Anyone here own a MINI?

[rocketwagon]

I'm going to be test-driving MINIs this weekend, new and CPO, so I thought I'd check in for the lowdown on issues, things to watch for on the CPO cars, overall driver experience, etc.

Thanks in advance.

[Yomama69]

Guy who works in my office had fuel pump issues with his.

[gregmm6]

Check this out.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=117

Endless information.

[NCMINIGUY]

I've had 4 including the one I have now.

I can tell you everything you need to know.

PM me.

[sjpgoalie]

My buddy had one until we convinced him to trade it in for an E46. He rips on his cars, it's just the way he is. That mini could not take it though. One manual trans and a chipped flywheel later lol

[stowe9man]

My old boss has one of the very first MCS ones ('02 I think). It's a fun little car that is a bit like driving a go cart. Ultimately, though, its a really small car that isn't much faster than my lowly e36. Gets good mileage, though.

[NCMINIGUY]

My buddy had one until we convinced him to trade it in for an E46. He rips on his cars, it's just the way he is. That mini could not take it though. One manual trans and a chipped flywheel later lol

I autocross. My MINIs have never had any issues related to that.

I absolutely hated my E46. Numb, heavy, and boring. and slower around an autocross course, too.

[Eryan36]

The PS cooling fan can lock up and cause some shit.

[NCMINIGUY]

The PS cooling fan can lock up and cause some shit.

only on 02's and 03's. was fixed in '04.

[Fart]

They are like a scooter.. Cute in the city but useless anywhere else.

[NCMINIGUY]

They are like a scooter.. Cute in the city but useless anywhere else.

You've obviously never owned one.

[whamac]

I bought an '05 Cooper S with 45K miles on it, two years ago; I put 15K miles on it, and never had an issue with it.
My son totaled it last Spring, and I replaced it with a new '09 JCW Coupe. That car now has over 17K miles on it, with absolutely no issues at all.

These things are great to drive in the city, AND on the highway. I drove my JCW from Illinois to Denver four times last summer; it's quite comfortable, even after fourteen hours in the seat.

[E32BlkDemon]

I just recently picked up a 2010 cooper and it drives and handles better than i had expected. I picked it up brand new with 30 miles on, and i've put around 8000 miles on it. The gas mileage is great; i average about 34/gallon. Also, for the power-to-weight ratio this car has, it's a like driving a go kart. Obviously, power isn't that great, but overall, I am very satisfied with the get up and go that this car has.

[ColoradoE46325i]

I have a 2009 Cooper S and I love it. I have had 2 E46's and an E36 over the past 5 years and not one of my previous cars compare to the fun I have in my Cooper S.

It's not only good for driving in the city, but also for long drives and also through twisties and mountain roads and cruising down the beach.

My car has 16,000 miles on it now (I bought it with 40 miles on it) and I havent had any issues besides a problem with one of the damn run flats unsealing from the wheel and giving me a flat. The only think I have noted as a little irksome with the car, is that over time things have begun to rattle, which can get agitating if you dont have the radio on.

Like many others have said before me, it drives like a go kart.... the handling in this car is far superior to the handling of either of my E46's or my E36.

The Cooper quickly cemented its place in my heart as the best car i've ever had.

[beken]

I have a 2005 Cooper S. After driving it for 5 years, I still have not tired of driving the thing. It is my main commuter car, and I have also taken it for long road trips. I enjoy driving it more than my 5-series. It is big enough that I can pack everything I need for me and my family on a 1 week camping trip, including tent and rubber dingy.

I suspect dealer support is important as my dealer checks for any issues that seem to be a trend with MINIs and have not found anything. They've notified me of any service bulletins and taken care of anything just in case it become an issue. After the warranty expired, I've only been in for oil changes. So routine maintenance is important.

My car has been pretty reliable so I can't really comment on why there are people who say MINIs are constantly breaking down. Probably MINIs are not as reliable as a Honda Civic, but I certainly enjoy my car more.

