MINI2

cbrsix · May 7th, 2002, 12:36 PM

I've just done a 400 mile round trip down to Galaway, the first long run in my Cooper. The weather was fantastic and we had a great time, though the bumpy roads made me very glad I did not opt for SS+! The run confirmed a couple of existing irritations - yes the driver's seat does creak; yes the dash does rattle - and revealed one major new one:
The windscreen attracts suicidal insects like no other car I've ever driven. At times the splatter of bugs on the glass was like hailstones - I soon ran out of screenwash trying to keep it clean and kept having to stop to scrape off the thick coating of corpses.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Could it be an aerodynamic effect to do with the low level bonnet combined with the steep screen?

All theories welcome

R1 · May 7th, 2002, 12:58 PM

I've found this problem on mine.
I think your ideas of the cause are correct.
I've bought a pack of bug wipes from Halfords and keep them in the boot (trunk)!!!!

blade929 · May 7th, 2002, 01:02 PM

Nothing to do with outrageous speeds then, R1

For what it's worth I agree, that steep screen means the flies just get sucked in there.

Martin L · May 7th, 2002, 01:08 PM

Talking about windscreen wash, how do you tell when it's nearly empty?
The tank is hidden away in the front wing and all that is exposed is the filler nozzle, so I can't see how much I've got left.
Have I missed something obvious

Reading the manual is too easy for me

R1 · May 7th, 2002, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by blade929
Nothing to do with outrageous speeds then, R1

Nah!
Me. ... speed ??!!

Never!

smiffy · May 7th, 2002, 01:45 PM

The car also seems to attrack the birdd who like to leave their calling cards

But after a long journey, sadly I cant say there are no flies on me

Mini1380 · May 7th, 2002, 01:59 PM

I think that the bug splat is another design que that Rover/BMW was able to carry forward from the Classic Mini to the new MINI. They just haven't tried to market it yet.

Paul · May 7th, 2002, 02:38 PM

If you use rain-x/rain racer or similar that does help a little (and makes the 'remains' easier to wipe off).

I agree that the big catching skills are quite mini like, although not quite as high on the frontal area/bug caught ratio scale as the classic.

dietcokeplease · May 7th, 2002, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cbrsix
Could it be an aerodynamic effect to do with the low level bonnet combined with the steep screen?

All theories welcome

Theory No.1 It's just you and you're paranoid cbrsix!

Maybe all the flies and bugs in Eire are out to get you and only you?! Paranoid now?

Theory No.2 The MINI actually has a fairly upright screen compared to most cab-forward design cars. More upright = more bugsplats = more stonechips. The windscreens on modern cars tend to splat the bug at an angle leaving a lovely smear!.

Halfords sell some bug shifter spray - spray on the white foam - wait a minute - squirt the washer jets and 95% of the critters are gone. And it doesn't harm your paintwork. Also get one of those bug and insect pads with the woven mesh and give the screen a clean.

Rob. · May 7th, 2002, 03:37 PM

I must admit to boring all my family and friends with how many flies and bugs dive at my screen and bonnet. Sunny day, sounds like rain hitting all the bugs. Maybe it is the routes we travel in our MINI's, down country lanes etc, etc. The time of the year doesn't help.
I am sure it isn't what i have been told
Flies round Shi*.

They are bloody hard to get out of the grill though.

MrCooper · May 7th, 2002, 04:04 PM

I have the fly problem too but isn't it great when a great big bug explodes in front of you!!!

AidenL · May 7th, 2002, 04:11 PM

All true comments, never have I seen so many flies on a windscreen for a short journey, and the grille attracts them too !!

rich · May 7th, 2002, 07:15 PM

Common practice here Down Under, where we have bugs the size of bats & bats the size of cats, is to apply a layer of extra-wide Glad Wrap (or cling film to you Poms) to the windscreen. After a day of high speed bug-blatting motoring one simply peels off said Glad Wrap to reveal a pure and intact windscreen beneath. Voila!

AprilWhine · May 7th, 2002, 08:30 PM

And we all know what's the last thing that goes through a bug's mind as he hits the windshield...

kcmini · May 7th, 2002, 10:48 PM

I long for the day that a bug splatters on my windshield....

Dom · May 8th, 2002, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AprilWhine
And we all know what's the last thing that goes through a bug's mind as he hits the windshield...

His arse... followed by the bug behind, and then another one until lo and behold, you've halved the local insect population in just 5 miles...

