MINI2

BlackBear · Nov 13th, 2003, 01:48 AM

I'm looking forward to ordering a Mini Cooper (pure silver / black top) on Saturday in Nashville. I am getting the premium package, sport package, and winter package.

I was wondering how well the auto wipers and auto dim rear-view mirror are working for folks.
Should I get them?

Thanks!
-BlackBear

scooterboy · Nov 13th, 2003, 02:58 AM

My 2 cents: the auto dimming mirror is great - I just wish the side mirrors would dim as well. The rain-sensing wipers? Well, I use Rain-X so I don't need the wipers that often. But the few times I've used them the "auto" frequency seemed too often for me. Personally I'd prefer an adjustable intermittent wiper so I could set it myself.

jmegown · Nov 13th, 2003, 03:23 AM

I like the auto-diming mirror and rain-sensing wipers alot. One thing about the rain-sensing wipers is that even if you leave the stalk in the rain-sensing position, when you shut the car off, the wipers are turned off. When you again start the car, you need to move the stalk to the off position and then back to the rain-sensing position to turn it on again.

stryder · Nov 13th, 2003, 03:43 AM

Needing to turn the wipers back on makes sense. If the wipers stayed 'active' and it snowed, you might run the risk of breaking the wiper motor as it tried to wipe off the snow/ice etc. Perhaps in some future variant the wipers could detect such things, but the system seems pretty good for a $20,000 car.

KatanaPilot · Nov 13th, 2003, 04:31 AM

I also think the auto dimming rear-view mirror works well, but I also wished the side mirrors dim as well.

As for the rain-sensing wipers, sometimes I feel it doesn't wipe often enough, but other times it wipes too often. Maybe you should go to the dealer on a rainy day to try it out just to see if the wiping frequency would suit you.

Paul · Nov 13th, 2003, 08:27 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by KatanaPilot

As for the rain-sensing wipers, sometimes I feel it doesn't wipe often enough, but other times it wipes too often. Maybe you should go to the dealer on a rainy day to try it out just to see if the wiping frequency would suit you.

The sensitivity is/should be adjustable, whether dealers can or will adjust it is another issue.

CooperS4us · Nov 13th, 2003, 12:53 PM

I highly recommend both. The auto dimming rearview mirror is a must and works fairly well (It blocks the intruding headlight glare from SUVs). The rain sensing wipers are fantastic and found them to be pretty effective in light rain and torrential downpurs alike. You'll never would want to go back to another car that doesn't have either feature. For $150 you are getting 2 way cool gizmos that actually work as advertaised.

jmegown · Nov 13th, 2003, 01:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by stryder

Needing to turn the wipers back on makes sense. If the wipers stayed 'active' and it snowed, you might run the risk of breaking the wiper motor as it tried to wipe off the snow/ice etc. Perhaps in some future variant the wipers could detect such things, but the system seems pretty good for a $20,000 car.

I agree that they should shut off...just wish the switch operated a little differently...not leaving the switch in a physical "on" position. An example would be be like the switch for the heated seats...more of a logical "on" position.

stryder · Nov 13th, 2003, 01:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jmegown

I agree that they should shut off...just wish the switch operated a little differently...not leaving the switch in a physical "on" position. An example would be be like the switch for the heated seats...more of a logical "on" position.

That's probably just a function of use. The 'normal' wipers don't have a digital switch like the heated seats, so when they added in the automatic, (a late option around Dec '02) they didn't redesign the entire system, instead they mixed the automatic with the normal ones. Probably also explains how they're relatively cheap, even compared to the seats.

KatanaPilot · Nov 13th, 2003, 07:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

The sensitivity is/should be adjustable, whether dealers can or will adjust it is another issue.

Dealer said no, and mini usa said no..........
I learned to live with it...... It is still much better than my BMW's useless intermittent setting.

Paul · Nov 13th, 2003, 07:18 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KatanaPilot

Dealer said no, and mini usa said no..........
I learned to live with it...... It is still much better than my BMW's useless intermittent setting.

Ah, OK, well I have it documented that they can be adjusted from some techny bods at BMW, but if you cant get it done, that's fine.

SugarBelly · Nov 13th, 2003, 08:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

Ah, OK, well I have it documented that they can be adjusted from some techny bods at BMW, but if you cant get it done, that's fine.

Hmmm.... I was just checking the specs on an allocated MCS scheduled to arrive in a few weeks (for my brother), which has the "auto wipers."

Not having the feature on ours, I mistakenly told him that one controls wiper settings, - in addition to a having a "no-brainer" or "automatic" option setting.

Wrong, right?! [Yeah.]

So, they're On or Off "Auto Wipers"....So, the auto feature of these wipers are in complete control & one has to appraoch the dealer (on hands & knees) if speed settings seem off?

planeguy · Nov 13th, 2003, 08:19 PM

I love both features on my MCS..... they are the best "bang for the buck" feature available

gtshnzr · Nov 13th, 2003, 08:24 PM

I used the auto wipers the other day in the rain, and they worked great while moving along the interstate from heavy to light pockets of rain. Much better than having to adjust the variable speed intermittent setting on my Lexus.

bentley/cooper · Nov 13th, 2003, 10:53 PM

Both features work very well, & I would have to agree that for $140.00 it is probably the best value of all the options. Definately go for them.