[thebillsman]

They are like a scooter.. Cute in the city but useless anywhere else.

I don't mean this as an insult so don't take it as one, but you are ignorant.

As for the OriginalPoster

The MINI is the most fun I've had in a car in a long time. It transfers it's weight so well and is literally glued to the road. Sitting shotgun is a real experience but you can't even judge a MINI's performance until your entering into an apex. For me, there is no car as nimble and responsive. Driving on the highway is easy cruising and driving through the city is like having cheat codes for real life.

I highly recommend getting one, the MINI community is very welcoming and everyone is a genuinely kind person, with no in-house hostility like some other enthusiast groups. Performance parts aren't too expensive and there's an ample amount of tuning companies. In the end it's up to you man but I truly value my experience in the MINI community. Join up on Motoring|Underground, plenty of people willing to persuade you!

- Bills

[shunn]

be prepared for it to fall apart!

[thebillsman]

be prepared for it to fall apart!

I've got three of them in my drive way and they're all in one piece.

:confused gtfo

[unearth078]

I've got three of them in my drive way and they're all in one piece.

:confused gtfo

i like your style, im looking into getting one and am in bucks.
ive found them a blast to drive, but have heard a few negatives.
ill stay posted on this thread.

[BLeyland]

My car has been pretty reliable so I can't really comment on why there are people who say MINIs are constantly breaking down. Probably MINIs are not as reliable as a Honda Civic, but I certainly enjoy my car more.

yes, yes, YES!

[RRSperry]

You need to be realistic. You aren't going to be able to tote your friends around. It's really a 2 seat car. The only way somebody could get in the back of my '10MCS would be if they were a disabled war vet with no legs... (named Bob...) Or they sit sideways.

Driving like a complete idiot, I'm getting 31 MPG. As it sits stock, it's nowhere near the car my supercharged E36 M3 is, but I've been working on it for almost 15 years.

Back to the Mini... I'll never buy another set of runflat tires ever again... Absolutely useless tires.

The new HK sound system is worlds better than the old HiFi.

Bluetooth and Ipod are nice to have.

Sunroof is a total waste. If it wouldn't have killed the resale value, I never would have ordered it. The car is flat out going to cook in the summer

The steering wheel is a great shape and thickness, and the multifunction controls work well, but would it have killed them to make it slightly softer? The thing is hard as a brick, with no tactile feedback.

Amazing how much space is in the car, and the amount of stuff you can put in there.

Anyway, I've had mine for 3 months, and It's a keeper. (along with the M3)

[severecaraddict]

You need to be realistic. You aren't going to be able to tote your friends around. It's really a 2 seat car. The only way somebody could get in the back of my '10MCS would be if they were a disabled war vet with no legs... (named Bob...) Or they sit sideways.



Back to the Mini... I'll never buy another set of runflat tires ever again... Absolutely useless tires.



Amazing how much space is in the car, and the amount of stuff you can put in there.

TRUTH!

I sold my 2006 John Cooper tuned MINI earlier this year and replaced it with a more expensive/stylish 2006 330ci and I kick myself in the arse everyday. As soon as I can unload my E46, I'm going to try to find a 2009 JCW.

Ditch the runflats, they are AWFUL. If you can find a JCW, hold out for one of those. They're MUCH faster and more rare than a stock/base MINI. With that said, there are plenty of upgrades available to do to a regular Cooper S to get even more HP/Torque than a JCW.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee22/tooaddicted2quit/JCW%20Mini/Mini015.jpg?t=1267391999
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee22/tooaddicted2quit/JCW%20Mini/Mini013.jpg?t=1267391997
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/severecaraddict/330Ci/fc50a6b6.jpg?t=1267391906

[bobzdar]

My wife's '07 S has been a good car aside from timing chain tensioner issues - one was replaced when it was <1 a year old at 18k miles as it was making a faint vibration at around 2500 rpms and is back in for a replacement tensioner/guides/chain now at 70k miles. Apparently they've figured out the issue and the new tensioner should fix it permanently, but it's something to look out for. Start it when cold and if it makes a loud rattle right at start up that goes away after a few seconds, it's the tensioner on it's way out (this is '07-'09 and early '10 S or JCW models only, I believe). Both were/are being replaced under warranty.

