MINI2

CooPz · Feb 10th, 2003, 10:37 PM

From what Steven, Steve and Danny where discussing at the end of the last run it's become abundantly apparent we need to become a part of a club to make sure we are indemnified in the case of an accident at an event. Once we get six cars or more on a run we are bound by different rules. I am no expert but I thought I would start the discussion.

jasemini · Feb 10th, 2003, 11:17 PM

Ah yes, I beleive that Danny and Steve have made inquires with the QLD BMW Club, they were saying that we could possibly form a MINI chapter of this club, thus enjoying the already established benefits of their club.

CooPz · Feb 10th, 2003, 11:29 PM

Yup and theres a couple of established Mini clubs as well we could join, I think starting a new one is ruled out due to the cost of setting one up, I think Swamos mentioned the Marks car club as an option too.. not sure if thats the right spelling.

jasemini · Feb 11th, 2003, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CooPz
Yup and theres a couple of established Mini clubs as well we could join, I think starting a new one is ruled out due to the cost of setting one up, I think Swamos mentioned the Marks car club as an option too.. not sure if thats the right spelling.

Some of the established MINI clubs are 99% Classic MINI's and they're not really fond of the new MINI, which I guess is understanable given the whole BMW thing. I reckon the BMW Club could be the way to go, they get some great driver training days going.

cjay · Feb 11th, 2003, 06:15 AM

I also think starting a MINI chapter of the BMW Club would be the best option.
It would be fun to get together and swap cars, I would love to swap my Cooper (when I get it) for a M5 for the day

swamos · Feb 11th, 2003, 06:44 AM

Good idea Coopz, the more discussion on these things the better. At the moment I believe our three options are...

1. Form a chapter of the BMW club.
2. Join forces with the smaller of the mini clubs (the one that Steve is president of, as they are keen to have us)
3. Start our own New Mini club. I have asked BMW group whether they are interested in supporting us in this, and I am waiting to hear back from them. It will be interesting to see how much support they offer....

Personally I reckon options 1 and 2 are better because of much less work and money involved in the setup. There is no reason why we couldn't do 1 or 2, and then 3 later when we have more members.

As to whether we choose 1 or 2, I can see pro's and cons to each one. You could argue that the people in the BMW club may see us as poor relations, and you could argue that the people in the MINI club could see us as rich relations

Both clubs are keen to have us join forces with them.

Please discuss

Basil · Feb 11th, 2003, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jasemini
Some of the established MINI clubs are 99% Classic MINI's and they're not really fond of the new MINI, which I guess is understanable given the whole BMW thing. I reckon the BMW Club could be the way to go, they get some great driver training days going.

Umm, just to put the record straight, the Mini Owners Club (Qld) (07) 3824 1310, fully supports the new MINI, and also is (or was) involved with Brisbane BMW MINI Events.

If you go down the BMW Club route, you will only help to alienate the MINI and it's Mini cousin even further, not that that is necessarily a bad thing.

Anyway, food for thought.

Cheers

AussieMini · Feb 11th, 2003, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Basil
Umm, just to put the record straight, the Mini Owners Club (Qld) (07) 3824 1310, fully supports the new MINI, and also is (or was) involved with Brisbane BMW MINI Events.

If you go down the BMW Club route, you will only help to alienate the MINI and it's Mini cousin even further, not that that is necessarily a bad thing.

Anyway, food for thought.

Cheers

In saying that, George Bush supports a peaceful resolution to the Iraq weapons of mass destruction problem - when asked in front of a crowd.

But the simple fact is we have new MINI owners involved who've been all but shunned when the've attended Classic Mini clubs.

AussieMini · Feb 11th, 2003, 10:14 AM

From what a few BMW MINI owners have told me, when they've gone along to a Classic Mini meeting the event is often overshadowed with swap meet and "fixer up" discussion.

This comes on top of many Classic Mini owners resentful towards the BMW MINI. I am a member of a number of clubs already and know first hand the quickest way to chase off prospective members is to already have non-inclusive cliques or simply not accept them as one of the fold straight away.

