Ask MotoringFile: 2007 MINI Q&A
Have questions about the new 2007 MINI? We may be able to help.
With the new model set to start sales in the US on the 17th of February, we’ve found that our readers still have questions about every aspect of the car. And with our recent experience with the US-spec R56 on both the road & track along with some Q&A of our own with MINI exeutives, we may have many of the answers.
So lets hear them! Ask us your R56 related question below and we’ll post answers (to the questions we can answer) next Monday the 12th.
What does Sparkling Silver look light in the sun?
Could you give your opinon on what you believe to be the best configuration combination for both the MC and MCS, i.e. wheel size, regular vs. Sports suspension, etc. Does the ride suffer much from this combination or does the new/refined suspension in the R56 more than make up for that?
Has the Cooper lost that little extra surge we currently experience around 4k rpm? If so, is the driving experience less because of that or do the overall improvements compensate for this?
How did the new colors look in the flesh? Were you surprised – positively or negatively – by any.
Did you hear anything about a special 50th anniversary edition at all?
Thanks guys!
Do the brakes on the 07 Mini S squeal when the outside temperature drops to about 10 deg F? My current 06 MiniS does that all the time…till it warms up…and only on the right front brakes…weird ehh?…plus embarassing when I pull out from the garage early in the morning….
Another brake question. Are the R56 front brake pads compatible with the current R53 JCW brake pads? As in. When aftermarket companies start producing performance pads for the R56. Would that give more of a choice in pads for the R53 JCW?
Will dealers be able to load the non-US ECU profile to return the exhaust burble at customer’s request?
1. Do the US Cooper or Cooper S come with mood lighting (an option for European models)
2. Any conformation whether the US navigation will have real time traffic information or not and will it comes with lifetime subscription
3. What’s your opinion on the regular leather seat?
Thanks in advance.
OK – not a question. Sorry. But, the photo of the engine through the headlight opening is INCREDIBLE!
How about an update to be able to change the default position of the Sport Button (like other changeable defaults such as auto-locking doors)?
Were there any cars with the new panoramic sunroof and what was your opinion of the dual-pane vent setting? What is your overall opinion of the quality of the new sunroof?
Is MINI ever planning on offering European delivery like BMW does?
Can the front seats for the new car be retrofiited into the current MINIs?
Is there an official response to the non-functional hood-scoop? This aspect of the new MINI is the most disturbing of them all.
Gabe – Does the “sport button” have a memory? Does it keep the last setting across restarts? If so, then no default setting at the dealer would be necessary. Just set-it-and-forget-it regardless of which setting on/off you prefer.
Rich
Two questions:
1. Leatherette Seats: Previously, the leatherette was monotone black (in my 2006 MCC). The R56 specs call out a black/grey combo. Did you see that, and how did you like it?
2. New Ipod Adapter & Navigation: Did you see, or here anything about, a new type of Ipod Adapter that together with Navigation in the R56 will display song names etc. on the navigation display?
Thanks!
I’ve decided to order my MCS now rather than wait until the Audio Package comes out. I really want Sirius, so when that’s available will we be able to install it and integrate it with the SAT/NAV, and will it also come with the lifetime subscription.
Gabe, did you actually find the Aux audio input for MP3 players ? is it standard accross all Mini’s ? where is it located ?
Fake Scoop ! Gabe, still do not understand why ?? What is your reaction to this ??
I second the request for a comparison between the regular “sport-tuned” suspension versus the sport suspension upgrade. What are your thoughts about each with 17″ wheels for on and/or off track use?
Also, how is the sound quality of the stock stereo? Did you have a chance to hear the upgraded 10-speaker system? Is it worth it?
Thanks a bunch!
Is the red trim on the door the same color as the Rooster red seats? Or do they clash.
Audio package-Is there a delay till summer 07? What is the delay for- HD or Sirius? How come my MA does not now about this yet? Should I have a production number yet if I have the audio package or the automatic for the MCS ordered. Thanks in advance
DyeLooper
What specific measures has Mini taken to reduce rattles (e.g. increasing chassis stiffness xx%, redesigning attachment anchors in the headliner, etc.)? Thank you.
