>>Anyone else on the Tosca?
>>
>>Cargo Id: TD67097
>>Booking Number: GBSOU117322 Bill Number: GB113205
>>Vessel: TOSCA Port of Origin: SOUTHAMPTON
>>Voyage: EQ308-TOS Port of Destination: CHARLESTON,SC
>>Priority: Customer Ref. Number:
>>
>>
>>Due in Charleston, SC April 7.... TOMORROW ... Whooohoooo
>>
>>Now the real hard waiting begins....
>>
>>Paul


Does this mean that the Tosca has actually been confirmed at NYC? I checked the website earlier today, and there was still no mention of it having reached port. Hopefully, my JB/JB won't spend too much time at the VPC before heading to St. Louis...

 

Thanks for the OWLA writeup Birdie!

--> sockdaddy, the WW site should update at the latest in a few days. After that, your M.A. (not your VMA, lol) will know where your MINI is (at the VPC, in the parking lot outside VPC, or on the truck to the dealership) Good luck!

Cheers,
Ryan

 

Ok guys, I have some more questions about my learning to drive a stick expirience, for you.
Here's the deal: There have been three times(that I know of) where I have accidently sureged the engine too much, and the RPM's have gone well over 4500. Am I totally killing the car? This has only occured while I'm stopped on a slope and I'm trying desperately not to roll into the person behind me. I think I've got the rest of it down, but I am still haveing a hard time with the hills. Then, today I had something scarey happen. I stalled the car, and then when I tried to turn it back on again, it wouldn't start! I was totally flustered at that point, so I don't know if I just didn't have my foot all the way on the clutch or something, but it took me about 5 tries(stalling and starting) to actually take off. The whole time, the "service engine soon" light was on! Once I got going though, it turned off, and I drove it fine the rest of the way. Should I be concerned about this? Do you think it was a mistake of mine, or is there some correlation to me not driving the car well? I don't know if I'm just paranoid, but I figure it's better to find out, than to just ignore everything.

 

Dooodooodooodooo...

Mine's a JB/JB too...
Options #1, 2, and 3, anthracite, HK, no leather, NAV

Headed for Houston, TX

Race ya, to see who get's their's first....

Paul

 

Katie, I'm glad you're asking for help!
((((((Katie))))))
ok, so the situation where you stall the car, and then try to restart: You have to turn the key to "Off" and then back On before you can start it again. This is to reset the computer and stuff (same deal on my Bimmer).

As for you revving the engine a bunch when on hill-starts, here's a trick: You don't need to rev the engine, 'cuz you don't want to have a huge difference in speed between your axle and engine (it'll burn up the clutch, not the engine). Use the E-brake to keep from rolling backwards, and concentrate on modulating your clutch and throttle! Practice makes perfect, keep working on your uphill starts, and soon enough you'll be a pro! A better idea is to heel-n-toe the throttle and brake with your right foot while modulating the clutch with your left. This a more advanced driving technique, so stick to the right hand e-brake pull for now

Good luck!
Cheers,
Ryan

 

WooHoooo!! My mini is at VPC w/ an estimated delivery of 4/8!!! Finally got a hold of my new MA, and it's all good. Everything looks in order for when my mini arrives next week. I'll post pics for sure...peace.

 

>> Lastwave,we seem to be in the same boat together.Maybe I should say,not actually on the boat together. Our Mini's are in the same batch of 12 Mini's that were bumped.Maybe their having a hard time saying goodbye.There's no date when the cars will be loaded on a ship,so for now their just hanging out at the dock watching the birds fly by.
XXXXXXXX
I hope at least they a good pint or two of guinness while they wait


_________________
<p>'03 "S" BRG and Black with sport and premium packages, rain sensing and auto dipping.</p>

 

Who wants to party in Chicago in July??? My house sold and the moving date is July 18th. I have to find a place to live which depends on whether or not I get this new job (faculty position). I have had two inteviews and now it is a awaiting game but I am on for hosting a sleep on the floor party just before I move...if interested post or- email me.. :smile:

 

Katie,

As usual, Ryan's got the answer. The only thing I can add is that the brake and clutch have a 1/2 way mark where the car will not move with the right amount of pressure on each simultaneously. In some situations it's 25% gas and 75% clutch, others are reversed. My MINI feels just about 60/40. I can have the clutch pressed in most of the way and the gas pressed in about 1/2 way and the car will not move, as if I have the brake on. This is how I start on hills. I know that point at which my clutch and brake offset each other. Find it and your problems will be solved. Then it's a matter of letting off more clutch and pressing the gas a little more to start to move. My dad taught me this over 20 years ago and I have never forgotten it. The MINI is my first manual shift car in almost 7 years. I hit my first hill the day I got the car and didn't think about this until just now.

Practice makes perfect. Good luck.

Birdie

 

Great recap Birdie. I will try to do the same.

Another question for all: Was your "sticker" on the car when you picked it up? Does the dealer apply it (I think it is the law that it is on the car when they deliver it to you).

Mine is on the lot without it right now. The rest have them seem to have it.
Of course the OL says it is at the VDC, but they changed the delivery to 4/5, which is the day it arrived at the dealer.

