How Safe is the MINI?

TC May 21st, 2008 Link

MINI accident by us (R50, not R56, though). An 18 year old rolled the car 6-8 times doing about 100mph and two passengers in the car. Both passengers walked away. The driver wasn’t wearing his seat belt and unfortunately was killed being ejected from the car. The EMT I spoke to said the car had rolled over his head when he was partially ejected. Safe? Yes. Idiot proof? Nope.

C4 May 21st, 2008 Link

That MINI likely rolled over more than once. The roof integrity is intact. There you can see how the windshield helped to prevent the roof to cave in from the front. This is one of the reasons why I am a huge advocate of windshield repair vs replacement. A badly positioned replacement windshield could be deadly in a rollover.

Glad to hear everyone made it out just fine. Hopefully, those folks have learned a lesson, the hard way, and will slow down next time.

Ashley Wilson May 21st, 2008 Link

If the winshield is fragmented and being held together only by the laminate, how much structural integrity is it really adding?

I’d chalk it up to extremely strong A/B/C pillars. Hell, Big Daddy’s R53 was supported only by the front edge of the roof and the top of nose when his car rolled on RT 28 right before MOTD this year. It didn’t even deform the roof enough to break the sunroof.

Liam May 21st, 2008 Link

There was a nasty stack at the Nürburgring involving a MINI diesel recently as well. Same deal, lots of damage to the car, but two safe and healthy occupants walked away.

C4 May 21st, 2008 Link

Ashley, hopefully this old article from 1998 may help you better understand the critical safety roled played by the windshield:

http://www.glasslinks.com/newsinfo/detsafe.htm

Nashville Jon May 21st, 2008 Link

I can vouch for the safety of the Mini. Last January, while traveling at night during a huge rain storm I hydroplaned, slid off the interstate and flipped my R53 eventually landing on my tires. I walked away without a scratch. Had I replaced my worn out run flats I wouldn’t have been in the predicament that I found myself in. The only noticeable damage was a few dents on the bonnet and the sun roof didn’t even crack! The Mini is an incredible car.

Dr Obnxs May 21st, 2008 Link

C4, there are so many issues with that womans case… But it does point out that some of the strength does come from the windshield, till it breaks, then some energy is absorbed in the breaking of the glass… Kind of like crumple zones… But really, the problems aren’t with the concept of replacement glass, but of uniformed buyers and shoddy shop practices. While it’s a sad story, I really wonder what the stats are on how many accidents have had an increase in severity due to improperly installed glass, as opposed to BALs exceding legal limits, for example….

As far as repair vs replace, tons of problems with glass can’t be repaired (just look at the problems on my MDX) and repair doesn’t address the scattering of light from surface pitting and the like that happens as the windshield ages. One has to balance the risks involved in replacement (which are definantly non-zero) vs the increased risk (especially at night) of reduced visibility due to light scatter.

Back on subject, unibody cars are getting safer and safer… That is for sure. The Mini is an excellent example of this trend.

Matt

BwanaYak May 21st, 2008 Link

Hey, C4, thanks for that info on windshield safety. I had no idea how important windshield fit is to the overall structural rigidity of the passenger compartment. No more “one hour” windshield replacements for me…

C4 May 21st, 2008 Link

Doc, it is true. There are a plethora of instances where windshields can’t be safely repaired. But on the other hand, in other forums you hear people “wanting” to replace the windshield just because it has too many pock marks, but no cracks or any other structural damage.

My approach to windshield damage is to always seek the possibility of repair in order to preserve the original factory shield and not compromise the pinchweld. If that can’t be done, then hire the most reputable glass company out there to perform the job.

The windshield is a vital component to ensure that the airbags don’t lose stability during a crash. And as you can see, the windshield plays a key role in preserving roof integrity in a roll over.

There are too many yahoos out there performing windshield replacements day in and day out. There is no regulatory body to oversee any standards pertaining these repairs. Right now there could be thousands of cars in our roads with poorly installed windshields and no one knows about them.

Same goes for the bodyshop industry. But that is a subject for another time.

japtor May 21st, 2008 Link

The right looks fine but the front left of the cabin looks destroyed in the other pics.

