I had my doubts about the turn signal at first. However, I have come to love it. For lane changes, we're talking using [the tip of] one finger to hold it there for some blinks, and then you push it all the way if it needs to be on for a lengthy period of time. The time when it's tricky is when I push it all the way and don't make a tight enough turn to turn it off. You get used to it.

I will agree on the key thing. It's an awkward shape in your pocket and I can't find the buttons.

 

Leave the flying saucer in your pocket. Push the Start/Stop button. No fumbling with keys while the monster approaches.

 

I actually, never leave the turn signal on on any of my cars. I usually to some kind pattern like a morse code. some cars are dumb and can't do that. No matter how frequently I flick it to the resistant point the thing blinks with steady interval.
It depends on how severely handicapped your son is.

 

sorry for the insult!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think it's just a matter of getting used to it.

but I can appreciate your frustration

 

I hate the turn signal, too, Dan! At 3200+ miles I'm used to it, but I don't have to like it--the detent for steady flashing is too subtle. Why couldn't it have been a little more "obvious"? I hear the new BMWs are like that, too. A pity--BMW's signal used to have such a nice feel to it.

 

Agreed on both points from Dan.
I was surprised that the turn signal only blinked once because I was
expecting it to do that 3 times like those late BMWs..

I had to ask the salesperson how should I insert the key before hitting
that button. And why the button anyways, doesnt a one motion
insert-and-twist MUCH simpler???? I see the button as a way Mini
makes buyer paying that $500 extra for the "Keyless Go" option.

Doesn't the good old mechanical turn signal do the same?

 

I like the fob because it keeps those scratchy keys away from the car's finish. (Both exterior AND interior) I've been driving our '05 (which is still scratch/nick free--only 10K miles and garaged) and find that I'm forever more struggling to keep my keys away from the finishes.

I agree, I had trouble with the turn signals during the test drive. REALLY looking forward to seeing if I get used to them when I have my car. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

 

I've gotten used to my turn signals... they're programmed for the 3-blink lane change setting, which seems OK by me - no issues with the momentary touch to flash them. When pressed to the second detent to keep them flashing they're easy to cancel - just press the lever again in the SAME direction; no need to figure out left-right-left-right-which-way-do-I-go.

 

"how annoying these details are in comparison to almost every other car on the market." This is the point, to a point. The MINI isn't supposed to be like every other car on the market. Sometimes something different just takes time to get used to. Sometimes it remains a pain in the ***. Ultimately, the question remains: Do you love the car?

 

When I test drove the Mini, I thought there was something wrong the very first time I pressed the stalk a bit and it did not flash until I let it up.

I think it is a neat idea. Different for sure, but now I can bump the stalk for a lane change instead of holding it down to get the momentary flashes needed. Less time my hands are not wrapped around the steering wheel.

Disclaimer: I am an old fart and I do sometimes forget. The stalk may not work like that at all, and the memory I have of it is coming from some obscure reality no one else is privvy to. Keep that in mind when evaluating my text. Thank you for the consideration.

 

Well, if this isn't the ugliest post I've read in a while. I know there aren't any forum rules explicitly prohibiting giving backhanded compliments to your own handicapped children, but you, sir, make me want to vomit. If this were my forum, you'd be banned immediately for crap like that.

And shame on the moderators for repeating the post instead of deleting it. What the hell is wrong with this place?! Such hypocrisy.

 

I could not agree with you more. The turn signal system is one of the few things I DON'T like about the R56. I have about 2000 miles on my car and I still fumble with the signal stalk. The detent is way too subtle! When I want to get a few flashes for a lane change I get steady blinking and when I want steady blinking I get 3 blinks

So far I think there are two things that Mini needs to change on the R56 as soon as possible.

1. The turn signal system

2. Harder windshield glass

If Mini would address these two problems I would have no major issues with the R56

 

My 03 Benzs had that 3 blink feature. I turned it off. I don't think it's too much effort to hold the stalk for a lane change.

 

I so agree! It was my short time at Mini2 and being exposed to a couple of idiot Mini zealots over there that convinced me NOT to buy a Mini because I didn't wish to associate with such ignorant people in my city. I guess you have your share of similar people here. A Mini owner comes on here to say he has a negative opinion about some feature on the car and reams of people come on to tell him to "Get over it"? It's great to be an "enthusiast" but the zealots should crawl back into the dark, damp places from where they came. I pray not all Mini owners are like this.

