Wags,

Thanks for the shelf pics.

Do you think that the shelf reduces leg room at all?

Andy

 

>>Wags,
>>
>>Thanks for the shelf pics.
>>
>>Do you think that the shelf reduces leg room at all?
>>
>>Andy

Not at all, Andy. In fact, it might actually provide more, as i think it doesn't come out as far as the bolster does, but i wouldn't swear to it. it's in a place where legs aren't. if it were in the way, so would the steering column. And this is at least from my legs' perspective, but i doubt it would be in the way of shorter-legged people.

ryan


_________________
Winnie's HERE!

 

aren't. if it were in the way, so would the steering column. And this is at least from my legs' perspective, but i doubt it would be in the way of shorter-legged people.
>>
>>ryan
>>

We like to call ourselves 'vertically challenged'.

 

Be it know to all that Ryephile has taken delivery of his MINI Cooper S this afternoon at 1:15 EST.

Ryephile went into labor at 12:00 EST, and Dave Harting, M.D. of Motor City MINI assisted with the delivery.

Everyone, please take a moment out of your busy day to wish him well.

 

<<Makes me think...Is there a master list (or could we put one together) of things to take with you and things to ask when you pick up your mini?>>

Try this address: http://members.iglou.com/worldwidewebb/checklist.htm
It seems to have a pretty good check list.
nullhttp://members.iglou.com/worldwidewebb/checklist.htm

 

This is a question for all you that took order already. I was reading that mini doc. that ryan gave us a link for and it said that you should tell your dealer NOT to drill holes in the front bumper for the licence plate. I told this to my dealer and this is what he wrote me back:
"Concerning drilling the front license holes; legally we are required to drill that
frame holder there, however I think I should be able to catch our check in
team before they drill the holes, and prevent them from doing so. The only
problem is that if you get pulled over or ticketed for not having this, we
can be held liable and fined as well. Thus under the unlikely cirumstance
that you do get caught, please don't throw us under the bus, as the offense
would likely get traced back to me. Other then that, I have no problem."
So my question is, how are you guys going to put in a front licence plate? Is there a special holder, etc....
Thnanks y'all!

 

>>aren't. if it were in the way, so would the steering column. And this is at least from my legs' perspective, but i doubt it would be in the way of shorter-legged people.
>>>>
>>>>ryan
>>>>
>>
>>We like to call ourselves 'vertically challenged'.

I am coming from the perspective of a "normal sized" person of 6'4" or taller.

Andy

 

Andy - I am 6'3ish and there's no problem leg room wise with the shelf, really there's no difference.

Ryan - I finally received my zymol clear today, along with a lame *** zymol keychain, which i guess is their way of saying sorry. I would have preferred another bottle of clear

Everyone - after having your MINIs for a month, drive around your old car, or just another "normal" car.. it's so funny! my MINI is back at the dude who took out her dent to buff out marks in the clearcoat since he gave it to me not totally set, so I had to take the buick sitting out front that my lil sis is learning to drive on.. and oh man, it just sucked in comparison. i had to brake much sooner, and i felt like the car was gonna fall apart on all turns. granted i think it had more pick up, but it was just so awkward, not to mention i felt like a double wide trailor home that needed to be escorted by "wide load" trucks!

can't wait to get winnie back tonight and have everything okay for my commute tomorrow!

ryan

 

So my question is, how are you guys going to put in a front licence plate? Is there a special holder, etc....
>>

oops, meant to say something about this in my last post..

Jeremy, i think those that aren't getting the holder drilled are just taking their chances with the tags. I"ve heard many different things about, such as cops can't pull you over just because of a missing front tag, but can write that up if they pull you over, say for speeding. if this is true, i'm sure it depends on the state. Also, i've heard that if you do get pulled for it, it's only a matter of getting it fixed and going to court as to not pay the fine, but i'm not 100% sure, that's just what i've read regarding it around MCO.

