MF Exclusive: Ask Stracco
US MINI owners and enthusiasts, here’s your chance to talk directly to the man who has all the answers, MINI USA Product Manager “Stracco”. Like our first “Ask Stracco” last year, your questions will form the basis of our interview.
Here’s how it works. Post your question(s) in the comments section before this Friday at 12pm EST. After picking the best of the bunch, we’ll hand them over to Mr. Stracco. Once he warms up the magic eight-ball you should expect his answers right here on MF in about a week’s time.
Questions can be about anything MINI product related. Something like; “why don’t we get the Cooper D” or, “when is Jet Black coming back” would be perfect. A questions like, “why did my armrest break” probably won’t get answered.
At 12pm this Friday (the 13th!) we’ll pick the best of the lot for the interview. You’ve got 48 hours – have at it!
Comments are now closed. Look for answered in about a week’s time.
Why is the online configurator still showing so many items as not being available until March or June despite the fact these dates have passed?
Jeff,
Any chance that a chrono package will be available on the Clubman? I really hate not having a full speedometer in front of me. I also have noted a distinct lack of temperature gauges (oil and water) as well as oil pressure in the R56.
Thanks in advance.
Jeff,
Will there be a JCW offering for the R56 Justacooper? Something similar to the R50 Sound Kit?
Why have i had to have the altinator fuel /pump/washer pump /footwell moduel/ rainsensor/ 3 speakers /arm rest/ speedo ,all replaced on a 4 month old MCS . I DARE YOU TO ASK THIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will Jet Black return? And if so when?
Why are there so few NON-Metallic colors offered?
Will we ever see the return of the Multifunction buttons on the back of the steering wheel, where they belong, in the U.S.?
Convex mirrors in the U.S. would be nice? Any chance?
Dates of stage one JCW AND projected arrival of stage two JCW. Details???
What changes can be expected with the new ’09 cabrio? Other than an R56 without the hardtop, will it offer other options, such as a return of the Hot Orange? We’ve heard through Motoringfile “Think Sporty”, what else can you tell us about that?
Auto-up windows in the USA?
Any chance of an option not to un-program the burbble through the ECU?
Jeff,
Any plans for a better sound system (on top of HI-FI)?
A Digital Power Sound Modul (DPSM) option perhaps?
Are there any plans for moving to high performance automated manual transmissions, such as the AMT series or DCT series that Getrag builds – to replace the current under-performing Asian slush-box autos?
Not to cause bad vibe’s or anything but I’m with john m
,why does a car thats basically an economy car with a great suspension cost so much and break so easy ?
When will the R56 JCW suspension upgrade be available?
When is Dealer installed Sirius available for the 07’s?
Hey Jeff,
What’s in <em>your</em> garage? 😉
Also, I was very pleased to see the “Dueling Banjos” ad on the Discovery Channel in the past few weeks – actually the first MINI ad I’ve caught on live TV – is there going to be a bigger shift to television media as MINI grows? Has the MINI’s continued success meant a bigger ad budget?
Lastly, what is your expectation for growth with the addition of the Clubman? With the individual allocations of Coopers and Cooper Ss decreasing to allow for Clubman production at Oxford, do you anticipate any backlash from people having to wait perhaps even longer for the MINI they want?
Thanks Jeff,
NS in MN
I am very intrigued by the idea of a MINI speedster; a more aerodynamic, lower-slung M-Coupe with the MINI charisma, look and feel. No back seats, lower roof line, sportier intentions.
Such a vehicle has been rumored for years, but can you shed any more light on this? Will such a vehicle exist, and if so, when?
Why can’t we get the Cooper D here in the US. I would buy one in a heartbeat.
Will it be possible/available for dealers to return the exhaust burble that was removed from US spec Cooper upon request?
Will the mid-life styling refresh occur in the 2009 or 2010 model year?
Any chance of a de-contented, light-weight version of the MCS similar to, but not as high-lined as the JCW GP’s? Something that would be tailor-made for the autocross and amature roadracing crowds?
Each year there are a number of large grassroots run events (MOTD AMVIV etc). Are there any plans for MINI USA to get involved with these events or, will there ever be a North American version of MINI United?
Now that the R56 is out accessories for the first gen MINI have almost disappeared from the catalogs and the website. Will there be a place that first gen owners can go to continue to personalize their MINIs?
Is there a factory service manual and if so how can I get one?
