MINI2

3GGG · Jun 16th, 2002, 06:09 AM

I have ordered a Cooper but really want the heated windscreen so have asked the dealer to delay the order until it becomes available.

I am not getting a clear picture from the dealer as to when this is going to be available as part of the 'visibility package'. They say 2003 models, but not clear if that is actually going to be in 2003 or when the 'new' 2003 model is available this year - September?

Anyone have something a bit more precise?
Why the delay?

Many thanks.

ezrally · Jun 16th, 2002, 12:14 PM

As far as anyone knows (MINIUSA,MINI2) the heated screen will be availiable on '03 (starting Sep02) cars.As for the delay-there was alot of speculation as to why,see Interior & Ice,heated windscreen questions thread.

3GGG · Jun 16th, 2002, 03:07 PM

Thanks! - So perhaps I will get my Cooper with Heated screen before my Birthday in November after all.

blade929 · Jun 16th, 2002, 03:34 PM

This starting to amuse me now.

Firstly this option was March 02, then April 02, then June 02, now September 02.

We'll see..................

Razor · Jun 17th, 2002, 03:48 AM

I ordered my Cooper in August last year. I was told the visibility pack would be available in November 2001, then Januray 2002, then March 2002, then June 2002 now I've been told September 2002.

As it is I think I've waited long enough so I've told them to forget about the visibiliy pack. Annoying really because without it I could have had the car much earlier. Even more annoying is the fact that it was included in the original sales brochure without any mention of delays.

Good luck.

Martin L · Jun 17th, 2002, 04:03 AM

It's the rain sensor holding things up. They just can't get the BMW technology to work properly in the MINI.
My dealer asked the question at their "open" day and was told there is no estimated release date as yet

When my build date comes (Sept) if there is no answer still I'll have to drop the option

3GGG · Jun 17th, 2002, 04:08 AM

I would gladly forget the rain sensor and have the heated screen and auto dimming mirror... please please.

Razor · Jun 17th, 2002, 07:40 AM

That's interesting 'cos my dealer told me it was a problem with the heated windscreen!

Martin L · Jun 17th, 2002, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ruddockt
That's interesting 'cos my dealer told me it was a problem with the heated windscreen!

A-ha, this old chesnut again...
The dealers not knowing what's really going on

3GGG · Jun 17th, 2002, 08:04 AM

I'm guessing here, but I suppose the rain sensor is an integral part of the heated windscreen, so in a sense both are right - The heated screen is being held up because the rain sensor design isn't working?

Cannot really imagine that the design of a heated windscreen as such could hold up things for so long.

My feelings are that if it is taking so long to debug this rain sensor problem, why not forget it for now and make a plain and simple heated screen.

Quite why the auto dimming mirror is held up as well I do not understand unless it is tied into a wiring harness issue with the rain sensor?

Maybe we should have a vote on whether anyone thinks a rain sensor is a worth while thing to have, I certainly do not, but a heated screen is an excellent feature. I also like the dimming mirror, I have one in my present car and it works well.

3GGG · Jun 17th, 2002, 08:10 AM

Another thought - (Conspiracy theory ). It could be a ploy to even out demand for the mini, by delaying this continually while they cannot meet demand for the MINI.

Monkeyboy · Jun 17th, 2002, 08:35 AM

My dealer also said it was the heated screen holding things up. I have a build date for my Cooper S now (September 9th!), but I'm not waiting if the pack isn't ready and will go ahead without it. I really wanted the heated screen, but I can't wait much longer.

As for the rain sensors, they are actually very useful (a lot more so than they sound, anyway!). I just did 500 miles in a Pug 307 fitted with them this weekend (It has automatic light-sensing headlights too - they really are pointless!).

I think there may be some misunderstanding as to what they do. Basically it is like a kind of infinitely variable speed setting for your wipers, i.e. they only operate the wipers when there is rain on the screen, so they can just do one wipe then stop for ages if it is only spotting with rain. It's much better than having to flick them on and off yourself, which we all know can be irritating when it's not raining quite enough for your slow or intermediate wiper settings!

3GGG · Jun 17th, 2002, 08:46 AM

Wonder if you noticed how the rain sensor worked? Was it fitted onto the outside of the windscreen or what?

Round here the type of rain we get is the continuous variety. :-)

snoopy · Jun 17th, 2002, 09:44 AM

There are one Tx Led and one RX led. ( Leds are in a little black box on the inside of the windscreen, behind the rear vision mirror) The rain on the windscreen affects the amount of signal going from the TX to RX. When this point is reached the system activates the wiper. The TX and RX led are in the arc that the wiper blazes run. So as it wipes it also clears any water from the two leds.

