R50/53 Panaramic Sunroof
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 644
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>>Play nice, everyone! Nolan was being honest and respectful - we should, too. He's right, the car is great, but maybe lacks some performance items that SOME people might miss...so let him (maybe her?) miss it. And yeah, AZ is pretty hot :smile: So, play nice!!! 
Respectful maybe but honest not a chance.
He keeps talking about how hot everything gets where everyone else says that they don't have a problem.
He keeps talking about the crappy chrysler S 4 banger which is at best a distortion of the facts and at worse a flat out lie.
Then he mentions a turbo??? Does he even know the difference between a Supercharger and a turbo?
Respectful maybe but honest not a chance.
He keeps talking about how hot everything gets where everyone else says that they don't have a problem.
He keeps talking about the crappy chrysler S 4 banger which is at best a distortion of the facts and at worse a flat out lie.
Then he mentions a turbo??? Does he even know the difference between a Supercharger and a turbo?
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Then he mentions a turbo??? Does he even know the difference between a Supercharger and a turbo?
you are right...maybe if it had been turboed instead of supercharged, I would have been happy...lol
Come to Phoenix and I'll show you hot...lol!
And again, don't be so defensive....the mini is not perfect, no new car is...the Z3 was awful when it first came out, the Boxter was underwhelming...and with the new Z4, they keep getting better and better...but I'm sorry in 3 years the Chrysler engine will not be in minis...and if it is not a Chyrsler engine, why is it getting used in the Neon's in Europe. I'm sorry, my youngest son has a Neon and even at 150hp it is a total dog....at least the mini Chrysler is better than that dog......Geez...I'm sure I'll buy another Mini...heck, I'm thinking about calling the mini sales manager who is a friend of mine to put me on the list for a mini (John Works) edition just in case they come out with a special edition 200+, if it doesn't work, you can always drive it for a month and sell it for a profit which is a whole lot of fun!...cheers!
you are right...maybe if it had been turboed instead of supercharged, I would have been happy...lol
Come to Phoenix and I'll show you hot...lol!
And again, don't be so defensive....the mini is not perfect, no new car is...the Z3 was awful when it first came out, the Boxter was underwhelming...and with the new Z4, they keep getting better and better...but I'm sorry in 3 years the Chrysler engine will not be in minis...and if it is not a Chyrsler engine, why is it getting used in the Neon's in Europe. I'm sorry, my youngest son has a Neon and even at 150hp it is a total dog....at least the mini Chrysler is better than that dog......Geez...I'm sure I'll buy another Mini...heck, I'm thinking about calling the mini sales manager who is a friend of mine to put me on the list for a mini (John Works) edition just in case they come out with a special edition 200+, if it doesn't work, you can always drive it for a month and sell it for a profit which is a whole lot of fun!...cheers!
Coordinator :: Mid-Atlantic
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,598
Likes: 0
From: Baltiluthermonium
You like the new Z4? I just saw one for the first time last night and talk about an underwhelming design.....I have never been a fan of Z3's either but just when I thought they couldn't get anymore unattractive.....
Anyway, Nolan, if you dislike the Mini so much then you are in the wrong place....
The cup holders have been great for every drink I have put in them so far....
It was 105 degrees here yesterday and I have a sunroof and the interior of the car was no warmer than it would have been in my Honda....
I'm sure there are other forums that are geared more to your preferences that you could be spreading joy on....isn't there?
Have fun in your new car...and I will have too much fun in mine!
Cheers!
Anyway, Nolan, if you dislike the Mini so much then you are in the wrong place....
The cup holders have been great for every drink I have put in them so far....
It was 105 degrees here yesterday and I have a sunroof and the interior of the car was no warmer than it would have been in my Honda....
I'm sure there are other forums that are geared more to your preferences that you could be spreading joy on....isn't there?
Have fun in your new car...and I will have too much fun in mine!
Cheers!
Coordinator :: Mid-Atlantic
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,598
Likes: 0
From: Baltiluthermonium
You like the new Z4? I just saw one for the first time last night and talk about an underwhelming design.....I have never been a fan of Z3's either but just when I thought they couldn't get anymore unattractive.....
Anyway, Nolan, if you dislike the Mini so much then you are in the wrong place....
The cup holders have been great for every drink I have put in them so far....
It was 105 degrees here yesterday and I have a sunroof and the interior of the car was no warmer than it would have been in my Honda....
I'm sure there are other forums that are geared more to your preferences that you could be spreading joy on....isn't there?
Have fun in your new car...and I will have too much fun in mine!
