Sections: Uncategorized Sep 4th, 2003 11 Comments As was alluded to a couple months ago on this site MINIUSA is set to give out thousands of MINI-FINI cup-link systems to new MINI owners over the next year. This seems to be an obvious attempt to contend with the number one consumer complaint in last years JD Power survey.
Interestingly I'm also told that MINI is thinking about mailing a batch out to all those who have recently purchased their cars as well. I wasn't able to get a build date range but am told recent deliveries will be the ones to get them if it happens.
For more information on the MINI-FINI Cup-Link system check out my review here.
Scott Sep 4th, 2003 Link
“MINIUSA is set to give out thousands of MINI-FINI cup-link systems to owners” Give? Do you think this will be a gift or a part that can be ordered at a cost to the owner?
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Gabriel Bridger Sep 4th, 2003 Link
It's a gift to new owners and a currently available part for those of us that have had our cars for awhile.
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Reid Baty Sep 4th, 2003 Link
My 2004 MINI Cooper S just completed production today (I'm telling everyone) I wonder if I'll be included, being one of the first off the line. It seems that changes take place in stages and a '2004' model may actually be a December 2004.
Just have to wait (about a month) and see.
Reid.
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Reid Baty Sep 4th, 2003 Link
oops – I ment a '2004' model may actually be a December 2003 production date.
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ANTSMINI Sep 4th, 2003 Link
Who cares that cup holder is ugly as sin anyway. Looks like a total afterthought, which it is. Also as far as Im aware production has already started on 2004s. There are no 2003s being produced anymore.
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Gabriel Bridger Sep 4th, 2003 Link
Yes it's totally an after thought – it's aftermarket. But considering the constraints that the designers and engineers had to work under I think it's a fabulous piece. It's not perfect and it's not subtle but it's by far the best thing on the market and it works well.
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Frank Sep 4th, 2003 Link
I had an opportunity to meet with one of the MINI FINI executives right here in Miami. I was given a live demo of the center armrest (Very nice piece) as well as the Cup-Link system. In fact I was given a brand new Cup-Link for me to try.
It is fantastic and extremely functional, specially in road trips. One thing I didn't like about the way the Cup-Link installs is that if you are not 100% careful you can easily scratch the already ridicuosly soft silver paint from the dashboard down tubes. However once it is installed, absolutely ZERO problems. As Reid stated, my '04 MCS also finished production this morning (Status 155) so I should be getting yet another free Cup-Link system for the new car.
Very nice piece, but the mounting bracket that makes contact with the downtube needs some kind of protection to prevent accidental scratching during installation.
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Markus Sep 4th, 2003 Link
I continue to be baffled by the importance placed on cupholders over other issues. Cup holders, hhhmmm, nice, but no big deal! Let's talk windshields, stumble, surge, AC howl, power steering failures.
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Frank Sep 4th, 2003 Link
I agree. However I think MINI is addressing the everyday deficiences of the MINI's interior in a timely manner and I think their association with MINI FINI will yield excellent results. I read over at MINI2.com that MINI has already implemented reinforcements in the A-pillars of newly built cars to resolve the problem witht he cracking windshields. The stumble problem should be next in the pipeline.
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Gabriel Bridger Sep 4th, 2003 Link
The A-pillar fix was posted here this past weekend as well: Windshield Cracking Issue Resolved?
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Gabriel Bridger Sep 4th, 2003 Link
BTW supposedly this will be taking place between now and February build dates. What happens after that? Well it jives with some other interesting info I recieved on the topic so lets just say something a little more permanent :)
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