As BMW MINI owners we’re looking for more runs, social events and opportunities to make friends. We know we go on a run there’s little chance of having to tow someone home.

As for being a member of the MINI chapter of the BMW Club. I have spoken to two members (the president and the social director of the BMW Club of Queensland) and they seemed very down-to-earth people somewhat excited about the prospect of having the MINIs involved. The president, Ian Solomon, was actually the one to suggest it and furthermore said all BMW owners love the MINI as a BMW and some already have them.

Furthermore they have many long established associations with retailers who give discounts to BMW Club members. In addition they are affiliated will all the CAMS and mark club bizzo. About the only downside for some prospective MINI members would be the $55 per year with a one time $25 joining fee. I am extremely happy to pay the initial $80 then the ongoing $55. I know I can save that in one purchase.

Anyway, I agree with Swamos about the first and second option being the way to go. I would, personally, favour the first at this point. But until we see what BMW Australia may come up with this week I’ll wait – but not very long.

If you want to know a bit more about the BMW Club of Queensland here's their website, albeit bland. http://www.bmwclubqld.asn.au

eltel · Feb 11th, 2003, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Basil
Umm, just to put the record straight, the Mini Owners Club (Qld) (07) 3824 1310, fully supports the new MINI, and also is (or was) involved with Brisbane BMW MINI Events.

If you go down the BMW Club route, you will only help to alienate the MINI and it's Mini cousin even further, not that that is necessarily a bad thing.

Anyway, food for thought.

Cheers

I'm led to believe that the Vic Mini Club also supports the new MINI and I am a member of that club. But in November there were three new MINIs (non-members, Spazz, dnbCooper, and eltel) joining in for a drive with 20 Mini Club members in their lovely old machines.

Not one of the committee members (nor any of the ordinary members) spoke to Spazz and I in the 45 minutes leading up to the start, nor when we got to the half way mark. A couple of young guys came over to look at the new Cooper Ss, but that was all. No senior members came near us. Very poor show. I left at that stage and went home.

I've recently contacted BMW to see how they can assist us in setting up a more formal group in Victoria, perhaps with feet in both camps, where we can enjoy the privilege and choices offered in both clubs. I'll pass on anything that transpires. I've also asked BMW to consider how they can help to direct new owners to such a new association, as I feel that our groups in all states need to grow, otherwise they will become cliquey and will lose numbers.

AussieMini · Feb 11th, 2003, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by eltel
Not one of the committee members (nor any of the ordinary members) spoke to Spazz and I in the 45 minutes leading up to the start, nor when we got to the half way mark. A couple of young guys came over to look at the new Cooper Ss, but that was all. No senior members came near us. Very poor show. I left at that stage and went home.

Eltel, This is what I'm afraid happened in Brisbane.

Also, Brisbane BMW contacted me today and asked me to submit and article and photos for their dealer magazine about our last run. They have also offered to pay for all mailouts to their current BMW MINI owners.

Speaking to the sales manager of Brisbane BMW last week, Tony Dunne, he said he didn't mind if we had round robin meetings at Brisbane BMW, Motorline and Bruce Lynton's, he just wanted to see this get off the ground because at the end of the day it would help with sales.

eltel · Feb 11th, 2003, 10:42 AM

That's very encouraging AussieMini, about BMW getting interested, as it is in their interests to increase sales. I'm surprised that they haven't done something along these lines already.

Since August here in Vic, we've had an active group of MINIers, and you guys have a huge number of 'members', and I'm sure that dealers are reading this stuff, so why haven't they tapped in to the unbridled enthusiasm that we all display????

I'm hoping that Shawn Ticehurst (MINI Brand Manager) will be in touch soon with something positive that will allow us to develop a genuine association that is on friendly terms with both BMW and Mini car clubs, yet is independent enough to cater for MINI owners and enthusiasts.