Regards,
Red

 

>>As for you revving the engine a bunch when on hill-starts, here's a trick: You don't need to rev the engine, 'cuz you don't want to have a huge difference in speed between your axle and engine (it'll burn up the clutch, not the engine). Use the E-brake to keep from rolling backwards, and concentrate on modulating your clutch and throttle! Practice makes perfect, keep working on your uphill starts, and soon enough you'll be a pro! :smile:

 

By law the Monroney sticker is to be removed only by the buyer; however as a courtesy the dealers often remove it during the delivery clean up as most people don’t want to drive off the lot with it still in the window. It is usually included with all the paper work you will leave with at the conclusion of the purchase transaction. The Monroney label is printed only by the manufacturer or distributor and new ones can be ordered by the dealer. In the case of the MINI, they in put on the cars at the VPC.

 

Thanx for all the great advice guys! For some reason I don't feel cordinated enough to do the e-brake technique(BTW, my step dad swears by that technique, that's how he got through driving a stick in SF for years). I did however notice when I was in the stop and go traffic the other day, that if I let off the clutch very slowly, there was a point where my two feet(one on the clutch the other on the gas) were almost even, and I could hold it without stalling, or go ahead and move forward very easily. I'm assuming this is the money spot, that Birdie is referring to. My problem is that, I tend to really feel pressured, and I start to totally freak out, and that's when I loose it!

 

I can't beleive I'm away for ONE day and come back to find three full pages of new posts...

Wow Katie, you found the money spot in only two days!!!! That's great...you'll be driving around (ooops--motoring around) without even thinking about it before you know it. It's sort of a gradual process, one day you'll realize its become totally natural! btw your MINI is BEAUTIFUL!!!

Birdie, your baby is sweet too, and I have to say the two of you look great together. You look like you're having a blast

Rachel, I'm watching my mailbox almost as closely as the WW site, thanks for the momentary distraction...when are you picking up your dream?

I hate being in the >>> dark, evil black hole of no information <<< still at sea but without any cool news updates...Par4, anything new? I heard rumors that the boys were the hit of the captain's table during the mid-cruise banquet and masquerade ball, Shadowfax and Motor'NMax joined together and dressed up as an SUV, what a couple of knuckleheads... :evil:

OK, that's two tantrums now, when do I get what I want...

Hope all are well,

da chef

_________________



CR/B MCS - HK, premium & sport...Gandalf on dash...

born 3/20...at sea on Jingu Maru, ahoy!...come on home, baby!

 

Katie, try the e-brake technique in a flat parking lot. You will get a feel for how much e-brake you can use, and what the car feels like when the clutch starts to engage. It will be different on a hill, but you can at least get started.

Just a few more days, and I will get to try the mini e-brake start on SF hills. Can't wait!

 

>>
>>I have heard several people mention that the glove box organizer is a must have...any pix? Is that a dealer part or aftermarket, where can I get one...any other crucial interior add-ons that all you new *motorers* (jealous sigh) would recommend?
>>

woo, love those asking for pics, can i be the club's picture-taker-er?!

anyway, here's a shot:

That's when i first put it in.. now in the top left is a pack of lil tissues, bottom left is a pack of gum, middle is cell charger... it's pretty convenient, and keeps things in their place. it's aftermarket, available at most online MINI sites (e.g. Moss, MINImania) for about 30 bucks.

as for other 'interior add-ons', the armrest was a no-brainer for me, especially with a non-stick model, i just have a right arm that needs somewhere to go while i motor:

this one's a bit more pricey (around the 120 range)
the hotpocket also makes use of empty space under toggles for placing things:

also available from aftermarket MINI sites, at about 30.

I soon will be putting in the Euro-shelf to see if i like it, and if not, i'll just switch it back with whats there now. I'm just worried about messing up the continuity of that area.

rest assured, i'll take a pic of that once its installed to post for everyone's amusement (annoyance?)

I like birdie's idea of us in a pic with the MINI.. i have a side-angled-me-cleaning-MINI shot, but i might try to get a better one to post later. that is if people are willing to do that, i think it'd be cool.

anyway, that's all from me tonight...

ryan

ps good luck to all those on the eves or eve's eve's eve... of getting their MINIs.. you're ALMOST there!!

_________________
Winnie's HERE!

 

hey Wags, I also got a Glove Box Organizer, got mine from Moss along with my clear lens CHMSL and billet door pulls

Cheers,
Ryan

 

ok, here's the List:
Our 1st Graduate! *Wags FTB, MC, PS/PS, Motoring on March 8th
Graduate #2 *my2003mini, MCS, DS/W, Motoring on March 24th
Grad #3 *Birdie33, MC IB/W, Motoring on March 28th
Grad #4 *Squigidoodle, MC, VR/W, Motoring on March 29th
Grad #5 *MichaelD, MC, VR/W, Motoring on March 31st
Grad #6 *Littlecajun, MC, CR/W, Motoring on April 4th
Grad #7 *MINIclo: MCS, JB/JB, Motoring on April 4th
Grad #8 *Katiedidmini: MC, VR/B, Motoring on April 4th
Grad #9 *DaMatta: MCS, JB/W, Motoring on April 5th