Dear Stracco:
When will US MINI dealers begin to take orders for the new R55 Clubman? Will the initial allocation of launch Clubmans be made up of pre-specced cars and/or custom factory orders?
Onto a different question now…..
I took my R53 S for servicing last month and I was informed by the Service Advisor that MINI will soon begin to offer an extended scheduled service contract that provides coverage for 6 years or 100K miles whichever comes first. This extended service contract is supposed to cover for maintenance and other components such as brake pads, rotors and even clutch assemblies. I was quoted a price of $1,500 for the contract and must be purchased before the 3 year/36K mile scheduled service expires, which in my case, will be March of next year. haven’t heard or seen anything here at MF or my dealership regarding this service contract. I plan to keep my R53 S for a very long time and having the possibility to “pre-pay” its maintenance for the next 6-7 years really appeals to me.
Please confirm on availability..
Final question (I promise):
Will MINIUSA ever offer US customers the possibility of purchasing their new MINIs through an European Delivery Program, similar to what BMWUSA has been doing for several years? My dream is to purchase my next MINI and be able to pick it up at Plant Oxford for a nice European driving vacation and then drop it off at the customs agent to have it delivered (again) at my local MINI dealer.
MINIUSA has never given a compelling reason as to why an Euro Delivery program has not been made available for US customers.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions.
Best.
>Why can’t we get the Cooper D here in the US.
If not the Cooper D, are there plans for any kind of alternative fuel MINI?
Is there any plan for a direct shift gearbox (DSG) transmission for the MINI? Also, want to know the corporate reason why the MINI D is off limits to the US.
any plans to modify the current mc/mcs interior? as in…the center stack?
Are there any plans to create a kit which allows for iphone compatibility with the r53 MINIs?
Hi Jeff,
Are there any plans to add additional colors to the line up? Outside of Laser Blue, Chili Red, Mellow Yellow and Oxygen Blue, there isn’t much that stands out in a crowd. And how about contrasting interiors? Redwood Red is great, but it would be great to see it available with colors like Laser Blue (there is even wallpaper on MINIUSA.com with this combinations). Thanks!
Some of the configurator options are a bit odd, is there a technical reason to limiting our choices? Why are so many color combinations invalid? Why can’t I freely mix up the interior surfaces? Why can’t I get Flame wheels with the Sport Package, as they are the same size and price as the Crown’s? Perhaps a warning should come up saying “please consult your motoring advisor regarding your lack of taste” but certainly there should be some way of at least selecting these options, no? Some of use might want to have a more “unique” look.
What should we expect in the line up for the ’09 50th Anniversary?
What other future John Cooper Works items planned on being offered? will there be multipul suspension or performance upgrades and when will the JCW sport seats be coming to the US?
How about bringing the black and the white leather/cloth option seats to the US? They are featured in the Euro brochures. Personallt I like the black leather/cloth combo. Very cool and a good option price wise. Don’t care for blue or red.
Now that JCW is a BMW/Mini brand, can we expect the JCW power kit and suspension as factory options sooner on the R56…like 2008? Installing them as accessories may be gravy to dealers, but it’s a waste of the earth’s resources to discard brand new parts, it doesn’t allow cars to compete in ‘stock’ classes, and one can’t wrap the cost into a monthly lease or loan payment.
I also like TSizemore3’s suggestion of an R56 Mini CS/GP, something de-contented with just the JCW performance goodies, seats, rear seat delete, etc…without body kit, wheels, mandatory ‘sport’ package (nothing sporty in there), DSC, and premium pricing.
Will Alabama ever get a MINI dealership?
Ditto on the Configurator question:
‘Why is the online configurator still showing so many items as not being available until March or June despite the fact these dates have passed?’
When should USA shoppers expect the Configurator to have the MY2008 data?
Are there any plans to offer a color like the non-metallic Orange that was shown on the prototype in 2001? (please!) Are there any plans to bring back the chrono pak? (please!)
Lastly, it has been reported that the Tritec plant has shut down, yet that engine is still being used in the present convertable. Does this pose a production problem for MINI? At what point will the ‘vert switch over to the new engine?
Am I able to change the interior like the piano black pieces or color line on a 07 mcs if I ever get bored? What about the stuff on the doors too?
will the black headlights be an option? and when?
and what should we expect for the mid life of the R56, and also the new Clubman
Does MINIUSA have any plans or what are your thoughts on offering driver education events? MINI’s are a small car in a very big car world here in the states. We seem to never get respect or even seen it seems. I think everyone would benefit from driver awareness and basic car handling courses. Maybe an official MINI Certified driver license could be issued to the graduate?