Gabe, several quick questions:
1. Any hope for Recaro sport seats?
1.a. If not, how did the new leather lounge seats compare to/make up for the lack of Recaros?
2. Any hope for a JCW Cooper (i.e. with the JCW engine upgrade) with an automatic transmission? (Don’t hate me, but NY stop-and-go traffic is no fun with a stick.)
3. If the sport button does not ‘remember’ its last setting, is it even possible to have it dealer-re-programmed to either remember the last setting or reverse the default setting (i.e. sport mode UNLESS the sport button is pressed)?
4. Any experience with the button-less entry/start?
5. Is the sunroof cover still the see-through mesh, or has it (finally) been replaced with a solid, non-see-through fabric?
6. Any experience with the two-spoke steering wheel?
7. Any hope for a two-spoke “sport” steering wheel?
8. Does the MCS with an automatic transmission still come with the paddle shifters?
8.a. If so, has their design been improved at all? (I test-drove a ’06 MSC with auto. trans. and hated the paddles).
8.b. Is there an option for an auto. trans. WITHOUT the paddles?
Ok, that should do it for now…
Thanks for your excellent website. Since my discovering it a few months ago, it has instantly become my favorite source for all MINI-related goodness — though miniusa.com comes in at a close second. 😉
Cheers,
lambdacalc
Hi guys, do you know if the R56 will have specific instruments for oil temp/battery power, like the previous mini had?
<blockquote>Is there an official response to the non-functional hood-scoop? This aspect of the new MINI is the most disturbing of them all.</blockquote>
I am also interested in this but the “official” MINI answer would appear to be on the website. They list the hoodscoop as a “top performance feature” and say “…helps provide ample airflow to the powerful turbochagred engine…” By this I assume that air actually does flow through the scoop into the engine compartment. However I still thing this is puffery at best if not false advertising.
More on the Fake Scoop:
Mini USA Website Definition on the Cooper S:
“The MINI Cooper on a healthy diet of automotive steroids. The Cooper S has a distint bonnet scoop which helps cool the twin-scroll turbocharged engine….”
This can be found in the miniusa website by following the bellow sequence of clicks:
–Learn
–Facts, features and specs
–Mini Cooper S
–Side by side comparison
Why would Mini include this if it were fake ?
dsg, awd, yaw control, 300hp?
what is the exact physical difference between the sports and sports suspension. Is it anti-sway bar, shocks, springs or a combination ?
Why do people who hate the smallest design change think the S model shouldn’t have a scoop if it doesn’t do anything? 😉
Did you drive a Mini with the standard leatherette seats and if so how does the comfort & support compare to the R53 leatherette seats?
How is the fit and feel of the half leather seats, and where is the pacific blue in the lightning/laser blue spectrum? For that matter, where’s the lighting blue in the spectrum of previous blues? Thanks!
Gabe,
I like those red leather lounge seats. Do you know cars colors in the new MINI S those are limited to?
Do you know if MINI will take special orders for color, like BMW does?
Thanks, love the motoring site.
Jeff
What is the headroom in inches? New seats make us tall guys nervous about headroom.
How many color combos do the cloth/leather seats come in? Or the color line dash as well?
was the dash rattling? ; )
Can I get fake chrome side pipes to go along with the scoop?
Gabe,
what can you comment on the missing WHINE of the SuperCharger vs Turbo ?
Did you get a chance to try out the new anti-rollback feature that’s now included with DSC? Was it effective? I live in San Francisco and am pretty curious to find out.
Since the R56 suspension was designed with runflats in mind (unlike the R50/R53), how can you optimize the handling when you switch to non-runflat tires?…something just about every car enthusiast will do.
Maybe this is more a question for our aftermarket friends.
I have the same question as MINI Fireman…
Can the ECU be reprogrammed to get the burble back?
Any idea whether the shift knob design has been changed, specifically the way it attaches? I’d like to know whether the custom Whalen in my ’03 MCS will fit on an ’07 stick.
Gabe,
Thanks for the great review. I just have a few questions.