Regards, ElTel

swamos · Feb 11th, 2003, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Basil
Umm, just to put the record straight, the Mini Owners Club (Qld) (07) 3824 1310, fully supports the new MINI, and also is (or was) involved with Brisbane BMW MINI Events.

Cheers

I'm actually a member of this club already. While I am certain that the committee supports the new BMW Mini, I am also equally certain that the majority of members don't, or maybe more correctly, have no interest in our Mini's. While I haven't been to an event with our car, the few meetings I went to before I got the car I wasn't made to feel welcome. It might be different with the car....

I am aware of instances where Moke owners were made to feel unwelcome by MOC, and started their own club. If this happens with the Moke, what hope have we got???

Having said all that, I can't help but feel that we really should give these guy's a chance, and maybe go to one of their meetings. I know that the committee firmly believes in the new mini, and know that they believe they will need these people in the future. They have a Gold Coast run on the 23rd. Anyone interested?

Just thoughts

Anyone else had experience with MOC (Please, no defamation)?

Maybe we are just a totally different demographic?? Does anyone feel that they don't want to be associated with the Classic Mini's?

We need to brainstorm I think

swamos · Feb 11th, 2003, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by eltel
That's very encouraging AussieMini, about BMW getting interested, as it is in their interests to increase sales. I'm surprised that they haven't done something along these lines already.

Since August here in Vic, we've had an active group of MINIers, and you guys have a huge number of 'members', and I'm sure that dealers are reading this stuff, so why haven't they tapped in to the unbridled enthusiasm that we all display????

I'm hoping that Shawn Ticehurst (MINI Brand Manager) will be in touch soon with something positive that will allow us to develop a genuine association that is on friendly terms with both BMW and Mini car clubs, yet is independent enough to cater for MINI owners and enthusiasts.

Regards, ElTel

If BMW were to give substantial support, I believe that a national club could grow to be something REALLY special. I hope that would be the case, but I feel that there isn't much we can do from Brisvegas...

snoopy · Feb 11th, 2003, 09:46 PM

Swamos why do you feel so disempowered?

I think that for these plans to work it will be a partnership with BMW au, local dealers and the MINI owners. We all have needs eg BMW wants to raise the level of interest and knowledge about the brand and what a better way than have 20 MINI in a row driving about the place. Look they already have funded six MINIS to go driving about the place.

Now the local dealers will want good press and happy MINI owners so more people go into their MINI garage and buy MINI’s. So now we have the dealer getting what he wants (more sales for his garage) and BMW au is get what they want; more total sales and exposure of the brand.

Lastly we have to ask ourself what we want from this partnership.

Most important thing is that neither BMW nor local dealers will want to have bad press or vibes in any Club or any action that would damage the brand or sales. So I think a plan should be developed.

jasemini · Feb 11th, 2003, 10:12 PM

Great Comments from everybody. I couldn't agree more with the path of the BMW CLUB. The Mini Owners CLub is for classic MINI's and I agree that there is an us & them attitude that is presented by many of the classic MINI club members, even though the attitude presented by that of the comittees is one of support. Aussiemini has a good point in that most meets could probably be focused on sawps and restoration/maintainence,which for a Classic Car Club is understandable.

Here is a list of the things that I would hope to gain by joining or being part of a New MINI Car Club:

1: The oppurtunity to make new friends who share a common passion.
2: The oppurtunity to learn more about my car through this new group of friends
3: To enjoy the social side of this group through MINI runs and Social Outings
4: The oppurtunity to enhance my driving skills through driver training and track days
5: The oppurtunity to obtain discounts on services related to my MINI.

Our group in it's current form certainly addresses the first two of these oppurtunities, would a classic car club help with the others? I feel the BMW club would be better for these.

SWAMOS has a point in that we should give the Qld Mini Owners Club a chance by attending their Jazz & Shiraz day run on Sunday 23rd February, if we attend in good numbers we could be well recieved and welcomed with open arms, but if there's only a couple of us then we'd end up on the outer. I reckon we'd need at least 6 cars to make an impact and for us to gauge a response. If they're rude and unreceptive then I feel it's BMW CLUB all the way and perhaps instigate a BMW CLUB - MINI CHAPTER nationally.