The factory Dunlop SP sport runflats were shot after 30k miles, we got replacement Continental runflats which are less noisy and a little smoother, but they're due for replacement at 40k miles. Will probably go with non-runflats after this, though the originals picked up a nail and did what they were supposed to - a $30 patch later and good as new and no down time on the car. I was a bit worried about squeeks and rattles in the car as it developed a couple of little ones almost right off the lot but none of them have gotten worse and no new ones have cropped up. Suspension is still nice and tight and trans shifts well, so as long as this timing chain issue doesn't crop up again I'd highly recommend one.

FYI, averaging 35mpg since new.

One other thing, Mini will rape you on service. 48k mile service (everything is covered until 36k) was $500, which consisted of an oil change, spark plugs, air filter and cabin filter. I politely declined and did it all myself for $120 in less than half an hour. While it's in now, they want ~$900 for brakes, $105 for an oil change, $120 for brake fluid flush and $115 for cabin filter and air filter. Pads run around $45 and sensors $15, oil change is $45 with mobil 1 and filter, brake fluid flush on a less than 3 year old car is a waste...I already replaced the other filters but as it's not in their computer they want to do it again. There is a fairly easy procedure for resetting the service indicators when they come up, and considering how unbelievably easy it is to do basic service on this car I'd never take it to the dealer if not covered.

[beken]

While it's in now, they want ~$900 for brakes, $105 for an oil change, $120 for brake fluid flush and $115 for cabin filter and air filter. Pads run around $45 and sensors $15, oil change is $45 with mobil 1 and filter, brake fluid flush on a less than 3 year old car is a waste...I already replaced the other filters but as it's not in their computer they want to do it again. There is a fairly easy procedure for resetting the service indicators when they come up, and considering how unbelievably easy it is to do basic service on this car I'd never take it to the dealer if not covered.

Wow! :eyecrazy I think it costs a bit less in Canada. I suspect the labor rates are lower. The cost of parts appear to be less expensive in the US. My Canadian MINI dealer allows me to bring my own parts in or buy in bulk (there is substantial savings in buying oil filters by the case). Instead of a JCW belt for my supercharger, my dealer allows me to bring in a NAPA belt at les than 1/2 the cost. The same with spark plugs.

You can, of course, do some of the work yourself if you have the correct tools and know how. Joining a local MINI club might also net you some discounts on parts and instruction from fellow members.

BTW: Severecaraddict, your car(s) look lovely.

[thebillsman]

Yeah, my quotes were no near that much.. its all pretty simple and DIY

[bobzdar]

Also, don't fall for the special spark plug socket - it runs around $40 where you can just use a 12 point 14mm deep well socket ($4 at a local hardware store if you don't already have one) and use the rubber donut from another spark plug tool to pull the old plug out.

[Jims5543]

I went to the local MINI dealership back in 2003 to see what the hubub was about. I Test drove a 03 Cooper S. I went back inside, sat down, and put a deposit on a custom ordered JCW.

I did not get the sunroof, it was stupid, too big, and there is no way to block it out if you have it. It is also heavy and putting weight on the roof line is not my thing.

My 03 weighed 2650 lbs and had 205 HP (I did the '05 JCW Upgrade in 05) The best mod I did to that car was ditch the rims and runflats and put on a set of lightweight rims with aggressive tires.

I went to a Mini only track day and for some reason some dude in a C5 Vette was on track. (I left my track weapon home top keep in the spirit of the vent) I am sure he thought he was going to be passing these little cars all day long.

Quite frankly he was pissing me off because he refused to give me a point by, yes, I was all over his ass in two of the sessions, in 1 session I was almost a lap behind him and after 7 laps I was caught up to him, pushing him around the track.

