Hey all,

I am thinking about getting another MINI - possibly a 08 Clubman S or just an S. But I have some questions.....

1. Does the A/C work better in the "new" mini's than in the 1st generation?? My 04 MCS A/C was "ok" in the summer but not great.

2. How is the manual trans / clutch quality ??? are there still clutch issues like the 1st gen. had.

3. Engine quality?? Any problems?? I am curious as to how the new BMW/Pugeot engine is holding up.

4. Power compared to the 1st gen cars?? I drove an 08 S and was disappointed - It was a SHORT test drive so I didn't get to really open it up much but it felt slower then my 04 S - not as "snappy". But I know I didn't get to wind up the turbo much - So does the turbo really kick in at high revs? or is it just smoother power all around???

Thanks all

 

4. did you have the sport button on?

 

I have an 07 MCS and the power is great. Go for a long test drive. See if they will let you drive it by yourself. You will see.

 

+1. I truly don't understand your complaint about power, BigC. The show starts at 1600 rpm--how could you ask for more?

As for engine quality, of course the jury is out regarding long term, but I've had no problems, nor can I think of any, off hand. Some people have complained about bad noises on cold starts, but AFAIK, it hasn't been proven to actually be detrimental. I haven't experienced it. Also, early buyers complained about the "diesel" sounds, but that's just the direct fuel injection. Another thing that has been discussed is the heat of the scoop over the turbocharger. It does get HOT, and there have been threads about this, too.

There have been clutch problems for some (see 3-2 squeal posts), but again, it's not been a problem for me. Some have had transmissions replaced under warranty, but since they were immediately shipped back to BMW a cause of whatever problems they experienced hasn't been disclosed.

I'm not especially fond of the shifter in the middle gears--seems a bit vague compared to my previous car, a 325i.

I'm also not enthusiastic about the a/c. It gets pretty hot in Houston (read, miserable), and the air conditioning just doesn't compare to Detroit iron, or anything actually designed for this climate. I will say that I have a sunroof, although it has been tinted. And I absolutely don't like the auto air for summer. Even when set at very low temps, say 62 degrees, the (interior) fan cycles up and down too often, and when low, it gets hot.

I say all of these thing about a week 3 build, delivered exactly a year ago. We were the "pioneers" of the R56, and some of the problems may have been corrected since then.

 

Thanks all,

I did try it in "sport" mode and out of the sport mode - there was a little difference but not much. The car only had 300 miles on it - so that may have something to do with it.

 

I'm a new member - 1st post!!

Anyway, I don't yet have a Mini. But, am seriously considering one. The salesperson at my local dealership tells me that the "sport pkg" in '08 is new in that it has a "stiffer" suspension, and no HID lamps.
Can someone tell me what's different in the sport pkg suspension? Bigger sway bars? differnt shocks/springs?

 

Welcome!

 

you need to take a longer test drive! Try leaving the parking lot.

welcome to the board!

YES, think so, YES

 

 

Keep in mind your '04 MCS had the taller gearing ratios (I also owned a '04 S) and you had to feather the clutch to get it going. MINI changed the gearing ratios (Made them shorter 1st, 2nd, 3rd) and it made a world of a difference in terms of driveability for the '05+ models. 1. The A/C in the second generation MINIs have a very powerful fan. However, the A/C in my '05 R53 S cools down the cabin very, very fast in 90+ degree weather. MINI did improve the fan in the '05s versus the older models (I had an '02 and the A/C struggled to keep the interior cool). 2. Unfortunately, the German made LuK clutch plate and flywheel kit found in the R53 made its way to the R56. I am skeptical about the quality and durability of clutch/fllywheel OEM components in ALL MINIS (R53 and R56). The clutch/Flywheel in my '05 S had to be replaced at 25K under warranty. Its been nearly 12K miles since the repair and the new clutch is holding up very wheel but time will tell. I purchased the MINI 6 year/100K mile scheduled service extension for my '05 S as the plan covers the entire clutch components (Among many other maintenance and consumable items). Well worth the $1400 paid for it. If you decide to get a new R56 or R55 Clubman with a manual and plant to keep the car beyond the warranty period, consider purchasing the MINI 6 year/100K extension of the scheduled service. The manual 6-speed Getrag transmission is VERY SOLID otherwise. The gearbox is the least of my concerns. The OEM clutch is a weak link in the MINI. My new Clubman S is automatic. Part of that decision was made because my wife does not drive manual and the other half of that decision is that I do not want to deal with clutch issues until MINI improves the quality of the LuK clutch components. 3. The "Prince" PSA-BMW engine in the new car is chock full of technology...direct fuel injection, VANOS, twin scroll turbo. In paper, it is a heck of an engine, but quite frankly long term reliability is still a big question mark at this point and issues have been reported with high temperatures in turbo cars and cold start noises that are suspected to be oil starvation. 4. The Tritec engine in your '04 MCS is virtually bulletproof. The Supercharger affords instant response. The powerband in the supercharged engine is more even across the board all the way to redline. Where the supercharged tritec engine outshines the Turbocharged prince is that past 3K RPM the tritec pulls like a freight train all the way to 6800 RPM. It keeps building power on top of power with no sings of letting up. The "forte"of the Prince is that you have nearly 95% of all available engine torque available as early as 1,600 RPM. This is why the R56 feels "faster"than the R53 from the get go. But the Turbocharged Prince engine begins to lose steam past 5500 RPM, the "sweet spot"of the Supercharged Tritec where it begins to beg for more. The "Sport" button in the new car does not give you more engine power. What it does, it adjusts steering effort and modifies the throttle mapping for faster gas pedal response and tighter "A la R53" steering feel. When you turn it off, the car drives much more relaxed and the steering effort is lighter. Especially useful in tight parking manuvers. The Prince engine has amazing fuel economy and reduced emissions, however. The Tritec in your '04 is an old school cast-iron block engine with single overhead cam. Nothing wrong with that because that engine will likely outlive the aluminum block of the Peugeot prince. The second gen MINIs have many cool features and improvements. However, I still believe the R53 offers a more visceral and involved driving experience overall. Best of luck with your decision and feel free to ask any other questions.