Will MINIUSA consider offering a factory extended warranty? With my warranty expiring any day now I was surprised to find out the only option was a third party through the dealer. It would also be nice to have optional extended roadside assistance, as AAA and the others often won’t tow you all the way to a mini dealer.
On the Anniversay model in 09..how about very cool new colors like Turquoise or that salmon color on the metropolitan nash cars from the 50’s?..I am dreaming of a turquoise color for my 09 mini..
Is there a plan to increase the number of dealers in the US? A lot of people are unhappy about the dealer being too far from where they live.
Are there any plans to allow new dealerships to open? We have plenty of MINIs with zero dealerships in Alabama while Georgia has 2 within 25 miles of each other : )
A dealership in Wichita would save about 40 Mini owners a three hour drive-a three hour drive!
Will the Clubman have one switch for each rear wiper?
Will MINIs ever see a HUD option?
Are Recaro seats going to be available in the USA?
Will more dealerships divide MINI from BMW?
JoshW….A tad off subject but I have been very happy with AutoLand for my extended warranties. My last four vehicles have had the AutoLand warranty. My 1996 4Runner blew and engine with 150,000 and they replaced it nearly free to me.
What is the cause of the white marks on my ’07 convertible roof?
Is there a definitive MINI USA position on repair/replacement?
Thanks
Any chance of a high performance AWD variant, as opposed to a micro-suv “cross over”?
It is 250 miles to the nearest Mini dealership. When will one open in Iowa City, Iowa?
The Ford Focus(!) has a 100,000 mile drive train warranty. How about the Mini?
Thanks.
I would like to add another question to Mr. Stracco…. When MINI will upgrade the current 3 year/36K mile scheduled service to match BMW’s 4 year/50K mile scheduled maintenance program?
A lot of us that drive our MINIs at or less than 12K miles a year often find ourselves missing the last scheduled service stop at 36K miles because we don’t reach that mileage by the third year, on the date the scheduled maintenance program expires (The 3rd anniversary from the original vehicle purchase date). So often I need to buy an extension to 45K miles and pay $500 to get this service coverage. I think MINI needs to match BMW in this regards.
-Nigel
Will MINI offer added gauges as either an aftermarket option or a JCW option. I would like to see something like the chrono package. The speedo can stay in the middle, but offer boost, oil pressure, engine oil, etc around the tach. Maybe 2 gauges on each side would be neat. The tach already has screws on the back to hold these extra gauges
I think this is a really cool way for the owners to talk directly to MINI, thanks guys!!
Will a chrono package be available for ’08 models?
When will ’08 info be available?
Why can’t I put all-season tires on flame spokes?
Will MINIUSA increase it’s support of <em>legitimate</em> motorsports beyond the current level of contingency money?
I live no where near a MINI Dealership (closest is 3 hours away), but I’m less than ten minutes away from a fully equipped BMW dealer.
1.When will I be able to have warranty service done at the infinitely more convenient local Bimmer/Beemer dealer?
2.When will you open a MINI dealer in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
With the prospect of world oil reserves (hence supplies) dwindling over the next five years, are there any plans in the pipeline for alternative energy model MINIs which may run on biofuels, natural gas, electricity, or hydrogen fuel for example? I recall reading that a nuclear powered vehicle was suggested and possible many years ago.
For when an MCS quatro?
I’m interested in retrofitting the Power Folding Mirrors to my R53. I know it must be “possible”, even if it isn’t cheap. I have researched it quite thoroughly, and as far as I can tell, the only unique parts for the 1st Generation PFMs are:
PFM-enabled door harnesses
PFM-enabled center console mirror adjustment switch (adds extra button)
PFM mirror bases (incl. actuators)
PFM control module
It’s understandable that there isn’t an official retrofit kit for PFMs, because there are 4 types of door harnesses (also dependent on Boost vs HK) and also 4 types of center console control switch (also dependent on heated seats vs. not)…
However, if one was to buy the PFM-specific parts above (appropriate to the existing stereo & heated seats) and install them on a USA-based MINI, would it work?
In short: it appears that the PFMs on the 1st generation (incl. 07/08 Cabrio) are controlled via the bus instead of a discrete wire. If that’s true, surely a PFM retrofit is a feasible task? The door harnesses and mirrors are not too difficult to swap out.
I’m curious why one cannot build an oxygen blue cooper with a pacific blue interior anymore – thi sused to be possible. Thank you.
