MINI USA and MotoringFile are going to bring you the answers. Answers to what? Answers to those MINI related questions you’ve itching to know for months or even years. Using my Motoringfile powers of persuasion I have managed to arrange what we hope will be the first in a series of interviews with MINI USA Product Manager Jeff Stracco…or just “Hey Stracco” or “Stracco” as everyone seems to address him. Stracco has agreed to answer our questions, so here is your chance:
Here’s how it works. Post your questions below in our comments section over the next week. They can be about anything MINI product related. Maybe you want to know something about the current car, possible future cars, or maybe something about what it is like to be the product guy at MINI USA. It’s up to you.
We’ll pick the very best of the lot for our “interview” and Stracco will answer them if he can.
Hey, Stracco
Thanks for taking our questions.
Here are some of mine:
1) We have been told in the past that the Recaro Seating option was not available in the U.S. due to the lack of side airbags and now the lack of the new passenger side weight sensor. This issue now appears to be water under the bridge for the current generation MINI with production nearing an end. With that in mind, I’d like to take a different tact, so my question is: When the R56 arrives, do you see this problem continuing OR will MINI be responsive to the American market’s desires by designing their premium seating options with U.S. regulations and MINIUSA’s input in mind?
2) Regarding MotoringHearts: MINIUSA is throwing considerable money behind advertising for MotoringHearts, and in the process is directing people to Volunteer Match and providing national advertising for select charities. Kudos for making those steps. That said, the MINI community has been out in front of this for a while now with many clubs organizing charity events. Would MINIUSA consider assisting local clubs by promoting their upcoming charity events on motoringhearts? The clubs charitable giving could certainly get a shot in the arm with MINIUSA’s support, and it would provide a nice link.
3) Will European Delivery OR a U.S. based MINI specific <a href="http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/PerformanceCenter/school.htm" rel="nofollow">BMW style Performance Driving School</a> at BMW’s South Carolina facility be a future offering from MINIUSA?
4) Is it MINIUSA’s intent to evolve the North American MINI COOPER Challenge into something more akin to the European series where drivers pay to show up and drive cars prepared by MINI and delivered by MINI to each event?
5) How are dealer allocations decided? Is it a straight dividing of the number of cars by the number of dealers or are dealers with strong sales rewarded? If they are, does MINIUSA make any attempt to reward dealers that have sold at MSRP over those that have sold for four years straight with thousands of dollars in mark-up.
6) The perception of owners from what we’ve heard from the dealers is that anything less than a “5” on a customer satisfaction survey constitutes failure. Is this true, and if so, how is the survey of much value if customers perceive a “4” as 80% or passing/met expectations, and a “5” as going beyond the call? Also, how are the surveys used by MINIUSA?
That’s all I have for now. Thanks again for providing this opportunity to the MINI Community.
Dave
What up Straccster,
Thanks to you and MINI for being open to the public like this.
1. Is there any chance for an all-wheel drive option in the near future?
2. Is BMW/MINI interested in entering the lower tier WRC series? Probably not as they just bought an F1 team.
3. Is there any work being done on a hybrid or diesel motor for the states?
4. How do you get a job with MINI?
thanks again.
Hey Stracco,
Do you anticipate Mini introducing the Works package to the North American market for the MCSa?
Thanks,
Jake
I second Dave’s question about the Recaro seats…
Can a high-time pilot get a job with the corporate MINI jet fleet? I need an excuse for another JCW MCS…
– Once the 2007 model is released, how far down the road will the current accessories and parts (e.g. the JCW stuffs, aero kits, etc.) be continuing for sell?
– What is the temperature of the OEM HID bulb on MINI (mine is a 2005 MCS)? Many people says is 4300K (no matter which make and model), but never confirm with official.
one question and one question only: will the jcw kit for the mcsa EVER be released in the usa?
thanks – drew
Hi Jeff,
• When will the new iPod adapter be available for the MINI, and is it retrofittable on a 2005 MCS?