Cheers!
Anyway, Nolan, if you dislike the Mini so much then you are in the wrong place....
The cup holders have been great for every drink I have put in them so far....
It was 105 degrees here yesterday and I have a sunroof and the interior of the car was no warmer than it would have been in my Honda....
I'm sure there are other forums that are geared more to your preferences that you could be spreading joy on....isn't there?
Have fun in your new car...and I will have too much fun in mine!
Cheers!
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Nolan, you are right. My shifter gets red hot in the So. California sun, and the glare can be pretty terrible. Maybe the rest of you just don't know how hot it is out here and that we have like 350 days a year of sun!
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
The cup holders have been great for every drink I have put in them so far....
I guess you haven't tried putting a bottle of water in them...lol! I don't drink cans of coke, etc...I drink water and a bottle of water will not fit in the cup holders unless it is a baby bottle.....my mercedes coupe has lousy cup holders also, but at least I was able to put a nice aftermarket holder to hold a bottle of water....I'm sure there will be aftermarket cupholders, but not sure you could put one in since the hand break takes up so much room...could always hold it between your legs, certainly helps one cool off with shorts on in ariz...lol!
BTW..thought the cup holders were great to hold a cell phone plugged into the charger socket as well as change...actually thought that was what they were for till the salesman laughed and said I know, they are really cup holders, mini cup holders, laugh!....enjoy your mini, it's a very cute and fun car, my wife adored it!
I guess you haven't tried putting a bottle of water in them...lol! I don't drink cans of coke, etc...I drink water and a bottle of water will not fit in the cup holders unless it is a baby bottle.....my mercedes coupe has lousy cup holders also, but at least I was able to put a nice aftermarket holder to hold a bottle of water....I'm sure there will be aftermarket cupholders, but not sure you could put one in since the hand break takes up so much room...could always hold it between your legs, certainly helps one cool off with shorts on in ariz...lol!
BTW..thought the cup holders were great to hold a cell phone plugged into the charger socket as well as change...actually thought that was what they were for till the salesman laughed and said I know, they are really cup holders, mini cup holders, laugh!....enjoy your mini, it's a very cute and fun car, my wife adored it!
Coordinator :: Mid-Atlantic
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,598
Likes: 0
From: Baltiluthermonium
It seems that you are on here to just flame on the Mini and tick people off....don't you have anything better to do? Like drive your Mercedes Coupe or maybe to purchase some cup holders that will hold your bottled water? The drink holder between the front seats holds bottled soda and water...I have tried....if you are trying to drink a Big Gulp or a two liter of something I guess it wouldn't fit..... 
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
The drink holder between the front seats holds bottled soda and water
you may be right...I didn't try putting the bottle of water in upside down..lol!
Actually, I don't need cup holders now, but thanks for the suggestion! cheers
you may be right...I didn't try putting the bottle of water in upside down..lol!
Actually, I don't need cup holders now, but thanks for the suggestion! cheers
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: b-more, maryland
Hmmmmm...
For somebody who sold the Mini they had, and doesn't seem to be planning on buying another one anytime soon, you sure have a lot to say on the subject. Perhaps you should take your Mercedes owning self to a site where you can hate on other peoples cars all you want, without offending the people who enjoy these cars. By the way, Mercedes owns Chrysler, so one could just as easily say it's a "Mercedes" :evil:
_________________
I'd like to have a Cooper S, please.
For somebody who sold the Mini they had, and doesn't seem to be planning on buying another one anytime soon, you sure have a lot to say on the subject. Perhaps you should take your Mercedes owning self to a site where you can hate on other peoples cars all you want, without offending the people who enjoy these cars. By the way, Mercedes owns Chrysler, so one could just as easily say it's a "Mercedes" :evil:
_________________
I'd like to have a Cooper S, please.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Mercedes owns Chrysler, so one could just as easily say it's a "Mercedes" motor.
Well....I guess one could say anything they want...lol
wow...lot of thin skins....I never said I hated the mini....I loved aspects of it, the looks and style, the handling, the convenience of driving it around town, parking, getting through traffic....all i said ....it has some design flaws in my opinion as do most cars that come out the first year. I bought a Ford Espedition the first year they came out in 97 and it had more recalls than the Gore-Bush election, laugh!