C4 May 21st, 2008 Link

I hadn’t seen the pics from the other side of the car. It doesn’t look too good.

Andre May 21st, 2008 Link

So I just got into an accident in my civic and I hit the guys passenger side door, and he had no airbag. Thankfully they walked away completely safe and I’m pretty sure it had something to do with my car practically dissembling itself on impact. Now the reason why I’m posting is because I want a MINI so badly but am wondering how the kid would have turned out in that situation with the MINI.

Motoring advisor May 21st, 2008 Link

“Safe? Yes. Idiot proof? Nope” <—- words to live by!

Josh Wardell May 21st, 2008 Link

That roof seems deformed much more than any R53 rollover I’ve seen. Makes you wonder where else they cut costs.

emergo May 21st, 2008 Link

When the windshield in my R50 was damaged by a large rock, I had the Mini dealership perform the replacement – even though it cost more, I wanted it done with factory parts by dealer personnel. perhaps this is added validation for doing it this way…

Sowellman May 21st, 2008 Link

I received a renewal notice this week from State Farm and it said the claim experience on the R56 had brought a reduction in the vehicle rating group for comp and collision coverage. It also increased the liability rating group for bodily injury, property damage and person injury protection coverage.

Dr Obnxs May 21st, 2008 Link

Here’s the bad news emergo… Most dealers hire out windshield replacement, and mark it up to you. Some guy in a truck comes out and does it at thier facility. The first and last time I had the dealer do it, they forgot to remove the invoice from the subcontractor. They paid just over $200 and charged just over $600… And the $200 included the windshield!

Matt

Husni Amirullah May 21st, 2008 Link

Leave up to us Malaysians to cause this much pain to an absolute beaute, Plus, the guy can’t even get the rego right, it’s 56 not 51.. Pfft..

C4 May 21st, 2008 Link

Hey Husni, are Malaysian drivers that bad? They could not possible any worse than our very own from Miami…

Osmodious May 21st, 2008 Link

Apparently, a speeding train into the driver’s side will do the job…

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/southern_counties/4655900.stm

Of course, one would ask why she was on railroad tracks, being that a train is the easiest vehicle in the universe to avoid.

Michael May 21st, 2008 Link

WOW…. As for the windshields: Does the MINI replacement glass not come prepped from the factory with the adhesive/epoxy already set to go? I know that many German engineered cars do, then it is all about aligning the glass on the tabs. Audi and BMW offer this. I am interested to see if this is the way w/ MINI. My wife is now debating if she wants a MINI now so I am learning the car all over again….

Liam May 21st, 2008 Link

Here’s a couple of links to the MINI D that crashed at the Nürburgring I mentioned earlier:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-motorsport/157131-mini-nurburgring.html http://www.flickr.com/photos/21919270@N03/

engine58 May 22nd, 2008 Link

how in the hell do you flip a mini? but i would like to have that motor.

engine58 May 22nd, 2008 Link

the mini d its terrible . minis shouldnt be wrecked.

Aquasar May 22nd, 2008 Link

This past summer I wrecked my MINI. I hit a truck in the medium when I turned left. Got hit dead center of the hood. Bent his bumper back. My car got totalled. I cut my lip and waklked away. The major damage was to the frame rails. Yes, it is very safe just fool proof.

Art

lavardera May 22nd, 2008 Link

That roof seems deformed much more than any R53 rollover I’ve seen. Makes you wonder where else they cut costs.

What?

gokartride May 22nd, 2008 Link

Aside from it’s racing heritage, Issigonis and team designed Minis with active safety in mind…the driver had better, more precise control of the car in order to avoid mishaps in the first place. MINI retains so much of this…along with an impressive array of additional safety features for modern motoring. Still….I lament that the hot-hatch attraction emboldens some to drive unsafely. Let’s remember to use this basic tenent of Mini motoring (the superb, precise handling of our cars) to be safer, more accurate, more engaged motorers….and if the worst happens still be grateful for all the thoughtful safety design that went into our cars.

