[gaminicool]

Hi everyone. The Mini went back for dealer service today with only 330 miles on the clock When I was detailing her over the weekend, I noticed radiator fluid on the edge of the resovoir tank (overflow tank). I cleaned it up - drove for a day and there it was again. The dealer thinks the tanks has a small crack so they are replacing it. My MA helped out again and got me a rental while they fix it. It could take two days though as they are busy

I also asked them about when I start her up in the morning - it almost stalls then revs up to 11 hundred rpm's. Does this happen to anyone else?

Other than that, she is a dream to drive

Oh and Debbie - I saw a mini on the freeway - gave him a thumbs up and he nodded in approval

[jeffu]

I haven't had it want to stall like that - but I noticed mine the other day seemed to choke or cough a bit as it was winding up in 3rd after I just started out. It was one of those things where you want to slam the pedal down to clear it out - but I'm still in my break-in period so I didn't want to do that.

I am noticing as I'm making my way through the break-in, that it's running differently - somewhat smoother at times, somewhat rougher. I guess it's just getting used to itself and limbering up. I have a short 10 min drive to work, so not much chance to let her warm up either.

[am0eba]

Quote: Originally Posted by jeffu

I haven't had it want to stall like that - but I noticed mine the other day seemed to choke or cough a bit as it was winding up in 3rd after I just started out. It was one of those things where you want to slam the pedal down to clear it out - but I'm still in my break-in period so I didn't want to do that.

I am noticing as I'm making my way through the break-in, that it's running differently - somewhat smoother at times, somewhat rougher. I guess it's just getting used to itself and limbering up. I have a short 10 min drive to work, so not much chance to let her warm up either.

The only similar thing I've noticed seems to be related to DSC. (Note that I have the Limited-Slip Differential.) I have found that when cornering very tightly at low speed (like when maneuvering into a parking space), or when accellerating briskly, if I have left the DSC on, then it will sometimes activate and cut engine power right when I feel like I need it. To any folks that are experiencing weird stalling or power-loss behavior, I would recommend trying to replicate the situation, but with traction aids switched OFF. Please post any observations here. I've already developed a habit of switching DSC off at the start of each drive, unless I know I'll be in wet or otherwise slippery conditions.

_Dave_

[am0eba]

I'm just trying to stake my claim as originator of this neat striping for a MINI soft-top... If I'm not the first, at least the idea was original to me. Everyone that sees it likes it. I still don't have a photo that really does it justice. The use of dark metallic silver for the stripe seems to be what really makes it work against both the Liquid Yellow body color, and the super glossy black micro-roof at the top of the windshield.

Check out my online gallery at NAM - North American Motoring for larger pics:
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...0&ppuser=15040







I'll prolly be out of touch for a few days, as Judy and I are about to embark on our first driving vacation with Murray. Off to Santa Barbara, Solvang, and Buellton!

_Dave_

PS: New sig pic - needs text.

[gaminicool]

Thanks Dave - that's interesting - so the DSC is always on - I'll try shutting it off in the morning at start up to see if that makes a difference.

I should have waited to take my car in to the dealer for repairs...we've got "California weather" today

Your lucky Dave - along with that great SoCal weather - you get fires, floods, earthquakes and mudslides - I do miss it there - really

[gaminicool]

BTW - dave those Cabrio stripes are really

[am0eba]

Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool

Thanks Dave - that's interesting - so the DSC is always on - I'll try shutting it off in the morning at start up to see if that makes a difference.

I should have waited to take my car in to the dealer for repairs...we've got "California weather" today

Your lucky Dave - along with that great SoCal weather - you get fires, floods, earthquakes and mudslides - I do miss it there - really

Thanks! For what it's worth, we've got East Coast weather in SoCal today: Solid overcast and high 60's. Hey, I'll take it! I'm on vacation, and drivin' a MINI!

_Dave_

PS: I've been out here for two years now, and I still have yet to experience (or at least notice) an earthquake. The fires and mudslides are far away from me, and I don't have to commute through LA, so all-in-all, I prefer conditions here to the Hurricanes, Nor'Easters, Blizzards, and pot-holes in Boston!