They're just my thoughts as I'm passionate about my car and I don't want to go somewhere where It & I are frowned upon or viewed as NOT A REAL MINI etc...I've encountered this kind of attitude a couple of times just in the street or online and frankly those kind of people can ....well politely P*#S OFF!

I'M ALLAN JONES I mean Jase

CooPz · Feb 11th, 2003, 10:59 PM

OK Steven is the President of the Queensland Mini Car Club 07 3814 2515.

The benifit here is it's a pre established club so no set up fees and the cost to join is $35 a year I think? I'll double check.

Also there are not many members left in the club so we would be a majour force. I have seen the Mini owners club and heard some members insulting the new cars (they didn't know I owned a new one) So I know what everyones saying about not fititng in, and I don't think it would be an issue with QMCC

The other option of joining BMW sounds good, but I would be afraid of the same thing as joining a classic mini club, the "You're not one of us" attitude I sometimes see.

I am glad to hear so much input as I am going to get CAMS approval through QMCC for this next event to indemnify us, until we all hopefully come to a common decision on what we want to do.

J.

eltel · Feb 12th, 2003, 12:20 AM

I may be wrong, but I think we would also need BMW's approval to include the word MINI in the association's title.

I can't see them denying the use of it, but you'd better ask for permission.

Regards, ElTel

Boo · Feb 12th, 2003, 02:09 AM

As some of you know, i have already joined the BMW Club of NSW and attended a "Driver Training Day" (

) in January...
The secretary Cheryl Haywood said <quote> We would love to have you on board and as many Minis as you can bring with you" <end quote>
At the track day (at which they supply their own Cams trained officials) every BMW Driver was a car nut (both classics and new were represented) and took exceptional interest in the Styling, engine and performance on the track of my Mini. Both Melody and I were more than welcomed with open arms...

The club offers discounts to various place (still waiting for my official pack) as well as 25% off BMW driver training.
They also have events every month and sometimes twice a month...
They looked after me in terms of telling me who to go to in regards to track tyres and CAMS related mods such a Fire Extinguisher etc...

Just my experience...

CooPz · Feb 12th, 2003, 02:15 AM

Didn't want to derail my own thread!

OK Well I was thinking of actually going along to a BMW track day and seeing how it went. The idea of being on the track with them and earning thier respect appeals to me. Considering we have so many people wanting to join at once we do have some clout. If we can all agree that is

hehe.

Feb 10th, 2003, 10:37 PM	#1
CooPz 3M TA3 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Gold Coast Australi Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 221 Offline	QLD Mini Club From what Steven, Steve and Danny where discussing at the end of the last run it's become abundantly apparent we need to become a part of a club to make sure we are indemnified in the case of an accident at an event. Once we get six cars or more on a run we are bound by different rules. I am no expert but I thought I would start the discussion. So I says to the cops, I says, "nah mate, that wasn't my tyres screeching, that was my passengers"

Feb 10th, 2003, 11:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
jasemini MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Brisbane - Queenslan Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 428 Offline	Ah yes, I beleive that Danny and Steve have made inquires with the QLD BMW Club, they were saying that we could possibly form a MINI chapter of this club, thus enjoying the already established benefits of their club. 02 MCS gone after 2 years of fun and new friends, and 10 visits to the service dept at Brisbane BMW. You don't know the meaning of practical until you've owned a Camry! (seriously it's not a bad car though )

Feb 10th, 2003, 11:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
CooPz 3M TA3 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Gold Coast Australi Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 221 Offline	Yup and theres a couple of established Mini clubs as well we could join, I think starting a new one is ruled out due to the cost of setting one up, I think Swamos mentioned the Marks car club as an option too.. not sure if thats the right spelling. So I says to the cops, I says, "nah mate, that wasn't my tyres screeching, that was my passengers"

