For my first post I thought I'd comment on some concerns I have read.

First, I have no noises. This includes the sunroof, silent at my top speed so far of 80 mph, and no rattles or squeaks. It has been cold here in the DC/Balt area and any car will make some weird noises in the cold. None that is a concern and silent as she warms up. My secret compartment opens with a push in the middle. I believe they have knocked out the probs with the sunroof and compartment.

I have the MCa and some concerns of power have been non-existant. I've read concerns of passing power on the freeway and unless you are going up a mountain I have no problem zooming by slow left lane motorists (in 6th) or merging on the beltway.

I have only used the sport button twice, only have 300 miles and want to wait for break-in, but it seems like two different cars when on. When off it is a leisurely ride capable of zipping around town, but hit the sb and it becomes a blast! Shift points are higher and smooth and although I have not pushed it at all, it shifted at around 3500 and barely moved from that spot for all gears. I've also used the cruise for about ten minutes twice with no probs.

Brake dust is unbelievable. After my second day my wheels looked like they hadn't been cleaned for months. I hate the way the seat belt rests, I can see the door getting scratched very easily it not careful putting it back when taking off.

I've gone around 300 miles so far and still have 4 lights left on the tank, around 150 to go to empty. Got it with 1 mile on odo. I also thought I would be the only one with a BRG/B in the area, but I saw the exact! same car on the beltway but it got off an exit before I could catch up.

From a SUV to a MINI and I could not be happier.

 

Mini made softer brakes for the US, why beacuse in europe they dont mind hearing some noise, but in the US, we complain. If you dont mind cleaning your wheels, then leave the brakes untouched. If you let the brake dust sit a while,it will eat into your paint. But if you dont want as much brake dust, invest in some HAWK brake pads. There around 75.

 

As someone who has ordered from Mini of Sterling and has an MCS on a ship that will arrive in New York on Tuesday, I'm thrilled to read your post. Glad to hear your car has worked out so well. And I can't wait to wave at you on the beltway!

 

What are the shift points with and without the Sports button "on"?

 

Congratulations on your new car, and on getting one without bugs, like mine.

One point--be very careful about the gas gauge. With mine, 2 lights left means I need to be at the pump. Mine is overly optimistic on fuel, and I've filled up with less than 20 miles and .6 gallons remaining, yet there were still lights showing!

 

I've gone 350 miles and the gauge still says I have another 140 to go. I think I will take your advise and fill up.

On the shift points, I've been driving like a granny 75% of the time so I haven't really paid attention to closely. Without the sport button 1st shifts very fast, almost immediately it seems, before or around 2 rpm. 2nd and 3rd follow the same pattern. I'll fool around tomorrow and see if I can pay more attention.

Yes, I see what you are talking about. I just had to go fill up, another reason to get into the Coop, and just put in 11 gallons. I still had 3 lights and 135 remaining miles left on the gauge. If I have 10.6 and 2.1 reserve that would have left me with a little over 1 1/2 gallons left. Sumptin' aint right.

 

If you take it in for this, let me know what you find out. So far I've just "lived with it."

 

I'll fiil it up again at 3 lights and stay away from service until it is a necessity.

 

I love the soft OEM BMW brakes. They have excellent initial bite. At the track, it's another story.