• With the cost of gas getting so high can you talk about the effect of using regular unleaded gas in a MINI?
Thanks
First of all thanks to you Gabe for setting this up, and to you Jeff for taking the time and interest to answer a few questions.
1. With the nearing release of the R56 type, I was wondering if Mini was going to have the full options set for the new mini’s. Most of interest to myself (since I am awaiting my new MCS next spring)is whether the JCW kit will be offered upon release of the R56?
2. When, if ever do you think that we may see the AWD option for the mini. I hope that Mini see’s that this is one of the most sought after possible options on most all Mini forums I read.
3. When will we be seeing information released on the new color options for the mini?
Thanks for any information that you can share with us.
-Jon
ETA Works version of the 2007 car and any HP estimates?
Curious if or when the clock might return to the overhead panel either as an oem or aftermarket option?
Thanks for the opportunity to ask this question!
Do you know if the dash lighting on the ’07 MINIs will be changed from the current amber/red? The current electronic displays are near impossible to read on a sunny day with sunglasses on.
Thanks.
I second the questions about Recaro (or simply better) seats as well as a diesel option.
Hey Stracco:
Loyal 3 time MINI owner here in sunny Miami, FL. Currently we are in the waiting list for the upcoming MINI Traveller station wagon at our local dealer (Lauderdale MINI in Ft. Lauderdale, FL). Based on the “scoop” information posted here and in other MINI information, the Traveller is not due in the US until early 2008…
My question to you is this… Given the current raising fuel prices and the high expected demand for a more family friendly MINI, why MINI doesn’t size up the opportunity and release the Traveller sooner, say by Summer ’07???
We are expecting our first child and we will soon be in need of a 5 door MINI and would hate to look elsewhere because MINI is taking their sweet time to bring it to market.
Thanks for answering our questions!
I second Dave’s question on the North American MINI Cooper Challenge.
I am a competitor in the series this year and would love to see more support from MINIUSA. I am sure Phil would too.
-Brian
I own a ’03 CVT with 38k happy miles. A year from now the CVT will be all but gone from MINI’s offerings – I’d like to know if the manufacturer will be positive in its dealings with CVT owners or are we likely to be stuck with with an orphan component. BMW’s stance already seems to be “Got a problem? You need a new trans – that will be X thousands of $.”
As Dave asked, I am very interested in how the survey is used. I also was told that anything other than 5 is failing.
Hey Stracco,
I’d like to know about the dealership allocation method? It clearly can’t be based upon demand.
Any news on additional dealerships, say in the Seattle area?
Thanks,
Brian
The MINI survey:
It doesn’t allow me to critique the dealership for it’s poorly run and sometimes dishonest customer dealings without harming a good SA.
I guess BMW/MINI doesn’t want to really know how bad they [dealerships]are or where the fault really lies when things go wrong. In my many experiences with my 3 MINI’ not many are like MoP. I live in LA.
Questions:
1. Will the MINI Survey change so that BMW can really get the picture?
2. Power folding mirrors in the USA?
3. Do you have any idea who won the all expense paid trip to england as was advertised on MINI Odyssey?
4. Bitching at MINI/USA Customer Service about dealerships is useless. Will that change?
Thanx
Will the JCW supercharger ever be available as a stand alone accessory from the dealers?
Will You soon have a European Delivery Program in place?
We spend many sommers in Scandinavia and wouls like to have an opportunity to buy an MC S for use while we are there and then bring it home to Florida. I have a MCS but buy Volvos in Sweden while in Europe.
Thanks
<blockquote>Is there any chance for an all-wheel drive option in the near future?</blockquote>
I fourth the AWD!
Bring back the ’02 Shark fin. It is way cool.
Any chance of lowering the price of the MINI?
(What’s the worst that could happen? Him saying no?)
And for those of you who have been whining about a REAL BRG, how many of you would actually buy one if it was available?
How can we get one of those really cool coats that they wear in the factory in oxford?