Feb 11th, 2003, 12:18 AM	#4 (permalink)
jasemini MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Brisbane - Queenslan Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 428 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by CooPz Yup and theres a couple of established Mini clubs as well we could join, I think starting a new one is ruled out due to the cost of setting one up, I think Swamos mentioned the Marks car club as an option too.. not sure if thats the right spelling. Some of the established MINI clubs are 99% Classic MINI's and they're not really fond of the new MINI, which I guess is understanable given the whole BMW thing. I reckon the BMW Club could be the way to go, they get some great driver training days going. 02 MCS gone after 2 years of fun and new friends, and 10 visits to the service dept at Brisbane BMW. You don't know the meaning of practical until you've owned a Camry! (seriously it's not a bad car though )

Feb 11th, 2003, 06:44 AM	#6 (permalink)
swamos MINI Traitor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brisbane, Australia Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 5,538 Offline	Options Good idea Coopz, the more discussion on these things the better. At the moment I believe our three options are... 1. Form a chapter of the BMW club. 2. Join forces with the smaller of the mini clubs (the one that Steve is president of, as they are keen to have us) 3. Start our own New Mini club. I have asked BMW group whether they are interested in supporting us in this, and I am waiting to hear back from them. It will be interesting to see how much support they offer.... Personally I reckon options 1 and 2 are better because of much less work and money involved in the setup. There is no reason why we couldn't do 1 or 2, and then 3 later when we have more members. As to whether we choose 1 or 2, I can see pro's and cons to each one. You could argue that the people in the BMW club may see us as poor relations, and you could argue that the people in the MINI club could see us as rich relations Both clubs are keen to have us join forces with them. Please discuss Clubman less.... Last edited by swamos : Feb 11th, 2003 at 07:01 AM.

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Feb 11th, 2003, 06:15 AM	#5 (permalink)
cjay "No Works for me!" Join Date: Jan 2003 Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 489 Offline	I also think starting a MINI chapter of the BMW Club would be the best option. It would be fun to get together and swap cars, I would love to swap my Cooper (when I get it) for a M5 for the day

Feb 11th, 2003, 09:14 AM	#7 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by jasemini Some of the established MINI clubs are 99% Classic MINI's and they're not really fond of the new MINI, which I guess is understanable given the whole BMW thing. I reckon the BMW Club could be the way to go, they get some great driver training days going. Umm, just to put the record straight, the Mini Owners Club (Qld) (07) 3824 1310, fully supports the new MINI, and also is (or was) involved with Brisbane BMW MINI Events. If you go down the BMW Club route, you will only help to alienate the MINI and it's Mini cousin even further, not that that is necessarily a bad thing. Anyway, food for thought. Cheers

Feb 11th, 2003, 10:05 AM	#8 (permalink)
AussieMini MINI2 Senior Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Brisbane Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 705 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Basil Umm, just to put the record straight, the Mini Owners Club (Qld) (07) 3824 1310, fully supports the new MINI, and also is (or was) involved with Brisbane BMW MINI Events. If you go down the BMW Club route, you will only help to alienate the MINI and it's Mini cousin even further, not that that is necessarily a bad thing. Anyway, food for thought. Cheers In saying that, George Bush supports a peaceful resolution to the Iraq weapons of mass destruction problem - when asked in front of a crowd. But the simple fact is we have new MINI owners involved who've been all but shunned when the've attended Classic Mini clubs.

