My First Mini Cooper
Discussion
So, just got my first Mini - as a little run around for short and medium distances. I got a 07 Mini Cooper and it's bags of fun!
A few things Iv'e noted that I'd be interested to hear if other regulars have experienced and could mention if it's any thing out of the ordinary?
1: First gear is a bit wooly to engage and jumps out occasionally (3 times in the last month) - is this normal?
2: It's got a firm ride - the handling is lovely - but ain't half noticeable on a bumpy road...
3: After the first 300 or so miles the engine warning light came on - under warranty they recommended changing the oil and filters - all fine since then (and I'm another 700 miles down the road) - any one else had this occur?
4: Low end torque quite poor - meaning I generally drive it in a lower gear than I would normal choose. I suspect it's due to my last car being a diesel and my habits being too ingrained...
Overall, loving it though!
A few things Iv'e noted that I'd be interested to hear if other regulars have experienced and could mention if it's any thing out of the ordinary?
1: First gear is a bit wooly to engage and jumps out occasionally (3 times in the last month) - is this normal?
2: It's got a firm ride - the handling is lovely - but ain't half noticeable on a bumpy road...
3: After the first 300 or so miles the engine warning light came on - under warranty they recommended changing the oil and filters - all fine since then (and I'm another 700 miles down the road) - any one else had this occur?
4: Low end torque quite poor - meaning I generally drive it in a lower gear than I would normal choose. I suspect it's due to my last car being a diesel and my habits being too ingrained...
Overall, loving it though!
Not sure if i can help with all questions - but wrt the firm ride. What size alloys does it have. Many change to 16" wheels and non-run flat tyres. The run flat tyres can ruin the ride. Our old r53 cooper s had them all round and was fairly unsettled on country roads. Now got a clubman s which front tyres are non run flats and it 'feels' far more compliant.
I don't think mixing runflats and normal tyres is recommended but i am slowly changing based on others experience.....
Mike
I don't think mixing runflats and normal tyres is recommended but i am slowly changing based on others experience.....
Mike
Interesting! I run a 57 plate Cooper, with 50k on the clock, for 'L' test driving instruction/advanced driving.
1. All the gears are crisp to engage. I've never had the 1st gear problem you mentioned, thank goodness... I hope you've taken this up with the dealer who sold it to you.
2. The ride is part 16" and above wheels having run flats as standard (stiff side walls don't give much). That and the fact the Cooper has stiffer suspension, being a sports model, than the Mini one.
The jittery ride over bumps then gets worse with the sports pack, if you have that!
3. The Cooper tends to pull from 3k revs stronger and stronger to red line. You're right, you have your 'diesel head' on still!
1. All the gears are crisp to engage. I've never had the 1st gear problem you mentioned, thank goodness... I hope you've taken this up with the dealer who sold it to you.
2. The ride is part 16" and above wheels having run flats as standard (stiff side walls don't give much). That and the fact the Cooper has stiffer suspension, being a sports model, than the Mini one.
The jittery ride over bumps then gets worse with the sports pack, if you have that!
3. The Cooper tends to pull from 3k revs stronger and stronger to red line. You're right, you have your 'diesel head' on still!
Just bought a 57 plate Cooper and I also noticed the notchy gearbox. . .well it ain't slick anyway!
Runs on 16" run flats and ride is harsh but manageable (previous Alfa Mito has terrible), again swapping to non-runflats as soon as funds allow.
The engine seems quite week against previous 120bhp cars I've driven, not sure why, you have to rev it, yet its not a smooth when you do, a fairly unpleasant experience actually.
I'd love a bit more torque. . .
Interior does a fair bit of rattling, I have panoramic roof, which seems to be the source of some of it, especially when its cold. Also a new and currently un diagnosed rattle is coming from behind the dash, I'd love to annihilate that asap as well, its doing me head in.
So apart from the above loving it, just sometimes I have to try hard.
Runs on 16" run flats and ride is harsh but manageable (previous Alfa Mito has terrible), again swapping to non-runflats as soon as funds allow.
The engine seems quite week against previous 120bhp cars I've driven, not sure why, you have to rev it, yet its not a smooth when you do, a fairly unpleasant experience actually.
I'd love a bit more torque. . .
Interior does a fair bit of rattling, I have panoramic roof, which seems to be the source of some of it, especially when its cold. Also a new and currently un diagnosed rattle is coming from behind the dash, I'd love to annihilate that asap as well, its doing me head in.
So apart from the above loving it, just sometimes I have to try hard.
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