Problems I have also heard that the rain sensor is hold up. Due to the fact the MINI has a very steep angle on the windscreen. This is causing them problems in the calibration of the system.

ezrally · Jun 17th, 2002, 10:05 AM

No theories here (cracking screens

) but in USA we arn't offered a visibility pack. The heated screen, rain sensing wipers and auto dimming mirror were/are available in a cold package for $500/$300. It has been delayed once since introduction to Sep.

I'm not waiting past then either...

CHRISTIAN · Jun 17th, 2002, 03:25 PM

I was at my dealer here in Munich - Germany.
They told me that they will not delivery the visibility pack by this year !

May be we can order it for next Jan 03.
this was an information from the headquarter of BMW/MINI here in Munich.
Sorry guys, but same problem for be because I also had ordered the option.
You also cannot only order the dimming mirrow or the rain sensor without the heated screen.

3GGG · Jun 17th, 2002, 05:22 PM

That is really bad news Christian.

I am really at a loss to understand what can be so difficult about a heated windscreen that will take till next year to deliver.

Considering all of the other high tech equipment that is in the new MINI, I would have thought an electrically heated windscreen and auto dimming rearview mirror would not have been a big problem, not exactly rocket science is it?

ezrally · Jun 20th, 2002, 10:15 AM

I was wrong,USA cars do offer a visibility package (rain sensing wipers and auto mirror) for $300 starting 9/02 according to MINIUSA. They were in the cold pack. originally with the heated screen. So it seems everybody/country is getting different info.

MINIUSA (not the website) still say Sep. is on for the screen.

3GGG · Jun 20th, 2002, 10:48 AM

I have given in and ordered the car without the visibility pack as I cannot wait any longer for it. Should get my car in September I am told today.

LittleTiger · Jun 24th, 2002, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ezrally
I was wrong,USA cars do offer a visibility package (rain sensing wipers and auto mirror) for $300 starting 9/02 according to MINIUSA. They were in the cold pack. originally with the heated screen. So it seems everybody/country is getting different info.
MINIUSA (not the website) still say Sep. is on for the screen.

Thanks for giving us a small piece of hope.

Jun 16th, 2002, 06:09 AM	#1
3GGG MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kingdom of Fife Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 346 Offline	Visibility Pack visibility? I have ordered a Cooper but really want the heated windscreen so have asked the dealer to delay the order until it becomes available. I am not getting a clear picture from the dealer as to when this is going to be available as part of the 'visibility package'. They say 2003 models, but not clear if that is actually going to be in 2003 or when the 'new' 2003 model is available this year - September? Anyone have something a bit more precise? Why the delay? Many thanks.

Jun 16th, 2002, 12:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
ezrally MINI2 Senior Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Delavan, WI Local Time: 03:50 AM Posts: 663 Offline	As far as anyone knows (MINIUSA,MINI2) the heated screen will be availiable on '03 (starting Sep02) cars.As for the delay-there was alot of speculation as to why,see Interior & Ice,heated windscreen questions thread. Jet Black MCS Lapis leather 17s or 15s (winter) no DSC

Jun 16th, 2002, 03:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
blade929 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 09:50 AM Posts: 154 Offline	This starting to amuse me now. Firstly this option was March 02, then April 02, then June 02, now September 02. We'll see.................. - Red/White Cooper, Silver wheels, Climate Control, Chili Pack, heated mirrors, CD Boost, Alarm, Heated seats, Factory Tint Windows. Now gone (but not forgotten)

Jun 17th, 2002, 04:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
Martin L MINI defector Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Harefield Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 13,590 Offline	It's the rain sensor holding things up. They just can't get the BMW technology to work properly in the MINI. My dealer asked the question at their "open" day and was told there is no estimated release date as yet When my build date comes (Sept) if there is no answer still I'll have to drop the option MINI, RX8 and MX5 - Done those............. It's now TTime Unofficial MINI2.com bean counter

Jun 17th, 2002, 07:50 AM	#9 (permalink)
Martin L MINI defector Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Harefield Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 13,590 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by ruddockt That's interesting 'cos my dealer told me it was a problem with the heated windscreen! A-ha, this old chesnut again... The dealers not knowing what's really going on MINI, RX8 and MX5 - Done those............. It's now TTime Unofficial MINI2.com bean counter

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Jun 16th, 2002, 03:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
3GGG MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kingdom of Fife Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 346 Offline	Thanks! - So perhaps I will get my Cooper with Heated screen before my Birthday in November after all.

Jun 17th, 2002, 03:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
Razor MINI2 Scooterist Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Pudsey, Leeds Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 792 Offline	I ordered my Cooper in August last year. I was told the visibility pack would be available in November 2001, then Januray 2002, then March 2002, then June 2002 now I've been told September 2002. As it is I think I've waited long enough so I've told them to forget about the visibiliy pack. Annoying really because without it I could have had the car much earlier. Even more annoying is the fact that it was included in the original sales brochure without any mention of delays. Good luck.

