MINI2

Lexuslover · Jan 2nd, 2003, 11:52 AM

I have a mini convertable on order to replace my Lexus LS400 (felt like going from one extreme to the other!).
As I was leaving the cinema yesterday and admiring a Red Cooper in the car park , I heard it start up and then as the driver applied full lock you could clearly hear a whine coming from the car, which stopped when he had the wheels at straight ahead. I've heard the same noise on another mini and am now wondering if they all do that - as it will be pretty annoying on an open top car, when I'll be able to hear it.
Do they all do that?
(sorry if this has been covered before)
Thanks
Nick

Mike & Donna in Ca. · Jan 2nd, 2003, 12:19 PM

Yes - they all do it. It is a normal "whining" sound. Eventually, you get used to it and don't really pay attention to it.

When are the convertibles due out over there? We have a Chili Red MCS which the hubby drives. I want the convertible for me

We have been told in the US that they will not be available until model yr 2004 which means the end of 2003.

Lexuslover · Jan 2nd, 2003, 12:35 PM

I've been given a date of April 2004 and I've got the 7th car that the dealer is getting, so assume that even the first cars won't be until March, perhaps February of 2004!
Just gives me lots of time to decide on the specification!
Thanks
Nick

Mike & Donna in Ca. · Jan 2nd, 2003, 12:49 PM

So what color are you thinking about? Have you been given any specs on the convertible yet? We aren't getting much info. so I am of course - very curious. We don't know if they will be MC or MCS - or colors available.

I love the red but also love the Indi Blue....hum......same problem for me - what do I want!

bo nydal · Jan 2nd, 2003, 01:50 PM

lex due to the position of the pas pump it requiers a fan. thats what you can hear. (or so im told) it can be annoying in a mini car in a convertible?

HarryHBMCC · Jan 2nd, 2003, 02:20 PM

To answer the original question, the MINI uses an electro-hydraulic power steering pump. This pump is electrically powered, not driven by a fan/serpentine belt so it is only turned on when needed. The whine you hear is the electric motor coming up to power the hydraulic fluid for power steering. It is most noticable at low speeds while in parking lots, garages, etc. Once the wheel straightens out and/or the car speeds up, no steering assistance is required and the electric motor shuts off. This saves the fuel and engine power needed to run the power steering pump all the time on many other cars (some Saturns and other cars also have EHS).

Harry

Lexuslover · Jan 2nd, 2003, 04:30 PM

Thanks for the replies - guess I'm just worried about moving from the near silent world of a Lexus LS400 - they really are quiet.

Colour - at the moment I'm thinking of Red as my youngest son insists that all open top cars should be Red - and I kind of agree with him.

From what I've read, the Mini Open will be available in all 3 varients - Mini One, Cooper and Cooper S, but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong!

Going to try to 'borrow' a Cooper and then a Cooper S for extended text drives later this year before I decide which to go for.

Thanks again!

Griffy · Jan 3rd, 2003, 02:22 AM

Are they any pics anywhere yet of the convertibles ?

They actually made any yet, prototypes etc ?

BruceK · Jan 3rd, 2003, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Griffy
Are they any pics anywhere yet of the convertibles ?

They actually made any yet, prototypes etc ?

No real pictures, but there are plenty of photoshopped ones of what it might look like.

Have a look in the FUTURE VARIANTS forum.

Owen'sOwner · Jan 7th, 2003, 01:57 PM

I don't notice the sound much, but other people do. Just yesterday pulling into work, sombody asked me if the car was ok because to him it sounded as if somthing was wrong with the car. Other people ask as well. Several times I have told people that "there's nothing wrong with the car, and I don't even notice it any more". My suggestion if you want to look cool while driving in a parking lot is not turn.

Maquis · Feb 7th, 2003, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Griffy
Are they any pics anywhere yet of the convertibles ?

They actually made any yet, prototypes etc ?

I got this photo from auto express a few months ago.

sjbartnik · Feb 7th, 2003, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bo nydal
lex due to the position of the pas pump it requiers a fan. thats what you can hear. (or so im told) it can be annoying in a mini car in a convertible?

That's not correct, the whining noise you can hear is the pump motor itself.

The p/s fan is relatively small and is constructed in the same vein as a computer fan, it really isn't large enough to be audible.

Adriann001 · Feb 7th, 2003, 06:07 PM

i thought it was going to be a two seater with a roof that folded compleatly flat so not to spoil the lines of the car. this woul mean there would be a tub where the rear seats wuold be give a bigger boot when the roof was up i could be wrong though it was along time since i read the article so dont take my word for it

Rob. · Feb 8th, 2003, 06:10 PM

I wish it was going to be a two seater but it isn't. MINI could not afford to build a roadster that would be competatively priced, so have decided to just cut the roof off and stick a pram type hood on it. It looks cheap and simple to produce.
It is a pity because the pictures of the two seat roadster MINI looked good. Years ago there was even talk of an SLK style metal folding roof.

oldnell · Feb 8th, 2003, 06:14 PM

I don't think there are any published photos of any of the new variants. All the pictures that you see in magazines are doctored photos and are people's ideas of what the cars could look like.