 

There is a very, very slight turbo lag based on my experience so far. But otherwise the turbo kicks in almost instantly but never as the NOW going of the supercharger. Modern turbo engines don't have the lag problems of 15-20 years ago.

 

ClubmanS--your points are well taken, but would you please use paragraphs? They would make what you've written much easier to read.

Your comments about the clutch concern me. I've had no problems as of yet, but it does appear the 6 year/100,000 mile is a good bet, and I most likely will buy it. I do wonder if the warranty actually would include clutch replacement, though. What's to prevent MINI from claiming it's driver abuse?

Incidentally, I've heard that the warranty price is negotiable. Can't be sure of that because I haven't bought it yet, but I have heard of lower prices for warranty. I just don't know if they were for the 6/100,000 or something else.

 

Sorry, the other browser I used to make the previous 2 posts is a little messed up. Hopefully you can see this message much better.

Some people have never had any clutch issues, yet they drive the snot out of their cars. However, the LuK OEM clutch discs and flywheels don't seem to have consistent durability. In My R53 S the original clutch kit had to be replaced at 25K. When I described the dealer the odd clutch pedal feel they immediately ordered a new replacement kit, no questions ask, no accusations of abuse (I drive spiritedly but I still take pride in caring for my cars), simply the warranty picked up the bill.

That was 12K miles ago and the second clutch is much better than the original one, but time will tell whether it will need replacement again by the time the car has 50K-60K miles.

At the time of the clutch replacement, the dealer offered the 6 year/100K mile extension of the scheduled maintenance but what got me really interested in it was the fact that my entire clutch kit will be covered. Given this experience, the $1,400 price tag seemed extremely reasonable...cheap insurance if you will.

Now I have another FREE replacement flywheel on record so, at least for the next 4-5 years, the clutch in my R53 is fully covered.

Your experience, may vary. Like I said, the Getrag gearbox is very solid and built for this car. The clutch is the dubious aspect of the equation.

 

I remember hearing that the MAs who went to Arizona, or wherever they were sent for indoctrination on the R56, messed up a few clutches. That didn't exactly make me happy, having heard so much about the problems with earlier MINIs.

Given the mechanical coverage the insurance provides, it seems like just a cost of having a MINI. And of course, there's nothing to say something electronic won't fail, too. And that's not exactly a small chunk of change!

 

My R53 has been a very solid car. After 38K miles and 3 years since I got it, the only 'real' issue I have had with it is the clutch. No other problems (thankfully) to speak of. I have enough confidence in this car to last me 9-10 years with essential maintenance and consumables. I want to put at least 150K miles in it.

I love the car for many reasons and the extended scheduled service contract seems to be a very good deal if one plans to hold onto a car this long.

 

That would probably be from repeated 5000 rpm clutch drops. Same with cars sent to the media.

 

I sure hope it's just from serious abuse. I got 190,000 miles out of my last clutch ('94 BMW 325i), and I'd love to do the same with my MINI. I'm not at all hopeful, though. A fellow at the last MINI club meeting said he'd reached 130,000 on his. The reaction of the members present was kind of a gasp...

 

130K is fantastic for a OEM MINI clutch to last.

 

Are non-OEM plates stronger/longer lasting? What would you guess as a likely mileage for them, assuming average use and no abuse?

 

I don't know to be honest. But I suspect they will outlast the OEM parts by a huge margin.