I've heard many people just motoring about without the plate and never having problems. I don't know of another way they could securely attach the plate without drilling in a holder. I"d be pretty against something sticky on the bumper as well. Good thing for me, i have a MC and it's not an issue!

ryan

 

I've been cruising around CT,NY,NJ andMD in my Saturn for a year and a half w/o a front plate and never had any problems. It fell off once and I have just never put it back on. I never thought about it. my inlaws have a logo plate (says "Sawgrass" not their license plate #) on the front in Florida and have had it for years w/o a hassle. Guess it depends on where you are and how lucky!

 

I've been driving around since, um '96 without any front plates. I didn't even know that you were supposed to have them. News to me, I guess I have a reason to get a custom front-plate made now.

Meghan

 

>>Be it know to all that Ryephile has taken delivery of his MINI Cooper S this afternoon at 1:15 EST.
>>
>>Ryephile went into labor at 12:00 EST, and Dave Harting, M.D. of Motor City MINI assisted with the delivery.
>>
>>Everyone, please take a moment out of your busy day to wish him well.


CONGRATULATIONS, RYEPHILE!!!!!!

We are all so d@mn happy for you that we could just bust!



Once you park and settle back to earth we hope to hear all about it, especially those of us who must still motor "vicariously" through others.

Peace out my VMA,

da chef

 

>>Be it know to all that Ryephile has taken delivery of his MINI Cooper S this afternoon at 1:15 EST.
>>
>>Ryephile went into labor at 12:00 EST, and Dave Harting, M.D. of Motor City MINI assisted with the delivery.
>>
>>Everyone, please take a moment out of your busy day to wish him well.
>>

Thanks Mikey for posting my hospital times (everyone: mcb8235 is a friend of mine)

>>-Cold Start software update
>>-Coolant tank leak
>>-Windshield seals
>>-Tail light condensation
>>-Others?
>>

TJ, These issues were mostly earlier builds, the coolant tank is for sure not a prob anymore!

wags, great to hear Zymol "cleared" up the situation (har, har, har!)

Jeremy, if your state requires front plates, and your dealership is legally obligated, sounds like holes you'll have! Michigan doesn't have front plates, but my MINI came with a front plate bracket in the boot, next to the tool kit.

Cheers,
Ryan

_________________
Wisdom is not a function of age, but a function of experience.
*Keeper of the CWFAC list*

 

Ok, I uploaded a few pics to the current last page of the gallery, but they're all also on the CWFAC Grad page. I already installed my clear CHMSL, looks awesome, smooths out the rear end visually.
I've already kicked the doors trying to get out

Cheers,
Ryan

 

Ryan,

Your MINI looks great! Congrats and happy motoring!!!!!

Birdie

 

Ryan!

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful....

I know you're not a big fan of the S-lites, but I really like the way they look, clear CHMSL looks great too.

More pics soon I hope, remember, you're motoring for the MINIless CWFACers now until we get our babies too!

I got inspired and ordered the GB organizer, just so I'd have a welcome home present for shadowfax. Still thinking about the clear lens, I've looked at a lot of pictures and am thinking I like the red with a black roof (I especially like "Wicked Wanda's rear end (blush). The red lens should also go pretty well with the chili red body on my MCS. Guess I'll have to wait and see the car "live and in person."

For now, decided against the cubby below the toggles, I kind of like the open look and I've found that if you give me a space I'll quickly fill it with unecessary junk...if its not there I probably won't miss it!

Called DMV today and found out that TX does require front plates

Hope all are well!

chef

 

oh god, i've almost reached my ending point on doing work tonight, and it's only 1130.

birdie had the idea of getting pics of us with our MINIs, and though I seconded it, i never did. i didn't because this is the only one i have.. but here it is. it will have to do for now.