AND MY BIGGEST BEEF Kill the advertising direction of the Motoring hearts or at least put it in the background.
MINI so far has done a really good job of keeping our beloved hatches from becoming chick cars. If we continue on with this bleeding heart stuff you might as well put a flower vase on the dash with tye died being one of the newest 7 colors for ’07.
Leave the Charities to the local level and keep MINIUSA as a back bone to it just not a front line PR thing.
I’ve got an idea of how this could be done.
Use the Canadian targa winning car with Kenzie driving it with a mad dash through all things rallye and with him slaloming out of the way of a row of ducks and stopping to drop off some flowers to his ailing g-ma in the hospital. With the Tag line,
“It’s fun to do good”
This way racing, fun, safety and good handling all stay at the forefront of the MINI while keeping the Racing heritage and Do No Harm, Helping Hand in the message as well.
BTW I meant the Ducks and flower delivery could be two commercials.
Ducks? We miss you MAXA MINI
PS IF you use my commercial idea I would like an ’06 JCW MCS SB. thanks you’re awesome.
(Hmmn, somehow I felt like a prisoner asking for soap on a roap in a prison riot from the warden as part of our demands as I was writing this)
Hey, Stracco 🙂
First off…huge thanks for taking our questions. Here’s mine:
One of the big marketing points of the current MINI has been that it has a rear-wheel drive suspension on a front-wheel drive car. I’m curious about the seeming about face by the R56 now losing the multi-link, but I’m more worried about what this will actually do to the handling. Can you shed some light about the switch and the reasoning for it – or was it simply a cost reducer?
I second the question about the new improved iPod adapter (with ID3 tag support)…I’ve heard it will only be available for the R56 and not the current models. True?
Thanks
About the Mini Survey,
Why is anything less than a 5 failing? I never give anybody 100% for anything. How about a meaningful scale like 1 – 10 where we actually have enough granulatity to give a meaningful meansurement. While I never give 100 I would give 9 for a job that did not go beyond the call of duty. Also please, please, please stop the dealers from coaching customers on the survey. Any dealership that coaches me AUTOMATICALLY gets a 1 (and I frequent 3 different dealerships for 3 different makes). I will rate them exactly how I see fit. It completly negates the value of the survey when customers are coached. If the scale was larger then it would hopefully eliminate the coaching.
I second Dave’s question about European delivery or at least pick up in Spartanburg.
Another question will the available color palette be expanded?
Hey Stracco!
I’m curious what the suspension is going to be like compared to the current one also!
When will dealers be getting printed material for the MCS with JCW GP kit? Brochures/stat sheets/centerfolds etc.
Hey Stracco
I’d like to know if you can given any thoughts on bringing a diesel MINI to the good old gaz-guzzlin’ US of A.
Cheers
Hey there Stracco!
I, like Brian above, would like to know about the possibility of any new dealerships being started. With the upcoming increase in production capacity it seems like a couple of new dealerships could come online next year. While greedy Brian was inquiring about the Seattle area (you already have one in Tacoma, Brian!) I am more concerned about the Boise, Idaho area. Currently we are a two MINI family and our two closest dealerships are in Murray, UT (350 miles, 5 hours) or Portland, OR (430 miles, 6.5 hours) While we enjoy motoring out to Portland and spending time with our MINI’s it would be nice to have a dealership in Boise too!!!
Thanks!
I have a bunch of questions, but I will restrain myself to the most important (to me):
1) Someone above mentioned the post-service surveys…why even do these if nothing is to be done with the answers. For example, I have had repeated problems with service, and when I have received a survey have filled it out accordingly…even giving 1’s, I NEVER hear a response or any attempt to resolve problems.
2) Linked to #1…what recourse do we have when receiving poor service? I have had several large issues with my car that the dealer just does not fix (repeated visits, they always blame something unrelated, give me the famous “They all do that”, etc.). Is there a way to lodge a formal complaint…and, if that is done, will something actually HAPPEN? (I was given a 1-800 #, told someone my tale of woe, then heard absolutely nothing)
3) Is the overall build quality, and the quality of interior materials, going to be improved in the next generation?
