I realize that there are not too many 2009 owners out there yet and the field of "old" cabrio owners who now have a 2009 is even smaller. So consider this a standing request.

I have a 2006 Cooper convertible. I am looking to buy the 2009 Cooper convertible (or an S if I decide to take that big a plunge. It's a plunge since I pay all cash for my cars, no payments).

So if there are any current 2009 Cooper convertible owners who used to own an R52 (maybe a 2006) who can provide commentary on the differences, both positive and negative, that would be great.

Would really help inasmuch as your personal experience would be far better than my simply driving a 2009 for an hour or two.

I've noted the write-ups on the improvements and changes, but what about overall feel and experience from drivers/owners, the little things that reviewers don't talk about.

For example, how is the view out the rear window compared to our old view?

Thanks in advance for sharing.

P.s. My "OLD" MINI attached.

 

I wonder, not being a cabrio owner (but wanting too), why not install one of the wireless back up cameras. I don't know how well they do for distance views from the rear, but would think it would be of some benefit. I have purchased, but not installed a rather cheap one for my Audi A8L. The Audi sits rather high in the rear and is difficult to see, especially when backing up in a parking lot -- I have a cracked bumper to prove it.

 

There's a MINI Cooper owner in here who has posted a detailed thread on his back up camera he installed. It's really good, with pics and all. I think he even has some YouTube videos of the camera in action.

Do a search under "back up camera" and it should show up.

 

Here is the link.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...up-camera.html

 

I recall someone saying that in Europe, the Backup Camera was an option, and it's possible to order the parts from your Mini dealership and hook it up to your existing R52. I would think that it requires the factory GPS unit as you don't have a color screen in which to display the video.

 

I have the OEM backup camera on my R52. It is great for backing up in the cabrio and awesome for tight parallel parking in San Francisco. Here's a thread on the topic: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-i-did-it.html



However there is no OEM camera for the 2nd gen MINI. NewMiniStuff sells a kit that can interface video to the 2nd gen Nav. Without Nav, there are quite a few aftermarket backup camera kits, such as in the thread linked in MichaelSF's post.

 

I have found absolutely no need for a back up camera after installing the multivex mirrors.

 

Sorry about continuing the off-topic...

I have Multivex too, and I still find the back up camera very worthwhile. It really covers a different function than the mirrors. In a parking lot, the camera is great for backing out from between two SUVs. While parallel parking into a tight spot, I can confidently back up to within an inch of the car behind.

 

I was trying to stay at least close to topic. i.e., A back up camera on either MINI cabrio is no more advantageous or necessary than any other car. The blind spots while driving is another story hence the multivex.

FWIW, I usually back into parking spots but it's never a problem when I don't.

 

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I don't know if you're still looking or not, but thought I'd reply. I did have an '05 S cabrio and just picked up my new '09 Friday. Even with similar options there are so many differences I couldn't possibly list them all.

First the rear sight is better, but still not great. I took the MA's advice and didn't order the backing assist. I regret that decision. Perhaps I was just spoiled. Downside to the popup roll bars: When the top is down I keep getting flashes of reflections making appear something is coming at me. Very disconcerting. Also I didn't realize how much the roll bars kept headlights out of my eyes. In the old one rarely did I engage the night setting on the rearview mirror, now I have to leave it on during night time driving. Honestly I think I preferred the lack of vision and backing assist to the new setup.

'The Coop' had regular headlights and I always felt they gave very poor vision. This time I ordered the Xenon lights and what a difference. These things make it look like daylight at night. Well worth the money.

The auto AC and the radio are very different. Not really better or worse, just more options and different.

I expect anyone test driving would notice the quicker pickup and the differences in shifting.

The turbo makes different noises than the supercharger, it takes some getting used too. My first thoughts were that something was wrong.

I don't see the need for the auto headlights now. If you leave the lights on they come on when you start the car and are completely off when you shut it off. I really like that feature.

I only have a couple hundred miles on the new car and will probably have more insights with a few more days of driving. If you haven't bought one and have more questions let me know.

Just thought about another thing. The steering feels looser on the '09. I don't know of another way to explain it, but I really like stiff steering. Pushing the 'sport' button really tightens it up once you reach 40 or so MPH. It feels much better to me.

Kat