If you think the mini is perfect, terrific, you obviously bought a perfect car right out of the chute which is almost unheard of....the only major dissappointment for me was the engine, the cupholders, sunroof, seats all can be modified aftermarket, but unfortunately not much you can do with the chrysler engine..I certainly wouldn't be stupid enough to mess with the chip or other aftermarket modifications trying to get more hp and blow the warranty.....if you don't think BWM will make changes in the engine and some other changes like solid inside cover for the sunrrof in the coming years then you truly are a minitrecky...laugh! For the last time, I don't hate the mini...I would buy it anyday over the VW Bug, focus, GTI, etc.....not sure about the Acura RX since I haven't driven it in a few years....The Subaru WRX was a killer drive, but my gosh, is it possible to make an uglier car...lol!....
I'm scheduled to drive the new Z tomorrow....I'll let you know how it drives even though it's in an entirely different class than the subcompacts.....cheers
Well....I guess one could say anything they want...lol
wow...lot of thin skins....I never said I hated the mini....I loved aspects of it, the looks and style, the handling, the convenience of driving it around town, parking, getting through traffic....all i said ....it has some design flaws in my opinion as do most cars that come out the first year. I bought a Ford Espedition the first year they came out in 97 and it had more recalls than the Gore-Bush election, laugh!
If you think the mini is perfect, terrific, you obviously bought a perfect car right out of the chute which is almost unheard of....the only major dissappointment for me was the engine, the cupholders, sunroof, seats all can be modified aftermarket, but unfortunately not much you can do with the chrysler engine..I certainly wouldn't be stupid enough to mess with the chip or other aftermarket modifications trying to get more hp and blow the warranty.....if you don't think BWM will make changes in the engine and some other changes like solid inside cover for the sunrrof in the coming years then you truly are a minitrecky...laugh! For the last time, I don't hate the mini...I would buy it anyday over the VW Bug, focus, GTI, etc.....not sure about the Acura RX since I haven't driven it in a few years....The Subaru WRX was a killer drive, but my gosh, is it possible to make an uglier car...lol!....
I'm scheduled to drive the new Z tomorrow....I'll let you know how it drives even though it's in an entirely different class than the subcompacts.....cheers
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
I have been around enough online forums to recognize a troll when I see one.
Nolan is a troll. He does not have any interest in debating anything or discussing anything. He only wants to stir up negative feelings and get attention.
Henceforth I am going to just ignore him because that is the best thing to do to trolls.
I will make one last comment to squash this hinting of his that the MINI engine is just a revamped Neon motor.
These are the Magnum Neon engine specs
SOHC Engine Specifics
HP Peak: 150 hp@6500rpm
Torque Peak: 135 ft/lb@4800rpm
Redline: 6500 rpm
Rev Limiter: 6750 rpm
Compression: 9.8 to 1
Bore x Stroke: 3.44 in x 3.27 in
Recommended Gas: 91 octane
What is different on the Magnum engine?
CAM -
04884325AA Magnum Camshaft - Specs are for the 2001 m/y Magnum cam - it is reported that they reduced intake lift somewhat due to the rather steep ramp angle.
Intake Lift (zero lash) - 8.75 mm Exhaust Lift - 8.0 mm Valve Overlap - 90.7 deg
Exhaust Timing*: Closes (ATDC) = 3.3 deg Opens (BBDC) = 45.2 deg Duration = 228.6 deg
Intake Timing*: Closes (ABDC) = 45.5 deg Opens (ATDC) = 13.4 deg Duration = 212.0 deg
* All readings in crankshaft degrees, at 0.5 mm of valve lift.
Please Note: The only aftermarket cam with significantly more agressive specs is the Crane #3.Crane's #2 would provide possibly a 1-2HP gain.
Head - the Magnum head casting has larger exhaust ports.
Exhaust Manifold - a simple equal-length short-tube design.
Intake Manifold - A dual-runner design designed to maximize effeciency and broaden the power band.
There are 2 runners, a short big (high volume) runner and a long smaller runner. The valves are installed in the short runners and is opened or closed (by the computer), the long runner is open always.
I got all these specs here
http://www.eldamar.net/neons/magnum_faq.html
I tried to find cam specs for the MINI's motor but I just don't see them anywhere. They may not have been released yet.
Here are the specs I could find.
Engine
Layout: Transverse mounted front engine
Bhp@RPM: 163 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft.)@RPM: 155 @ 4000
Valve Gear: 16V
Bore X Stroke (mm): 85.8 x 77.0
Comp. Ratio: 8.3:1
Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection By siemens
If you convert the Bore/Stroke specs to inches you can see that the two motors are very different just in that one spec alone.
The conversion rate is 2.54 cm to an inch.
