I posted this in the generic area, got no replies. Maybe it should go to this R56 specific area. Anyway, just got mine!

A few questions if you don't mind:

1. I read the manual and don't see anything about a timing belt, so its safe to assume the MC (non-S) has a chain?

2. Obviously four spark plugs....four coils as well? Or one coil pack for all?

3. Just want to make sure, it is fairly hard to get into Reverse (6 speed getrag)...thats on purpose, right?

4. This window dipping problem on 08's and 09's, is the permanent "fix" present on my 2010 (build date 11/09), or am I in for big trouble?

5. Also, with the build date being 11/09, should be concerned about waiting for the oil change so far out? To me, that means it sat through our terrible DC winter and will go through this hot summer then another winter. That can't be good!

Very excited! Learning the radio interface and loving it so far. Like when I am playing a CD (what are those?? haha) nothing in the radio manual says what "SC" means. Do you know? I have to say, for such a small car, the A/C is ice cold as well.

Still getting the hang of the 1-2 shift....

Thanks for any replies! I will be using Passport Mini in Alex VA for service.

 

interested about the window dipping problem as well...

 

SC = Scan...i.e plays the first 5 or 10 seconds and goes forward a track.

As for the oil change, do one at 1000 miles or so. That's my standard treatment for any new engine I've purchased.

 

1. All R56's have timing chains I believe

3. Yes, so you don't shift into R on accident

5. If you are uncomfortable with interval just have it changed

 

Thanks!

 

On the window dipper, I'm not really sure there can be a permanent fix, but on my '08 the software update has worked so far. I plan on being very careful if I see any ice on the window.

 

I have on 08 and it took a year for this problem to kick in. During my service lats summer they had to keep it for an extra day to upload the new software that was the fix. I have not had a problem with it since and from what I have been told and read the late 09's and 10's all have the new software so they shouldn't have a problem. Also from what I have read is that if you brought your 07-mid 09 MINI in they uploaded the new software so it is getting the problem before it starts.

Congrats on the new car.

 

- Yes, getting into R is somewhat firm, but that's a good thing.
- I too, believe it has a chain.
- Window dipping problem? Never happened to me in 18 months.
- I think (my opinion) that an oil change every 5K - 7K is about right.
- Agree, my A/C is cold too!
- Enjoy

 

Thanks for the replies. I notice when I lock the car, the outside lights flash but there is no blinking light INSIDE the car. The manual is weird...it acts like the top of the tach should be blinking....but maybe thats for premium or convertible models? The top of my tach is red, but no lights in there. Is that ok/normal for a base MC?

Also, with the iPod adaptor, I can't get to "shuffle"...the menus only let me go "back" as far as playlists. I guess I should transfer my songs into a playlist then just press "random" - that would be like my "shuffle" on the iPod itself near as I can tell. Am I missing something.

Thanks again for your help! I am reading the manuals, I promise!!

 

The LEDs on the top of the tach only blink if you have the factory alarm installed. Which is a huge waste of money IMHO. It would be nice if the thing would blink when the car is locked, alarm or no, as it would scare off the average amateur smash-n-grab artist. My BMW's "clown nose" at the bottom of the mirror blinks, despite the lack of factory alarm.

 

Yes R56 have a chain in the engine not a belt.

 

My 09 at 10K miles has not had a problem with the window dipping issue. I think its fixed.

I would be very uncomfortable going the 15-18K interval before the first oil change. I'd surely do it at least twice before then. You'll find a lot of posts about that here, and some unfortunate experiences from people who waited that long (and some who swear its OK).

I really think that most of the issues thast Gen2 Minis had came from the 07 and early 08 cars and have been mostly worked out in the 09 and 10s.

Keep an eye on the water pum for small leaks (look under the car in the morning for small wet spots. Other than that, its pretty non-dramatic.

I found that mine really didn't seem to feel right till about 5 or 6K miles. The drivetrain is very tight when new -- that's a good thing.

Enjoy.

Oh, and by the way a little know but widely practised fact -- Minis MUST be washed and polished daily so tell your wife/husband that you are not being **** -- the polishing is required (probably by law). Start to worry when you find yourself taking the wheels off so you can wash the inside part (but they look so good when you do that).

 

It's funny, I am getting lots of smiles from other Mini drivers. I don't get the Jeep Wrangler "wave", but just the nod and smile. Fun stuff!

 

I have an '08 and I've had the window dipping problem 2x and the sunroof problem 2x. And yep, reverse is supposed to be fairly difficult to get into.

Also, I've had the car for 2 years, and I still can't seem to get a hang of 1-2 shifts, it's probably just me , but good luck!

(welcome to the MINI community!)

 

Drats! I have my first problem. Speedo is way off. Sometimes up to 5mph! Its high..so better than being low I guess. Grrr.

 

that's the way they are dialed unfortunately.

 

I have been researching it. I guess as my tires wear down (15s) it will get worse....oh well....not the end of the world.

 

Congrats on the car purchase!

Few tips:

If you don't drive the car very much, you are entitled to one free oil change a year. Ex. May of 2011 you have 5000 miles on your Cooper, make an appointment, and it will be free, since you are way under mileage according to the service indicator.

Tire rotations are not listed in the manual. I would rotate them every 7500 miles, so the tires wear evenly.

If you do a lot of highway driving, I would get a clear bra for your bonnet and front bumper to protect against stone chips.

Finally, enjoy your new car!

 

Your tires wearing down will not affect your speedometer to any appreciable amount that you will notice. I have found that our Mini's speedo shows 3 mph faster than actual.

Pat

 

Even with the stiff resistance into the Reverse gate, I still managed to grab Reverse two or three times when going for 1st when a light changed. I learned quickly, but I still think the stiffness is a good idea.

Spridget

 

What are you guys using to condition the rubber seals of your MINIs? I know I shouldn't use a silicone based product. It appears that there is a rubber seal (is it a "seal" or just a decoration?) around the top of the car where the white top meets the window glass. That looks like it might need some maintenance. Then also the plastic platform that the front wipers park on appears to be sealed on the windshield glass with some black rubber flashing.

What do you recommend to keep those spots nice and healthy?

Thanks.