Here are a coupe of questions from the always overflowing MotoringFile inbox from Ralph:
First, before the Mini, I’ve never owned a car with a CVT + Steptronic. The dealer told me when driving in Manual mode to shift at about 4200 RPM. But when starting out in 1st, the engine sounds like it wants me to shift at just over 3000 RPM. Where can I find info on what the ideal shift point RPM’s are ideal for each gear(MPH)
Second, the ’04 MINI did not have the Auto-dim rearview mirror as a stand alone option. It could only be ordered with the Auto wipers. In ’05 MINI offered the Mirror as a stand alone option. Since I would like this option, is there anyway to get it. I asked the dealer and he suggested I go to tap plastics and get some plastic film and put it on the mirror. No way.
Does anyone know if MINI can install a Auto Dim RVM in an ’04 Mini?
Thanks for any help
Ralph
I suppose I’ll start this one off with my stab at the first question:
[ CVT Driving Technique ] MotoringFile
[ The Theory Behind the CVT ] MotoringFile
As far as the second question goes… I’ve got nothing. Anyone?
<p>Thanks Gabe, MINI2.com had a lot of info on CVT driving. It even has an excellent FAQ that had answers to my questions on shifting from one mode to another, etc.</p>
<p>I also found a forum on MINI2.com regarding Tire Rotation. Very confusing. No one had a solid or as put a “straight” answer. I’ve got 7800 miles on my MINI ’04. Some posts say to rotate tires at 5K, others say MNIUSA says not to rotate tires as this is dangerous. Too confusing. </p>
<p>Can someone here provide some insight to the tire rotation question: Should the tires be rotated or not. Thanks</p>
<p>also found a forum on MINI2.com regarding Tire Rotation. Very confusing. No one had a solid or as put a “straight” answer. I’ve got 7800 miles on my MINI ’04. Some posts say to rotate tires at 5K, others say MNIUSA says not to rotate tires as this is dangerous. Too confusing. </p>
<p>Can someone here provide some insight to the tire rotation question: Should the tires be rotated or not. Thanks</p>
<p>Gabe, found an archive post from June 2004 on MF regarding Tire Rotation and replacement. Still kind of confusing. MINI says no, other say yes with low milage. I don’t drive hard and 90% Freeway/Highway. </p>
<p>What ever happen to making things easy? Thanks for all your info and a great website.</p>
<p>For longest life of all 4 tires, you should rotate. However, any time you do, the tires will give reduced performace (less grip)until they start to wear in the new patterns and make complete contact with the road. The less time between rotations, the less time you will have reduced performance. Since your fornt wear faster and tend to have irregular wear (hey, that is whay you want to rotate them) You end up putting the less grippy tires on the back and the tendency to spin is greater.</p>
<p>It seems that 5000 miles is a decent trade off for performace and not going crazy with changing your tires all the time, but you should drive carefully for a while or at least not go banging out doing a track day or canyon run right after.</p>
<p>Alternatively, you could leave the tires on and replace the fronts when they wear out but that kind of locks you in to buying the same tires again.</p>
<p>I cannot remember for sure, but I think my tires were rotated when I brought my ’05 MCS into the dealer for the first scheduled service. Not positive, but pretty sure. I remember asking about tire rotation and think they said they did it then. However, I could of course be completely wrong. :o)</p>
<p>[block]I cannot remember for sure, but I think my tires were rotated when I brought my ’05 MCS into the dealer for the first scheduled service. Not positive, but pretty sure. I remember asking about tire rotation and think they said they did it then. However, I could of course be completely wrong. :o)[/block]</p>
<p>It’s possible, but unlikely, as factory will not pay for tire rotation. So if they rotated your tires, they would have asked you to pay for it. </p>
<p>In general, I don’t think there is one definitive answer, so the search for one may be in vain. Factory says they do not recommend it due to varying wear patterns, but tire afficianados will tell you to do it maximize tread life and time between tire replacement.</p>
<p>sorry for the wrong blockquote formatting. Hehe… Should have looked down.</p>
<p>I took my ’05 MCS in for it’s first service. My dealer recommended that I rebalance and rotate the tires. They charged 65.00 for it.
Your milage on a single set or tire will go further. Also, the tire will start to get noisy if you don’t rotate, (at least that’s what I noticed on our other cars).</p>
<p>The reason there isn’t a clear posting on MINI2 about tire rotation is because there isn’t a clear answer. Life is not all black and white, it depends on many factors that you need to decide and they’re addressed both in this post an on MINI2.</p>
<p>As far as the auto dim mirror, If your dealer said go get some film, then its likely there isn’t an official MINI upgrade for it, which seems to be what you’re asking for (to make it warenteed, etc) Otherwise it seems the parts are likely available, but you’d need to do it yourself or find another mechanic to install it. Your parts dept should be able to pull up the listing of necessary parts, which could help you decide how complicated it is if no one has attempted it before.</p>
<p>Discount tire doesn’t charge for a rotation even if you didn’t buy there.</p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=43">Tire rack</a> the definitive source on all things tire. Tire rack root <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tirerack.com/about/techcenter.jsp">faq</a> directory.</p>
<p>you can try the GENTEX web site for auto diming mirrors, I think MINI2 or NAM had something about it awhile ago,</p>
<p>good luck,
tommyb</p>
<p>Discount Tire in Los Angeles does charge for rotations if you don’t buy there. It’s not horribly expensive ($20) but still. I solved that problem by buying my own jack and torque wrench. I can rotate my tires faster than it takes to get in the car and drive one way to them.</p>
<p>Given the fact that the auto dimming mirror on my wife’s VW Jetta exploded last week spewing corrosive fluids throughout the interior which melting into the instrument panel, console, etc as well as burned spots all over the front leather seats, I’m certain I’ll never want any auto dimming option ever again.</p>
<p>I think the auto dim rear view mirror you can intall to any mini as long the electrical plug is there…. I check that out with mini irvine. But the garrage door will not fit to 2003 mini from 2004 on to 2003, the reasons that the electrical wiring are not to be fit… I’m trying to find ways to do it anybody know’s?</p>
If MINI charged you for rotating tires during a service visit for an ’05, you got ripped off and should report the dealer. The bumper to bumper warranty on the MINI means just that. Oil changes included as well.
Heck, my dealer just replaced my brake pads as warranty service.