I have to agree with KevinC. The paragraph from Mini doesn't fully explain the process. If the compressor comes on every time the auto is hit, that's a problem. I don't want the compressor running. If it isn't turning on, then the snowflake light shouldn't turn on, which it does and shouldn't. I could go on with all the possibilities, but you get the point. I want automatic temperature/fan control without the compressor when it's -15 here in Minnesota.

 

They keep calling from the garage, drive me...drive ME.

 

My 07 does it exactly the same as yours. I think what they are doing is taking it off of AUTO and when they put it back on, their snowflake lights up and causes them extreme distress. I really don't know why they are hitting AUTO and then turning it off and then turning it back on and then freaking out that the compressor turns on for AC when AUTO means automatic and there is no reason to keep hitting the button anyway.

 

Right. This is me every time I mess with the climate controls.

 

If you mean Bluetooth phone calls, you can adjust the volume if you do it while the other party is talking. Same goes for the NAV commands. Has to be adjusted while playing.

How is it going to depress the clutch pedal?

Pull the handle at the top of the seat. Bend the seat forward, then slide it forward. When putting it back, slide the seat back to position, then straighten the back. That should return it to the same place.

Yes, the snowflake button for A/C should stay in the state last set, rather than return to On when Auto is turned on.

Same with the Sport button. If you turn it on, it should stay on until you turn it off, rather than turn off when the engine is turned off.

 

There is a remote starter for our 08+ cars. You need two units:

1) The INT-BMW1 unit and 2) the CAN-SL2 module.

Here is a link to the installation guide: http://ifar.ca/download/678/int-bmw1_installation_guide.rev-i.pdf

The reasoning it is required is here:

"This vehicle is equipped with an electronic ignition and traditional key barrel wiring from the remote-starter will not function. An electronic ignition vehicle does not have the normally associated Ignition, Accessory and Starter wires for the remote-starter to connect to and control.

An INT series interface module will automatically control the electronic ignition based on the Ignition, Accessory and Starter input signals received from the remote-starter.

Furthermore, the INT series interface modules do not bypass the factory transponder, therefore and additional PATS bypass kit is required to complete the remote-starter installation."

This means you need an additional unit as well called the CAN-SL2

Here is the CAN installation guide link - http://ifar.ca/download/1675/can-sl2...8%29.rev-a.pdf

"The CAN-SL2 is a Can Bus interface control module for more than 600 vehicle models from 2000 through 2010. It is a transponder bypass that will also allow you to control the electric door locks, factory alarm, heated seats and other available options including a tachometer output."


Now the question is who is going to take the plunge?

 

I would have to go with the passenger seat sensor. I tend to be the only person in the car most of the time and I set things on the seat alot. like my purse or my laptop bag (laptop is a big one with its backpack it can set the seat off alone), and the small shopping trip.

The second thing though would be the drink holders being so close to where my Ipod plugs in that it keeps bumping the cord and partially unseating it, and also makes it very hard to roll the windows down.

The third would be the drive to the dealer mine is also about a hour and a half away (the closest BMW dealer is less the 10 minutes from me though).

 

The gong sound every time I do something.

 

Rattles and the lousy stereo that can't drown them out

 

I have another one, cup holders too damn close to the shifter!! Every time I shift I'm always afraid of knocking down my coffee. Thankfully I have the rubber mats in case it really happens!!

 

i recently discovered that the rattle i heard was from the secret compartment cover, so i applied felt tape to the inside of the cover - problem solved

 

i hate that when i get out of the car, the cuff on my pants gets caught on that useless little seat adjuster thingy.

 

Tall people don't have that problem.

 

It is front wheel drive.

 

Almost a week with no complaints!?!?

Anyhow, I know something that kinda bugs me with the factory NAV: You can put in an address with a street number, but it never shows you the number again. So I'll memorize the address long enough to get it into my NAV, but once I get close to where I'm going, it won't let me know the actual address once I get there!

 

Jim, have you met my hubby? You two have something in common! Then again, he spent his formative years owning 3 rear engine/rear wheel drive cars in succession (a Karmann Ghia and 2 Porsches), back in the day...

 

One thing that drives me nuts about my MINI... it's in Vancouver and I'm stuck in Ottawa until May. :(

...on the bright side, I'll have earned some dough, so I think I'll spring for LED interior lighting. :D

 

noise of the sunroof!

 

So your car is going to the Olympics without you?

 

It won't be able to park anywhere!

 

...couldn't have said it better myself. Either that or it'll have to sell its soul to park. For an hour.

 

My drivers side door on my '06 MCS JCW is squeaking when I open/close it. Poor baby

 

lol @ jimr56jcw

I said the same thing about it being FWD!

My next car will definitely be RWD

however, FWD does have its advantages, mainly as a daily driver

 

The A/C comppressor is set to run during the winter to dry the air so your windshield does not fog up. But also to keep the tiny amount of oil in the A/C unit circulating. Thus keeping the seal in the compressor from drying out and letting your freon leak out over the winter.

 

I just finished reading 24 pages of this thread. Want to start by saying this has been the best thread I've read on this site. Perhaps because a MINI forum, which I think is mostly comprised of MINI enthuists, was asked to list MINI negatives. IMHO many of the comments made sense, some were humorous, I agreed with some, and some seemed stranger than science fiction. I guess my favorites were the comments about the large speedometer located in the center of the dashboard. Huh, did that magically appear in that location when you drove the car home from the dealership. I think many of the MINI shortcomings listed could have been remedied by reading the owners manual and/or speaking to the dealer. Many of them could have been dealt with by adjustments made by a competent mechanic, or MINI dealer. I truly enjoy my 07 MCS, but I have a list of faults also.
In no specific order they are:
Why is my boot always dirty,way too much brake dust, too many rattles from the sunroof,why idiot lights rather than gauges, cup holders in front of control switches,no spare tire, must use high premium gas, hard to see traffic lights, must use a dentist mirror when connecting MP3 players, need to slam boot to insure it's closed, and not enough dealers.