I cleaned my car about an hour before the Cribbs Causeway meet, and you should have seen the state after just 40 miles of motorway!

Dom

MiNiGuY · May 8th, 2002, 05:23 AM

If the bugs are attracted as much as people are, maybe they are just trying to get a closer look at your MINI's.
Give it another year or so and they'll loose interest

dcfkan · May 8th, 2002, 05:49 AM

I keep a packet of exterior windscreen wipes (from Halfords) as well as a tub of Wet Ones in my car, and yes, I too have to clean the windscreen often because of bugs remains.

I find the Wet Ones very handy and they are excellent for dealing with bird poo on paint work.

DK

LuckyRVA · Jul 20th, 2003, 10:17 PM

Here's the front of my car today after a 350 mile run through the countryside...

It's like a masacre.

-Jason

May 7th, 2002, 12:36 PM	#1
cbrsix MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Dalgety Bay Local Time: 11:43 PM Posts: 34 Offline	Flies On The Windscreen/Bugs On The Windshield I've just done a 400 mile round trip down to Galaway, the first long run in my Cooper. The weather was fantastic and we had a great time, though the bumpy roads made me very glad I did not opt for SS+! The run confirmed a couple of existing irritations - yes the driver's seat does creak; yes the dash does rattle - and revealed one major new one: The windscreen attracts suicidal insects like no other car I've ever driven. At times the splatter of bugs on the glass was like hailstones - I soon ran out of screenwash trying to keep it clean and kept having to stop to scrape off the thick coating of corpses. Has anyone else noticed this? Could it be an aerodynamic effect to do with the low level bonnet combined with the steep screen? All theories welcome

May 7th, 2002, 01:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
blade929 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 11:43 PM Posts: 154 Offline	Nothing to do with outrageous speeds then, R1 For what it's worth I agree, that steep screen means the flies just get sucked in there. - Red/White Cooper, Silver wheels, Climate Control, Chili Pack, heated mirrors, CD Boost, Alarm, Heated seats, Factory Tint Windows. Now gone (but not forgotten) Last edited by blade929 : May 7th, 2002 at 01:13 PM.

May 7th, 2002, 01:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
Martin L MINI defector Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Harefield Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 13,635 Offline	Talking about windscreen wash, how do you tell when it's nearly empty? The tank is hidden away in the front wing and all that is exposed is the filler nozzle, so I can't see how much I've got left. Have I missed something obvious Reading the manual is too easy for me MINI, RX8 and MX5 - Done those............. It's now TTime Unofficial MINI2.com bean counter

May 7th, 2002, 01:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
smiffy MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Here Local Time: 11:43 PM Posts: 5,778 Offline	The car also seems to attrack the birdd who like to leave their calling cards But after a long journey, sadly I cant say there are no flies on me S for Smiffy "Kids in the front seat cause accidents, accidents in the backseat cause kids!"

May 7th, 2002, 01:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mini1380 Living in Mini Wasteland Join Date: May 2001 Location: Arkansas Local Time: 06:43 PM Posts: 352 Offline	I think that the bug splat is another design que that Rover/BMW was able to carry forward from the Classic Mini to the new MINI. They just haven't tried to market it yet. Sold the Cooper. Now driving the Traveller. I mean Clubman.

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May 7th, 2002, 12:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
R1 Addicted to Speed!! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: ..."B" roads!! Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 4,915 Offline	I've found this problem on mine. I think your ideas of the cause are correct. I've bought a pack of bug wipes from Halfords and keep them in the boot (trunk)!!!!

May 7th, 2002, 01:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
R1 Addicted to Speed!! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: ..."B" roads!! Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 4,915 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by blade929 Nothing to do with outrageous speeds then, R1 Nah! Me. ... speed ??!! Never!

May 7th, 2002, 02:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 41,220 Offline	If you use rain-x/rain racer or similar that does help a little (and makes the 'remains' easier to wipe off). I agree that the big catching skills are quite mini like, although not quite as high on the frontal area/bug caught ratio scale as the classic. There aint no party like my nana's tea party

May 7th, 2002, 02:39 PM	#9 (permalink)
dietcokeplease Official MINI2 Fluffer Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Spearmint Rhino Local Time: 11:43 PM Posts: 5,315 Offline	Re: Flies On The Windscreen/Bugs On The Windshield Quote: Originally posted by cbrsix Could it be an aerodynamic effect to do with the low level bonnet combined with the steep screen? All theories welcome Theory No.1 It's just you and you're paranoid cbrsix! Maybe all the flies and bugs in Eire are out to get you and only you?! Paranoid now? Theory No.2 The MINI actually has a fairly upright screen compared to most cab-forward design cars. More upright = more bugsplats = more stonechips. The windscreens on modern cars tend to splat the bug at an angle leaving a lovely smear!. Halfords sell some bug shifter spray - spray on the white foam - wait a minute - squirt the washer jets and 95% of the critters are gone. And it doesn't harm your paintwork. Also get one of those bug and insect pads with the woven mesh and give the screen a clean. There is just one moon and one golden sun; And a smile mean friendship to ev'ryone; Through the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide; It's a small world after all.

