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Archive for October 2004

Details on the New MCS Auto Transmission

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Oct 31st, 2004 17 Comments

As first reported on MotoringFile back in May the Cooper S willl finally be getting a second transmission in the form of a traditional automatic gearbox. Here's some official news on the new automatic from MINI:

For MINI Cooper S Hatch and MINI Cooper S Convertible, a new 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Steptronic mode and Steptronic Paddles on the steering wheel will be available from 1/1/05 product onward. This Automatic Transmission includes AGS (Adaptive Transmission Control) and is supplied by Aisin. The same gearbox is used on the Audi TT and VW Beetle.

Day Five with the MCS Convertible

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Oct 31st, 2004 28 Comments

mini

Observations on driving a 2005 MCS convertible:

  • The new '05 door armrest is a fantastic addition and the pockets in the doors retain all the previous usability and possibly a bit more.
  • The LED lights in the door handles are totally trick and totally useful.
  • The lights below the doors are probably unnecessary but, in real world use, very welcome.
  • The new, larger interior mirror is really a nice addition. However everytime you raise or lower the top you still must re-adjust the mirror.

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MINI Magnetic Badges

AutoExpress: MINI Two Seat Speedster Coming

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Oct 30th, 2004 16 Comments

mini

AutoExpress has details on a possible new iteration of the MINI, a 2 seat speedster. The details seem very similar to the information in the recent Auto Bilde story from a week back (the photo above is from Auto Bilde). Here's an excerpt from this week's AutoExpress magazine:

Taking the MINI Convertible as its base, the Speedster will have two roof options. Alongside an electrically operated canvas roof, a removable hard-top will also be available. It will extend to the rear of the car, offering extra security and increased protection from the elements, effectively turning the MINI into a coupé.

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Day Four with the MCS Convertible

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Oct 30th, 2004 7 Comments

mini

I'm 30 seconds into my first drive in the MCSc downtown in Chicago stopped at a light. Two of Chicago's finest pull up next to me in an unmarked Crown Vic. This is the conversation that ensued:

Officer: (in the obligatory thick Chicago accent) Hey, how do you like that thing?
A: It's great so far.

Officer:Is it new? I've seen the regular ones but not the drop top.
A: Yeah, they just came out a few weeks ago. What do you think?

Officer: (He gives it a quick once over) Looks like it's a blast to drive. What's it called?
A: MINI Cooper S convertible – it's made by BMW (since I knew that would be the next question)

Officer: (second officer says something inaudible) My partner calls it a babe magnet! Have fun! (light changes)

Out Motoring

Day Three with the MCS Convertible

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Oct 29th, 2004 11 Comments

mini

Yes, the convertible MINI is not as rigid as the hardtop. Yes, the integrity of the chassis is compromised by cutting off the roof. No, it's not going to bother most in typical road use. However putting the MCSc through the daily rigors that are Chicago roads I've found the car will shake and shudder in ways that you never thought a MINI would. Granted this shouldn't really come unexpected… with any car that you cut the roof off of you'll get body flex where there once was none. However it's important to fully understand that this will rear it's head in daily driving. Especially if you live where the roads aren't glass smooth.

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NY Times: Yellow is the new Red

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Oct 28th, 2004 18 Comments

The New York Times has a piece on how Yellow is quickly becoming the new stand-out color to have, in many cases replacing red in it's traditional role. In the article they of course feature a Liquid Yellow MCS. Here's an excerpt:

Laurie Reiter, 49, an ultrasound technician from Youngstown, N.Y., is from the school of car buyers who thrive on attention. She considered red when she was buying a 2003 Mini Cooper, but decided it was too common. As she browsed the showroom, “Liquid Yellow” jumped out as the perfect fit.

“People just buy cars for transportation,” she said. “But there are still a few of us who really love our cars.”

You can read the entire article here (free registration required).

Okay all you Liquid Yellow owners… here's your chance to represent!

