R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+) MINI Cooper and Cooper S (R56) hatchback discussion.
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R56 5 features I miss from my previous car

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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 07:51 AM
  #51  
angkor's Avatar
angkor
Neutral
Joined: Nov 2011
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Originally Posted by danigurrl
3. I think the stock brakes are fantastic (other than the orgasm of brake dust every other day.) Maybe my old cars just had crappy brakes. lmao. My boyfriend's car has Brembos and I think my car brakes just as well. Just my opinion though, I suppose.

4. I put my sunglasses in what I affectionately call "the hidden drug compartment." That secret cubbie above the glovebox. It fits my big obnoxious Gucci glasses easily.
For normal daily driving the stock brakes work well enough and you probably wouldn't notice the difference, it is when you push the car really hard into corners that you notice the difference.

I am keeping my sunglasses in the same place, it is just a little awkward to have to reach over the passenger to get them out. All of my cars in the last 10 years have had somewhere on the driver's side for them to go.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 11:35 AM
  #52  
Slave to Felines's Avatar
Slave to Felines
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,064
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From: Silly-con Valley
I am starting to miss the very light controls of my last car. The controls in the MINI have a very "deliberate" feel to them, like you have to really mean what you are telling the car to do. Fenimore feels more "planted", but less tossable.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 02:55 PM
  #53  
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johnnydisco
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 190
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From: Oak Park, Illinois
Q about the up and down window. you guys sure it's programable? mine goes down when the unlocked button is pressed down, but not up when pressing the lock button. i've programmed some features myself using the instructions in the manual, nothing there about WINDOW UP with the key fob. if i remember correctly that feature comes with some sort of option.

as far as missing something, i miss the temp gauge, miss not having to fight torque steer (had rear drives and awd prior), miss rear sensor (as small the MINI is i find it hard to judge how close the rear bumper is to the car behind when parking. fyi, had much bigger cars and never had trouble judging the distance).
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 04:55 PM
  #54  
adrive7's Avatar
adrive7
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 89
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From: Lancaster, CA
Previous vehicle was a 2008 Ford Ranger XL. Things I miss:

1) Being able to just toss my bike into the bed and not worry about it being muddy or greasy or whatever. Or having to take the wheels off.
1a) Not worrying about being able to fit anything in my car.
2) Rear Wheel Drive
3) A Freaking Coolant Gauge
4) Knowing that, due to the lack of development since 93, it would probably never, ever, break down.
5) Sunshades that actually block out the sun without giant gaps in coverage.
6) Regular Gas

Things I don't miss:

1) 22 mpg
2) Sub-300 mile range
3) 2 seats
4) Vinyl Seats
5) Crank Windows
6) Manual Locks
7) Any kind of Fun to Drive (Except RWD in the slippery Stuff, naturally)
8) No Cruise Control
...This list could go on for a while.
 
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Old Jan 7, 2012 | 12:15 PM
  #55  
Blackcoffee's Avatar
Blackcoffee
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From: Boston, MA
I bought this "REVERSE MIRROR TILT MODULE" (I opted for the two module system), but have yet to instal it. It may be of interest all of you who miss the auto dip exterior mirrors when in reverse.

http://www.kptechnologies.com/products.php#/13

You can Also buy this through Out Motoring (same part) Just download the directions from KP Technologies.

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...lt-module.html
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 12:21 PM
  #56  
AAONMS's Avatar
AAONMS
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
From: Fruit Cove, FL
Came from a 2004 VW R32...
I also miss having air vents that didn't need to have the fan running in order to bring fresh air into the cabin
Sunglass Holder (I’d added the one from the new Beetle)
Instant torque
All-wheel drive
VR6 sound
Coolant gauge
Being able to activate the heated mirrors on demand
Bike does not fit in the back

I don’t miss the 21 MPG
Non xenon headlights

All said and done – I really like the MINI
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 12:40 PM
  #57  
schatzy62's Avatar
schatzy62
OVERDRIVE
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,483
Likes: 11
From: Gardner MA
Originally Posted by johnnydisco
Q about the up and down window. you guys sure it's programable? mine goes down when the unlocked button is pressed down, but not up when pressing the lock button. i've programmed some features myself using the instructions in the manual, nothing there about WINDOW UP with the key fob. if i remember correctly that feature comes with some sort of option.
it is not a user programable item but it can be done with NCS Expert. It is NOT something that a Dealer will do as they are NOT allowed to change these types of settings in the main program of the car. But anyone with NCS Expert can do it for you.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...beginners.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-yourself.html
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 12:42 PM
  #58  
Erhan's Avatar
Erhan
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From: Seattle/WA
1. S65 engine
2. exhaust note
3. RWD

Things I don't miss:
1. 15mpg
2. Massive size
3. Massive weight
4. Soft ride
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 12:44 PM
  #59  
schatzy62's Avatar
schatzy62
OVERDRIVE
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From: Gardner MA
Originally Posted by mikeyb74
So...I've owned my 09 MCS for just over a month. I love it! Handles like a gokart and gets awesome mpgs. But there are some features that I miss that my previous daily driver had that the MCS does not. I went from a 2001 BMW 325xi Touring. I was curious to see if others have features that they miss from their previous vehicle.