May 7th, 2002, 03:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
Rob. MINI2 Master Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Middlesbrough UK Local Time: 11:43 PM Posts: 1,774 Offline	I must admit to boring all my family and friends with how many flies and bugs dive at my screen and bonnet. Sunny day, sounds like rain hitting all the bugs. Maybe it is the routes we travel in our MINI's, down country lanes etc, etc. The time of the year doesn't help. I am sure it isn't what i have been told Flies round Shi*. They are bloody hard to get out of the grill though.

May 7th, 2002, 04:04 PM	#11 (permalink)
MrCooper MINI2 Senior Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Lincoln Local Time: 11:43 PM Posts: 357 Offline	I have the fly problem too but isn't it great when a great big bug explodes in front of you!!! Red/white Cooper with Chilli, AC, ASC+T, Computer, Kenwood MP3, Alarm, 17" wheels, BLOODY BIG SMILE. It may say Lincoln but oi be Oirish.

May 7th, 2002, 04:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
AidenL Nice TTs......... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: On The Coast........ Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 42,173 Offline	All true comments, never have I seen so many flies on a windscreen for a short journey, and the grille attracts them too !! *Global Moderator*

May 7th, 2002, 07:15 PM	#13 (permalink)
rich MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Sydney, Australia Local Time: 09:43 AM Posts: 1,586 Offline	Top Tip Common practice here Down Under, where we have bugs the size of bats & bats the size of cats, is to apply a layer of extra-wide Glad Wrap (or cling film to you Poms) to the windscreen. After a day of high speed bug-blatting motoring one simply peels off said Glad Wrap to reveal a pure and intact windscreen beneath. Voila! Cooper S, Jet Black w/ white roof, silver 16" X-Lite wheels, DSC, MFSW, dark tinted windows ...It's here & I love it!

May 7th, 2002, 08:30 PM	#14 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 04:43 PM Posts: 16,995 Offline	Riddle me this... And we all know what's the last thing that goes through a bug's mind as he hits the windshield... Global Moderator

May 7th, 2002, 10:48 PM	#15 (permalink)
kcmini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Local Time: 06:43 PM Posts: 237 Offline	I long for the day that a bug splatters on my windshield.... Most fun on 4 wheels. #9 Cooper at Baron KC. June 2002 build. Sport Chili Red/White.

May 8th, 2002, 04:26 AM	#16 (permalink)
Dom Test thread infiltrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Swindon Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 8,543 Offline	Re: Riddle me this... Quote: Originally posted by AprilWhine And we all know what's the last thing that goes through a bug's mind as he hits the windshield... His arse... followed by the bug behind, and then another one until lo and behold, you've halved the local insect population in just 5 miles... I cleaned my car about an hour before the Cribbs Causeway meet, and you should have seen the state after just 40 miles of motorway! Dom

May 8th, 2002, 05:23 AM	#17 (permalink)
MiNiGuY MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2002 Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 808 Offline	bugs If the bugs are attracted as much as people are, maybe they are just trying to get a closer look at your MINI's. Give it another year or so and they'll loose interest

May 8th, 2002, 05:49 AM	#18 (permalink)
dcfkan In exile, down SOUTH! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: London WC1 Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 13,580 Offline	I keep a packet of exterior windscreen wipes (from Halfords) as well as a tub of Wet Ones in my car, and yes, I too have to clean the windscreen often because of bugs remains. I find the Wet Ones very handy and they are excellent for dealing with bird poo on paint work. DK

Jul 20th, 2003, 10:17 PM	#19 (permalink)
LuckyRVA 1.6 Litres of fury!!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Queens, NYC Local Time: 07:43 PM Posts: 1,277 Offline	Here's the front of my car today after a 350 mile run through the countryside... It's like a masacre. -Jason 2002 Dark Silver Cooper S w/ white roof. SOLD

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