R56 Things you didn't know about your R56 MINI
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Yep - tons of good information here! I've had mine a few weeks now, and though I have read the manual, this is a great read. Thanks everybody!
I have the Navi with all the wiz-bang gadgetry. I initially thought that the iPhone interface was, well, someone's idea of a bad joke. I could find playlists once and then never again. My MA has been great, and he let me come back for more lessons. He showed me that there are two ways to play music with an iPhone, through the Mini Connected app and as an External Device. The latter is what works for me. The Mini Connected app factors in the button to the right of the joystick ("pages?"), which is how to get back to the playlists. Playing as an external device doesn't require running the Mini Connected app at all, and you can queue up a song on the iPod first, then plug it in.
I know this is purely subjective, but the HK system sounds pretty good!
Until I find something better, the store-bought water bottles fit in those cup holders.
I have yet to learn how to get the NAV to send me "home". I don't think the car comes with a manual for the NAV.
Of course the best thing is driving this zippy little car. I have been driving an '06 Prius, where the goal is to get the gas engine to turn OFF.
Big difference. My Mini is an automatic, and I'm not used to all of the shifting gyrations winding down to a stop. Maybe it's my Prius mentality, but I expect to be able to roll to a stop smoothly. I think it's the final shift into 1st gear that does it, but so far that's still puzzling and I sort of jerk and sputter coming to a stop. So driving around town is still taking some getting used to.
Oh- what's the popping sound when the engine decelerates? I assume this is normal, I think I read something here about it. What is that?
Amy
I have the Navi with all the wiz-bang gadgetry. I initially thought that the iPhone interface was, well, someone's idea of a bad joke. I could find playlists once and then never again. My MA has been great, and he let me come back for more lessons. He showed me that there are two ways to play music with an iPhone, through the Mini Connected app and as an External Device. The latter is what works for me. The Mini Connected app factors in the button to the right of the joystick ("pages?"), which is how to get back to the playlists. Playing as an external device doesn't require running the Mini Connected app at all, and you can queue up a song on the iPod first, then plug it in.
I know this is purely subjective, but the HK system sounds pretty good!
Until I find something better, the store-bought water bottles fit in those cup holders.
I have yet to learn how to get the NAV to send me "home". I don't think the car comes with a manual for the NAV.
Of course the best thing is driving this zippy little car. I have been driving an '06 Prius, where the goal is to get the gas engine to turn OFF.
Big difference. My Mini is an automatic, and I'm not used to all of the shifting gyrations winding down to a stop. Maybe it's my Prius mentality, but I expect to be able to roll to a stop smoothly. I think it's the final shift into 1st gear that does it, but so far that's still puzzling and I sort of jerk and sputter coming to a stop. So driving around town is still taking some getting used to. Oh- what's the popping sound when the engine decelerates? I assume this is normal, I think I read something here about it. What is that?
Amy
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 60
Likes: 3
I like the vanos on the exhaust cam. I was in traffic headin back from the southwest on a freeway in the midwest. And that morning traffic was going a good clip. two trucks behind me goin about 85miles per hour. I got in the middle lane from the left.
the two trucks started headin past me in the left lane. I was blocked instantly right in front of me. right lane had a car head up beside me pretty quick. One in the oven I floored it. That vanos must a kicked in launched the car so quick steering was accurate I got in the right lane like missle it took off like a ferrari or something. got back in middle lane no traffic ahead like a complex checker move I was in front of those two trucks again.
the two trucks started headin past me in the left lane. I was blocked instantly right in front of me. right lane had a car head up beside me pretty quick. One in the oven I floored it. That vanos must a kicked in launched the car so quick steering was accurate I got in the right lane like missle it took off like a ferrari or something. got back in middle lane no traffic ahead like a complex checker move I was in front of those two trucks again.
Cleaning out the glove box and I saw the little cooler vent on the left (knew about that) but then noticed an additional USB port up in the back right corner. I swear that wasn't there on my last mini. I don't think it's very visible from any normal seated position.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 490
Likes: 28
From: Phoenix
Huh.. Now I want to run down to my car and check.
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay Area
I agree on the HK system. Much better than stock. As far as The "pop" during deceleration, does it only happen in sport mode? On the 2011 and 2012 S Mini reenabled the pop and burble that was in the older gen Mini. Our manual does this when I downshift or purposefully rev to certain RPMs.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Exactly. Have a look at this post for some more info. There may be a better thread but this is the one I learned about it from.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nd-burble.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nd-burble.html
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 687
Likes: 19
From: Melbourne Australia
As Will said, yes. Furthermore, I think that's why your car is changing down all the way to first gear as you stop. From what I remember from dealer loan-car autos, the car only changes down to 2nd and also starts off in 2nd when you don't have sport mode on. (Same as BMWs). (Someone with an auto can correct me if I'm wrong.