 

Great Picture Ryan! Love the "action shot!"

on another note, here is the List for Production Status:

196+ – On the Truck
Colinarm: MC, LY/W
Rb905678, MCS, DS/B

196.5 - At the VPC
JeremyPo, MCS, IB/W, (TD66360)
Jerrygee: MCS, CR/W, (TD66838)
MiniMarc: MCS, DS/W, (TD66901)
Res0zvle, MCS, PS/B, (TD67028)
Rocketpop, MCS, DS/W, (TD66477)
Scoobs, MCS, PS/B, (TD66891)
Sockdaddy: MCS JB/JB, (TD67092)
TziholMeg, MC, PW/B, (TC44724)

195.5 – The Tosca has landed
Gr8brit, MCS, CR/W, (TD67112)
Pamato: MCS, JB/JB, (TD67097)
Tboner4me: MCS, IB/W, (TD67178)

195 – En Route on Jingu Maru, NY about 04/11
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)(Removed!?)
Oilman930: MC, CR/B
Tooblue: MC, CR/W

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

....more to come!

 

....and more is here!

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
Grad #10 *Hfranks: MCS, CR/W, Motoring on April 7th
Grad #11 *Kpyto: MCS, PS/B, Motoring on April 8th
Grad #12 *PJ: MCS, IB/W, Motoring on April 8th
Grad #13 *Ryephile, MCS, IB/W, Motoring on April 9th

At the Dealership:
Asodestrom, MC, CR/B, picking up April.11
Bbuskas, MCS, DS/B, on the transport truck right now
Brgmini12723, MCS, BRG/W
James4513: MCS, LY/W, picking up April.11
Kelisa, MC, CR/W, Picking up April.16 (maybe earlier!)
MiniSail: MC, IB/W, picking up April.10
Moggio: MC, LY/B, picking up April.11
Rataha, MCS, EB/W
Red, MCS, PS/B, picking up April.11
Rfath, MCS, DS/DS
Sandra7833, MCS, DS/B
Tourist, MC, BRG/W

my buddy mcb8235 took a few pics of me with Motor, I'll get 'em from him!
Cheers,
Ryan

 

Unfortunately, and much to my dismay, the dealership dropped the ball for me on financing. I sent the forms in almost two weeks ago, and only found out today that they were still waiting on someone from BMW Financing to get back with an approval, but in the meantime they had arranged alternative financing ... at over 10% :smile: Ooops, wait, the dealership won't accept a standard bank check/draft It HAS to be a certified check. Back to the lender, and sure they can do certified, but it'll take about 3 days to process

So, long story short, Grover sits at the dealer for the weekend, while I wait for a check. If the dealership had taken care of this earlier, I could have arranged for my own financing well ahead of time. Needless to say, my patience is wearing thin, and the long, albeit enjoyable wait, has ended in a mistake which has left the dealer off my Christmas list for next year.

Crossing fingers for Monday or Tuesday at the latest.

T J

ps - After having read the Dealer Rating System, seems this isn't the first time their finance department has screwed up.

 

T.J.: Sucks to hear BMW Financial screwed up! GRRRR Although it's great to hear you were able to hook up something else quickly! :smile: Looks like another nail-biting weekend for you; OR, you'll have to Motor vicariously through the Graduates

Best of luck (and speedy paperwork),
Ryan

 

>>T.J.: Sucks to hear BMW Financial screwed up! GRRRR Although it's great to hear you were able to hook up something else quickly! :smile: Looks like another nail-biting weekend for you; OR, you'll have to Motor vicariously through the Graduates
>>
>>Best of luck (and speedy paperwork),
>>Ryan

Fortunately, I'm heading out of town for the weekend. Hopefully that will keep me distracted enough until Monday. The worst part is that I was THIS close to getting the car, and now I've got to wait. This last week has been worse than the previous two months.