One magazine I read said that there would be a two-seater version of the MINI, but I would treat all the statements you read in magazines for what they are -- conjecture.

MiNiGuY · Feb 9th, 2003, 01:15 PM

On the subject of pas pumps, don't turn the ignition off whilst holding the wheels on full lock. The pump doesn't like it.

sjbartnik · Feb 10th, 2003, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MiNiGuY
On the subject of pas pumps, don't turn the ignition off whilst holding the wheels on full lock. The pump doesn't like it.

Interesting. What does it do? Don't leave us hanging like that

MiNiGuY · Feb 10th, 2003, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sjbartnik
Interesting. What does it do? Don't leave us hanging like that

Try it

sjbartnik · Feb 11th, 2003, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MiNiGuY
Try it

But I don't want my p/s pump to explode

So you are saying that it is not harmful, just interesting?

TINMAN · Feb 12th, 2003, 01:25 AM

Come on,try it.

You know you wanna

Grab your key,put on a faceshield and go out to the car

Curiousity killed the MINI

Jan 2nd, 2003, 11:52 AM	#1
Lexuslover MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 08:01 AM Posts: 64 Offline	Whining Steering Pumps? I have a mini convertable on order to replace my Lexus LS400 (felt like going from one extreme to the other!). As I was leaving the cinema yesterday and admiring a Red Cooper in the car park , I heard it start up and then as the driver applied full lock you could clearly hear a whine coming from the car, which stopped when he had the wheels at straight ahead. I've heard the same noise on another mini and am now wondering if they all do that - as it will be pretty annoying on an open top car, when I'll be able to hear it. Do they all do that? (sorry if this has been covered before) Thanks Nick

Jan 2nd, 2003, 12:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mike & Donna in Ca. MINI2 Senior Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oceanside, CA Local Time: 02:01 AM Posts: 380 Offline	Yes - they all do it. It is a normal "whining" sound. Eventually, you get used to it and don't really pay attention to it. When are the convertibles due out over there? We have a Chili Red MCS which the hubby drives. I want the convertible for me We have been told in the US that they will not be available until model yr 2004 which means the end of 2003. '05 HB/W MCS "Gizmo" + '05 Cool Blue MCSC "Ariel"

Jan 2nd, 2003, 12:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mike & Donna in Ca. MINI2 Senior Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oceanside, CA Local Time: 02:01 AM Posts: 380 Offline	So what color are you thinking about? Have you been given any specs on the convertible yet? We aren't getting much info. so I am of course - very curious. We don't know if they will be MC or MCS - or colors available. I love the red but also love the Indi Blue....hum......same problem for me - what do I want! '05 HB/W MCS "Gizmo" + '05 Cool Blue MCSC "Ariel"

Jan 2nd, 2003, 01:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
bo nydal MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Worcester, UK Local Time: 07:01 AM Posts: 28 Offline	lex due to the position of the pas pump it requiers a fan. thats what you can hear. (or so im told) it can be annoying in a mini car in a convertible? get it sideways you know you want to!!!!

Jan 2nd, 2003, 02:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
HarryHBMCC MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Guelph, Ontario, Can Local Time: 02:01 AM Posts: 2,578 Offline	To answer the original question, the MINI uses an electro-hydraulic power steering pump. This pump is electrically powered, not driven by a fan/serpentine belt so it is only turned on when needed. The whine you hear is the electric motor coming up to power the hydraulic fluid for power steering. It is most noticable at low speeds while in parking lots, garages, etc. Once the wheel straightens out and/or the car speeds up, no steering assistance is required and the electric motor shuts off. This saves the fuel and engine power needed to run the power steering pump all the time on many other cars (some Saturns and other cars also have EHS). Harry MINI Cooper Cabrio: now the car with go cart handling really feels like an open go cart! "... the only man that can come home at 3 am in the morning without getting into trouble with his spouse is the owner of a British sports car!" -- Phil Bailey

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Jan 2nd, 2003, 12:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
Lexuslover MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 08:01 AM Posts: 64 Offline	I've been given a date of April 2004 and I've got the 7th car that the dealer is getting, so assume that even the first cars won't be until March, perhaps February of 2004! Just gives me lots of time to decide on the specification! Thanks Nick

Jan 2nd, 2003, 04:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
Lexuslover MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 08:01 AM Posts: 64 Offline	Thanks for the replies - guess I'm just worried about moving from the near silent world of a Lexus LS400 - they really are quiet. Colour - at the moment I'm thinking of Red as my youngest son insists that all open top cars should be Red - and I kind of agree with him. From what I've read, the Mini Open will be available in all 3 varients - Mini One, Cooper and Cooper S, but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong! Going to try to 'borrow' a Cooper and then a Cooper S for extended text drives later this year before I decide which to go for. Thanks again!

