[miniiii]

Hi All
Finally bought the 04 Indi Blue with white roof top and mirror caps, very happy with my choice and the car.

After using the car a bit, I have a couple of questions though, expecting some advice:
1) Steering wheel
The steering wheel is soft, much different from a 53 I drove at the dealer (the salesperson mentioned this was normal for a mini), but when starting the car, I can hear a loud noise when turning the wheel. The noise seems normal, just as a regular steering wheel only much louder. You cant notice anymore whilst driving..
2) Lights
When turning the lights on/off, a mechanic noise is heard on the front lights. I've noticed the lights move a bit as well, what is this for?
3) Comsumption
What should the average consumption for this car be? Should the specification be trusted (around 35mpg?)
4) Gear
The gear seems a bit hard when changing to 5th, different than all other moves.. Guess this should only be a matter of getting used to it, not any problem..

Any comments are welcome!!

[sef]

are we talking about a Cooper S here??

[I love MINI, Laura]

1, Can't comment on the feel of the steering wheel. Maybe you've got the leather version to the solid plastic version,
The whining is the steering its electric assisted steering and makes a stange noise when turning. This is perfectly normal and a MINI "characteristic"
2, not sure why it does this but very normal. My halogen lights on my MINI one did this too and made an interesting noise too. Self levelling lights is also a MINI feature.
3. Is it a Cooper or a Cooper S? I'm guessing a Cooper. Theres plenty of threads on here about mileage and consumption. Sounds about normal.
4. Just getting used to it sounds like a plan. Just pay attention if it starts jumping out of gear.

[miniiii]

Thank you all for the comments!!

This is a Cooper 04, manufactured in April 04.

I did not know about the new facelift on the June 04 models, but reckon the price would be much higher beause of that as well..

Mine is probably a pre-facelift model, just by the date. As I found on the posts, main additions were the new gearbox and some minor interior and exterior changes, right?
Gearbox seems fine, and it was a mini dealer, so assuming they did a good pre-check, as they even had to change the rear disk brakes before giving the car to me.

After reading all these posts, I started hearing a small noise when releasing the clutch when the car is on but stopped.. I need to stop reading about problems!!

Steering wheel is indeed the leather one, but I was talking about the turning movement.. the 53 I drove was also leather, but much harder to turn..maybe was not clear!

Thanks..