BlackBear · Nov 14th, 2003, 06:29 PM

Thanks for the input - I guess I will get these on my MINI I'm going to order tomorrw!

SteveM3 · Nov 14th, 2003, 11:27 PM

I thought spending money on auto wipers was daft but had to order
them to get the heated front screen. Now I have them I think they are
great, they wipe the screen just the right number of times and are far
better than any intermittent system. I've never noticed my auto mirror
working so that must mean it's doing a superb job.

steve5452 · Nov 15th, 2003, 12:42 PM

Does any1 have the darkened rear windows and the auto dimming rear view mirror? do the darkened windows stop the mirror from dimming?

Don't know why I am asking really as its to late to change my order but I guess its just something I have thought of.

Cheers

Steve

Happy Hippo · Nov 15th, 2003, 01:36 PM

Yes you're right, the auto-dimmer does not work with the dark glass option. I still think the visability pack is good value for the heated windscreen and rain sensing wipers alone.

steve5452 · Feb 24th, 2004, 12:56 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Happy Hippo

Yes you're right, the auto-dimmer does not work with the dark glass option. I still think the visability pack is good value for the heated windscreen and rain sensing wipers alone.

Now I have my car I can say that the auto-dimmer DOES work with the factory fitted tints, its not so noticable mind you but it still works

Nov 13th, 2003, 01:48 AM	#1
BlackBear MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2003 Local Time: 05:04 AM Posts: 5 Offline	Auto wipers & auto dimming rear-view mirror? I'm looking forward to ordering a Mini Cooper (pure silver / black top) on Saturday in Nashville. I am getting the premium package, sport package, and winter package. I was wondering how well the auto wipers and auto dim rear-view mirror are working for folks. Should I get them? Thanks! -BlackBear Last edited by BlackBear : Nov 13th, 2003 at 02:38 AM.

Nov 13th, 2003, 02:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
scooterboy MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NH Local Time: 06:04 AM Posts: 795 Offline	My 2 cents: the auto dimming mirror is great - I just wish the side mirrors would dim as well. The rain-sensing wipers? Well, I use Rain-X so I don't need the wipers that often. But the few times I've used them the "auto" frequency seemed too often for me. Personally I'd prefer an adjustable intermittent wiper so I could set it myself. My MINI Mods

Nov 13th, 2003, 03:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 05:04 AM Posts: 3,358 Offline	Needing to turn the wipers back on makes sense. If the wipers stayed 'active' and it snowed, you might run the risk of breaking the wiper motor as it tried to wipe off the snow/ice etc. Perhaps in some future variant the wipers could detect such things, but the system seems pretty good for a $20,000 car. Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

Nov 13th, 2003, 12:53 PM	#7 (permalink)
CooperS4us MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: South Florida Local Time: 06:04 AM Posts: 951 Offline	I highly recommend both. The auto dimming rearview mirror is a must and works fairly well (It blocks the intruding headlight glare from SUVs). The rain sensing wipers are fantastic and found them to be pretty effective in light rain and torrential downpurs alike. You'll never would want to go back to another car that doesn't have either feature. For $150 you are getting 2 way cool gizmos that actually work as advertaised. '02 Cooper CVT PW/B Leatherette, MFSW, 15" 8-spokes '05 MCS CR/W

Nov 13th, 2003, 01:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 05:04 AM Posts: 3,358 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by jmegown I agree that they should shut off...just wish the switch operated a little differently...not leaving the switch in a physical "on" position. An example would be be like the switch for the heated seats...more of a logical "on" position. That's probably just a function of use. The 'normal' wipers don't have a digital switch like the heated seats, so when they added in the automatic, (a late option around Dec '02) they didn't redesign the entire system, instead they mixed the automatic with the normal ones. Probably also explains how they're relatively cheap, even compared to the seats. Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

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Nov 13th, 2003, 03:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
jmegown MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2003 Location: Iowa Local Time: 05:04 AM Posts: 38 Offline	I like the auto-diming mirror and rain-sensing wipers alot. One thing about the rain-sensing wipers is that even if you leave the stalk in the rain-sensing position, when you shut the car off, the wipers are turned off. When you again start the car, you need to move the stalk to the off position and then back to the rain-sensing position to turn it on again.

Nov 13th, 2003, 04:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
KatanaPilot MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Boston Local Time: 06:04 AM Posts: 222 Offline	I also think the auto dimming rear-view mirror works well, but I also wished the side mirrors dim as well. As for the rain-sensing wipers, sometimes I feel it doesn't wipe often enough, but other times it wipes too often. Maybe you should go to the dealer on a rainy day to try it out just to see if the wiping frequency would suit you.

Nov 13th, 2003, 08:27 AM	#6 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 11:04 AM Posts: 40,555 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by KatanaPilot As for the rain-sensing wipers, sometimes I feel it doesn't wipe often enough, but other times it wipes too often. Maybe you should go to the dealer on a rainy day to try it out just to see if the wiping frequency would suit you. The sensitivity is/should be adjustable, whether dealers can or will adjust it is another issue.