[am0eba]

Looks like I'm hogging the thread again... SORRY!

Do we still have any members of March '05 production group who have not yet taken delivery?

I've been so overjoyed with Murray, that I haven't been keeping track.

_Dave_

[EricBSnow]

Quote: Originally Posted by btdoyle

yeah this is the invisishield, And like i said it looks good at first but I am always concerned about the way clear plastics age and react to sunlight, ie they tend to turn opaque and look yellowish, not sure if this the case with this?

The great thing about Invisishield installed at the dealer is that you get a lifetime warranty for the product. I would think this warranty would cover discoloration or shrinkage. I take delivery of my Dark Silver MCS on Monday and I will have Invisishield installed.

EBS

[crosebud]

Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba

Looks like I'm hogging the thread again... SORRY!

Do we still have any members of March '05 production group who have not yet taken delivery?

I've been so overjoyed with Murray, that I haven't been keeping track.

_Dave_

Yeah, I'm one. I'm hoping to pick up my MINI on Saturday. I know my car's on California soil but haven't yet gotten "the call." Hey, hog the thread all you want! It helps with the waiting . . . It really happens, huh? One day, the MINI actually arrives . . .

[Kellzir]

Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba

Looks like I'm hogging the thread again... SORRY!

Do we still have any members of March '05 production group who have not yet taken delivery?

I've been so overjoyed with Murray, that I haven't been keeping track.

_Dave_

Murray looks great! Those are nice stripes, great color chocie also. Very original to be the only convertible with roof stripes. I am still waiting for my MINI. But the wait is almost over. Btw, it is coming from an out of state dealer, that is why it is taking long.

[Kellzir]

Woohoo my MCSa is coming home. Ok I got the call from my MA that it was being loaded, with 7 other MINIs, onto the truck. They were able to fit my aero kit in the truck as well. So now the hard part is waiting for it to come by truck from Ohio. The MINIs will arrive to one location, so I get to see all the MINIs and meet owners. I can hardly wait.

[dpacker]

Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool

I also asked them about when I start her up in the morning - it almost stalls then revs up to 11 hundred rpm's. Does this happen to anyone else?

Oh and Debbie - I saw a mini on the freeway - gave him a thumbs up and he nodded in approval

gaminicool - I hope there is nothing seriously wrong with your MINI. I haven't had it happen quite like that, but last weekend I parked it for about 10 minutes, went back out to start it again, and it went to start and died (no engine rev though). It did that twice, then it started right up. Mike says his has always started so far. I figure mine was just a fluke - I hope!

I love meeting other MINIs on the road. I get so excited when I see them. I guess because we have so few of them here.

Kellzir, EricBSnow, and crosebud - congratulations on your delivery dates! Almost everyone has their MINIs now!

Murray's stripes look nice! I like the roof idea - cute.

I still haven't gotten over the UPS guy asking me yesterday if my MINI was electric. If I run into him again...I'm racing the big brown truck!

Have a good night everyone. Sweet MINI dreams.

Debbie

[flibmeister]

For those of you with March build convertibles that haven't been following the thread in the Convertibles section, I'd like to ask you a favor: check and see if you're able to use the Central Locking button (toggle) to lower the roof. According to the handbook, you should be able to raise that toggle switch, hold it for a few seconds, and the windows down/top down sequence will begin.

It doesn't work on my car, and the dealer says it isn't supposed to-- they claim it's a misprint in the handbook. However, I have reports in the other thread of cars built as late as December 2004 that say it DOES work on their car. I'm trying to figure out whether there's been a change in later builds that no longer allows this operation, or if there's something wrong with my particular car.

Appreciate it if you'd check out your car, then post the result here. Those of you with hardtops w/sunroofs, that same toggle is supposed to open your sunroof, too-- I'd be curious to know if it does.

Thanks!

Denny

[Tazminia]

Quote: Originally Posted by flibmeister

For those of you with March build convertibles that haven't been following the thread in the Convertibles section, I'd like to ask you a favor: check and see if you're able to use the Central Locking button (toggle) to lower the roof. According to the handbook, you should be able to raise that toggle switch, hold it for a few seconds, and the windows down/top down sequence will begin.