Feb 11th, 2003, 10:14 AM	#9 (permalink)
AussieMini MINI2 Senior Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Brisbane Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 705 Offline	From what a few BMW MINI owners have told me, when they've gone along to a Classic Mini meeting the event is often overshadowed with swap meet and "fixer up" discussion. This comes on top of many Classic Mini owners resentful towards the BMW MINI. I am a member of a number of clubs already and know first hand the quickest way to chase off prospective members is to already have non-inclusive cliques or simply not accept them as one of the fold straight away. As BMW MINI owners we’re looking for more runs, social events and opportunities to make friends. We know we go on a run there’s little chance of having to tow someone home. As for being a member of the MINI chapter of the BMW Club. I have spoken to two members (the president and the social director of the BMW Club of Queensland) and they seemed very down-to-earth people somewhat excited about the prospect of having the MINIs involved. The president, Ian Solomon, was actually the one to suggest it and furthermore said all BMW owners love the MINI as a BMW and some already have them. Furthermore they have many long established associations with retailers who give discounts to BMW Club members. In addition they are affiliated will all the CAMS and mark club bizzo. About the only downside for some prospective MINI members would be the $55 per year with a one time $25 joining fee. I am extremely happy to pay the initial $80 then the ongoing $55. I know I can save that in one purchase. Anyway, I agree with Swamos about the first and second option being the way to go. I would, personally, favour the first at this point. But until we see what BMW Australia may come up with this week I’ll wait – but not very long. If you want to know a bit more about the BMW Club of Queensland here's their website, albeit bland. http://www.bmwclubqld.asn.au

Feb 11th, 2003, 10:21 AM	#10 (permalink)
eltel MINIstry of Fun Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Eastern Suburbs, Mel Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 1,593 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Basil Umm, just to put the record straight, the Mini Owners Club (Qld) (07) 3824 1310, fully supports the new MINI, and also is (or was) involved with Brisbane BMW MINI Events. If you go down the BMW Club route, you will only help to alienate the MINI and it's Mini cousin even further, not that that is necessarily a bad thing. Anyway, food for thought. Cheers I'm led to believe that the Vic Mini Club also supports the new MINI and I am a member of that club. But in November there were three new MINIs (non-members, Spazz, dnbCooper, and eltel) joining in for a drive with 20 Mini Club members in their lovely old machines. Not one of the committee members (nor any of the ordinary members) spoke to Spazz and I in the 45 minutes leading up to the start, nor when we got to the half way mark. A couple of young guys came over to look at the new Cooper Ss, but that was all. No senior members came near us. Very poor show. I left at that stage and went home. I've recently contacted BMW to see how they can assist us in setting up a more formal group in Victoria, perhaps with feet in both camps, where we can enjoy the privilege and choices offered in both clubs. I'll pass on anything that transpires. I've also asked BMW to consider how they can help to direct new owners to such a new association, as I feel that our groups in all states need to grow, otherwise they will become cliquey and will lose numbers.

Feb 11th, 2003, 10:30 AM	#11 (permalink)
AussieMini MINI2 Senior Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Brisbane Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 705 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by eltel Not one of the committee members (nor any of the ordinary members) spoke to Spazz and I in the 45 minutes leading up to the start, nor when we got to the half way mark. A couple of young guys came over to look at the new Cooper Ss, but that was all. No senior members came near us. Very poor show. I left at that stage and went home. Eltel, This is what I'm afraid happened in Brisbane. Also, Brisbane BMW contacted me today and asked me to submit and article and photos for their dealer magazine about our last run. They have also offered to pay for all mailouts to their current BMW MINI owners. Speaking to the sales manager of Brisbane BMW last week, Tony Dunne, he said he didn't mind if we had round robin meetings at Brisbane BMW, Motorline and Bruce Lynton's, he just wanted to see this get off the ground because at the end of the day it would help with sales.

Feb 11th, 2003, 10:42 AM	#12 (permalink)
eltel MINIstry of Fun Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Eastern Suburbs, Mel Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 1,593 Offline	That's very encouraging AussieMini, about BMW getting interested, as it is in their interests to increase sales. I'm surprised that they haven't done something along these lines already. Since August here in Vic, we've had an active group of MINIers, and you guys have a huge number of 'members', and I'm sure that dealers are reading this stuff, so why haven't they tapped in to the unbridled enthusiasm that we all display???? I'm hoping that Shawn Ticehurst (MINI Brand Manager) will be in touch soon with something positive that will allow us to develop a genuine association that is on friendly terms with both BMW and Mini car clubs, yet is independent enough to cater for MINI owners and enthusiasts. Regards, ElTel