) So it may be smoother for you in non-sport mode.
Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and makes the steering heavier as well as adjusting the auto shifting.
) So it may be smoother for you in non-sport mode.Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and makes the steering heavier as well as adjusting the auto shifting.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay Area
As Will said, yes. Furthermore, I think that's why your car is changing down all the way to first gear as you stop. From what I remember from dealer loan-car autos, the car only changes down to 2nd and also starts off in 2nd when you don't have sport mode on. (Same as BMWs). (Someone with an auto can correct me if I'm wrong.) So it may be smoother for you in non-sport mode.
Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and makes the steering heavier as well as adjusting the auto shifting.
) So it may be smoother for you in non-sport mode.Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and makes the steering heavier as well as adjusting the auto shifting.
Maybe something mentioned before: I was having trouble with the driver's side window not rolling up completely when closing the door. It would roll down slightly as it was supposed to when the door was opened but would not roll back up when closed. Dealer told me to do the following to "re-initialize" the system (I had removed the battery while installing stereo equipment).
Step 1: Close door and start the engine
Step 2: Roll the window all the way up.
Step 3: Roll the window all the way down - continue to hold the switch down for 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 4: Roll the window all the way up - continue to hold the switch up for 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 5: Test
Works just like it is supposed to. This was on a R56.
Step 1: Close door and start the engine
Step 2: Roll the window all the way up.
Step 3: Roll the window all the way down - continue to hold the switch down for 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 4: Roll the window all the way up - continue to hold the switch up for 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 5: Test
Works just like it is supposed to. This was on a R56.
Last edited by Meister; Apr 25, 2012 at 01:51 PM.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Maple, Ontario
What I didn't know about my MINI? My 2012 straight cooper classic allows me to set the preferences in the OBC for the mileage settings, but does not allow me to view any of the data on the tach or radio. What's up with that??? 
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukie, OR
You need to set up "Home" as a destination.
Keith
My friend taught me the whole lock your car twice on the key and then on the third time hold down the lock car button and the windows go down and the panoramic sunroof opens slightly! I was like O_O
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 5
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
Works great--unless your sunroof sticks in hot weather, like mine! Just the windows go down in that case...
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 5
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
If you got the car new, the owners manual should include a chapter on the Nav system. If you do not have it, check the Navigation and Audio forum here on North American Motoring, there is a downloadable copy for the 2007 - 2011 cars. 2012 uses a different program...
You need to set up "Home" as a destination.
Keith
You need to set up "Home" as a destination.
Keith
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 5
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
Run that by us again?
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
I read this whole thread when I got the car in November, so I know some of these are already in here somewhere. But I'll mention the ones that jump to mind now that I'm past the six-month point:
I didn't know that if I opened the hatchback when the car was wet after a rain (or carwash), that water would stream off the hatch and pour into the rear cargo area.
I didn't know that it is one of those cars that if you roll down the window (even a little bit) on a rainy day, you're getting pretty wet.
I don't have autowipers, and didn't know that I would feel like I'm constantly adjusting the wiper speed. It's either too much or too little frequency. In hindsight, I would say get the autowipers!
I didn't know that the rear wiper blade size would be so hard to find in stores.
(I live the southeast part of FL - the sunshine state - where we get quite a bit of rainfall. Rain is a big deal here, and I think almost every quibble I have is rain-related.)
I didn't know that the doors would be so intent on killing me when I get out of the car. You really have to pay attention to them.
Overall I love the car and would buy another one if I was shopping again, but there are a few things that just aren't right.
I didn't know that if I opened the hatchback when the car was wet after a rain (or carwash), that water would stream off the hatch and pour into the rear cargo area.
I didn't know that it is one of those cars that if you roll down the window (even a little bit) on a rainy day, you're getting pretty wet.
I don't have autowipers, and didn't know that I would feel like I'm constantly adjusting the wiper speed. It's either too much or too little frequency. In hindsight, I would say get the autowipers!
I didn't know that the rear wiper blade size would be so hard to find in stores.
(I live the southeast part of FL - the sunshine state - where we get quite a bit of rainfall. Rain is a big deal here, and I think almost every quibble I have is rain-related.)
I didn't know that the doors would be so intent on killing me when I get out of the car. You really have to pay attention to them.
Overall I love the car and would buy another one if I was shopping again, but there are a few things that just aren't right.
