R50/53 Suggestions to improve the MINI
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
Better side bolsters on front seats, or a console against which to brace yourself.
Less-notchy shifting for the getrag
Perhaps opening rear windows?
Mechanical latch for boot (remove that electronic silliness)
A spare tire would be lovely if you could find a place to put it. It seems like the battery could be relocated to one of the side wells, or under the rear seat...and this would eliminate my only complaint about the car. The run-flats.
Jeff
Less-notchy shifting for the getrag
Perhaps opening rear windows?
Mechanical latch for boot (remove that electronic silliness)
A spare tire would be lovely if you could find a place to put it. It seems like the battery could be relocated to one of the side wells, or under the rear seat...and this would eliminate my only complaint about the car. The run-flats.
Jeff
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Cambridge, Engalnd
How about tinted windows. I really want tints on my car but don't know who to get to do them. BMW cost an arm and a leg and I don't trust any one elsewith taking off the chrome edge and any other tricky bits. An option for a real racing type seat would be good too.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
From: Stuttgart Germany
I would like a limited slip differential, and make it as an option on the mid 03's so I can upgrade and stay in H Stock.
The flipping cup holders for $20 are about $17 more than you could find at Wally World - for the same holder.
One more thing they should add is lightness.
The flipping cup holders for $20 are about $17 more than you could find at Wally World - for the same holder.
One more thing they should add is lightness.
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 0
From: Olympia, WA
I would like MINIUSA to add a better way to get the MINI's over here. There process now is total BS.
Tracking imporvements would go a long way also........
Customers are not mushrooms......
Tracking imporvements would go a long way also........
Customers are not mushrooms......
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, CO
I'm not sure what option packs I got that included a couple of these things, but ...
>>Chrome grill and mirrors as options on Cooper S.
I got the chrome grill surround on my S that was delivered on Dec 16. (I didn't actually get to pick it up due to personal issues until last week. The guys at Schomp MINI in Denver were great about letting me work things out.)
>>Include the hazard triangle and first aid kit in US Minis or at least offer it as an option.
I got the hazard triangle with mine as well. The dealer said that was the first car they had seen with it.
Keith Hamburger
>>Chrome grill and mirrors as options on Cooper S.
I got the chrome grill surround on my S that was delivered on Dec 16. (I didn't actually get to pick it up due to personal issues until last week. The guys at Schomp MINI in Denver were great about letting me work things out.)
>>Include the hazard triangle and first aid kit in US Minis or at least offer it as an option.
I got the hazard triangle with mine as well. The dealer said that was the first car they had seen with it.
Keith Hamburger
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: Cramerton, NC
>>>>Chrome grill and mirrors as options on Cooper S.
>>
>>I got the chrome grill surround on my S that was delivered on Dec 16. (I didn't actually get to pick it up due to personal issues until last week. The guys at Schomp MINI in Denver were great about letting me work things out.)
>>
>>>>Include the hazard triangle and first aid kit in US Minis or at least offer it as an option.
>>
>>I got the hazard triangle with mine as well. The dealer said that was the first car they had seen with it.
>>
>>Keith Hamburger
>>
>>I got the chrome grill surround on my S that was delivered on Dec 16. (I didn't actually get to pick it up due to personal issues until last week. The guys at Schomp MINI in Denver were great about letting me work things out.)
>>
>>>>Include the hazard triangle and first aid kit in US Minis or at least offer it as an option.
>>
>>I got the hazard triangle with mine as well. The dealer said that was the first car they had seen with it.
>>
>>Keith Hamburger
I wonder if your triangle was a fluke or if they are now offering them.
Congrats on your new MINI.
See ya,
JS
Couldn't agree more on that list.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
My list:
1. Glove box organizer standard (for those who have not seen this on Moss Motors, it's amazing! I couldn't live without it. No more Cds flying out when I open my glove box
2. Remote bonnet open control
3. Automatic one touch close on the windows
4. Bigger cup holders
5. First aid kit and safety triangle in the US
6. More leg room in the backseat. Right now Holly holds 2 adults and 2 leg-less people comfortably
7. Less dusty brake pads
8. Larger windshield washer fluid holder! It only holds 1/2 bottle!
9. Armrest/center consol
10. Bigger sunvisors
1. Glove box organizer standard (for those who have not seen this on Moss Motors, it's amazing! I couldn't live without it. No more Cds flying out when I open my glove box
2. Remote bonnet open control
3. Automatic one touch close on the windows
4. Bigger cup holders
5. First aid kit and safety triangle in the US
6. More leg room in the backseat. Right now Holly holds 2 adults and 2 leg-less people comfortably
7. Less dusty brake pads
8. Larger windshield washer fluid holder! It only holds 1/2 bottle!
9. Armrest/center consol
10. Bigger sunvisors
Coordinator :: Pitt Stop MINI
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,919
Likes: 1
From: Steelers Country
I would like MINIUSA and the dealer/service network to improve their overall customer service. Information management/distribution seems to be greatly lacking. 