1. Did you spend any time with the new navigation system? If you did, is it similar to BMW’s iDrive? Will we be able to watch TV with the system like the English can?
2. What are your impressions of the new HiFi sound system? How does it compare to the previous H/K system?
3. Would a Chili Red exterior work with a Redwood Red interior?
Thank you.
A lingering question on the strut tower mounts: Did Mini address the problem of “mushrooming” found in the strut towers on the previous version?
If so – what was specifically done to reinforce the area?
Thanks!
We know that there were no R56s w/ Navigation at the launch, but do you happen to know what the voice control can do? Also, does the real time traffic information come with lifetime subscription? Thanks
What’s a Mini?
(Some of these questions are pretty funny.)
Would appreciate and info you discovered about the JCW. With the problems they are having really interested if they said anything about it.
What safety improvements are there in the new mini? Do you think this car is safe for a teenager?
<blockquote>What’s a Mini?
(Some of these questions are pretty funny.)
</blockquote>
Rescind comment. I’ve asked plenty of silly questions. Sorry!
How did it feel on the autocross course? Will the car be able to compete in GS???
Also what did you think of the Cloth/Leather seats. I know everyone liked the lounge leather, but the other seats are the ones I ordered.
Any photo of the standart 2007 dark silver s?Thanks in advance!
As previously expressed, the title photo is remarkably spectacular!
I realize this may be a tangential question but one that I am sure many of us would appreciate an answer to: Are there any concrete plans to include the MINI D for the U.S. andor Canada and Mexico?
Although you have reported that the R56 seats are much more comfortable, I am not enamoured by their appearance. Their shape and upholstery design are far too retro (1960 Morris Minor/Austin America) and incongruous to the overall interior design. A set of Sparco or Recaro seats would be far more appropriate in keeping with the sport/enthusiast aesthetic of the vehicle. What’s your opinion, Gabe? Thank you.
<blockquote>Would a Chili Red exterior work with a Redwood Red interior?</blockquote><blockquote>
The miniusa configurator won’t even allow this combination . . . you have to de-sellect CR to be able to configure Redwood.</blockquote>
Do you miss the Whine in the MCS?
Be honest! I suppose that depends on if you are a fan of the whine or not…
Many of us MCS owners are huge whine lovers, and have gone to great lengths (and expense), to get as much whine as possible.
Will we find similar aural pleasure with the new turbocharged MCS?
What grade of gas does the cooper run on
Does the wood steering wheel look classy or cheesy?
Whao makes the turbo for the R56S MINI/PSA engine?
Model or part number?
Will we be seeing thread after thread on NAM complaining the front cup holders are too small to hold a 64oz Mocha Latte? 😉
How does the engine handle 89 octane fuel?
Anywhere we can get the unsprung weights from the different wheel/tire combinations?
Oh, and has anyone tried the 10 speaker stereo?
My MA told me he didn’t need to know my preferences for all the programmable stuff (like DRL,etc) because this would all be programmable by the driver and not the dealer, is this true? If so, do you know what interface would be used to program these preferences?
1. Do the mood lights in the interior come stock? or is it an option, and if it is an option, approximately how much will it cost? and what colors are there?
2. What soundsystem package does the mini come with now? is it still harmon kardon because i heard it’s 10 speakers with hi-fi or something.
<blockquote>Whao makes the turbo for the R56S MINI/PSA engine?
Model or part number?</blockquote>
From the latest issue of Winding Road:<em>Turbocharger: 11.6-psi Garrett (13.8-psi overboost)</em>
Gabe,
This is maybe less about the review, but more about giving the new car a proper welcome. What driving style is appropriate with the new engine on the MCS, and what is recommended in regards to breaking the engine in? I know often I read about keeping it below 4500 RPMS for the first 1250 miles, but others say there’s no need and doing so will cause your car to learn your driving habits incorrectly if you do that.
At any rate, what do you recommend? Are there different recommendations for different styles of driving, or between the Cooper and the Cooper S?
Gabe,
I have heard many places about the low end torque in
the turbo engine. Does the non turbo engine have
improved low end torque as well. How is the new automatic
transmission. Thanks for a great review.