At the Dealership:
Bbuskas, MCS, DS/B, 2049 miles away from home!
Brgmini12723, MCS, BRG/W
Hfranks: MCS, CR/W
Kelisa, MC, CR/W, Picking up April.16
Kpyto: MCS, PS/B
PJ, MCS, IB/W, minus H/K!! (and + sound modul?)
Rfath, MCS, DS/DS
Sandra7833, MCS, DS/B

Production Status:

196+ – On the Truck
Colinarm: MC, LY/W <---where art thou?
Moggio: MC, LY/B, picking up April.09
Rb905678, MCS, DS/B, past due?
Ryephile, MCS, IB/W, picking up April.08

196.5 - At the VPC
Asodestrom, MC, CR/B, (TC44373)
JeremyPo, MCS, IB/W, (TD66360)
MiniSail: MC, IB/W, (TC44759)
Rataha, MCS, EB/W, (TD66399)
Rocketpop, MCS, DS/W, (TD66477)
Scoobs, MCS, PS/B, (TD66891)
TziholMeg, MC, PW/B, (TC44724)

196 – Discharged!
Red, MCS, PS/B, (TD66806)
Tourist, MC, BRG/W, (TC44391)

195.5 – At the Docks in SC, still
James4513: MCS, LY/W, (TD66729)
MiniMarc: MCS, DS/W, (TD66901)
Res0zvle, MCS, PS/B, (TD67028)

195.5 –Pegasus Leader has landed!
Jerrygee: MCS, CR/W, (TD66838)

195.25 – The Tosca is landing in SC
Gr8brit, MCS, CR/W, (TD67112)
Pamato: MCS, JB/JB, (TD67097)
Sockdaddy: MCS JB/JB, (TD67092)
Tboner4me: MCS, IB/W, (TD67178)

195 – En Route on Jingu Maru, NY about 04/09
Chefrichie: MCS, CR/B, (TD67260)
Par4bmw: MCS, PS/B, (TD67251)
Veritas: MCS, DS/DS, (TD67645)

195 – En Route on Terrier, Ca about 04/16
Quinn: MCS, JB/W, March.21 (TD67266)

190 – Awaiting Transport
Lastwave: MCS, BRG/B, March.28 (TD67742)
Oilman930: MC, CR/B
Tooblue: MC, CR/W

37 – On Order, Still
Bustov: MCS, EB/B, April.4

The “in another Country”-Club: (where are these guys?!)
MINIHOLLAND: MCS EB/W
SemiImbecile: MCS, DS/W

Cheers, and good-night!
Ryan

 

i just checked the owners lounge,and it said my MINI is .....at the dealer wohooo seeing fellow members actually getting their mimis has been very cool (who could'nt be rooting for katie to "master that stick"?) but now it's my turn, and i'm more excited than i thought possible. and has not responded to my program requests.....sorry i had to bring my buzz down a touch for it's off to work i go :???:

 

Checked in with the OL tis morning and Pyro's EDD has been moved up to 4/8/03. that's tomorrow.

Got to call MA and set up an appt. Is the EDD when the car arrives at the dealer? or when it's supposed to be ready to be picked up.

This is exciting and frustrating at the same time. No way my wife I can both get time off work until Friday to pick up. Should I get it without her? Probably a bad move because we were going to make a date out to it.

Ride ferry to SF, lunch at Fisherman's wharf, pick up mini, drive around town, take pictures at GG bridge, then back up the coast to home.

Oh well, I've waited 2 months, a few more days won't hurt.

Andy :smile:

_________________


At the VDC! EDD 4/10 MC CR/B stripes sports seats mfsw 16"

 

Andy,

Take the wife, don't pick it up without her. Anyway your 2 month wait has been short. I ordered my Mini (pickup today at 5pm) on Sept. 3 (over7 months ago). Anyway, the EDD I think is when it gets to the dealer. My last OL EDD was Friday and I did get a call from my MA telling me the car arrived. However, he said it wouldn't be ready for me until today. So if you car comes in on a Tuesday it should be ready for a Friday pickup.

Harry

 

Thanks Harry, good advice.

Can't let the Mini be a bad influence me.

Post some pics of yours when you get it.

This is getting fun!

Andy

_________________


At the VDC! EDD 4/8 MC CR/B stripes sports seats mfsw 16"

 

>>Ok, here's the deal..........
>>
>>I'm giving everyone a "One Week Later Overall Assessment" (OWLA) of my

Birdie -

Thanks for the review, it's only made it that much harder for me to wait. Especially as I am waiting for an IB/W MC, not much unlike Bonzo. Hoping for delivery by the end of the week.

T J

 

I apologize in advance for the slightly off-topic post (I couldn't a thread for this). Gas prices in Chicago this weekend 2.15 and 9/10ths for premium and slightly less in the suburbs......I can't wait for the mini because I have to bring a banker with me when I fill up my SUV...

_________________
<p>'03 "S" BRG and Black with sport and premium packages, rain sensing and auto dipping.</p>

 

Bummer lastwave. I thought California had the worst gas prices.

Next post on the April club will be number 2000.