BTW, how quickly some of you forget your driver's exam. "Signalling" is a procedure to indicate INTENT. It must be done for a lane change xxx feet (or even better, 2 second rule applies here) before the actual event and should NOT be done while proceeding through an intersection. What's the point of signalling WHILE you are lane changing. Do you really need to tell others by a signal light what you're already in the middle of doing in reality? Sure explain a negative feature of a car by changing the rules of the road. What would you all think if Mini designed in curb feelers? Of course, they'd be BEAUTIFUL, right?

 

I have my signals set to blink 3 times on a light activation. What I find frustrating is how easily a light activation turns into a full activation.

When on city streets this ususally means I am turning a corner and the car auto cancels the signals after the turn. On the freeway, however, after the lane change I need to cancel the signals, which I find more diificult than the benefit of having the fancy signals in the first place.

Solutions? 1) Increase the "pull" on the signal stalk such that I don't mis-trigger the full activation; 2) Get a lighter touch on the stalk, ( maybe I am too easily excited when driving; or 3) I need to figure out how to cancel the signals after activation.

About #3? Am I missing the boat, or does it seem complicated to cancel the signals. It's not that I am too lazy to do it and my car winks it's way down the highway, but each time it seems like trial and error.

Paul

 

As far as signaling while lane changing-- it is an additional visual aid if you are within someone's blind spot and they also have the idea to change lanes to where you are. It's especially useful since the MINIs have side repeaters and...well, MINIs are small.

I don't think some of us have forgotten the point of signaling; it's merely that where the me-first mentality of driving prevails, it's detrimental to signal intent too early. (At least in Wisconsin, there are no rules governing how early one has to signal a lane change, only that you must do it before the change. The only rule for signaling turns is 100ft before the turn. I use a three-blink-before-action rule of thumb to figure that out.)

 

I don't really find the new turn signal bad, just a little confusing. They should have made two icons for left and right turns, instead of sharing one. Sometimes I forget which side I pressed :P

 

This was my response when reading your post dwdyer. I've done that a few times and each time I get a little frustrated and feel real stupid (in a comical sort of way). But now that I'm getting used to the turn signal stalk I kind of like it. It's different .. But it's cool.

I was driving with a friend the other day and couldn't even figure out how to change from AM to FM on the radio. I just frustratingly turned it off. Later I studied the manual (I'm not going to get embarrased like that again). Downshifting is another thing I'm having to get used to on this 6 speed stick. I was passing on a two lane road the other day and went to downshift from 6th to 4th. Well .. it went from 6th to 2nd (I quickly corrected - luckily it was in a 50 mph zone - didn't overrev). Now, after practicing these downshifts in safe environments I think I finally have it down cold.

The point being .. This car is very different from what I'm used to .. But .. I'm getting into the new routine and these things are slowly but surely becoming second nature. Patience has never been one of my strong points but this car is helping me to overcome that.

That said .. What frustrates me most about those who review new model cars for the press is that they very often critique these kinds of things in a negative sort of way. But .. These kinds of things become ingrained in habit once we get used to them, ultimately they become second nature. The best reviewers usually, as they get some years under their belts, learn to discern the difference between that which is unique and new but get-use-to-able, and, that what is unique and new that will always be a Pain in the ...

Following along these lines .. Isn't it nice when you buy one of the new technological marvels and you find you can intuitevely figure everything out without having to read the manual. Truly viable critique for this Year's MINI Cooper is .. The MINI Cooper doesn't fall in that category.

 

Ken Cooper, nice comments~ I totally agree with you! Except I came from an R53, so it was easy to adjust for me (other than the signal thing ,radio control, and wiper control).
I gotta add one thing tho, the new shifter is plenty smooth, seems like it just slides into gear!

 

Just remember 2 wrongs don't make a right but 3 rights make a left

 

And 3 rights make a left.

 

My preferred answer to "2 wrongs don't make a right" is the opposite... "Yeah - but 3 lefts do!"

 

Since I don't have my car yet, I agree that at least on my 3 test drives, I found the signaling confusing as well. But what bugged me the most about the signals was the sound. That was one of the first things I asked if you could customize - turn off or change the signal noise.

 

LOL Edge! I am left handed. What can I say? Of course, that makes no sense, but I had to say something. Leve it to me to be just a little off the wall. Yes,..that is what happened to me pea brain. Bounced too many times.

I remember now. My Mother bounced down a flight of stairs when she was 7 months carrying me. Yeah,..that sounds good. I'll roll with it.

 

At least you have seperate arrows to indicate which side your blinker is blinking on. I've heard so many people with a R53 complain about the double arrow, "How do I know which blinker is going?" sheesh...