It doesn't work on my car, and the dealer says it isn't supposed to-- they claim it's a misprint in the handbook. However, I have reports in the other thread of cars built as late as December 2004 that say it DOES work on their car. I'm trying to figure out whether there's been a change in later builds that no longer allows this operation, or if there's something wrong with my particular car.

Appreciate it if you'd check out your car, then post the result here. Those of you with hardtops w/sunroofs, that same toggle is supposed to open your sunroof, too-- I'd be curious to know if it does.

Thanks!

Denny

Hey Denny,
I can't speak for anyone else, but my hardtop w/sunroof opens with that toggle switch but doesn't automatically close it like you mentioned. (I just went out and tried it to be sure)
Taz...(a fellow march build)

[flibmeister]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tazminia

... but doesn't automatically close it like you mentioned.

Thanks for the data point, Taz. Not sure what you mean by the above.. automatically close?

It does sound like your sunroof is operating per the Handbook (it's on page 28, if anybody wants to look it up). That would indicate that the convertible top should work, too, I'd think.... I'm hoping somebody with a March build (preferably even after mine) reports that the feature works with their convertible top-- a printout of that report would make good ammo to take to the dealer, so I can demand he figure out how to make mine work, too!

Denny

[gaminicool]

Quote: Originally Posted by Kellzir

Woohoo my MCSa is coming home. Ok I got the call from my MA that it was being loaded, with 7 other MINIs, onto the truck. They were able to fit my aero kit in the truck as well. So now the hard part is waiting for it to come by truck from Ohio. The MINIs will arrive to one location, so I get to see all the MINIs and meet owners. I can hardly wait.

That's great news So you and seven others will get your Minis at the same time

These last few days will be tough - but your Mini will be home soon.

Mine was at the dealer all yesterday getting a new coolant overflow tank - Maybe that's why I was not in a good mood yesterday

Hey Flibmeister - I'll try my top Friday after the rain moves through and let you know.

Debbie - don't freak out the UPS guy too much

[Tazminia]

Quote: Originally Posted by flibmeister

Thanks for the data point, Taz. Not sure what you mean by the above.. automatically close?

It does sound like your sunroof is operating per the Handbook (it's on page 28, if anybody wants to look it up). That would indicate that the convertible top should work, too, I'd think.... I'm hoping somebody with a March build (preferably even after mine) reports that the feature works with their convertible top-- a printout of that report would make good ammo to take to the dealer, so I can demand he figure out how to make mine work, too!

Denny

Mea Cupla Denny,
I read your first post wrong. I thought you wanted to know if the Central Locking Button also CLOSED everything just as it does opens it. (I'm just losing it at my age...)
If I read page 28 correctly, it should begin that sequence just as you stated. If I read it right, it works the same for both models (convert. and Hardtop). As I stated last post, it works as advertised on mine. I have not heard from anyone saying that they (MINI) were going to "take away" that feature so I'm guessing that your dealer was just flat wrong.
I hope you get it straightened out with them.
Randy

[flibmeister]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tazminia

...I'm guessing that your dealer was just flat wrong.

Me, too. It occurs to me that perhaps the best way to prove the point is by finding another convertible on their premises where that feature works-- they'll find it hard to deny at that point! Probably be another couple of weeks before I see the dealer again (waiting for the part to arrive to fix the air bag sensor problem), but I'll post here when I get it resolved.

Denny

[flibmeister]

I took the whole issue about lowering the top via the central locking button toggle switch to MINI North America this morning.

Long story, but the short version is that I was finally able to convince them that this capability is supposed to be there in my car. They then contacted my dealer, who quickly called to say that they had gone out and tried lowering the tops of some other convertibles on their property-- and on those cars, that feature works as advertised. Consequently, they now say they'll fix mine when I bring the car in.

BTW, without the anecdotal evidence from this forum, I don't think it would have gone far-- the folks at MINI NA were initially skeptical, too, and it took some, um, "persuasion" to convince them, first that it was in the handbook at all (they insisted I was misreading the part about opening it with the remote key), and then that it wasn't a misprint. Thanks, folks.


Denny