Sports Button Questions:
1) Is there a better “mode” for city driving vs highway driving, or is it all just a matter of personal preference?
2) Is gas mileage affected with it ON?
3) (as asked before) Will we be able to program a default “ON” or “OFF” so it doesn’t need to be reset each time we get in to drive?
Thanks much for all your great info!
Do you know of any manufacturer(s) of gas-powered R/C MINIs? I recently saw a Nikko electric R/C that wasn’t very impressive. Thanx
Is there a digital read-out for mph on the tach?
Cheers
Any chance we will see the MINI One edition, or even a stripped down base version of the MC? A spec race version of the MC would be cool – don’t you think?
“As long as you remember to click that sport button.”
For the Australian market, is the Sports Button an option? Or does it come standard for the R56 MCS Chilli Pack..
For thw JCW Aero Kit does come in a full complete set?
Or can you actually buy the Front bit seperately? If do how much?
Cheers
unequal drive shafts= torque steer
How noticable was it?
We had our first 3 R56’s arrive today and I am speechless! The fit, finish and quality of the car is without peer. Everything inside, the knobs, controls, etc., feel meaty and solid.
It only got better with the drive. First, it is really incredible how easy it is to steer when driving slow through a parking lot, only to feel it tighten up as the MINI accelerates. Awesome! On the road, it is incredible.. soft, refined, yet as nimble as the R53. The idling sound the motor makes will take some getting used to.
My only issue with the interior are the 2 stereo knobs. There is one for rotating through the settings, etc in the speedo and one for the volume beneath the CD. Everyone that was in the car today tried to use the knob in the speedo for volume… only to change the station. A little frustrating, but we’ll get used to it.
The color settings for the ambient lights are cool too!
A+
IS THE QUALITY OF THE LOUNGE LEATHER SEATS
SIMILAR TO THE PAST “ENGLISH LEATHER” SEATS ?
I’m looking for a vehicle that will double my current Jeep Grand Cherokee mileage (about 16.5 mpg). I’ve seen the EPA figures for the MC & MCS but have been trying to find ‘real world’, around town and average mileage for the new models. I’m looking for ‘normal’ pedestrian driving type mileage – not what comes from all the road tests and general thrashing of the machines. Did you get any info like this during your recent drives?
Gabe,
what impression does the manual transmission give you? How is the shifting experience?
Thanks,
S.
What models exactly are these “4th generation” Dunlop runflats? Especially interested in the standard 195/55/r16.
<blockquote>O(=^=)O Capn Feb 8th, 2007 Link
unequal drive shafts= torque steer
</blockquote>
That’s why the MINI comes with equal length driveshafts. Yes, true for the 2007 model too (at least according to the offical 2007 brochure).
I am amazed no one has asked:
Tell us about “turbo lag”, or lack of same!
What happens when you “jump on it”, and how does that compare to your current supercharged MCS?
Gabe, thanks for doing the Q & A.
A couple of questions about the wheels and tires.
1. Are the stock R56 MCS tires run flats?
2. Are the stock R56 MCS rims the same size as the R53, ie 16″x6.5″?
Thanks
John
Chad,
Wheel weights are listed in MINI2.com under FAQ, look for wheel & tire section.
Get your questions in soon! We’re closing this comment section Saturday to get started on them all.
Sunroof: we know that the rear panel now tilts in addition to the forward panel. My question is: Is the total size (sq. footage) of the sunroof larger than before? Any other noticeable differences/improvements with the sunroof?
Thanks!
How is the all electric steering feel compared to the previous one?
Overboost….. How much TQ does the overboot feature give? And is it 5 or 10 seconds at WOT that engages the overboost?
Cheers
Gabe,
I asked before about the Aux input. Also can you tell us about the iPOD interface and how is it connected to R56 ?
thanks Gabe…. I think this website is the BEST !
What should I get a 06 S JCW or an 07S?
Does the Cooper still have a spare tire?
Is the battery for the MCS still in the rear?
Thanks!
There is a small button on the outside of the drivers door handle.. What does it do?
Comments are officially closed. We’ll have answers for you Monday!