Feb 11th, 2003, 11:35 AM	#13 (permalink)
swamos MINI Traitor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brisbane, Australia Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 5,538 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Basil Umm, just to put the record straight, the Mini Owners Club (Qld) (07) 3824 1310, fully supports the new MINI, and also is (or was) involved with Brisbane BMW MINI Events. Cheers I'm actually a member of this club already. While I am certain that the committee supports the new BMW Mini, I am also equally certain that the majority of members don't, or maybe more correctly, have no interest in our Mini's. While I haven't been to an event with our car, the few meetings I went to before I got the car I wasn't made to feel welcome. It might be different with the car.... I am aware of instances where Moke owners were made to feel unwelcome by MOC, and started their own club. If this happens with the Moke, what hope have we got??? Having said all that, I can't help but feel that we really should give these guy's a chance, and maybe go to one of their meetings. I know that the committee firmly believes in the new mini, and know that they believe they will need these people in the future. They have a Gold Coast run on the 23rd. Anyone interested? Just thoughts Anyone else had experience with MOC (Please, no defamation)? Maybe we are just a totally different demographic?? Does anyone feel that they don't want to be associated with the Classic Mini's? We need to brainstorm I think Clubman less....

Feb 11th, 2003, 11:39 AM	#14 (permalink)
swamos MINI Traitor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brisbane, Australia Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 5,538 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by eltel That's very encouraging AussieMini, about BMW getting interested, as it is in their interests to increase sales. I'm surprised that they haven't done something along these lines already. Since August here in Vic, we've had an active group of MINIers, and you guys have a huge number of 'members', and I'm sure that dealers are reading this stuff, so why haven't they tapped in to the unbridled enthusiasm that we all display???? I'm hoping that Shawn Ticehurst (MINI Brand Manager) will be in touch soon with something positive that will allow us to develop a genuine association that is on friendly terms with both BMW and Mini car clubs, yet is independent enough to cater for MINI owners and enthusiasts. Regards, ElTel If BMW were to give substantial support, I believe that a national club could grow to be something REALLY special. I hope that would be the case, but I feel that there isn't much we can do from Brisvegas... Clubman less....

Feb 11th, 2003, 09:46 PM	#15 (permalink)
snoopy MINI2 Master Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: au Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 1,166 Offline	Swamos why do you feel so disempowered? I think that for these plans to work it will be a partnership with BMW au, local dealers and the MINI owners. We all have needs eg BMW wants to raise the level of interest and knowledge about the brand and what a better way than have 20 MINI in a row driving about the place. Look they already have funded six MINIS to go driving about the place. Now the local dealers will want good press and happy MINI owners so more people go into their MINI garage and buy MINI’s. So now we have the dealer getting what he wants (more sales for his garage) and BMW au is get what they want; more total sales and exposure of the brand. Lastly we have to ask ourself what we want from this partnership. Most important thing is that neither BMW nor local dealers will want to have bad press or vibes in any Club or any action that would damage the brand or sales. So I think a plan should be developed.