Will they ever bring over the MINI one or a stripped club style spec version? I’d love to own a MINI that had A/C and that’s it. Give it the Sport suspension, upgraded tires and wind up windows?! Let’s get back to the days of 1275 Mini’s and all there (simple) goodness.
On the new Clubman:
Why is the suicide door only being offered on the passenger side?
In my current Mini, every day I go to work I dump my briefcase in the trunk. It would be great if the driver’s side had a suicde door to so I can place my briefcase right in and not have to walk to the back of the car.
I’m really surprised we haven’t seen any R59, R60 questions? Anyone?
We’ve heard that MINI would not offer AWD because the additional weight would throw off the typical MINI go-kart handling. How did you solve that for the R60?
Two questions:
1. Separate from an extended service plan (question already asked above), will MINI offer an extended full vehicle warranty plan, like BMW already has for some time?
2. Will the new MINI energy features for Europe (stop/start, regenerative braking, and shift up indicator) be available on R56’s sold in the U.S.?
A couple of color questions:
1. Will the brown lounge leather seats as seen in Clubman spy photographs be an option for the Cooper?
2. What exterior color changes can we expect for the Cooper and Cooper S in the 2008 model year? Any hope for a non-metallic British Racing Green?
OK, what about the R59-60?
As far as the R53 MCS went, there was always that sort of “magical combo” of aftermarket tuning solutions- Intake, Pulley, and Exhaust. They’re easy, simple, and practical ways to gain a good 35-40 horsepower from an otherwise stock car. Do you think there will be another easy answer for the R56? A new “magical combo”? I’ve heard that the new PSA engines are remarkably difficult to tune due to the turbocharged design.
Also, I’ve tried a number of dealerships (including my own home dealer, MINI Peabody) asking about touch-up paint. Each and every time, I’ve been told by service and parts advisors alike that MINI USA has been very picky and liited about which colors to send out, and to which dealers. Why is this? I’ve been looking for Indi Blue, and while this IS a discontinued color, I’ve also been turned away for BRG and Pepper White cans of paint. MINI Peabody’s apparently had a variety of colors of order for months, some even years, and only a few just managed to show up a few weeks ago. Any insight? Is this related to the recent design changes at the Oxford facility for the new models?
P.S. – Not to suck up or anything, but I love my cars. I’ll forever be a proud MINI motorer.
Cheers!!
I’de like to order an R56 in blue or yellow with the Red leather interior… How many dragons do I have to slay to get that combo?
So many MCS owners swap out the runflats for NON-flats after the first set wears out (if not way sooner). Can MINI somehow work on providing a way to carry a spare for the MCS? Or, if that is truly impossible, how about a donut spare and can of “gunk” with a compressor kit as an option? I’d get one.
Whatever JCW info you can get would be awesome.
Minor addition to my query about PFMs… I realize the preference (both for MINIUSA and MotoringFile) is to talk mostly about “new stuff” (i.e. R56, Clubman and other things coming)… but please don’t forget about the “rest of us” 1st Generation owners too!
I’m hoping that at least a FEW of the questions will be reserved for those of us with R50s, R52s or R53s. 🙂
Oh yeah, another Q… does Jeff ever forsee a “loosening up” on sale of GP-specific parts to non-GP owners? In particular: the wheels, intercooler & trailing arms. It’s not as though it will truly dilute the value of the GP, because an MCS + a few GP parts still does NOT equal a GP. 🙂
First of all, a huge thanks to Stracco for taking the hot seat once again.
A few questions:
First, with the R59/R60 can you explain the thought process of stepping into what is an already crowded market of micro SUV’s. I admit freely being very nervous of the trend of ever larger vehicles from Mini.
A follow up on this would be how do you see the cumulative effect on the Mini community with offering ever increasing models and sizes of vehicles. I personally believe a large reason for the sense of community that Mini enjoys is from the fact that the Mini is a niche car. After we see a Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Clubman S, Convertible, Convertible S, A SUV, and a possible future GP or factory “stage 2” JCW I wonder what the impact will be on the community.
Wouldn’t you expect to see more sales of a performance Mini over a SUV mini? I think that the sales of a performance Mini would be much greater than a SUV mini, as testament to this look at the frenzy of the after market from your buyers currently.
I would love to hear if the Recaro JCW seats will ever see import into the US?
Any insights to the possibility of another MiniUSA event?
