[fjpatriot]

Got Baby this morning, and spent 1.5 hours at dealership going over everything. I have to say Herb Chambers Mini in Boston did an AWESOME job, along with Mini in Oxford and everyone transporting her. NOT A SCRATCH ON HER! Everything has been poifect so far - and really love my Mini! Here are a couple of shots - been too busy driving around having fun, and showing her off

Happy BDay to ME, Happy BDay to ME, Happy BDay with a Supercharged Baby, Happy BDay to ME!!!

I'll post more once I catch my breath. Ricardo - hope everything went AWESOME with you too!

[domc]

My MA just sent me an email:

Thanks for asking; what the means is your MINI is on the boat and heading for California coast! It is currently showing that your MINI should be in California in or around the 15th of May. Which then the vehicle should arrive here about 7 days after it arrives in California. I will keep you up to date of when it gets to the coast.

SO COOL!! I thought it was still at the dock waiting for a ship. Problem is, I can't track it on the WW site. Maybe it's on a K-Line. Anbody know what ship has sailed recently to the West coast of the U.S.?

[Ammo0]

domc, I think my mini is on the same boat as yours. I checked the ol this morning and found out it is in transit, but still cant track it on the ww site. If it did make it on the last ww boat, the DON QUIJOTE, witch left on the 23 the 15th sounds about right when it will get to port Huneme, in fact ww sais it will arive on the 16th. my only question is the same as yours, is there another shipper they use, and if so how can we track it.

[MGB Boy]

Congrats on the new ride, fjpatriot! I drove down and picked up the new car today, good fun. Took a couple hours to go thru the paper work (the office staff had printed out all the forms with "Richard" instead of "Ricardo", so that added some time). Since it's MINI #2 for me, we skipped the guided tour. Managed to get $250 more on the trade in, plus a few freebies (hat, keychain, carpeted floor mat set - first time in history, at least for me. It irritates me that no matter how much you spend on a car they still ding you for $100 extra for floor mats). I'm really digging the red dash and chrome interior trim, as well as the two-tone light gray/dark gray seats. Not so crazy about the newer flavor of the multifunction steering wheel, I liked the original 2002 version better. Too early to tell if the extra 7hp of the newer Works kit makes a difference (got to behave until the end of the break in period), but I can already feel the difference in the gearbox, it's much better in the low gears (they've changed the gear ratios since I bought my last one). The white wheels look awesome, although they will be an absolute nightmare to keep clean (but I already knew that).

Only have low-grade camera phone pics at the moment, I'll get the real pics back tomorrow (film camera, I'm an unrepentant film bigot). The pics are a final shot of the old odometer after I parked, waiting in the showroom for paperwork, a couple of the new car, and the new odometer. In case you can't make out the license plate, it's a hold-over from my last MINI; MR BEAN...

-Ricardo

[fjpatriot]

Ricardo - awesome Mini! I like the white accents all the way around - stripes, rims, roof, mirrors. Cool about the works package; I punted on that because I wanted better gas mileage and can't go flying where I normally drive I also got the chrome accents on the gauges/interior - very cool!

Mine started off with 7 miles, and they gave me Cooper S floor mats, cup holder, and a very cool engraved key chain for free! Psyched, because I didn't order floor mats. Already have 100+ miles on her, which I know you did more than just in the ride home. I open motored all the way home from Boston, with heated seats going - then took my Dad up to the beach for a late lunch. Awesome day all the way around If you'd like we can compare notes at MOT. Best of luck til then!

[mct]

Quote: Originally Posted by MGB Boy

Congrats on the new ride, fjpatriot! I drove down and picked up the new car today, good fun. Took a couple hours to go thru the paper work (the office staff had printed out all the forms with "Richard" instead of "Ricardo", so that added some time). Since it's MINI #2 for me, we skipped the guided tour. Managed to get $250 more on the trade in, plus a few freebies (hat, keychain, carpeted floor mat set - first time in history, at least for me. It irritates me that no matter how much you spend on a car they still ding you for $100 extra for floor mats). I'm really digging the red dash and chrome interior trim, as well as the two-tone light gray/dark gray seats. Not so crazy about the newer flavor of the multifunction steering wheel, I liked the original 2002 version better. Too early to tell if the extra 7hp of the newer Works kit makes a difference (got to behave until the end of the break in period), but I can already feel the difference in the gearbox, it's much better in the low gears (they've changed the gear ratios since I bought my last one). The white wheels look awesome, although they will be an absolute nightmare to keep clean (but I already knew that).

Only have low-grade camera phone pics at the moment, I'll get the real pics back tomorrow (film camera, I'm an unrepentant film bigot). The pics are a final shot of the old odometer after I parked, waiting in the showroom for paperwork, a couple of the new car, and the new odometer. In case you can't make out the license plate, it's a hold-over from my last MINI; MR BEAN...

-Ricardo

NICE CAR!!!! We have almost the same looking car (minus the white wheels and red dash). I have heard the gear ratio REALLY makes a difference.