Jan 3rd, 2003, 02:22 AM	#8 (permalink)
Griffy MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Tasmania Local Time: 05:01 PM Posts: 65 Offline	Are they any pics anywhere yet of the convertibles ? They actually made any yet, prototypes etc ?

Jan 3rd, 2003, 11:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 01:01 AM Posts: 3,758 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Griffy Are they any pics anywhere yet of the convertibles ? They actually made any yet, prototypes etc ? No real pictures, but there are plenty of photoshopped ones of what it might look like. Have a look in the FUTURE VARIANTS forum. + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Jan 7th, 2003, 01:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
Owen'sOwner MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Minneapolis,MN Local Time: 01:01 AM Posts: 18 Offline	I don't notice the sound much, but other people do. Just yesterday pulling into work, sombody asked me if the car was ok because to him it sounded as if somthing was wrong with the car. Other people ask as well. Several times I have told people that "there's nothing wrong with the car, and I don't even notice it any more". My suggestion if you want to look cool while driving in a parking lot is not turn.

Feb 7th, 2003, 05:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
Maquis Tony & Emma Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Heckmondwike Local Time: 08:01 AM Posts: 365 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Griffy Are they any pics anywhere yet of the convertibles ? They actually made any yet, prototypes etc ? I got this photo from auto express a few months ago. Attached Thumbnails Doncaster Mini Register - Meetings every month - click here for details

Feb 7th, 2003, 05:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
sjbartnik MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Local Time: 03:01 AM Posts: 629 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by bo nydal lex due to the position of the pas pump it requiers a fan. thats what you can hear. (or so im told) it can be annoying in a mini car in a convertible? That's not correct, the whining noise you can hear is the pump motor itself. The p/s fan is relatively small and is constructed in the same vein as a computer fan, it really isn't large enough to be audible. Sean Bartnik 2003 MINI Cooper S

Feb 7th, 2003, 06:07 PM	#13 (permalink)
Adriann001 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2003 Local Time: 11:01 AM Posts: 147 Offline	i thought it was going to be a two seater with a roof that folded compleatly flat so not to spoil the lines of the car. this woul mean there would be a tub where the rear seats wuold be give a bigger boot when the roof was up i could be wrong though it was along time since i read the article so dont take my word for it

Feb 8th, 2003, 06:10 PM	#14 (permalink)
Rob. MINI2 Master Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Middlesbrough UK Local Time: 07:01 AM Posts: 1,731 Offline	I wish it was going to be a two seater but it isn't. MINI could not afford to build a roadster that would be competatively priced, so have decided to just cut the roof off and stick a pram type hood on it. It looks cheap and simple to produce. It is a pity because the pictures of the two seat roadster MINI looked good. Years ago there was even talk of an SLK style metal folding roof.

Feb 8th, 2003, 06:14 PM	#15 (permalink)
oldnell MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Gloucester Local Time: 08:01 AM Posts: 991 Offline	I don't think there are any published photos of any of the new variants. All the pictures that you see in magazines are doctored photos and are people's ideas of what the cars could look like. One magazine I read said that there would be a two-seater version of the MINI, but I would treat all the statements you read in magazines for what they are -- conjecture.

Feb 9th, 2003, 01:15 PM	#16 (permalink)
MiNiGuY MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2002 Local Time: 08:01 AM Posts: 808 Offline	On the subject of pas pumps, don't turn the ignition off whilst holding the wheels on full lock. The pump doesn't like it.

Feb 10th, 2003, 02:28 PM	#17 (permalink)
sjbartnik MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Local Time: 03:01 AM Posts: 629 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by MiNiGuY On the subject of pas pumps, don't turn the ignition off whilst holding the wheels on full lock. The pump doesn't like it. Interesting. What does it do? Don't leave us hanging like that Sean Bartnik 2003 MINI Cooper S

Feb 10th, 2003, 04:43 PM	#18 (permalink)
MiNiGuY MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2002 Local Time: 08:01 AM Posts: 808 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by sjbartnik Interesting. What does it do? Don't leave us hanging like that Try it

Feb 11th, 2003, 07:08 PM	#19 (permalink)
sjbartnik MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Local Time: 03:01 AM Posts: 629 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by MiNiGuY Try it But I don't want my p/s pump to explode So you are saying that it is not harmful, just interesting? Sean Bartnik 2003 MINI Cooper S

Feb 12th, 2003, 01:25 AM	#20 (permalink)
TINMAN MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Local Time: 12:01 AM Posts: 163 Offline	Come on,try it. You know you wanna Grab your key,put on a faceshield and go out to the car Curiousity killed the MINI

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