Thank you!
Are there going to be more dealerships, wherever they end up? I’m tired of the 30 mile trip to Annapolis from DC for the smallest things (burned-out bulb, fast-running clock, etc.).
I second the question about suspension. My biggest impass is buy now, or wait for the turbo. I’d like the turbo, but I’ve always been a great handling car over a fast car kind of guy.
My 2003 coopers has a rattle that goes away when the clutch is depressed my dealer says no problem they all do this. Does not seem correct to me? Thanks John
Any chance of an electric or hybrid mini coming out soon?
David you’re lucky, as to your drive, there are others that have much longer trips including my daughter who now lives in Augusta….150 to Hank Aaron, Atlanta or drive to someplace in South Carolina.
More dealers, please! I was stuck in Palm Springs with a dead motor and had to be towed to Monrovia, Ca…. 96 miles, it was free though.
I never did a written survey, only by phone.
John…. it is a problem.
do you know the muffin man?
the muffin man?
HEY STRACCO!!
(Just wanted to say that…)
Hey Stracco,
Thank you, first of all for agreeing to answer some of our questions. I really appriciate MINIUSA engaging the MINI Community.
I would love to see a significantly enhanced performance MINI Cooper. I feel the JCW, and GP cars are not keeping pace with other manufacturers performance versions. Are there any plans to produce a significant hp MINI? (> 260HP)
Would love to be able to get an AWD version of the car. It would be great if we could get AWD. Please pass the word, that many would want it, to those that can approve it.
More direct support for charitable Cooper Clubs would also strengthen the bond between Car Clubs, MINIUSA, and charities… The Motoring Hearts campaign is great, but it does little to recognize or encourage those that were active in this role before MINI. Can the Motoring Hearts campaign be modified to include club participation and assistance in helping charities?
Thank you,
– Charlie
Jeff,
When will Mini dealers be able to sell JCW parts such as the following:
1.) JCW 210HP to 225HP conversion?
2.) JCW 200HP to 225HP conversion?
3.) JCW 168HP to 225HP conversion?
Also, will we ever be able to buy the aluminum trailing arms, rear seat delete kit, smooth rear glass, etc… from the GP car???
Vis-a-vis the escalating fuel prices will MINI USA inport the Diesel? Moreover, will a turbo-diesel version be offered initially in export markets that will ultimately become available to U.S. consumers?
Thank you.
The One who lives down Drury Lane?
Thanks for taking questions. I picked up my first MINI about 6 weeks ago. I ordered it with the Cockpit Chrono Pack. I was not aware until I picked up the car that the selection of this option means that the digital speedometer is deleted from the OBC display. Why is that? Why remove a feature when it would be easier to leave it in place? Why not clearly let people know this at the time of ordering instead of keeping that info from them until they pick up the car?
1. I would also like to know if there will be more dealers. How about in the Lincoln/Omaha area? (Yes, people DO live there!)
2. Will a future MCS ever get a spare tire?
thanks…..
I hope this has not been asked before. Will the new MINI have rain gutters that will be strong enough for mounting roof racks? Or will you still need to have it bolted to on roof like now.
Hi there:
Why does mini cooper allow the use of an officially approved sport link and tow link (mini fini)but has no official tow wiring harness available.
please point me in the correct direction if I am incorrect.
Will the R56 meet PZEV Partial Zero Emission Vehicle standards?
Why hasn’t MINI truely embraced the Mod market. Yes, they have the JCW stuff that’s really nice BUT expensive, so I would like to see other (read: less expensive) OEM options.
Maybe not on the Build-To-Order but as dealership add-on options with a MINI-backed warranty. How cool would it be to upgrade with different intake, exhaust or suspension options that are MINI designed and supported? Yeah, folks will do aftermarket Mods anyway, and most likely for less. I’m just surprised MINI hasn’t tried to capture some of this market for those folks worried about stepping outside of a factory warranty. There has to be a nice middle ground between aftermarket and JCW.
