One of only a few things I dislike about my 03', are the rather BUICK like leather heated seats......

The new 2010 Sport MINI front seats ? FREEEEEKIN Awesome ! If I can get a set and mate them to my MINI floor, they be going in ASAP.........

 

Okay, I must be missing something. Wikipedia says this about ergonomics:

Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.[1]
The International Ergonomics Association defines ergonomics as follows.[2]Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the two goals of health and productivity. It is relevant in the design of such things as safe furniture and easy-to-use interfaces to machines.

My MINI has the auto-climate control, so perhaps that is why I'm not understanding how the climate controls are an ergonomic failure.

 

I have no issues with climate control either, how is it a failure?

 

Ah, I'm just over 6'. I guess the Germans need some Japanese to do product testing.

 

With everything on the center stack the driver or passanger can use them. Center speedo was for right or left had drive with no change to the dash. I'm just guessing here, but to place the switches on both doors it would require more cost which would be passed on to us. For me I find all the controls on the center stack very simple and handy, so I don't really have to look away from the road.

Jim

 

I've had my Cooper S less than two weeks, and the only thing that's bugging me about it is that as soon as I took delivery, the weather took a turn. It's been cold and wet ever since. How I'd love to see the sunlight picking out the glint in that lovely metallic BRG... and it will be months before I can drive with the sunroof and windows open to enjoy that exhaust note. On the bright side, the DSC and anti-lock brakes are working very well, and frequently.

Sigh. Let's hear it for Missouri winters.

 

Agreed... but the WHERE they're located on the center stack does obstruct things, especially when you have a cup in the cup colder. I most certainly thing the USB port was an after thought, cause there's almost noway I can plug anything in there while driving. Can't even see it to plug it in.

I like it all in the center, but I think it should be moved around a bit. As far as the looks, I always loved how the R53 had the dual posts (aka down tubes) come down from the dash to the center console. It was done away with on the R56 styling... shame. Just something that made the MINI stand out to me.

R53 (w/ CF)


R56 "mainstream style"

 

I also don't like how they didn't carry the cowl over from the R53 to the R56. This also was something unique to the MINI that gave it kind of an "old school/classic" look IMO.

R53


R56


Maybe there's a hidden meaning behind this, but here's what an article said about it, which I agree with.

Another exterior feature that’s changed significantly is the area where the wipers mount. In my opinion, the R50 outclasses the R56 here by far when you look at the car from the side. From the front, the R56 looks a little cleaner there, but from the side, it looks clunky and it’s going to fill up with leaves.

 

Geekspeed:

Gauges - I really want oil pressure, boost, and water temp. Agreed!
Brake dust - I have never seen a car throw up this much dust. I've had German cars of one sort or another for decades--they all do it. Why? Probably because they think you'll enjoy washing your/their wheels. Best bet? Replace the pads, or don't use 'em.
Having to hit the sport button at every startup (I drive it in sport mode at all times). Pretend you're a pilot going through a preflight checklist. Feels better that way! (Or do what Robin says and put in the mod.)
Run flat tires - I am just going to beat the tar out of these and replace them soon. One word--autocross!

Robin--I have a little dog and a big purse. Either one triggers it some of the time. It's a real PITA, but I guess it's a safety issue for the kiddies. I didn't know about the little gadget, but that's another thing to lose. I just fasten the belt itself behind whatever it is that's triggering the bell.

LiLReD1--2 options with the hoodscoop grill. Either drill out the holes, or remove the thing entirely (as I have). The one that is partially open isn't any cooler than the totally closed one, as far as I can tell.

For all of you who complain about the cupholders, that's a German (European) thing, too. Don't you know you're not supposed to buy Big Gulps?! And you're not supposed to drink--anything--at 139 mph on das Autobahn! Be happy you have one at all. Our '01 530 has two little dinky swing out can holders, one of which has broken.

Spriget--here's what you do. If there's no visible precip, crank up the heat, turn on the bun warmer, put on driving gloves, and GO. I drive all winter with the roof open, albeit in Texas. Be glad you're in Missouri. I miss it, and all the great roads. I'll trade with ya' anytime!

 

You can thank the Federal Government for this. This was required to lessen the impact of hitting a pedestrian. I guess less parts to contact. It's true.

 

My greatest irritation: The seat belt chime set off by anything heavier than a paperback book -- as in "yes," I know the belt's not buckled, but no one's sitting in the seat!!

 

This device slips into the seat belt latch and makes the OBC think the seat belt is fastened. I have one. Works great.



http://www.cravenspeed.com/index.php?productID=234

It comes with a thin cable that loops around the seat belt fastener and keeps the Chimex from wandering off when not in use.

 

there is a plastic clip on the belt. I had this same issue, until I adjusted the plastic clip, and now the seat belt piece is not jammed in the door any more

 

Moonroof... I hate the thing, well the rattles it makes. Thankfully it will be getting replaced on the 19th.

 

Sorry you're having trouble. While I've never had problems with sunroofs on any of my cars (probably about 10), I do know that during the first 6 months of the R56 back in '07, the production line was installing some of them wrong. Lots of people had rattles (and excessive wind noise when open), and lots of seals were replaced, until this was discovered. As I recall, the glass was a little off-track, and when installed correctly there were no rattles and the noise level was normal.

Just a heads up in case they don't get it fixed the first time...

 

Yea they already tried to fix it once, that only made the rattles worse. So this time I guess they are replacing the whole thing. I'm dropping the car off getting a loaner from them and hopefully this issue will be resolved.

Unlike you I had problems with sunroofs/moonroofs/t-tops in all of my cars

 

One thing that drives me nuts is when I'm at a stop light and I press the gas to rev the engine before letting out the clutch I hear this rushing liquid sound. No idea what it is.

 

ya i hear that noise too sometimes on startup

 

FINGERPRINTS arghhh1

 

Okay, so I have a few things that drive me nuts on this thing!!

1. I hate the fact that the car has spent 1 whole week out of the 6 that I've had it at the dealership getting fixed. I bought it with 37,000 miles. Thankfully it's all been covered under warranty!!

2. I hate that I STILL haven't been able to figure out the windshield wipers.

3. I hate the fact that 1st gear and reverse are TOO close together. I've accidentally put it in reverse instead of 1st once. Thankfully there was nobody behind me. On my STi it was all the way on the right side and you had to pull a lever on the shift **** to get it into reverse.

 

LoL... I knew that was coming. But you don't even need a big gulp for a cup to be in the way. Small coffee is bad enough.

 

+1, I've been in for sunroof issues 5-6 times since I got my car. They've fixed it to a decent compromise between wind noise and rattles, but I wish I didn't get the sunroof now.

 

I have this too, but I think mine happens when the car starts to move from a standstill.

 

when trying to pull the back seats up after they've been down, there is NOTHING to hold on to :(

sad day for my nails.

 

Yeah, a little strap or something would be nice.

One thing that annoys me with my particular MINI is the black trim piece on the drivers side under the aero kit keeps "drooping" a little. My dealer insists every time I've had them look at it that all the clips are there and they pop it back up. I guess I should just get some superglue or other adhesive and take care of it myself.