C4 May 22nd, 2008 Link

That roof is pretty caved in on the driver’s side.

timc May 22nd, 2008 Link

I think you mean the passenger side. It’s right hand drive ;)

C4 May 22nd, 2008 Link

Damn, I got turned around.

Mk1 May 22nd, 2008 Link

As has been posted, the MINI is a very safe small car, well rated by most safety testing groups. That being said – just remember it is still a small car, safe, but not a super-car. Involved in accidents with larger vehicles, small cars just don’t do well, no matter what. Our MINI group, has walked away from a lot of “totaled” MINIs, some with no injuries, more with weeks or months of recover to look forward to. We have also lost three MINI drivers here in the last six-eight months, two to side-impact accidents, and one head-on, all at surface-street speeds. Everyone likes to post the “walked away from that” pics and stories, but you’ll find many more limp away with major injuries, and for some it ends right there. Not good to develop a false sense of security out there, on roads prowled by big SUVs piloted by drivers with cell-phones stuck in their ear’s. A safe car, not an invincible car. Drive pucker’d!!!

Aussom May 22nd, 2008 Link

YouTube has an interesting video of a MINI R52 multiple rollover crash test in slow motion. It makes for interesting (yet somewhat disturbing) viewing. The MINI held up very well, with the crash test dummies arms swinging out and heads dangerously close to the ground.

I noticed in the YouTube MINI coupe offset crash test videos that the dummy’s head swings slightly out the window on the recoil, so it may be a good idea to keep your driver’s window down as much as possible (the side curtain airbags didn’t deploy)?

This story makes me appreciate the MINI brand more – especially the protection provided by the coupe.

recrudesce May 23rd, 2008 Link

MK1: you have to be kidding me, right ? a nice wild assumption there ! a large car has more mass, therefore will hit things with more momentum and force.

additionally, a large majority of small hatchback cars on the UK roads are safer than their larger bretheren, purely due to the additional safety aspects being taken into consideration.

go stack a MINI into something like a Ford Mondeo – which one comes out worse do you think ? i feel much much safer in my R56 MINI Cooper, i can tell you.

i had to take quite drastic evasive maneuvers yesterday morning due to someone deciding they’d do a U turn in front of me at 50mph. the MINI took it in it’s stride – i’ve seen people in larger cars have to do the same, only to smack into other vehicles, completely lose control and spin or hit kerb stones.

Mk1 May 23rd, 2008 Link

MK1: you have to be kidding me, right ? a nice wild assumption there ! a large car has more mass, therefore will hit things with more momentum and force.

Huh! Not saying the MINI isn’t safe, and being very manuverable makes it even safer. But no wild assumptions at all. Based on the Insurance Institute and the Dept. of Transport tests and years of their actual accident statistics, which they based their findings on. That and the imutable laws of physics. 5500 pound SUV runs red light going 40 mph, hits 2500 pound MINI Cooper, who wins? Hint, it ain’t the MINI, which was CRUSHED. Actual accident (and it killed both the MINI’s occupants).

Mr. Bean May 26th, 2008 Link

The R53 wouldn’da done that.

MiniMon May 26th, 2008 Link

Does anyone have experience or know of details where a Mini was rear-ended? I absolutely love my CooperS, but because there is very little room between the boot and the back seat – it does worry me about the kids or anyone riding in the back.

C4 May 28th, 2008 Link

Minimom, no worries about the back. My 18 month old son has ridden in the back of our MINIs since he was brought home from the hospital. Now we have a Clubman and it is more spacious in the back. But I have never felt any concerns about putting him in the back seat of my other MINI, a ‘05 MCS.

These cars are very well engineered. If you son’t believe me, go to http://www.iihs.org and check the rear end crash test ratings of most “safe” “family” sedans with separate trunks. Scary.

Ashley Wilson Jun 1st, 2008 Link

C4- I totally agree with you on the safety of the rear seat.

My old R53 was hit in the rear by a girl going 45 mph while I was stopped at a light. Upon opening the trunk, the only thing out of place was the battery box was pushed forward and up a little bit. But with the carpet down in the back, you’d never know there was a wreck!

I know I feel a hell of a lot safer in the back seat of a Mini than in my wife Taurus. Who knows how that things gonna crumple. :D