Hi,
Thanks for coming here to answer questions. My question stems from a frustration with the shift in colors. I understand that colors that don’t sell well probably entail costs, but I love the dynamic and unusual colors which had been available (electric blue (bought two of them), liquid yellow). It seems that the only really exciting color left is hot orange.
Are you going to be bringing out a range of exciting colors, and if so, when? If not, what can we do to encourage you?
Can we please have Liquid Yellow back?
Again,
Why is 5 the only “good option” on the surveys. It’s very annoying to see that at the dealers.
Will there be a MINI Diesel coming to the US?
Thanx,
Brian
As a customer that has had a deposite on a GP since October of ’05 could you please answer a couple of questions. I have read that the GP is being made by Bertrone in Italy. Could you elaberate on that a little more? Are these cars actually being built by Bertrone or are they just suppling the parts that are different. If they are built entirely by bertrone in what state of completion are the bodies sent to them. Are they hand assembled? Do they also do the motors? Thanks Steve
No questions – only an answer to Robble’s question.
I just received my official Mini GP brochure through the post last week. Some people were selling them on ebay for two quid as well.
Hey Stracco,
Here is a question that has been boggling me for awhile. The question deals with the suspension systems. A sports suspension comes standard on a MC and a sports suspension plus comes standard on a MCS. Now on a MCc it is a $500 upgrade to get a sports suspension. The MCSc comes standard with a sports suspension, not sports suspension plus. Why are there different suspension systems on the convertibles..? What type of suspension system comes standard on a MCc.?
thanks,
dave
Hello !
I must agree with the some of the previous posts regarding more dealerships in the USA. I am currently located in lower Southwest Michigan in which the nearest dealership is north of Chicago ( about 3 hour drive for me ). As a result I have postponed my purchase of a Mini until a dealership is closer by me. It is hard to believe that MINI dealerships are so few ! Ideally, every BMW dealership in the USA should have a MINI dealership to serve it current and future customers….
Sam
Hey Stracco!
When will the convertibles be getting the new motors?
Given the current rising fuel prices and the high expected demand for a more family friendly MINI, why MINI doesn’t seize up the opportunity and release the Traveller with a decent size/strength diesel engine?
More dealerships? There is only 1, let me repeat, one dealer in the entire state of Michigan!
With the JCW Cold Air Intake and exhaust now available as stand-alone accessories, will MINI ever take the next logical step and offer a reduction pulley (or full supercharger swap) without the JCW head?
It would appear that’s an existing lucrative market currently controlled by the after-market shops.
– Why won’t Mini dealers update the navigation software? I’ve had BMWs with the same exact nav head unit and they will update the software; there is even a current TSB (SI B 84 01 02) for it on the BMW side. We also pay the same as the BMW owners, why can’t we get the same treatment? I do not understand why we should be stuck with the old software when newer software is released and available on Minis produced later, staying with outdated software is unacceptable.
– Why does it seem that the majority of dealers are not prepared with, or even understand all of the programming options for the key memory? Why, if your car is in for service already, do they still try to charge you to update these options when it takes five minutes to do; the dealers also try to charge almost anything for doing it, I’ve been quoted $75 to $125.
For those of you who want a hybrid MINI
<a href="http://www.switch2hydrogen.com/?callyourcongressman" rel="nofollow">check this out</a>
SOrry Coopers only.
And Sam, You hurt my eyes with that last comment. I just don’t need that.
Hey Stracco!!!
1) The “will we get more dealers” question has been asked. I am in the same situation as many others. I must drive a 250 mile round trip so the nearest dealer can look at a problem then order a part so I can drive another 250 mile trip to get an actual repair. Why can’t Mini allow some BMW dealerships to formally train some of their service techs to work on Minis? My local BMW Dealer is willing to do that yet Mini will not allow it.
