[Ken Cooper]

Now that the initial childbirth pains have passed (rash of problems on first build R56s), there don't seem to have been many new problems posted. If you're one one of the new buyers, would you please share with the rest of us some of what you've experienced so far, like:

. Build date? Purchase date?

. Cooper or Cooper S?

. Any problems so far?

. Any rattles, squeaks or other strange sounds?

. Other comments?

[MINIAC]

Wouldn't it be better to track things by build date?

[thrud]

Just to show that it's not all bad, I collected my R56 Cooper S the Tuesday after launch, back in November and haven't had any problems yet. I've just gone over 3000 miles and am enjoying the car more and more.

The biggest change from my R52 Cooper has been the increase in power, and getting used to the electric PAS which does feel a bit different. My only complaint is the lack of interior storage vs the old model. And I also wish I had opted for full leather seats, as I don't like the part leather black trim material as much as the old car.

I get the impression that some owners experiences may be down to the amount of care their dealer took over the PDI checks.

Paul

[SteveBrass]

Quote: Originally Posted by thrud (original)

Just to show that it's not all bad, I collected my R56 Cooper S the Tuesday after launch, back in November and haven't had any problems yet. I've just gone over 3000 miles and am enjoying the car more and more.

The biggest change from my R52 Cooper has been the increase in power, and getting used to the electric PAS which does feel a bit different. My only complaint is the lack of interior storage vs the old model. And I also wish I had opted for full leather seats, as I don't like the part leather black trim material as much as the old car.

I get the impression that some owners experiences may be down to the amount of care their dealer took over the PDI checks.

Paul

I've had a very similar experience. Picked up the Saturday after the launch, and 2500 miles of great motoring.

[boyband]

I was looking for some happy owners, shame there are only two of you that have owned up to being happy so far

I am due to get mine some time in early March and have been following Paul's "I am currently without my S thread".

Come on guys and girls, can't some more of you R56 owners put your name down here, to give the people expecting theirs shortly some confidence - or are there only 2 of you happy ones???

[R60 Mike]

I am Pretty happy

Apart from scratches over my cd player, which i got £150 for

a traped wire in the door which opened the door on the motor way

and two days ago my bonnet release not working unless some one pushes down on the bonnet,

appart from that no major falts I am actually pretty happy. its an awsome car just feel sorry for the problems every one is is having, got 1700 miles on the clock

[Chris.F]

. Build date? Purchase date? Wk 51 8th Jan 07

. Cooper or Cooper S? Cooper Chili Pack

. Any problems so far? NONE if you discount coin holder (ashtray missing at delivery). Delighted with car. great ride on 16" Blasters easy to clean, good finish.

. Any rattles, squeaks or other strange sounds? None - tiny rattle on dash near front screen but now gone.

. Other comments? Great car even at the price. The thread implies most cars have had problems ...possibly misleading. Mines a dream to drive.

44.7 average MPG so far, Worst experience i-pod fitting, best bit the REST. Enjoy!

Bad decisions. Not going for Sat Nav as never use Speedo, but passengers do of the back seat variety, just use read out on computer, easy to see in line of vision.

[Purple Dave]

Build date? Purchase date? Wk 51 13th Jan 07

Cooper or Cooper S? Cooper S Chili Pack

Any problems so far? Tiny dent in door (Dealer issue) Ashtray also missing at delivery. IPOD Adaptor needed recoding to fix a minor issue. (Wouldn't play MP3 CD's)

Any rattles, squeaks or other strange sounds? None - I too had a tiny rattle on dash behind the defrost grille but it's disappeared.

Other comments? Ditto everything that Chris F has said. It is a great car. Much better quality than my old R53 MCS. The exhaust note is getting better with more miles too. I love the Sat Nav display and the Comfort access (Lazy git)

37.9 average MPG so far (Fairly spirited driving)

Worst experience so far: Having to drive a R53 Cooper Conv as a courtesy car.

Bad decisions: Not specc'ing DAB? (Not sure though)

[Spamini]

I picked my cooper up on launch day, don't know about the build date, but would probably have been one of the first off the line that was released to customers. So far I'm delighted with him, and no problems so far. I do feel sorry for all the owners that are having so many problems right from day 1.

[Buzby]

HAPPY OWNER

Hi folks,

Mine has a Build date of February 2007.

Cooper/Cooper S? Cooper

No squeaks,rattles or any weird noises - tight as a drum!

As a first time MINI owner car drives brilliantly. No noises/rattles and very responsive though have only put about 150 miles on it so far. Love the way you can throw it into roundabouts and corners and it just sticks to the road!!

Getting around 37mpg but mostly town driving.

Only thing I would say is I found it a bit difficult at first to master the radio and heater controls. Don't think there was anything else I wish I had put on it.

Have to pat myself on the back for making a superb choice!