1. Auto dip exterior mirrors when in reverse
2. Glove box power outlet/flashlight
3. Blind spot mirrors
4. Coolant gauge
5. Auto open and close windows and sunroof by keyfob.

What do you all miss?
Back to the original 5

1. Can be done with KP Technology parts very easily
2. No need for one when there are better and brighter LED flashlights that will last a lot longer than the rechargable battery in the BMW Flashlight.
3. Adjust Mirrors properly and you should not have any
4. Yes some gauges would be great but that is part of the "Youification Process"
5. Can be programed see post directly above. it is native in the cars programing just turned off for some strange reason.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 12:55 PM
  #60  
tasteskindasalty's Avatar
tasteskindasalty
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 64
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Originally Posted by AAONMS
Came from a 2004 VW R32...
I also miss having air vents that didn't need to have the fan running in order to bring fresh air into the cabin
Sunglass Holder (I’d added the one from the new Beetle)
Instant torque
All-wheel drive
VR6 sound
Coolant gauge
Being able to activate the heated mirrors on demand
Bike does not fit in the back

I don’t miss the 21 MPG
Non xenon headlights

All said and done – I really like the MINI
I had a 2008 GTI, the second or third most complained thing about it on the VW forums was how horrible the sunglasses holder was. Sure it existed, but most people's broke and had to be taped/glued shut. Honestly, I'd rather not have a sunglasses holder than one that you had to delicately open and close or else the cheap latch would break.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 01:11 PM
  #61  
Jeremy Brooks's Avatar
Jeremy Brooks
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by mikeyb74
2. Glove box power outlet/flashlight
That one is easy to fix. 12v lighter outlets can be installed easily just about anywhere in the vehicle. Then add either an LED cigarette lighter flashlight or a larger flashlight that can charge from 12v, and you are set.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 01:40 PM
  #62  
christomapher's Avatar
christomapher
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
I wonder if this data getting brought to the attention of MINI USA... if not, the thread is kind of pointless. Anyone have a connection to them?
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 02:46 PM
  #63  
adrive7's Avatar
adrive7
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, CA
Originally Posted by christomapher
I wonder if this data getting brought to the attention of MINI USA... if not, the thread is kind of pointless. Anyone have a connection to them?
Most car companies roam their fan forums. I'm sure MINI does too.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 03:35 PM
  #64  
sleonardbt's Avatar
sleonardbt
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
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Things i miss about my MKV GTI

1) Turbo
2) XM Radio
3) leg room in the back seat


Thats pretty much it! I couldnt be happier going from my GTI to my Mini!!
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 03:42 PM
  #65  
Slave to Felines's Avatar
Slave to Felines
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 15
From: Silly-con Valley
Here's one more thing I miss:

A DIPSTICK I CAN READ!!
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 07:02 PM
  #66  
Blackcoffee's Avatar
Blackcoffee
1st Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 47
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From: Boston, MA
Another thing I miss really miss is an analog gas gauge!
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 08:01 PM
  #67  
mini4tide's Avatar
mini4tide
3rd Gear
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 294
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From: Roll Tide, Alabama
I miss my QUATTRO. Had an 05 Audi S4 V8. Auto dip mirrors, mirrors that defrost, Recaro leather heated seats, rear window auto shade with the press of a button, no squeaks or rattles, unbelieveable stability in rain or snow, oh and 450hp didn't hurt!

What I don't miss...15mpg! Worn out control arms constantly due to weight of V8, $75 fillups, $500 monthly payments, no warranty on an Audi = you're broke if something breaks!

I could actually watch the gas drop off at WOT. Still not as spirited a drive as my R56S! I wish I could have them both, but wouldn't trade the Mini back for it!
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 05:09 AM
  #68  
amancuso's Avatar
amancuso
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, New Jersey
To all those saying you can't open the hatch with the car running. Just unlock all doors and use the touch pad under the chrome trim to pop the hatch.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 07:00 AM
  #69  
christomapher's Avatar
christomapher
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Originally Posted by amancuso
To all those saying you can't open the hatch with the car running. Just unlock all doors and use the touch pad under the chrome trim to pop the hatch.
What if yours isn't chrome?
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 07:09 AM
  #70  
danigurrl's Avatar
danigurrl
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 408
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Originally Posted by christomapher
What if yours isn't chrome?
It only works with chrome. Special feature.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 07:32 AM
  #71  
amancuso's Avatar
amancuso
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,036
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From: Burlington, New Jersey
Originally Posted by christomapher
What if yours isn't chrome?
LOL well then under the blacked out or body colored trim above the license plate.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 07:38 AM
  #72  
BlackIce's Avatar
BlackIce
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
1) The coco brown exhaust pipe.
2) The lack of a car payment.
3) The coco brown exhaust pipe.
4) The lack of a car payment.
5) The coco brown exhaust pipe!
 
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