Nolan is a troll. He does not have any interest in debating anything or discussing anything. He only wants to stir up negative feelings and get attention.
Henceforth I am going to just ignore him because that is the best thing to do to trolls.
I will make one last comment to squash this hinting of his that the MINI engine is just a revamped Neon motor.
These are the Magnum Neon engine specs
SOHC Engine Specifics
HP Peak: 150 hp@6500rpm
Torque Peak: 135 ft/lb@4800rpm
Redline: 6500 rpm
Rev Limiter: 6750 rpm
Compression: 9.8 to 1
Bore x Stroke: 3.44 in x 3.27 in
Recommended Gas: 91 octane
What is different on the Magnum engine?
CAM -
04884325AA Magnum Camshaft - Specs are for the 2001 m/y Magnum cam - it is reported that they reduced intake lift somewhat due to the rather steep ramp angle.
Intake Lift (zero lash) - 8.75 mm Exhaust Lift - 8.0 mm Valve Overlap - 90.7 deg
Exhaust Timing*: Closes (ATDC) = 3.3 deg Opens (BBDC) = 45.2 deg Duration = 228.6 deg
Intake Timing*: Closes (ABDC) = 45.5 deg Opens (ATDC) = 13.4 deg Duration = 212.0 deg
* All readings in crankshaft degrees, at 0.5 mm of valve lift.
Please Note: The only aftermarket cam with significantly more agressive specs is the Crane #3.Crane's #2 would provide possibly a 1-2HP gain.
Head - the Magnum head casting has larger exhaust ports.
Exhaust Manifold - a simple equal-length short-tube design.
Intake Manifold - A dual-runner design designed to maximize effeciency and broaden the power band.
There are 2 runners, a short big (high volume) runner and a long smaller runner. The valves are installed in the short runners and is opened or closed (by the computer), the long runner is open always.
I got all these specs here
http://www.eldamar.net/neons/magnum_faq.html
I tried to find cam specs for the MINI's motor but I just don't see them anywhere. They may not have been released yet.
Here are the specs I could find.
Engine
Layout: Transverse mounted front engine
Bhp@RPM: 163 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft.)@RPM: 155 @ 4000
Valve Gear: 16V
Bore X Stroke (mm): 85.8 x 77.0
Comp. Ratio: 8.3:1
Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection By siemens
If you convert the Bore/Stroke specs to inches you can see that the two motors are very different just in that one spec alone.
The conversion rate is 2.54 cm to an inch.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
Guys, NOLAN is not a troll and trying to ruin our times! He's just expressing his opinion...and it's not perfectly in line with everyone elses' views!!! Not sure what the elevation is where Nolan lives, but I know those Rocy Mountain states are higher than it is down here...that SUN heat is really hot when you're closer up. I lived in CO for 9 years - yes it gets hot!
So, the sunroof, anyone know for sure if they're going to sell the solid sun-shade as an accessory? Do you think they'll let us trade the perforated ones in?
So, the sunroof, anyone know for sure if they're going to sell the solid sun-shade as an accessory? Do you think they'll let us trade the perforated ones in?
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
"I'm scheduled to drive the new Z tomorrow....I'll let you know how it drives even though it's in an entirely different class than the subcompacts.....cheers"
I drove the Z, its fun and fast, but has its flaws, it has no height adjust, there are "Z: logos on everything, pretty chessy, the glovebox and precious cupholders you want so bad are behind the drivers seat (not very conveinent ), and there was a stop watch built in, and the seats are pretty comfy ( the drivers seat has more padding then you know what to do with) Other that that nothing else to keep it lively, unless you floor it at every light and stop sign.. Pound for pound I will tell you that the MINI S is so much more fun to drive. If it were my dime, I would not spend the money on a Z, instead spend your money on a Harley.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
I drove the Z, its fun and fast, but has its flaws, it has no height adjust, there are "Z: logos on everything, pretty chessy, the glovebox and precious cupholders you want so bad are behind the drivers seat (not very conveinent ), and there was a stop watch built in, and the seats are pretty comfy ( the drivers seat has more padding then you know what to do with) Other that that nothing else to keep it lively, unless you floor it at every light and stop sign.. Pound for pound I will tell you that the MINI S is so much more fun to drive. If it were my dime, I would not spend the money on a Z, instead spend your money on a Harley.