T J

 

OK, I had the pleasure of taking delivery of my Cooper S about 34 hours ago. Here are my impressions after about 150 miles in the car:

Fantastic! Seeing her for the first time caused my heart to skip a few beats. She was all shined up and nestled in the delivery bay next to a red/white S with a Union Jack on its roof. Interesting for me because I had a terrible time deciding between Indi Blue and the red. I still love both, but I made the right choice for me. I just absolutely love the contrast between the Indi Blue and the white roof/bonnet stripes! At my request, the dealership put on the aftermarket 17" BBS RK rims and had the 16" OEM wheels/tires in the back of the MINI. Seeing the rims for the first time on the car, I was VERY happy with their appearance. Delivery was smooth and quick. In and out in 30 minutes.

Now, on to the good stuff. I had only driven a MINI once before on a thirty minute test drive. I had been driving a 330CI up until three months ago. Since then, I had been driving a friend's 325I(no sports package). Let me just say that it felt like going from a Lincoln Town Car to a race car. The MINI is just solid and true. It goes where you point it with no complaints and no drama(well, no unwanted drama anyway). The handling is better than I remember-and that says something since all I have been thinking about for the past three months is how well the MINI handles! The heft of the steering is perfect. Maneuvering through the twisties is effortless without the steering feeling light at all. The directness with which the MINI handles is simply the best I've ever experienced-including a brief drive in a new M3.

Random thoughts and impressions:

The shifter is tight! I feel like I'm going to snap the shifter when trying to engage reverse. I think this will decrease a bit after some more miles. Shifting through the gears is a pleasure. The travel of the shifter is smooth and precise. The OBC states current MPG of 26.5. I know it is a bit inflated, but considering the engine is not yet broken in, a totally acceptable figure for me. I have yet to use 6th gear, and 5th has only been engaged a few times even though I have driven a fair amount on the highway. Part of the reason is trying to vary RPM's is a bit easier in lower gears, but I have really not been in a position to need sixth gear as of yet. The interior is much nicer than I remember. I have the Anthracite with Magnesium door panels and absolutely love the combination. I had not seen this combo before picking up my MINI, but I can't imagine being more happy with anything else. The seats are very comfortable and treat my bad back well. The sound of the exhaust is beautiful. I was thinking about an aftermarket system, but don't feel as strongly about this now. If I do get something, it will be because of performance increases, not sound. I have to get my windows tinted ASAP. The puny sunvisors cover about a third of the side windows-and none of my face!

Little problems/complaints:

Sunvisors-see above. I hear a subtle "buzz" at exactly 3500 RPM's in every gear. There is a rattle somewhere on the passenger side in front. It was not present on day one, but started today. When starting out in first, toward the end of clutch travel, a slight hesitation/jerk occurs. Could be my technique, but I am thinking it is something else. It does not happen at any other time, and I am reasonably experienced in driving manual transmissions. I have had three previous manual tranny equipped cars. This is definitely the most major of my "little problems." I will give it more time before approaching the service department.

OK, this is way long. One more thing though. I had not had my car for more than three minutes before being approached for the first inquiry. I had stopped at a gas station to get a soda and a man came up to me and asked if the car was "fun." I replied that I had only had it for 5 minutes and he apologized, saying he didn't want to "jinx" me . I told him not to worry and that, in my brief 1/2 mile of driving. it was indeed a lot of fun.

Ok, that's it. I will post another review after a bit more drive time. I wanted to post right away because it was fun for me to read owner reviews while awaiting delivery. For those waiting, stay strong. The wait makes delivery more enjoyable(I know, easy for me to say now that I have my car!). Take care.

 

Well 1 more day. Flo is waiting for a new shift ****. Still can't decide weather to drive or fly to pic her up. Congrats Ryan Moding already

And Wags nice looking ride I thought you had a black roof.


Katie how is the shifting going


Tomorrow I will have the honer of yelling that once famous prase

I will be out of this stinking club tomorrow

 

One more day! Tomorrow (Friday) at 6pm I am picking up my MC!! WHOOO HOOOO! Saturday it may rain but Sunday may be up to 60 degrees and sunny! Can you say SUNROOF!!!! SOOooo excited. Thanks everyone for helping me make it to this point! Now if I can just make it thru the next 34 hours without gettig fired for being online all the time!