I recently test drove an 07 MCS. I liked it for the most part but there are a few things I wish they'd change in the 08 model (in time for my order ).

So here's my 08 wish list...

1. Bring back the traditional ignition key. The pushbutton requires a secondary operation which is more annoying than cool since you still need to use the "key".

2. Bring back the R53 manual climate controls. They were basicaly fully optimized and hence couldn't be improved! The new controls are less user-friendly and they really do look like something from Playskool, as some critics have alleged.

3. Fix the clutch engage point. The current point is just plain weird.

4. Tame the squirreliness during straight-ahead acceleration. (The car I test drove didn't have LSD so maybe that helps...)

5. Bring back Jet Black!

What changes would you like to see?


Adding some more...

6. Find a place on the super-sized speedo for a water level gauge. The design change will pay for itself in reduced warranty costs.


In fact, if they could press the Undo key and just bore out the M35 block, I'd be grateful!

 

All Wheel Drive

Heated Steering Wheel

 

Stripped down GP version!!!

But seriously, I'd settle for fixing the clutch engagement point and a chrome delete option, both for the exterior and the interior.

 

nothing. its perfect.

 

More options? jk

 

I wish it wouldn't do that stupid dinging when I pull the handbrake while driving.




What? What?



--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

Oh, how about having the IPOD adapter as standard rather than a $500 dealer installed option.

 

it needs to be a diesel, mad MPG

 

+1!

 

Go back to a standard DIN-sized radio/CD deck!!! That monstrosity is the whole reason I went with an '06 rather than an '07.

 

Burbles.

 

relative to the thread and for informational purposes, any idea when the 08 model will be released? I placed an order for the 07 already, and would be terrible to hear the 08s will be coming down the production line in the next month or two.

Kevin

 

i want to be able to program my own .wav files to replace the ding ding dingy and click click clicky... make it go boing boing boingy or splat splat splatty... :-D

 

People talking abotu disel, get a mini D! haha

 

windows auto up, solid sunroof shade, mute button on steering wheel along with other radio controls, in dash cd changer, power seats, and the ability to change dash light colors along with accent lighting color.

i agree with whoever said ipod thingy should be standard. come on.......500? radio controls on autoshifter would be cool.

 

being able to buy the JCW kit piecemeal

 

Talk about petty... but I miss the little things that were smile factors that had nothing to do with overall performance. The Right Side interior Hood Latch with a left side exterior release.... very british!, The Bonnet Lights not Chassie Lights, I like the 06 dashes instead of the 07. And the 06 bonnet curves. I liked the curvies better than the more linear 07 lid.

Electronically... I agree with the Ipod install standard equip., mute on the steering wheel, and auto up windows. The dealer installs on ipod is ridiculous and my dealer wouldn't even pop in my auto up mod. Stupid.

Kinda sad that a Hyundai comes with that as standard equipment and MINI doesn't. Not that I am comparing the two as any kind of equals... that is ...They are worlds apart which is my point, yuk factor having it with Bombdiggity not having it. :P

I haven't driven one so I can't speak to the handling. But if it handles poorly from the take away I would not like that one bit!

 

I agree with most of the comments here. My wish list is as follows:

1. Smaller ignition key. I don't care if it's a traditional key or electronic, but the size of the key is a deal breaker for me. I already have too many keys, and I'm just not going to carry around something that big.

2. Smaller speedometer. The '07 has been compromised by the requirement to fit the optional navigation system inside the speedometer housing.

3. Return to a more logical hvac layout and get rid of the center stack monkey: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=76518

4. Return to a standard DIN audio unit.

5. Center the tachometer needle within the gauge. The '07 is just far enough off center to look totally wrong. Like the speedometer, this was compromised in order to fit in an oversize computer display in the tach housing.

There are other things on the exterior that would be nice to be addressed, but I think Mini should concentrate on fixing the interior problems first.

 

I second the the all wheel drive option. Plus I wouldn't mind if they did a redesign of the center stack. Just my opinion though.

 

At this point I would change absolutely nothing. Why? Because I think it's too early for a sound evaluation. Sure we all have our random opinions but that's all they are at this point. Remember...folks complained about the burble and now it's gone. Let's whine, but honest suggestions for changes should be very well considered once we've had some serious seat time in the car.

 

TOTALLY!!!! i tire of the ORANGE everywhere... i want it to match!!!

the windows should go up when you hold down the lock button like they go down when you hold down the unlock button

 

A TRUE HIFI upgrade, even if the price was doubled. Engine temp gauge. Offering the alarm, ipod and cd changer as factory installed options.

 

iPod with control through the radio as a standard feature. Control at the steering wheel can be extra. Album View/Cover flow via the Sat/Nav - really extra.

No dealer should have to dismantle the car to do a add-on!

 

I lament the loss of the DIN slot too. But it's disappearing from most cars these days. I can't even get one in a 911 anymore.

I think the reason is purely economic. It's easier (ie, cheaper) to add features like Bluetooth, MFSW, iPod, satellite radio, etc. with an integrated solution.

Plus, you get to charge $500 for an iPod adapter. At least for a year or two...

 

I forgot to include that in my list. But if it ever returns, I hope they make it a real one!