Thanks for the update....sounds like the Z may be a dissappointment...I'll give it a try anyway just for the heck of it, but it doesn't sound really promising....I also agree, I'd take a Harley any day over a Z or a mini...but unfortunately my wife refuses to budge on letting me make that purchase, especially with my history of bike accidents as a teenager, laugh! Any one heard of the driving impressions on the new 262 hp GTI....read the stats, but not sure any one has driven one yet.....cheers!
BTW...the stop watch sounds pretty funny...I can just see goof ***** trying to time their 0 to 60 times while driving....lol!
Thanks for the update....sounds like the Z may be a dissappointment...I'll give it a try anyway just for the heck of it, but it doesn't sound really promising....I also agree, I'd take a Harley any day over a Z or a mini...but unfortunately my wife refuses to budge on letting me make that purchase, especially with my history of bike accidents as a teenager, laugh! Any one heard of the driving impressions on the new 262 hp GTI....read the stats, but not sure any one has driven one yet.....cheers!
BTW...the stop watch sounds pretty funny...I can just see goof ***** trying to time their 0 to 60 times while driving....lol!
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: tallahassee florida
The ONLY downside is its weight.
I am very happy I went with the sunroof, the car feels much more open, the view is great, and the amount of air that gets pushed into the car means I haven't used the AC but maybe once or twice since I bought the car (I live in FLORIDA by the way, so its not like it was snowing and I said that).
As for the shades, they have plusses and minuses. When pulled close, sunlight still gets in. People on here are complaining about that, but I think of it as a good thing. It retains the open feeling that the sunroof adds to the car even with the shades closed, and that open feeling is a big reason I had to have the sunroof, despite seriuosly not wanting the added weight.
Everyone, even those in florida, should not hesitate to get it unless you are planning an being a serious competitor in autocross or something (I'm hoping to become just a competitor, I'll work on the serious part of it later!).
I am very happy I went with the sunroof, the car feels much more open, the view is great, and the amount of air that gets pushed into the car means I haven't used the AC but maybe once or twice since I bought the car (I live in FLORIDA by the way, so its not like it was snowing and I said that).
As for the shades, they have plusses and minuses. When pulled close, sunlight still gets in. People on here are complaining about that, but I think of it as a good thing. It retains the open feeling that the sunroof adds to the car even with the shades closed, and that open feeling is a big reason I had to have the sunroof, despite seriuosly not wanting the added weight.
Everyone, even those in florida, should not hesitate to get it unless you are planning an being a serious competitor in autocross or something (I'm hoping to become just a competitor, I'll work on the serious part of it later!).
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Casco, MI
>>Do what I used to do with my old steering wheel then if it's such a big problem.....throw a small hand towel over it when you aren't in the car...
First, let me say that I love my MINI and it's sunroof. I live in Michigan where it hasn't really gotten hot yet, but there have been a couple of days (highs only slightly above 80, but bright sunshine) when the gearshift **** has gotten red hot!
I have tried placing a light colored shop cloth over the shift ****, but apparently it draws heat from the interior temp and not sunlight, because it was still red hot!!!!
Had to drive it with the cloth covering the ****, until it cooled down. I'd love to find an aftermarket gearshift that copies the basic MINI design, but is all leather with the shift pattern in place.....maybe I can make a cover for the existing ****.
Also, the sunroof generates much more wind noise than most other cars. I consider it the tradeoff for the huge size, but it is there regardless.
One last thing.....my sunroof has now developed an annoying squeek/rattle when open..... at low speeds (where it's not drowned out by the wind noise), it can be very annoying. Anybody else had this problem? Have heard about the problem with the wind deflectors, but this noise is at the rear.... near the front of the roof panel in it's fully retracted position.
Satchmo
First, let me say that I love my MINI and it's sunroof. I live in Michigan where it hasn't really gotten hot yet, but there have been a couple of days (highs only slightly above 80, but bright sunshine) when the gearshift **** has gotten red hot!
I have tried placing a light colored shop cloth over the shift ****, but apparently it draws heat from the interior temp and not sunlight, because it was still red hot!!!!
Had to drive it with the cloth covering the ****, until it cooled down. I'd love to find an aftermarket gearshift that copies the basic MINI design, but is all leather with the shift pattern in place.....maybe I can make a cover for the existing ****.
Also, the sunroof generates much more wind noise than most other cars. I consider it the tradeoff for the huge size, but it is there regardless.
One last thing.....my sunroof has now developed an annoying squeek/rattle when open..... at low speeds (where it's not drowned out by the wind noise), it can be very annoying. Anybody else had this problem? Have heard about the problem with the wind deflectors, but this noise is at the rear.... near the front of the roof panel in it's fully retracted position.
Satchmo