Minspeed.net

LA Times on the MCS Convertible

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Oct 28th, 2004 8 Comments

Seriously what is it with all these MCS Convertible reviews these days :) Next up, the La Times/Chicago Tribune. Here's an excerpt:

The heavier car is, structurally, not as solid – this is almost always the case with drop-top versions. All these factors taken together, and spread over a 97-inch wheelbase, give the Mini convertible a harsh, rather shaky ride.

…The car is full of interesting sounds. The exhaust system is designed to snarl and burble on overrun (when the engine slows down from high rpm). It sounds more like breakfast cereal.

On the road the car retains its go-kart eagerness and quick reflexes, though it wants to skitter sideways a bit more in cornering. Hardtop or soft box, the Mini remains silly fun to toss around.

You can read the entire review here.

More Official DPSM Information from MINI

MotoringFile Sections: DIY, New Product Oct 28th, 2004 15 Comments

For those of you interested in the new Digital POWER SoundModule from MINI here's another official PDF explaining the accessory as well as providing further installation and techical information. There's a few bits of info that may be of some interest right off the bat. For instance it would seem that the DPSM is not available for those with the HK system. Further it looks as if the DPSM will only work with cars produced after 10/03.

You can download the entire PDF here.

Update: We now also have the official MINI install instructions for those interested in not only how it works but how it goes in. You can download the PDF here.

M7 Tuning

Day Two with the MCS Convertible

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Oct 28th, 2004 14 Comments

I started the day out in “sunroof” mode but that soon changed to full drop-top mode once I realized it was a balmy 58F. The morning drive down Chicago's famed Lake Shore Drive was just incredible. The sun was burning off last night's fog and it created a bright hazy feel that was just surreal. And the MCS Convertible was definitely a standout cruising along in the far left lane. We had three in the car, top down and windows up and were easily able to carry on a conversation at speeds around 50 mph.

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MINIUSA Introduces the 2005 MCS JCW kit

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Oct 27th, 2004 22 Comments

05

Today MINIUSA is officially introducing the 2005 207hp JCW kit for the Cooper S. Dealers should be receiving the kits in the coming days and we hope to have some first impressions soon. Here's the official press release:

MINI USA announces the availability of its new higher-output John Cooper Works kit for 2005. Produced by the legendary aftermarket company John Cooper Works, the new kit for the MINI Cooper S offers increased horsepower and torque over that of the previous generation. Horsepower is now increased to 207 hp at 6,950 rpm from 200 hp at the same rpm. Torque is also boosted, now registering 180 pounds-feet at 4,500 rpm, up from 177 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm.

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2005 MINI Owners Manual PDF Released

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature Oct 27th, 2004 13 Comments

After an extra long wait the 2005 MINI owners manual (US version) is finally available at the Owners Lounge as a downloadable PDF. You can also download it in our “files” section at the bottom right of this page.

Day One with the MCS Convertible

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Oct 26th, 2004 30 Comments

mini

MINIUSA has loaned us a Cool Blue Cooper S convertible for evaluation purposes and we'll passing along our thoughts on the car daily. At the end of our week these reviews will culminate in a full recap of the car and our experiences with it. Beyond putting the MCSc through it's paces on Chicago roads and traffic we'll also be taking an extended trip through some of the finer portions of Wisconsin later this week. Hopefully we can give you not only our opinions on the performance of the car but also an accurate assessment of day to day life with it. And if you have any questions about the car during the week please use the contact link above and let us know!

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The MINI Grabs Another Top 10

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Oct 26th, 2004 10 Comments

The MINI Convertible has been named one of the top ten hippest vehicles for 2005 by the New York Times. Here's an excerpt of the article:

What's cuter than a Mini? A Mini with the top down. When it was reborn a couple of years ago, response to the Mini Cooper hatchback was, well, thunderous. Expect more of the same when this new drop-top version hits showroom floors later this year.

You can read the entire article here.

MINI Pumps up the Volume

MotoringFile Sections: New Product, Official News, R50 (Coupe), R52 (Conv.), R53 (Coupe) Oct 25th, 2004 47 Comments

Updated: We've obtained a bit more information about the DPSM via an internal MINI document you can download here.

MINI UK Press:

The Digital Power Sound Module (DPSM) is the latest and loudest addition to MINI's range of in-car entertainment accessories.