The ONLY place he had an advantage was accelerating. He would pull me, but mid corner I had to lift to keep from hitting him and in the braking zone, after he pulled away from me on the straight, I would reel him back in.

That was on the track, on the street, I could drive like a maniac and people would just point and say, look at the cute car!!

I got 32MPG on the highway, and 25 in the city driving like a fool.


I had the car for almost 3 years, put 27K miles on it and never had a single problem, I beat the snot out of it, I Autocrossed it, I tracked it and I drove it like I stole it every time I got in it.

Fantastic car! If someone told me that I would have so much fun in a FWD car I would have scoffed at them.

I can go on and on about the driving dynamics of the car. Its a great fun car, that rewards you when you drive it hard and well.

Edit, gratuitous picture of my little bitch. Man, I miss that car.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/Jims5543/mewminisig.jpg

[JustaJustin]

I have an 02 MC 5speed and love it. It eats corners like appetizers! I have runflats on factory "16wheels and it still handles like a go-kart. I can take 90degree turns at ~40 and still not lose traction.

I too did an all MINI track day with Phil Wicks and even though mine is a non-s, It was keeping right up with the cooper Ss and mine was stock at the time.
Now it has a DDM intake w/heatshield and TSW engine torque damper kit and it feels much faster. Do no underestimate the MINI. You won't beleive how much fun they are to drive. Seriously. It puts a smile on my face everytime I'm about to get in for a drive and I can't help but smile the entire time I'm driving.

As someone mentioned earlier, driving a MINI through the city is like having cheat-codes in real life. There has been quite a few times when I've managed to squeeze in somewhere that most cars could not have due to its compact size and nimbleness.
You won't regret getting one. Easy and cheap to service as a DIY. Only things you need to watch out for is the PowerSteering fan and the cooling fan speed1 sometimes can get jammed but only about an $100 fix if you DIY.

[Peanut1234]

I've got an 02 with about 44k, and I haven't had a problem with it at all. The only thing is that the glovebox latch is pretty weak so if I hit a hard bump or something it'll come down, but that's my only problem!

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa157/Peanut1234_bucket/IMG_1430.jpg

[thebillsman]

haa that happens to my 02 too, DC roads ugh..

[bobzdar]

Just wanted to add a quick update if you're looking at an '07 up MCS, after getting the car back from the dealer after the timing chain/tensioner/guides etc. fix, it was having misfire problems when cold and sometimes it just wouldn't have boost. Turns out the high pressure fuel pump also went bad (at the same time, coincidence?, I doubt it), but they covered it under warranty even though the car has over 70k as I'm guessing it was somehow related to the work they did on the car. Now it's running perfectly, but 2 things to look out for on these cars as I've read about a bunch of people having similar problems. The tensioner fix kit and install is $1500 and the high pressure fuel pump and install is $1300 if not covered...

[MIGHTYMINI]

I just picked up an '04 MCS with the dinan S2 package. It is SO much fun to drive, probably my favorite car that ive owned so far. Which include an E36 M3, E46 M3 and a 2JZ-GTE swapped 407whp lexus sc300. It puts more of a smile on my face than any of these cars!

[RRSperry]

Then you M3's must have been really awful.

The Mini is fun, but not near as fun as the M3....

[noodlesandsam]

I have a 2005 S Automatic. The rest of the stable includes: 2000 750IL, 2001 Yukon XL, 1978 Volvo 264GL ( Corporate Owned / Modified car that appeared in Car and Driver ), 1941 Studebaker.

[MIGHTYMINI]

Then you M3's must have been really awful.

The Mini is fun, but not near as fun as the M3....

My E36 was on par with my mini on the funometer, but my E46 just felt heavy and kinda sluggish in comparison to my E36 or the mini. Just my opinion though.

[cooper1]

I've had 4 including the one I have now.

I can tell you everything you need to know.

PM me.

Hi there, I am about to buy a 2007 Mini (Non-S), can you point me to a DIY on replacing the cabin filter? Thanks