2) When will the new color choices for 2007 be released? (Many are unhappy with the boring color choices this year)
Thanks
Hey Stracco- Thanks for opening yourself up to an onslaught of MINI product-related questions like this one:
There is so much cool MINI “gear” available on the various non-US websites (aka shop.bmwgroup.com)
a) How/who/what determines what becomes available in the U.S. versus “everyplace else”? and
b) you wouldn’t happen to know where I can find these?
![MINI Prescription eyewear by DeRigo]http://www.giarre.com/php/tmp/MINI_lVMI409.jpg
(I first saw them at: <a href="https://shop.bmwgroup.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/EUR/BrowseCatalog-Start;sid=Evb2ZwQYd4T2Z0AdAm82Crq5BxTYY20VI9M=?Cat" rel="nofollow ugc">https://shop.bmwgroup.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/EUR/BrowseCatalog-Start;sid=Evb2ZwQYd4T2Z0AdAm82Crq5BxTYY20VI9M=?Cat</a> egoryName=MINEOP&CategoryName=MINI)
Thanks! irie
//oo\
I wanted to get the rear fog light for my 2005 MCSc, but found out that it cost over $600 !! This is like 2x the cost of any one else’s MCSc. The reason is because my MCSc was built in early October 2004 and the wiring harness for the rear fogs was not includes in early production 2005 MINIs. I feel like I’m being “taxed” by MINI for buying an earlier production 2005 MCSc. Can something be done with the price gauging? It’s rediculous that I have to pay 2x the $$$$ for my safety than a late 2005 or 2005 MINI owner. MINIUSA should offer a rebate to make up the difference if I get this installed by my dealer. Or something like that would be really nice!
Do you really want to see a commerical with my MINI MCSc rear-end all smashed up and on the side of the road? With a caption saying, “over priced rear-fogs don’t save lives”. This isn’t a VW! I don’t want to see my MINI smashed and on TV. 😉
I have a Jet Black 2003 MCS. I want to get a 2007 MCS but not in Astro Black. The metallic paint has a blueish cast to it, not a true black. Every car manufacturer offer a straight black, certainly BMW. Why not MINI? We all understand the need for new color introductions each year but basic black never goes out of style. There isn’t anything more classic than a black on black model of any make. Please bring back a straight/pure/non-metallic ‘black’ for 2007.
I wholeheartedly second Teresa’s recommendation for BMW dealers to be certified service centers for our MINI’s. Not only is it a hectic drive for most of us to a MINI dealer, but given the growing population of MINI’s we have to wait weeks for a service spot. (BMW likely recognizes this as an up-sale opportunity to boot.)
Please-please-please consider this a viable option!
Thank you,
Anthony
Seattle, WA
Okay, I’m a MINI owner (3rd one actually, had an 02 MCS, 05 MCc and now an 05 MCSa) but now I’m also a Dad. What I need is info on the Traveller, Estate or whatever it will be called. My questions are:
1) When will we see this guy, when on the site, when in showrooms, etc. etc.
2) How much room will it have?
3) Right now, an infant seat barely and I stress BARELY fit’s between the front seat and the door frame when you are placing it in the car. Will this issue go away???
I soooo hope this car comes out in the next year or so because I don’t know how long I can push the wife off on getting a bigger car. 🙁
Stracco,
First of all, thanks for taking on the avalanche of questions that we all knew would come. Here are my questions – the ACTUAL questions are <strong>bolded</strong>:
1) The MCS JCW GP has a rated HP of 214. The MCS JCW has a rated HP of 207. I would just like to know:
a) <strong>Where EXACTLY does the extra 7 HP come from?</strong> New parts (if so, what are they)? New programming update?
b) <strong>Will it be possible for current MCS JCW owners to obtain the “upgrade” to 214 HP as well? </strong> I’m guessing the answer is no (to maintain GP exclusivity), however keep in mind that we JCW owners won’t be benefiting from the other (weight) improvements at the same time.