Feb 11th, 2003, 10:12 PM	#16 (permalink)
jasemini MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Brisbane - Queenslan Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 428 Offline	OUR CAR CLUB AND MY TWO CENTS Great Comments from everybody. I couldn't agree more with the path of the BMW CLUB. The Mini Owners CLub is for classic MINI's and I agree that there is an us & them attitude that is presented by many of the classic MINI club members, even though the attitude presented by that of the comittees is one of support. Aussiemini has a good point in that most meets could probably be focused on sawps and restoration/maintainence,which for a Classic Car Club is understandable. Here is a list of the things that I would hope to gain by joining or being part of a New MINI Car Club: 1: The oppurtunity to make new friends who share a common passion. 2: The oppurtunity to learn more about my car through this new group of friends 3: To enjoy the social side of this group through MINI runs and Social Outings 4: The oppurtunity to enhance my driving skills through driver training and track days 5: The oppurtunity to obtain discounts on services related to my MINI. Our group in it's current form certainly addresses the first two of these oppurtunities, would a classic car club help with the others? I feel the BMW club would be better for these. SWAMOS has a point in that we should give the Qld Mini Owners Club a chance by attending their Jazz & Shiraz day run on Sunday 23rd February, if we attend in good numbers we could be well recieved and welcomed with open arms, but if there's only a couple of us then we'd end up on the outer. I reckon we'd need at least 6 cars to make an impact and for us to gauge a response. If they're rude and unreceptive then I feel it's BMW CLUB all the way and perhaps instigate a BMW CLUB - MINI CHAPTER nationally. They're just my thoughts as I'm passionate about my car and I don't want to go somewhere where It & I are frowned upon or viewed as NOT A REAL MINI etc...I've encountered this kind of attitude a couple of times just in the street or online and frankly those kind of people can ....well politely P*#S OFF! I'M ALLAN JONES I mean Jase 02 MCS gone after 2 years of fun and new friends, and 10 visits to the service dept at Brisbane BMW. You don't know the meaning of practical until you've owned a Camry! (seriously it's not a bad car though )

Feb 11th, 2003, 10:59 PM	#17 (permalink)
CooPz 3M TA3 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Gold Coast Australi Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 221 Offline	OK Steven is the President of the Queensland Mini Car Club 07 3814 2515. The benifit here is it's a pre established club so no set up fees and the cost to join is $35 a year I think? I'll double check. Also there are not many members left in the club so we would be a majour force. I have seen the Mini owners club and heard some members insulting the new cars (they didn't know I owned a new one) So I know what everyones saying about not fititng in, and I don't think it would be an issue with QMCC The other option of joining BMW sounds good, but I would be afraid of the same thing as joining a classic mini club, the "You're not one of us" attitude I sometimes see. I am glad to hear so much input as I am going to get CAMS approval through QMCC for this next event to indemnify us, until we all hopefully come to a common decision on what we want to do. J. So I says to the cops, I says, "nah mate, that wasn't my tyres screeching, that was my passengers"

Feb 12th, 2003, 12:20 AM	#18 (permalink)
eltel MINIstry of Fun Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Eastern Suburbs, Mel Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 1,593 Offline	I may be wrong, but I think we would also need BMW's approval to include the word MINI in the association's title. I can't see them denying the use of it, but you'd better ask for permission. Regards, ElTel

Feb 12th, 2003, 02:09 AM	#19 (permalink)
Boo Sponsor and Widget Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Nth Beaches, Sydney Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 1,752 Offline	As some of you know, i have already joined the BMW Club of NSW and attended a "Driver Training Day" () in January... The secretary Cheryl Haywood said <quote> We would love to have you on board and as many Minis as you can bring with you" <end quote> At the track day (at which they supply their own Cams trained officials) every BMW Driver was a car nut (both classics and new were represented) and took exceptional interest in the Styling, engine and performance on the track of my Mini. Both Melody and I were more than welcomed with open arms... The club offers discounts to various place (still waiting for my official pack) as well as 25% off BMW driver training. They also have events every month and sometimes twice a month... They looked after me in terms of telling me who to go to in regards to track tyres and CAMS related mods such a Fire Extinguisher etc... Just my experience... Attached Thumbnails The original SWORKS

Feb 12th, 2003, 02:15 AM	#20 (permalink)
CooPz 3M TA3 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Gold Coast Australi Local Time: 08:32 AM Posts: 221 Offline	Didn't want to derail my own thread! OK Well I was thinking of actually going along to a BMW track day and seeing how it went. The idea of being on the track with them and earning thier respect appeals to me. Considering we have so many people wanting to join at once we do have some clout. If we can all agree that is hehe. So I says to the cops, I says, "nah mate, that wasn't my tyres screeching, that was my passengers"

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