Approximately three times more powerful than the average home stereo, the DPSM has a full range digital amplifier that kicks out an awesome 660 watts of power.

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MINI Voluntary Emissions Recall

MotoringFile Sections: Recalls/Campaigns Oct 25th, 2004 27 Comments

MINIUSA has issued a recall campaign to update tank leakage diagnostic software. Here's an excerpt of the letter some 02-04 MINI owners are currently receiving:

MINIUSA has determined that certain 2002, 2003 and 2004 model year MINI automobiles may not fully meet the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board emission control requirements. In order to remedy this situation, MINI USA is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign. We are asking you as the owners of an affected vehicle to contact your Authorized MINI dealer at your earliest convenience to have the repair carried out.

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Auto Reviews:
'09 Cooper S Convertible
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'09 JCW Clubman
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'08 Clubman S (Auto)
1st Drive: '08 MINI Clubman
Comparison: '08 BMW 135i
'06 R53 MCS vs '07 R56 MCS
'07 R56 JCW (Stage 1)
'07 MINI Cooper S Long Term
'07 BMW Z4 M Coupe
'07 MINI Cooper & Cooper S
Audio: '07 MC/MCS at the Track
'06 JCW GP Long term
Reader Review: JCW GP
'06 JCW Cooper S Long Term
Comparison: '06 Lotus Elise
Comparison: '06 Mazda MX5
Comparison: '06 UK Focus ST
Comparison: '06 Civic Si
Comparison: '04 TVR T350
Comparison: '06 Nissan 350z
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Podcast: Cooper S Auto
Podcast: BMW 325i
Podcast: JCW MC Soundkit
'04 JCW MINI Cooper Tuning Kit
'05 MCS: One Month Review
'05 MCS Auto
'05 JCW S 1st Drive
'05 MINI Cooper
'05 MCS Conv. Long Term
'05 MINI Cooper S
'05 MCS Cabrio 1st Drive
'04 JCW MCS First Drive
'04 MC w/JCW Tuning Kit
BMW M3 SMG Vs. MCS
'04 MINI Cooper CVT
'02 MCS 3 year Review
Autocrossing the MINI Range

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Performance Accessories:
R56 JCW Engine Kit
R56 JCW Suspension (Long-Term)
R56 JCW Suspension (Track)
R56 JCW Suspension (Street)
R53 Craven Speed Short Shifter
R53 M7 Understrut System
Kumho Ecsta SPT Tires
R53 M7 Strut Tower Plates
R53 JCW Alcantara Wheel
R53 JCW Brake Kit
R53 Webb 15% Pulley
R53 Helix MCSa 15% Pulley
R53 H-Sport 19mm Sway Bar
R53 MCS Supersprint Exhaust
Podcast: R53 MCS SS Exhaust
R53 JCW Cold Air Intake
Reader Rev.: R53 JCW Brakes
R50 Supersprint Exhaust
R50 Remus Exhaust
R50 Promini Intake
R50 Remus Dual Exhaust
Schroth Harness System
R50 CVT Steering Wheel Paddles

Exterior Accessories:
Miniature's Receiver Hitch
OEM White Tail Lights

Lifestyle Accessories:
MINI_Motion Watch
MINI_Motion Driving Shoe

Audio:
MINI Digital SoundModul
ICE-Link Plus iPod Adapter
Official BMW/iPod adapter
ICE-Link iPod Adapter
Kenwood iPod Interface
Alpine iPod Interface
Harman Kardon Stereo

Interior Accessories:
JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Leather Dash
MCAW Auto Up Circuit
MINI Rear Camera
MINI Rear Saddle (official)
MINI Rear Cargo Storage Case
Official MINI Rear Saddle Bag
2004 MINI Armrest Reviewed
Mymini Knee Pad
MINI Bluetooth Kit
MINI Video Input
Aftermarket Bluetooth Integration
Ian Cull Auto-up Circuit
Universal Mobile Phone Holder

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MINI Model Number Cheat Sheet:

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Coupe
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Coupe
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe
R57: One/MC/MCS Convt.
R60: MINI SUV