2) In many other countries, MINIs are available with pushbutton power folding side mirrors. The button is located in the center console, just to the side of the mirror left-right adjustment switch (i.e. below the “joystick” controller that adjusts the mirror angle. This is even coming to Canada now, by way of the MCS “Special Edition”. <strong>Will there ever be an officially released retrofit kit to add the power folding mirrors to our USA MINIs?</strong> When we are parking in tight parking spaces (or maneuvering very narrow streets in traffic), it would be great to have this feature. Hey – it comes on many USA BMWs already!
3) I too am disappointed that the digital speedometer display is disabled when a MINI has either the chrono pack or the Nav options. Sure, the analog speedometer gets moved to behind the steering wheel, but sometimes it’s nice to know EXACTLY what your speed is – particularly when trying to fly (drive) just under the radar… like 64 (or 69) in a 55, etc. <strong>Will MINIUSA ever allow the digital speedometer to be re-enabled in these MINIs?</strong>
Thanks for your time… I look forward to the responses!
Thought of one more:
4) In other countries, if you have the factory Nav system in your MINI, there is an OEM retrofit kit for cameras. The two camera options are a wide-angle camera (fisheye) for when the car is in reverse, and a front “split screen” left and right prism camera for peeking out in traffic past taller vehicles or parked cars that block the view of intersecting traffic. <strong>Are the OEM Nav cameras ever going to be made available as “official” MINIUSA retrofit kits?</strong> Us Americans LOVE our gadgets… so I am very sure there is a healthy market for these cameras with any MINI owner who opted for the factory Nav system!
I’ll add to Edge’s comments on the OEM Nav cameras. I have the OEM rear camera (mail-ordered from the UK) for my convertible, and it is a very significant enhancement. If MINIUSA offered the rear camera, many convertible owners would purchase it because of the rear visibility issues. It would be a ridiculously sell: have the customer try parallel parking or even just backing out of a stall, with and without the camera. Dealers would love it too because it is a 5+ hour installation. Heck, I’ll bet some convertible buyers would order the Nav just to get the rear camera.
Hello Stracco,
1)Last February I traded my 2003 MCS for a 2006 MCS. The suspension feels a tad softer in the newer model. By how much were the springs softened?
2)I just read the Works MCS comparo published this last February in Road and Track. The reported slalom speed (66.2mph) is so much slower than the one reported some three years ago for a non Works MCS (69.5mph)that it makes one wonder about the validity of such results. I used to be very proud of the previos result, right there in Porsche and Ford GT territory, better than most Ferraris! Now I feel I can’t brag any more… I am very disapointed. Can you comment on that?
Cheers,
Sergio
I second the OEM camera – I am close to either ordering it from the UK or driving to Canada for an install. I can understand country-specific options (like the heated windscreen in Canada and the power folding mirrors in the UK) but this one makes no sense. I would have my car in next week if that were available as a dealer option.
Another question – why in the world cannot someone order Satellite Radio with NAV and the Harmon Kardon head unit. Yes, I understand that the antenna unit would need to share THREE antennas in one housing – but is this really a technical issue or just “getting around to it”? Many people like myself feel that we are missing an important option by not being able to order Sirius with our NAVs in place. That is a silly thing to trade off.
The question on the new iPod interface has already been thrown out. I would love to see better information and control than that offered by the standard option.
Thanks for listening !!