Regarding my MINI - I was told it is now at the port of exit (however I still can't see if on the WW site). Anyone know how long it takes to show up on that site once it arrives at the port?

Keep the pics coming guys! Really enjoying them.

[mct]

Quote: Originally Posted by domc

My MA just sent me an email:

Thanks for asking; what the means is your MINI is on the boat and heading for California coast! It is currently showing that your MINI should be in California in or around the 15th of May. Which then the vehicle should arrive here about 7 days after it arrives in California. I will keep you up to date of when it gets to the coast.

SO COOL!! I thought it was still at the dock waiting for a ship. Problem is, I can't track it on the WW site. Maybe it's on a K-Line. Anbody know what ship has sailed recently to the West coast of the U.S.?

Have you checked www.kline.com? They may have info for you.

[Skatemom]

Quote: Originally Posted by fjpatriot

Got Baby this morning, and spent 1.5 hours at dealership going over everything. I have to say Herb Chambers Mini in Boston did an AWESOME job, along with Mini in Oxford and everyone transporting her. NOT A SCRATCH ON HER! Everything has been poifect so far - and really love my Mini! Here are a couple of shots - been too busy driving around having fun, and showing her off

Happy BDay to ME, Happy BDay to ME, Happy BDay with a Supercharged Baby, Happy BDay to ME!!!

I'll post more once I catch my breath. Ricardo - hope everything went AWESOME with you too!

Gorgeous! I bet you had a ball driving top-down in the face of spring weather! Did your dad like it? I venture to guess that you both felt like teenagers again! Very Cool!

Congratulations!

[Skatemom]

Quote: Originally Posted by MGB Boy

Congrats on the new ride, fjpatriot! I drove down and picked up the new car today, good fun. Took a couple hours to go thru the paper work (the office staff had printed out all the forms with "Richard" instead of "Ricardo", so that added some time). Since it's MINI #2 for me, we skipped the guided tour. Managed to get $250 more on the trade in, plus a few freebies (hat, keychain, carpeted floor mat set - first time in history, at least for me. It irritates me that no matter how much you spend on a car they still ding you for $100 extra for floor mats). I'm really digging the red dash and chrome interior trim, as well as the two-tone light gray/dark gray seats. Not so crazy about the newer flavor of the multifunction steering wheel, I liked the original 2002 version better. Too early to tell if the extra 7hp of the newer Works kit makes a difference (got to behave until the end of the break in period), but I can already feel the difference in the gearbox, it's much better in the low gears (they've changed the gear ratios since I bought my last one). The white wheels look awesome, although they will be an absolute nightmare to keep clean (but I already knew that).

Only have low-grade camera phone pics at the moment, I'll get the real pics back tomorrow (film camera, I'm an unrepentant film bigot). The pics are a final shot of the old odometer after I parked, waiting in the showroom for paperwork, a couple of the new car, and the new odometer. In case you can't make out the license plate, it's a hold-over from my last MINI; MR BEAN...

-Ricardo

Looks beautiful! But then again, we're kinda partial to CR/W! I love the to pics of the speedo. Kind of bittersweet I love the CR dash too, it would have been my choice had my daughter not nixed my 1st choice (CR/B). Glad to hear you can really tell the improvement in the gearbox. I'm looking forward to that. I'm also glad to hear you like the 2 tone grey seats, leatherette right?

White wheels? One word for you: microfiber. Really, the yellow microfiber towels from Costco are great for dry dusting the wheels. Not wet, just in between washing...kinda like when you'd use the "California Duster" (red mop thingys). I love them for Audrey's wheels and I'll be buying a new package for my new MINI.

Great looking car, congratulations

[Ammo0]

So I found out from my Motoring Advisor (MA) that Clip has been loaded on to the Cassiopeia witch is not a WW boat and she did not know what carrier it is. The boat left on the 22nd and will arive on the 13th, so those of you that are on the west coast and havent been able to get info from WW you are probobly on the Cassiopeia.

[domc]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ammo0

So I found out from my Motoring Advisor (MA) that Clip has been loaded on to the Cassiopeia witch is not a WW boat and she did not know what carrier it is. The boat left on the 22nd and will arive on the 13th, so those of you that are on the west coast and havent been able to get info from WW you are probobly on the Cassiopeia.

My MA said "in or around the 15th". I assume I'm on this one too.

[domc]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ammo0

So I found out from my Motoring Advisor (MA) that Clip has been loaded on to the Cassiopeia witch is not a WW boat and she did not know what carrier it is. The boat left on the 22nd and will arive on the 13th, so those of you that are on the west coast and havent been able to get info from WW you are probobly on the Cassiopeia.

My MA said "in or around the May 15th". So I assume I'm on this boat too.

So there's no way to track this boat?

[Arty13]

Well my mini is still scheduled to load on the Patriot that leaves April 30th, its been waiting there for 10 days
I got a checklist from my MA today about MINI Car Memory Programming
I guess it's kinda cool that i can select my programming options right now and it will be all ready for me when i get my MINI

I attached the form as jpegs, and was wondering if there are some must haves and must not get options

2 options that i think that i would like active are the automatic unlocking after engine off and lock again 2 min after unlocking and are unactive on default...
I also want the comfort opening on too(windows and sunroof, i think)

Which other options do you think i should definately have active and which ones i should definately have not active?

