[the_penguin_pusher]

hey
]ive driven around 800 or so miles so far in my cooper. got it brand new and when i first had it it seemed really punchy. the engine also made a nice pleasant roar with a subtle whine for some reason.

now however its seems just a wee bit more lazy and the noise sounds a wee bit more off, almost a bit more canny i could say.

has anyone experienced a similar feel with their cooper?

im not sure if its the novelty of the performance wearing off or whether something is up with my cooper.

any comments would be much appreciated.

[Mistercurly]

I have done about 600 miles in mine, I think I know what you mean about the performance i am experiencing i similar feeling but i just put it down to getting used to the extra power.

[devaisl]

Guys I think its prob just that you're getting used to the way the car drives - grab someone else's car for a long spin and when you get back into your own car it will be just like the first drive!!!

[Richard Crofts]

Or could be that the engine is starting to get more bogged down. Generally speaking if you run a car in it becomes not as fast as a car thats thrapped from the first mile. But it will often last longer. Not because of ECU but because of the parts themselves bedding differently.

[the_penguin_pusher]

Quote: Originally Posted by Richard Crofts (original)

Or could be that the engine is starting to get more bogged down. Generally speaking if you run a car in it becomes not as fast as a car thats thrapped from the first mile. But it will often last longer. Not because of ECU but because of the parts themselves bedding differently.

not 100% sure what you mean here, are you saying that thrashing it from new would have made it slightly faster but not as durable, whereas taking it slowly makes it more durable but more sluggish??

im thinking its just because im used to the power now, ill try taking a spin in someone elses car lol.

although about the sound, the engine defo sounds diff. anyone else know what im on about??

thanks

[jggimi]

I've put about 7K miles on a U.S. R56 MC that I acquired in July. I can say that:

• It does "feel" less peppy now than it did initially -- but that may just be my impatience with local traffic.
• The suspension has loosened up significantly. I've no idea why. Initially, it was rock hard and was uncomfortable on our poorly maintained roads here. Now, it is much softer. It makes the ride much more comfortable, but now I believe that it is not as sharp in cornering as it was.
• The onboard computer initially told me that it would be 24K miles until my first oil change. It has dropped continuously since acquisition ... now it says 15K miles. I think we'll probably meet in the middle around 11-12K.

[ScoobyDoo]

On mine although I took it easy for the first 1000-odd miles until the 'running in period' was done, but I still did put my foot down on motorways and I did quite a few MINI runs during this time and TBH I find that my engine has loosened up superbly. Theres a lovely little roar when I get the revs up between changes and the acceleration seems quicker than my previous 2004 Cooper.

[the_penguin_pusher]

yeah ive now done the 1000 odd miles and i took a wee break from my car.
now that im back in it it seems really sweet and eager. back in love with it again.
the gearbox seems to have loosened up a bit which is quite welcome, makes it that bit more flexible and also seems easier to shift. the engine is by no means lazy. guess i was just becoming used to my surroundings.

thanks to all who posted replies and for the advice. had been worried initially but its aaaallll gooooooooooooooooooooooood

[PGN-1]

Id imagine all cars get the full power run in these days, in the hands of the loaders when their shipped overseas.

[the_penguin_pusher]

right, everything is good now but i still have two further queries...

1. does anyone else get a noise when they accelerate in 3rd or 4th at low revs. its distinct from the engine noise. is it the throttle? i dont hear it at any other revs or gears.

2. does anyone elses r56 cooper whiine like an earlier cooper s? lol my cooper sounds like it has a supercharger, fantastic sound when you let it climb in 3rd gear on the motorway.

[Richard Crofts]

Whine may be transfer bearings in the box. Could be turbo whistle. Could be wind noise of a loose a pillar or winscreen surround?

[ScoobyDoo]

Quote: Originally Posted by the_penguin_pusher (original)

2. does anyone elses r56 cooper whiine like an earlier cooper s? lol my cooper sounds like it has a supercharger, fantastic sound when you let it climb in 3rd gear on the motorway.

I wouldn't have compared it to a supercharger whine, but it def does have a nice little 'whine' for example when speeding up on slip road.