Question: “I know that,the rumor of a deal,with M-B/MINI to share similar platforms were just that. However,I would like to know if FIAT might have a chance,in the future,to be in the running,since their new FIAT 500 was designed by the same person who designed the new MINI;not to mentioned,is the closest car that falls in the premium-subcompact group,that MINI is in?”
Any chance of a performance AWD(all wheel drive) version of the Cooper S being built, such as the Getrag prototype?
Why do we only get a 2 year warranty on a $40k+ Mini over here in Australia, yet we get a 3 year warranty on a $15k Hyundai?
Why did the design team take out the back-fire sound from the 07 model? I like it and so do my passengers.
Is there any chance to get an online service manual that could be accessed and downloaded for a fee? Lotus provides this service, and continually updates the online manual. This would be a very nice acknowledgment of the hands-on MINI enthusiasts, and almost pure profit for MINI.
I still want to know whether there has been any official response / service bulletins on the R50 / R52 / R53 door sill rust issue…
Ditto on “what’s in your garage?”
I thought I’d see more “can we have the D please” questions but maybe since we all know the answer, people refrained?
Anyway, dear Stracco – can we have the D in the USA please?
Heard a rumor a while ago that the Clubman will be manufactured in the US. Is this true?
I have my name on a list at a dealer for a new Clubman. When will the US dealers be getting demos? Will the Clubman be at any US car shows before it is released in the US? (Assuming there are any shows between now and then).
Thx
Eric
“Hey Stracco!” (you need to start the question this way) Lots of people are curious about the extended MINI, lots of people are curious about the “D”. Any chance that we will see a D in the Clubman? I’m currently driving my third MINI (2002 Cooper S, 2005 Cooper S, and my current daily driver is a 2006 Cooper with the JCW Sound Kit – I love it!) Since BMW will be selling Diesel cars soon, I would imagine that that the MINI D would follow shortly behind, no? Has MINI ever looked into the possability of a Cloth/leatherette interior? (similar to the cloth/leather interior, but at a lesser cost (maybe a $300 upgrade??)
Thanks for taking time to entertain us!
Is there any way to fit left-hand drive mirror caps to a right-hand drive car?
The clips don’t match meaning the mirror caps go on upside down. Usually not a problem, except the MINI United 2007 mirror caps have text on them…
Why did MINI deliver some cars without jacks or lug wrenches? And since it was such a stupid move, why won’t they supply me with one now?
Where do I find instructions to set my doors to open with a single pull? I have one fob that works that way and another that won’t. (07 MCS)
I paid $500 for a feature that was supposed to lock the car automatically when I got more than 5 feet away from my car and open automatically when I approached the car. Kind of annoying that I still have to push a button to lock or unlock the car (particularly in the pouring rain). Why won’t it work the way it’s advertised to work?
What will make up the JCW stage two kit? Or is this just a code name for the JCW GP car?
What are your thoughts on the BMW 1-series coupe?
As an intermediate step between a MINI and a 3-series, do you think it will make it more likely to draw MINI owners up to the BMW product line?
For those of us who asked about the MINIUSA configurator – looks like everything is now priced and active – except the wood MFSW
And about the ‘D’ engine – I would buy a Mini with the D, and a spare tyre please.
Hey Stracco. Great job at limiting dealerships, it really makes me feel like I’m driving something special.
So when something special goes wrong, why not let our area’s BMW team dealership open up a MINIs service lane for the 100+ or so cars in our area?
Your new MINIs only service lane is great at the dealership 300 miles away (round trip). Please put one in Birmingham. Shouldn’t be too hard to paint a yellow line.
Have all the teething problems been sorted out with the R56 launch? I’ve noticed on the forums there are a significant amount of cars that are exhibiting the dreaded 3rd gear to 2nd gear groan/shudder noise. Dealers are replace clutch packs and transmissions. Has this been identified as a problem requiring a mid-year line change with the supplier part(s)?
Hey, Mr. Stracco
What is MINI’s take on the BMW 1 Series? Will it take a bite out of MINI sales?
So we hear about R59 and R60 all wheel variants or hybrids?
Now when Gabe was attending the Dragon with the “Press Car” I couldn’t open that extra secret door in the dash.
Will it be of some use in the U.S.?
Is there anything that can be shared regarding the rumored MINI “speedster”? I think you can see from the questions thus far folks are more interested in the MINI brand for performance rather than utility. Is this a US market bias? If so, is there any consideration for more performance oriented products geared towards the US market?