit or I've gotten used to it or both.

 

yea... Know how your feelin about the stiff suspension and rattles... I thought the suspension in my dad's navigator was harsh until I got in my CooperS made his lincoln feel like well... a Cadillac... Anyway I hope you have good luck with your MINI, also have FUN with that 3 series those are nice, I rode in one today when my MINI got serviced, also they're reeeeaaalll smooooth, feels like a slow massage compared to our MINIs.

Have a Great Weekend & Good Luck...
Mikey AkA "Chili"

 

Oh geeze...being in New England, driving on the roads you mentioned, I'm very glad I decided to go with the MCC, the suspension isn't nearly as harsh in my opinion.

 

did you put the fuel cap on tight until it clicks when you filled up??

If u dont the service engine light will come on.

 

That's probably it. And you will get used to the ride. Give it a couple of weeks.

regards,
Red

 

During my first drive home I was thinking, What did I do????? I thought the car was seriously beating me up too! But yep, it's been a month and I love it to pieces.

As far as the service light, I hope that's all it is....I set off my tire pressure warning light in the first month, there's not a lot of places to put stuff and incedentally I put my wallet on top of the re-set button. Opps. The oweners manual said it would re-set once I re-started the car, it did.

Although the ride is rough in the S I love the power and think the MINI is a wonderful car.

Funny story, this morning I was driving our Honda Pilot, too wet and cold for my baby today, man I almost killed myself! I forgot that other cars DO NOT handle like out MINI's do! Not to mention stop as easily!

 

Yeah,
So as it turns out it was in fact the gas cap. However, its odd, because I hadn't filled it for a day or two and I'm sure I heard it click when I was done. The dealer checked for leaks and there were none. He also told me it was closed properly when they checked it so...I don't know. As long as thats all it is though, I'm happy.
The 328 is nice, but it is an older one. I'm guessing late 90's or 2000. The interior isn't that great and it takes a long time to warm up (not great as this weekend was in the high 20's). But it is suprisingly fast off the line, particularly for an automatic. Handles real well to. Much softer ride, but all in all I am eagerly awaiting the return of my Mini.
All worked out well. Even spared me taking the Mini into Manhattan. I'm sure it would have been fun, but the roads are beat up in town and I'd be a little nervous parking it on the street (a car with that much 'bling' factor might attract the wrong attention). At least stealing Mini emblems doesn't seem to have come into fashion yet.

 

Oh,

Also got a new left bonnet stripe. The one from the factory had a tiny air bubble.

 

Hey! This is not your father's couch-mobile, people! It is a fantastic little performance vehicle, with an awesome performance suspension. It has great road-feel! Once you adjust to it, you'll feel like other vehicles are big and baggy and nowhere near as responsive!

Glad to hear that it was the gas cap! What a relief for you! :smile:


Clover

 

I agree, but it is stiffer the first few days. I don't think it's just me getting used to it. The car still feels real 'tight' (not in bad way) and responsive. But I don't feel like I'm getting abused.

 

I had an X3 as a loaner.BMW shows the X3 as their idea of an SUV.Great handling,and it does,I tried it out on the snow,handles fine,but it feels like a sedan,no road feel back to the driver,and boring when the going is good.Give me my MC,butt to the ground,respondes to every pebble on the road,and goes like snot,,,,when needed