I think most of us here are either aware of or have had personal experiences with poor, inadequate, or wrong information - or simple mistreatment. I'm not saying they're all bad, but that improvement would be nice.
I think most of us here are either aware of or have had personal experiences with poor, inadequate, or wrong information - or simple mistreatment. I'm not saying they're all bad, but that improvement would be nice.
Coordinator :: Pitt Stop MINI
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,919
Likes: 1
From: Steelers Country
That reminds me of a wish I had a while ago...
Colored Leatherette. How cool would that be?! I agree that there should be more interior colors - why not one to match each exterior color?
Colored Leatherette. How cool would that be?! I agree that there should be more interior colors - why not one to match each exterior color?
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
I'll probably repeat some that have already been mentioned, but:
1. HOME LINK!!! I'm tired my opener hanging from the damned dinky little sunvisor.
2. Speaking of dinky little sunvisor, how about making them larger.
3. Option for a true 2 seater. I'm 52, have no kids at home and there will never be anyone in my back seat. Get rid of it and turn it in to some useful storage space.
4. Disk brake shields. (If BMW put them on, then they would have honor the warranty.
5. A more user friendly glove compartment. (Yes, I'm in the IT field and 'user friendly' is a good descriptive phrase!)
6. A center console with storage.
7. Real leather brake and shifter boots. (Although I bought a set from R'Speed, and they look nice, it should have been included to begin with)
8. Auto-Up windows.
9. DUAL EXHAUST on a non-S MINI. (Never seen this brought up anywhere, but it would have to help out a little to HP gains)
10. Bonnet light, maybe even two!
1. HOME LINK!!! I'm tired my opener hanging from the damned dinky little sunvisor.
2. Speaking of dinky little sunvisor, how about making them larger.
3. Option for a true 2 seater. I'm 52, have no kids at home and there will never be anyone in my back seat. Get rid of it and turn it in to some useful storage space.
4. Disk brake shields. (If BMW put them on, then they would have honor the warranty.
5. A more user friendly glove compartment. (Yes, I'm in the IT field and 'user friendly' is a good descriptive phrase!)
6. A center console with storage.
7. Real leather brake and shifter boots. (Although I bought a set from R'Speed, and they look nice, it should have been included to begin with)
8. Auto-Up windows.
9. DUAL EXHAUST on a non-S MINI. (Never seen this brought up anywhere, but it would have to help out a little to HP gains)
10. Bonnet light, maybe even two!
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
I really wanted the Cordoba (beige) two tone leather with the BRG, but it's not offered on the sport seats! So #1 - Cordoba Leather sport seats
#2 Carbon Fiber Dash - it's NOT fast and the furious, it's hot and sexy. I have this on my Saab right now and I love looking at it.
#3 Even Sportier seats - I want hip-hugging, lumbar-supporting M3-style sport seats.
That's just an outsider's perspective though. Easy stuff to offer, though! Maybe for the 2004's in Sept. when I place my order?
#2 Carbon Fiber Dash - it's NOT fast and the furious, it's hot and sexy. I have this on my Saab right now and I love looking at it.
#3 Even Sportier seats - I want hip-hugging, lumbar-supporting M3-style sport seats.
That's just an outsider's perspective though. Easy stuff to offer, though! Maybe for the 2004's in Sept. when I place my order?
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, CO
One thing I would like would be a horn with more character. The one that's in there sounds like every other car on the road. My son has a Maserati Biturbo, that has a horn that is distinctive.
Keith Hamburger
Keith Hamburger
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton, OR
>>My list:
>>
>>1. Glove box organizer standard (for those who have not seen this on Moss Motors, it's amazing! I couldn't live without it. No more Cds flying out when I open my glove box
>>
>>2. Remote bonnet open control
>>
>>3. Automatic one touch close on the windows
You can ask, but you will not receive. This isn't something that MINI can do anything about. Your maternal Federal government has mandated that you aren't mature enough to handle having windows that close automatically. You'll cut your arm off!
>>
>>1. Glove box organizer standard (for those who have not seen this on Moss Motors, it's amazing! I couldn't live without it. No more Cds flying out when I open my glove box
>>
>>2. Remote bonnet open control
>>
>>3. Automatic one touch close on the windows
You can ask, but you will not receive. This isn't something that MINI can do anything about. Your maternal Federal government has mandated that you aren't mature enough to handle having windows that close automatically. You'll cut your arm off!
