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As many of you know one of the weak spots of the MINI interior design is the glove box. The way it's shaped there's not a whole lot of space to actually use. Well it seems that MINI may be ready to do something about it:
“I was just wondering if you know anything about a Mini glove box organizer? I talked to ——— Mini parts department about something totally unrelated and we ended up talking about the glove box. I then asked if they carried something like Moss Mini's organizer and he had an interesting response. His comments were something to the effect, “Yeah but I'd wait because mini has their own glove box organizer coming out.” I asked him how he knew and he stated that he just came back from
Mini after-sales event where it was mentioned.”
If I hear anything else about this I'll be sure to post it. Otherwise you may want to consider this one still a bit unsubstantiated.
Update: The MINI Glovebox Organzier came out the first week of May. Here's the info:
Part #: 51 11 0 392 165
Dealer Price: $41.60
Dealer Cost: $20.50
<p>They may be doing one, but they would also have to pay a hefty royalty to the patent holder of the design that is on the market tha tis sold by us (outmotoring.com), MOSS and many others. The patent is very clear yet has a couple loop holes but I doubt that MINI could get around it. Try doing a search at USPTO.gov for 'glove box organizer'. </p>
<p>We were designing our own until we saw that patent held by Auto Orgnaizers and decided to stay away from the whole deal….</p>
<p>Interesting. I wonder if they would simply re-brand the current version that's out there.</p>
<p>Does anyone have a problem with the current one? It fits well, looks good and works like it should. A factory option would be nice, though I'm very satisfied with the one that is already out there.</p>
<p>I'd imagine MINI could just resell rebranded the Auto Organizers version. BMW did this with the Z3 Stone Guards which by the way fit the MINI perfectly as well!</p>
<p>Jim</p>
<p>My only problem with my current one is that you loose the ability to keep a drink cooled by the air conditioning vent. You can wedge a can of soda in there but not a bottle of water.</p>
<p>My guess is that MINI-Fini will be coming out with this…</p>
<p>of course, this is only a guess…</p>
<p>Great Mini heard our cries for a cupholder and now a glove box organizer. While these are great, GIVE ME A BREAK!!!</p>
<p>What about our cries for the windshield problems and yo-yo, they won't even acknowledge these as problems.</p>
<p>They did the same thing with the stumble, and then all of a sudden miraculously without a single e-mail or mention of the stumble, they release v36, while still not admitting to any problem or acknowledging that there ever was a stumble.</p>
<p>I'll pay the extra $50 for a silly organizer, but I am getting tired of paying $850 for a windshield six times. I am approaching about the 20% of the cost of the vehicle on windshields. They are covered by insurance, but still a problem.</p>
<p>David- they have recently (and quietly) released a new, improved windshield as well. Search the northamericanmotring.com forum for more info. Good luck!</p>
<p>From what I heard that windshield was nothing more than a EU tinted version and not an improved windshield.</p>
<p>That's too bad Gabe- I thought there was finally a reason to rejoice about that issue. :(</p>
<p>Well MINI has fixed quite a bit in the last two years. I've heard they're working on the windsheild and the yo-yo.</p>
<p>Yes Mini has fixed a lot over the last year. I guess what ultimately upsets me, is that items like the cupholder get a star studded announcement when released and Mini touts how they are responding to their customer base (which they are), but then when large numbers of people have problems with their Minis (problems much more serious than concerns about a convenience item such as a cupholder) and they deny problems, and then when they release a problem, they never send out a letter stating that they heard customers and corrected a problem by releasing v36, or a new windshield…. Just some communication and acknowledgment of the problem along with a notice when a fix is released. Communication is key. I could care less if there are problems, we all understand that problems occur. Anyway enough ranting and raving.</p>
<p>It's probably some public relations management on their part. They don't want to publicly admit to the “serious” problems w/ the MINI (stumble, yo-yo, windshield) as it could cause reduced market appeal/value. That part I don't mind – I'd like the value of my MINI to remain high. But it would be nice if we received a letter in the mail stating when major issues have been addressed.</p>
<p>Admitting the problem would only lead to legal problems. I atleast hope they acknowledge the windshield problem. </p>
<p>Cause I check every day for this problem and pray that I never have to deal with it. </p>
<p>It's almost like a black cloud I shoo away everyday, and in Hopes, have to never deal with.</p>
<p>My service manager just told me last week that Mini is due to release a new and improved windshield in a few months. He said that it will be thicker and more resiliant to stone chips. Should be interesting to see what happens.</p>
<p>What's up with the windshield problem. As new customer this makes me nervous. Is there a real problem?</p>
<p>Beth,
The MINI's windshield isn't going to kill you, but I would recommend investing in insurance that covers replacement windshields (was an extra $100/year for me). Some owners have experienced spontaneous cracks (maybe from temperature changes). I've heard of that more commonly on 2002's, but have no idea of the true stats. Others, myself included, have learned the hard way to avoid following trucks as stones easily chip the windshield. I had three chips and one crack repaired easily enough, but when I moved the crack didn't pass inspection so I had the windshield replaced ($450). I have a 2002 and in my two years, this is my first replacement, but I know folks (like Gabe) who have had three or four in two years.</p>
<p>I just picked up my MCS a week and a half ago and am currently road tripping across the USA. I started in Atlanta, went up to DC, then NY, then Chicago and now I am in the middle of Kansas. I am very happy with my MINI so far, but have had the windshield curse hit me VERY early in the trip. It's now about 7 inches long an looks like it started below the rubber strip at the bottom of the glass. I hope MINI does something about this SOON!</p>