Nov 13th, 2003, 01:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
jmegown MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2003 Location: Iowa Local Time: 05:04 AM Posts: 38 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by stryder Needing to turn the wipers back on makes sense. If the wipers stayed 'active' and it snowed, you might run the risk of breaking the wiper motor as it tried to wipe off the snow/ice etc. Perhaps in some future variant the wipers could detect such things, but the system seems pretty good for a $20,000 car. I agree that they should shut off...just wish the switch operated a little differently...not leaving the switch in a physical "on" position. An example would be be like the switch for the heated seats...more of a logical "on" position.

Nov 13th, 2003, 07:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
KatanaPilot MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Boston Local Time: 06:04 AM Posts: 222 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett The sensitivity is/should be adjustable, whether dealers can or will adjust it is another issue. Dealer said no, and mini usa said no.......... I learned to live with it...... It is still much better than my BMW's useless intermittent setting.

Nov 13th, 2003, 07:18 PM	#11 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 11:04 AM Posts: 40,555 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by KatanaPilot Dealer said no, and mini usa said no.......... I learned to live with it...... It is still much better than my BMW's useless intermittent setting. Ah, OK, well I have it documented that they can be adjusted from some techny bods at BMW, but if you cant get it done, that's fine.

Nov 13th, 2003, 08:08 PM	#12 (permalink)
SugarBelly MINI2 Senior Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: MadTown, Midwest Local Time: 05:04 AM Posts: 527 Offline	Such A Good Brother! Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett Ah, OK, well I have it documented that they can be adjusted from some techny bods at BMW, but if you cant get it done, that's fine. Hmmm.... I was just checking the specs on an allocated MCS scheduled to arrive in a few weeks (for my brother), which has the "auto wipers." Not having the feature on ours, I mistakenly told him that one controls wiper settings, - in addition to a having a "no-brainer" or "automatic" option setting. Wrong, right?! [Yeah.] So, they're On or Off "Auto Wipers"....So, the auto feature of these wipers are in complete control & one has to appraoch the dealer (on hands & knees) if speed settings seem off?

Nov 13th, 2003, 08:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
planeguy MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: wichita, ks Local Time: 05:04 AM Posts: 106 Offline	I love both features on my MCS..... they are the best "bang for the buck" feature available

Nov 13th, 2003, 08:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
gtshnzr MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: green oaks Local Time: 05:04 AM Posts: 517 Offline	I used the auto wipers the other day in the rain, and they worked great while moving along the interstate from heavy to light pockets of rain. Much better than having to adjust the variable speed intermittent setting on my Lexus. Early is on time; On time is late.

Nov 13th, 2003, 10:53 PM	#15 (permalink)
bentley/cooper MINI2 Not So Newbie Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: York, Pennsylvania Local Time: 07:04 AM Posts: 218 Offline	Both features work very well, & I would have to agree that for $140.00 it is probably the best value of all the options. Definately go for them. 2004 Chili Red/ White MCS w/ white bonnet stripes

Nov 14th, 2003, 06:29 PM	#16 (permalink)
BlackBear MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2003 Local Time: 05:04 AM Posts: 5 Offline	Thanks for the input . . . Thanks for the input - I guess I will get these on my MINI I'm going to order tomorrw!

Nov 14th, 2003, 11:27 PM	#17 (permalink)
SteveM3 MINI2 Master Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Malmesbury, Wilts Local Time: 11:04 AM Posts: 1,780 Online	I thought spending money on auto wipers was daft but had to order them to get the heated front screen. Now I have them I think they are great, they wipe the screen just the right number of times and are far better than any intermittent system. I've never noticed my auto mirror working so that must mean it's doing a superb job.

Nov 15th, 2003, 12:42 PM	#18 (permalink)
steve5452 MINI2 Senior Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Woking, Surrey Local Time: 11:04 AM Posts: 737 Offline	Does any1 have the darkened rear windows and the auto dimming rear view mirror? do the darkened windows stop the mirror from dimming? Don't know why I am asking really as its to late to change my order but I guess its just something I have thought of. Cheers Steve If horse racing is the sport of Kings, should drag racing be the sport of Queens?

Nov 15th, 2003, 01:36 PM	#19 (permalink)
Happy Hippo MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Oxford Local Time: 11:04 AM Posts: 12 Offline	Yes you're right, the auto-dimmer does not work with the dark glass option. I still think the visability pack is good value for the heated windscreen and rain sensing wipers alone.

Feb 24th, 2004, 12:56 PM	#20 (permalink)
steve5452 MINI2 Senior Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Woking, Surrey Local Time: 11:04 AM Posts: 737 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Happy Hippo Yes you're right, the auto-dimmer does not work with the dark glass option. I still think the visability pack is good value for the heated windscreen and rain sensing wipers alone. Now I have my car I can say that the auto-dimmer DOES work with the factory fitted tints, its not so noticable mind you but it still works If horse racing is the sport of Kings, should drag racing be the sport of Queens?

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