I also read somewhere that with the automatic opening of the windows/sunroof, you can hold the button down again and it will automatically close, is this correct?

But anyway... I glad for you all that got your MINI already... and hope for the rest of us, the wait isn't much longer

another thing is, I dont have a security system in my MINI, but should I leave those options on, so if i install they OEM Security system at a later date i dont have to have them activate the settings? I also dont have rain sensing wipers, and i dont think i have PDC(isnt that with the camera?)

[MGB Boy]

NYK Line, which I know has done MINI shipping in the past, has a RORO (car carrier) called the Cassiopeia Leader, maybe that's the one? No idea how to track it, the NYK website wants you to log in for most everything.

I really like the new car, but I'm trying to figure out why they moved the clock, it was fine where it was. Grrr. Keep looking up there and all I see are maplights. And I'm going to have to try some kind of wheel wax on the rims, supposedly that cuts down on the dust accumulation. Wax, and lots of dusting, I've got a bucketload of microfiber towels on standby in the garage. I've heard a rumor that once the JCW brakes bed in, they throw less dust than the stock brakes. I hope so! Also noticed that the sports seats are bit more cushy than they were before, not good or bad, just different. Yup, the two tone seats are the gray/panther black leatherette, people have commented that it makes the interior look bigger. I like the improved interior lighting (and the "underneath the door" lights are cool), although the first time I drove it after dark I thought I'd left something switched on (where the hell is all this light coming from? Oh, there.). This weekened I have to re-wire my XM antenna thru the roof, install the aux input jack, and re-program all the radio stations. Maybe drive a little, too. Got something like 800 miles to go on the break-in period. Supposed to be warm and sunny this weekend (about 10° warmer than it's supposed to be in Boston!), so I think I can squeeze some driving in...

-Ricardo

[Skatemom]

They moved the clock?????

[S33BBY]

Quote: Originally Posted by Skatemom

They moved the clock?????

Yep. It used to be on the roof, but now it is simply displayed on the speedo screen. I believe this was to cut costs. It's a bit of a shame, I suppose, but not too much of a problem for me.

[mct]

Yahoo!! My car has been booked on the Patriot and is set to sail on 4/30 . And better still - my VIN does not have the dreaded asterisk next to it (indicating possible waitlist status). Hope it stays like that and hops aboard and gets over here quick.

As for the clock - I agree - they should have left the clock where it was. My last car had the clock separate from the spedometer, but I have gotten used to it I guess.

[fjpatriot]

Temper my comments with the fact that my previous car is 12 years old, my wife's car is 7 years old, and an RV I own is 5 years old. The Xeon headlights on my Mini are great, they light up both sides of the road and are a ton brighter than the headlights on any car we've had. That coupled with the awesome interior lights on all the gauges just blew me away tonight. Very Nice, and yet again extremely happy I made this purchase.

One stupid thing ( again, I'm easily impressed ) is the radio. None of my car radio's displayed the station calling name, or the artist or song title - and its really cool when some of the radio stations include this info. I'm used to it in the house on XM satellite broadcasts I get, but never had it in a car. And the controls on the steering wheel are addictive - never again will I endure a lousy song when without even lifting my hand off the steering wheel I can change the channel. Very, very cool. One thing I really have not noticed ( has anyone ? ) is the supposed speed sensitive volume. This may be worse in a convertible though, since when you have the sunroof or roof open and go at higher speeds the wind noises increase a lot. I just find myself having to manually turn up the volume - anyone find it differently?

Ricardo, I got the web spoke rims, and after driving ~150 miles so far I had a good coating of brake dust on the entire front rims. Came right off with a wipe of a towel. Can't imagine the white rims though - must really show the dust. Hope the JCW brakes are a lot better for you.

Not having a previous Mini the clock position is fine. My only wish there is the display was a little bigger. My eyes are fine; just find myself hunting for it a bit in the midst of the speedo with the odometer and tripometer near by. If it were bigger would be easier to read/ locate.

Anyway, just love Baby, and so far has kept up the promise of the smile factor each and every time I see her! Can't wait to get out of the break in period - not to go above 95, but to go above 4500 rpm. Baby is just SCREAMING to get floored on highway on ramps - especially when going around bends... I Love This CAR

[Arty13]

fjpatriot,
I am very glad you love your mini so much, from what you say and how you enjoy it soo much as your first mini, i am very anxious to get my mini in May, since that will be my first MINI too! I'm trying to decide if i should stay away from an all nighter driving... but who knows... it all depends on which day i pick my mini up... till then, hope you enjoy your mini... and go Patriot Ship... drive fast and deliver all of our babies safely over the deep ocean blue!

[staceybassoon]

So I think I'm going to hit land today. Once that happens, is there anyway to track it as it gets driven to the dealer?