Jersey Bill
I would like to know if there is a fix both for the future and retro fix for the JCW Air Intake that is a item that can be installed on the MCS. The Positive battery attaches to the left side, looking into the engine from the front using a small clip on system. The attachement seems to be made for the Stock Air Intake where the small positive conpartment is “clipped” on the side to secure it on the top of the Intake. I have a 2006 MCS that was produced 01/06 and I requested the JCW Air Intake as an add on that was installed by MINI of Sterling located in Sterling, Virginia. I found shortly after driving home, app 55 miles, and during my first clean and waxing that this clip was not securing the cable correctly. Causing the cable and compartment to loosen and move back and forth EVEN at very low RPM. Of course I returned to MINI of Sterling and after some troubleshooting of the problem, the tech for lack of a better term, jerry rigged it. Although I was much impressed with the Tech’s knowledge and willingness to show me the problem including a possible fix in short order. Although I am by no means a TECH, it appears that the difference in where the clip is located on the stock intake is a millimitor higher than the JCW Air Intake placement of the same. If the mold were to be changed to reflect this I believe this would solve the problem. Probably at the least the cost of retooling that mold for the top of the Intake. This may seem to be a small issue, but as this is my 2nd MINI, I have found MINIUSA and MINI of Sterling to be open and more importantly, willing to listen to the customer and their thoughts. This a very good thing. Thanks for listening to this and I do hope a fix is put into place for new and for refit of the MCS with the existing problem. Craig L. Gay 2006 MCS/PS/BK…w/ lots of bells and whistles!!!!
Stracco –
I have a January ’04 build MCS that has the dreaded engine stumble. In fact, it not only stumbles 2-3 times a week, it generally idles roughly most of the time. It seems that (if the NAM posts are accurate) this is a widespread ECU programming issue. From what I gather, I can correct it by paying $360 to MTH for a tuner file, and it’s all “Happy Happy Joy Joy.”
Except… It seems inexcusable that MINI would not solve this issue, either by getting the ECU programming corrected in-house, paying for my tuner (or at least standard) file to correct the problem, or (drumroll) hiring Franz to teach someone how to get it right over there.
Sorry for the sarcasm, but it kills me to hear how happy folks are with the fix, while I sputter at a traffic light with embarrassment and frustration.
How will MINI address this problem, aside from advising us to buy an ’06 or ’07?
Thanks!
Beavers
Is MINI going to bring back the white taillights for the new model?
With the price of gas these days, what is the possibility of using regular instead of premium in a 2005 MCS?
I’ll beat on the Dealership locations & survey drum & the iPod integration:
1) I am another SW Michigan MINI owner who would love
to see a dealer in the second largest city in
Michigan or at least something less than the 3
hour trek to Detroit or Chicago. The local BMW
dealer declined to add on a MINI dealer (shows why
they are a weak BMW dealer). According to Motor
City MINI 25 – 30% of their sales are to people
outside metropolitan Detroit.
2) The MINI Survey does appear to be pretty useless
as the dealer slaps a sticker on it saying please
give us a 5. Since my MINI made a trip every 6000
miles to Detroit to replace the O2 Sensor they did
not earn 5’s the last time as I had to read them
the riot act to get the “mechanic” to do something
other than minlessly follow the instructions the
computer gave him. What a surprise when he
actually measured the O2 Sensor on the third visit
and it was fine.
3) MINI/BMW iPod Integration Adapter:
a) Will the new version of the be available for
the pre-2007 models?
b) Will you take the old adapter back on trade for
the new one since the implementation of the old
one was not very satisfying (5 Playlists or
Random is all you get).
More requests for better dealer coverage — hard to believe that with a ton of Mini owners/enthusiasts in Santa Barbara, CA we still have to drive 70 miles to the closest dealer in Calabasas…thanks for listening!
I’d like a straight answer on why the dealer options cost so much more. Take for example the Sirius radio. Parts and installation are about $600. You could buy a standalone unit for $50-$100 and use the built in FM tuner, or an aux input (one of the few not expensive options) or even use a kit like the XM direct to install XM for around $200 yourself, or pay someone well less then $400.
I know part of the issue is the warranty, but things like Sirius, and the cost of NAV just are completely out of line with an aftermarket non OEM option, and in general, offer less functionality (smaller display, limited software updates as mentioned earier). It seems like MINI would rather make a huge profit on a few people buying these options, then have everyone buy them, like the cold weather pack, which is a great deal and is really popular. A little profit for a lot of sales would likely add up to more then a huge profit for a handful of sales.
Comments are now closed. I will be interviewing Mr. Stracco and posting answers in about a week or so.
Thanks everyone!