[joeycola]

I just know mine will be perfect - if it ever goes into production - and I pray this is soon. I've already lost the heated side view mirrors in my cold weather pkg.
With one prod # or another, I've been "On Order" since Jan 1st.
I'm really hoping this is not a taste of things to come.

[South Shore Lad]

Build date? Purchase date? Not sure - Dec 19th '06

. Cooper or Cooper S? Cooper

. Any problems so far? Not as such (see below)

. Any rattles, squeaks or other strange sounds? (ditto)

. Other comments? Bonnet needed lowering to rid it of the dreaded gap. This perhaps should have been sorted before delivery. Reported on here the slight 'bark' on a v cold start-up, but accept this is a characteristic with no "quality enhancement" planned. Getting low 40s mpg on short run journeys and high 40s on M/ways. First car I've ever had that I'll deliberately take the long route home from work (some twisty country lanes, rather than boring dual carriageways) just for the fun of it!!


I'm keen to reply on all threads of this nature to try and redress the bad/good balance in favour of the positive!

SSL

[wiggis]

Mine is an October 2006 build Cooper - was a dealer showroom model

My experience is exactly like South Shore Lad's - with pretty much the same (non) issues.

I'm 100% happy with my choice, and the car is brilliant. Just powerful enough to be interesting.

I bought a £19.79 Pama bluetooth speaker which matches the car perfectly and looks almost 'factory fit'.

http://media.phonehouse.com/mediaser...BT159215&ver=2

I feel sorry for those with MCS's and engine/gearbox/flywheel troubles ......

[Avalon]

Build Date :- 20th Feb
Collection Date :- 9th March
Cooper
So far so good after seeing all the posts. Panel gap around wheel arches at front consistent but slightly larger than other consistent panel gaps. No rattles so far.

[mrweasel]

600 perfect miles so far

not sure of build date (mid-Jan timeframe)
picked up Feb 26th
MCS

Only minor annoyance is the clicking when switching gears, but then again, everyone I test drove did that. Might be a "feature"

[Otter Boy]

Cooper S - Replaces 2005, taken over by my son.

Purchase Date 4/07
Build Date: Week 18 May 4, 2007

Picked up on 5/25/07 Mini Peabody

To Date:

Miles 2800

Problems:

Sunroof does not always vent by either remote, or toggle. Takes a couple of pushes on toggle. This does not happen but 20% of the time so is only an inconvenience at this time. Will have it looked at when I go for service.

Fuel indicator lights go dim and bright once in a while. Reseated the filler cap and it solved it. Maybe pressure or cap gasket . Not constant.

Other: None. Great car. Nice changes, fast, comfortable, on and on and on!!!

No regrets.

2 is better than 1.

[Simz]

Quote: Originally Posted by Otter Boy (original)

Cooper S - Replaces 2005, taken over by my son.

Purchase Date 4/07
Build Date: Week 18 May 4, 2007

Picked up on 5/25/07 Mini Peabody

To Date:

Miles 2800

Problems:

Sunroof does not always vent by either remote, or toggle. Takes a couple of pushes on toggle. This does not happen but 20% of the time so is only an inconvenience at this time. Will have it looked at when I go for service.

Fuel indicator lights go dim and bright once in a while. Reseated the filler cap and it solved it. Maybe pressure or cap gasket . Not constant.

Other: None. Great car. Nice changes, fast, comfortable, on and on and on!!!

No regrets.

2 is better than 1.

the fuel gauge dimming is normal- there's a sensor in the rev counter - lower right - which senses ambient light - test it using your finger. If outside conditions are bright the gauge goes brighter so help drivers see it. - and vice versa

[J1JPE]

Paint wear on inside of boot, faulty interior light on B pillar & loose trim under spoiler all fixed under warranty

runflats make ride harsh but can live with that (roads for test drive must have been better than ones where drive now) - glad I dont have 17 or 18s

happy camper

just need some mods ... unique look / more power ... any sugestions ~?

[steeve]

Built end of April, Mini Cooper
Flat spot, and overall poor performance (when compared with similar age cars)
Most of the interior chrome trim missing
Clunk on right hand wiper at full stroke
Part polished out 16" long run in the lacquer on the bonnet
Broken clip on front bumper trim
Dent in Cooper sill cover
Seat memory not working on drivers seat
Fuel gauge lights go out (not just fade)
Plastic sticker for tailgate rubber stop screwed up and falling off

Thats it so far, I hope there's not more, but ........

[Arnbut]

2007 Mini Cooper S, Sport Package
Build date: 12/06
Purchase date: 6/16/07
1st trip to service --- inop mirrors and excessive heat on bonnet: 6/19/07 --- mirrors repaired and heat considered normal.
2nd trip to service --- the 3rd to 2nd downshift screech and excessive heat on bonnet: 7/9/07 --- car smelled like it caught fire last Wednesday.
Results: TBD