[SFStealth]

hi there,
i just picked up an '02 MC w/the CVT this morning from a private seller here in San Francisco. It's a beautiful triple black model and i've got a few concerns about the CVT. I noticed the slow-speed 'yo-yo' or weird sort of hitching feeling at very low speeds. I have no idea if the software has been updated since the car was taken from the dealer, so after reading some of these threads thread I think it might be greatly helped by a software update. I've also noticed a relatively strong vibration when I'm stopped in 'D' with my foot on the brake. Haven't had a chance to explore whether this was due to the AC or something wrong with the car.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on getting the software updated or anything else about these issues. I'm really excited about my Mini and have good feelings about the CVT in general-- very different than anything I'm used to, though.

I just went outside to look at it again because it's so lovely.

[dukesantos]

It sounds like it needs a software update. It made a noticeable difference on ours. I would take it to a dealer and report both problems. As it is still under warranty, they should take care of it.

[ecylai]

It should be still under warranty so take it back to the dealer like dukesantos said.

I think the shaking is due to the AC. It shakes a little on mine when i have the car on Drive and complete stand still.

[nonsequitur]

As others have said, part of understanding you new car should include calling the dealer where it was serviced (or now that they have rolled out the national service system, any MINI dealer where it will be serviced!) and they can tell you what software is installed.

The latest is v38.1 and it has some CVT adjustments.

The behavior you describe MAY be a characteristic of the clutch packs used to transmit power to the ZF gearbox (vibration) or the gearbox hydraulics for the other symptom (hitching), depending how sensitive you are. It could also be a problem that the dealer should resolve under warranty, or it could be the software version you have loaded.

Is it still under Warranty?

As you've seen already in these posts, the MINI2 group here will help.
[and Thank You]

[SFStealth]

the car is definitely still under warranty; it has 22,000 miles on it. i'll be calling the dealer tomorrow morning. how good are they about actually letting you do the software updates? I've read a few accounts on here where it seemed the dealer wasn't so willing to let a car come in for the update.

also, where can i find information on the maintenace plan? my car had an extra year of maintenance purchased when it was new, so i'm looking forward to finding out what's included. are brakes covered by maintenance?

[nonsequitur]

I've never had any problem getting software support to solve a problem. Showing up to get an upgrade (wihout knowing why you might need it) or "demanding" it might generate a reaction you wouldn't want though.

Approach the situation like it is. You bought the car, and you are trying to determine its service history, the current state of the variables like software and next service date, and the length of your custom warranty. You've also noticed those symptoms; ask for their advice on what to do next.

Where will you be servicing the car?

[SFStealth]

i live in San Francisco, so I'm assuming San Francisco Mini will be my dealer of choice. Although I work near the Berkeley/Oakland area so there are other choices in addition to SF Mini.

Thanks for all your help, by the way.

[valnmike]

I echo what the others posted about getting your MINI in for service. I hope this is Okay to post. I copied a bit out of the MINIUSA Owner’s Lounge about SF MINI service. These are from just two posts on SF MINI, mostly favorable, although I have seen threads that are unfavorable regarding SF MINI as well. If you have not already done so, go to www.miniusa.com and register in the Owner’s Lounge to find MINI information there as well as all the great information here at www.MINI2.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ozone - Mar 5, 2004 1:09 PM
Re: Good service experiences in Bay Area?

My experience at SF MINI was nothing short of spectacular. I have no qualms with bringing Sierra there in the future

Elliot - Mar 5, 2004 6:07 PM
Re: Good service experiences in Bay Area?

I have been going to Concord and everything has been great so far.

PaulS - Mar 5, 2004 11:30 PM
Re: Good service experiences in Bay Area?

I've been fine with Mini of Concord. Granted, Little Fiona hasn't presented me with any service issues. However, when I first got her, I had to take her back in to have the CD changer installed. They gave me a free rental (unfortunately, neither a Mini nor a BMW), and they were very nice in the service dept.

kensmini - Mar 11, 2004 6:09 PM
Re: Good service experiences in Bay Area?

I have nothing but great things to say about the service I've received at MINI of SF in the 18 months I've had my Cooper. Talk to Carol if you have any problems. I would not hesitate recommending MINISF to anyone.

Jakeymon - May 23, 2003 2:48 PM
Re: Any experience with SF Mini service dept?

I've been dealing with Mountain View. I live in SF but work in Palo Alto so it's relatively convenient. MoMV has been good on the service front, mostly. I called on a thursday and got a tuesday appointment, which I thought was a bit long. I ended up needing major service - new transmission - which they handled very quickly, though... I had my car back in just over 24 hours. The people were knowledgeable, polite, and helpful; and they were quick to comp my rental car since I had to keep it overnight. All in all they were as good as Saturn of Sunnyvale (my former, non-motoring life was Saturn-driven) which was the best dealer service I found for that particular brand in the bay area.

Good luck and enjoy your MINI when it comes. If you street park you'll find your life changes for the better with it!

Minimi - May 23, 2003 7:54 PM
Re: Any experience with SF Mini service dept?

Hello SF Mates.
I live in Marin County. When I am not in my hot tub, I will be driving my MINI, or riding in a limo.( Marin Humor).
MINI of SF refused to install any of my after market MINI2
equipment, so I have a negative view of these guys.
There are no dealers in Marin, so I am kind of screwed.
Concord & Mt. View are too far away.

Note to Mini USA:
Get a dealer in Marin ....soon..

jake - May 23, 2003 11:27 PM
Re: Any experience with SF Mini service dept?

I use Eastbay Mini in Pleasonton. They have a great waiting area including black leather chairs, big screen tv's and an internet room for customers. You can stay in touch with the web site...

teriaki - Jun 10, 2003 2:10 PM
Re: Any experience with SF Mini service dept?

I use the Concord Mini dealershiip- I've also been to Pleasanton (but it's inside a BMW dealership, not a separate place). Concord (I've found) tends to get you in really quickly- more times available than Mountain View or SF. But, I do have to say, ALL the dealerships have been just a pleasure to work with - seems that Mini drivers have these people eating out of the palms of their hands, and there has never been any flack regarding what I wanted checked or done. Granted, they *do* give you a Dodge Stratus as your loaner car.