Last edited by Scott Auld; May 24, 2012 at 07:50 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 0
From: Robertsdale, Alabama
I read this whole thread when I got the car in November, so I know some of these are already in here somewhere. But I'll mention the ones that jump to mind now that I'm past the six-month point:
I didn't know that if I opened the hatchback when the car was wet after a rain (or carwash), that water would stream off the hatch and pour into the rear cargo area.
I didn't know that it is one of those cars that if you roll down the window (even a little bit) on a rainy day, you're getting pretty wet.
I don't have autowipers, and didn't know that I would feel like I'm constantly adjusting the wiper speed. It's either too much or too little frequency. In hindsight, I would say get the autowipers!
I didn't know that the rear wiper blade size would be so hard to find in stores.
(I live the southeast part of FL - the sunshine state - where we get quite a bit of rainfall. Rain is a big deal here, and I think almost every quibble I have is rain-related.)
I didn't know that the doors would be so intent on killing me when I get out of the car. You really have to pay attention to them.
Overall I love the car and would buy another one if I was shopping again, but there are a few things that just aren't right.
I didn't know that if I opened the hatchback when the car was wet after a rain (or carwash), that water would stream off the hatch and pour into the rear cargo area.
I didn't know that it is one of those cars that if you roll down the window (even a little bit) on a rainy day, you're getting pretty wet.
I don't have autowipers, and didn't know that I would feel like I'm constantly adjusting the wiper speed. It's either too much or too little frequency. In hindsight, I would say get the autowipers!
I didn't know that the rear wiper blade size would be so hard to find in stores.
(I live the southeast part of FL - the sunshine state - where we get quite a bit of rainfall. Rain is a big deal here, and I think almost every quibble I have is rain-related.)
I didn't know that the doors would be so intent on killing me when I get out of the car. You really have to pay attention to them.
Overall I love the car and would buy another one if I was shopping again, but there are a few things that just aren't right.
I love the auto wipers after I figured them out.
The doors, I've gotten used to.
Love mine also, no regrets.
Did you know the speedo works while in reverse?
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
I did not
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
[QUOTE=Scott Auld;3517724]
I didn't know that the doors would be so intent on killing me when I get out of the car. You really have to pay attention to them.
LMBOThat is something every Mini driver needs to Know....BE AWARE of the doors.
I didn't know that the doors would be so intent on killing me when I get out of the car. You really have to pay attention to them.
LMBO
That is something every Mini driver needs to Know....BE AWARE of the doors.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Maple, Ontario
Ok. So I bought a special edition 2012 Knightsbridge. It's a base model with a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and bluetooth connectivity. Up here in the Great White North they refer to the base Cooper as a Classic. It only came in Chili Red or Pepper White with a black roof and mirrors.
Anyway, I was really excited about using the OBC to track my mileage etc. I got out the manual, and was able to set my preferences on the radio (from Imperial to Metric etc.) After I set it up, I found that I couldn't access the data to display it on the radio, and when I scrolled through the options on the tach using the turn signal button, there was no mileage data but only the exterior temperature, odometer, trip, etc. I reread the manual 3x and finally went back to the dealer to find out why I couldn't access it. The first salesperson I spoke to tried to access it in the car and he couldn't figure out why it wouldn't display. He then spoke to the onsite maven and he told us that it's been disabled in the "Classic" Coopers. For the life of me I can't figure out why. Doesn't that sound crazy to you? He said that eventually someone will crack the code and when they do he'll hook me up.
Anyway, I was really excited about using the OBC to track my mileage etc. I got out the manual, and was able to set my preferences on the radio (from Imperial to Metric etc.) After I set it up, I found that I couldn't access the data to display it on the radio, and when I scrolled through the options on the tach using the turn signal button, there was no mileage data but only the exterior temperature, odometer, trip, etc. I reread the manual 3x and finally went back to the dealer to find out why I couldn't access it. The first salesperson I spoke to tried to access it in the car and he couldn't figure out why it wouldn't display. He then spoke to the onsite maven and he told us that it's been disabled in the "Classic" Coopers. For the life of me I can't figure out why. Doesn't that sound crazy to you? He said that eventually someone will crack the code and when they do he'll hook me up.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Likes: 4
From: Menasha, WI
I just got my MCS last week. Within 2 hours of getting it, the door attacked my shins. Not very pleasant and a bit unexpected. I am used to my nearly weightless doors from a Honda Fit I traded in.
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 87
Likes: 2
From: Staten Island
idk if this was mentioned.. but i just found out from a buddy that if you hold down the DTC button you can disable the ESC.. allowing you to do some pretty kool burnouts and/or drifting ... probably gonna cost you a new set of tires and will void warranty if you mess anything up... also, apparently 2011+ r56's have launch control in sport mode??