Jun 17th, 2002, 04:08 AM	#7 (permalink)
3GGG MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kingdom of Fife Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 346 Offline	I would gladly forget the rain sensor and have the heated screen and auto dimming mirror... please please.

Jun 17th, 2002, 07:40 AM	#8 (permalink)
Razor MINI2 Scooterist Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Pudsey, Leeds Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 792 Offline	That's interesting 'cos my dealer told me it was a problem with the heated windscreen!

Jun 17th, 2002, 08:04 AM	#10 (permalink)
3GGG MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kingdom of Fife Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 346 Offline	I'm guessing here, but I suppose the rain sensor is an integral part of the heated windscreen, so in a sense both are right - The heated screen is being held up because the rain sensor design isn't working? Cannot really imagine that the design of a heated windscreen as such could hold up things for so long. My feelings are that if it is taking so long to debug this rain sensor problem, why not forget it for now and make a plain and simple heated screen. Quite why the auto dimming mirror is held up as well I do not understand unless it is tied into a wiring harness issue with the rain sensor? Maybe we should have a vote on whether anyone thinks a rain sensor is a worth while thing to have, I certainly do not, but a heated screen is an excellent feature. I also like the dimming mirror, I have one in my present car and it works well.

Jun 17th, 2002, 08:10 AM	#11 (permalink)
3GGG MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kingdom of Fife Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 346 Offline	Another thought - (Conspiracy theory ). It could be a ploy to even out demand for the mini, by delaying this continually while they cannot meet demand for the MINI.

Jun 17th, 2002, 08:35 AM	#12 (permalink)
Monkeyboy MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Lancaster, UK Local Time: 09:50 AM Posts: 87 Offline	My dealer also said it was the heated screen holding things up. I have a build date for my Cooper S now (September 9th!), but I'm not waiting if the pack isn't ready and will go ahead without it. I really wanted the heated screen, but I can't wait much longer. As for the rain sensors, they are actually very useful (a lot more so than they sound, anyway!). I just did 500 miles in a Pug 307 fitted with them this weekend (It has automatic light-sensing headlights too - they really are pointless!). I think there may be some misunderstanding as to what they do. Basically it is like a kind of infinitely variable speed setting for your wipers, i.e. they only operate the wipers when there is rain on the screen, so they can just do one wipe then stop for ages if it is only spotting with rain. It's much better than having to flick them on and off yourself, which we all know can be irritating when it's not raining quite enough for your slow or intermediate wiper settings!

Jun 17th, 2002, 08:46 AM	#13 (permalink)
3GGG MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kingdom of Fife Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 346 Offline	Wonder if you noticed how the rain sensor worked? Was it fitted onto the outside of the windscreen or what? Round here the type of rain we get is the continuous variety. :-)

Jun 17th, 2002, 09:44 AM	#14 (permalink)
snoopy MINI2 Master Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: au Local Time: 07:50 PM Posts: 1,166 Offline	There are one Tx Led and one RX led. ( Leds are in a little black box on the inside of the windscreen, behind the rear vision mirror) The rain on the windscreen affects the amount of signal going from the TX to RX. When this point is reached the system activates the wiper. The TX and RX led are in the arc that the wiper blazes run. So as it wipes it also clears any water from the two leds. Problems I have also heard that the rain sensor is hold up. Due to the fact the MINI has a very steep angle on the windscreen. This is causing them problems in the calibration of the system.

Jun 17th, 2002, 10:05 AM	#15 (permalink)
ezrally MINI2 Senior Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Delavan, WI Local Time: 03:50 AM Posts: 663 Offline	No theories here (cracking screens ) but in USA we arn't offered a visibility pack. The heated screen, rain sensing wipers and auto dimming mirror were/are available in a cold package for $500/$300. It has been delayed once since introduction to Sep. I'm not waiting past then either... Jet Black MCS Lapis leather 17s or 15s (winter) no DSC

Jun 17th, 2002, 03:25 PM	#16 (permalink)
CHRISTIAN MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: munich Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 54 Offline	I was at my dealer here in Munich - Germany. They told me that they will not delivery the visibility pack by this year ! May be we can order it for next Jan 03. this was an information from the headquarter of BMW/MINI here in Munich. Sorry guys, but same problem for be because I also had ordered the option. You also cannot only order the dimming mirrow or the rain sensor without the heated screen.

Jun 17th, 2002, 05:22 PM	#17 (permalink)
3GGG MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kingdom of Fife Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 346 Offline	That is really bad news Christian. I am really at a loss to understand what can be so difficult about a heated windscreen that will take till next year to deliver. Considering all of the other high tech equipment that is in the new MINI, I would have thought an electrically heated windscreen and auto dimming rearview mirror would not have been a big problem, not exactly rocket science is it?

Jun 20th, 2002, 10:15 AM	#18 (permalink)
ezrally MINI2 Senior Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Delavan, WI Local Time: 03:50 AM Posts: 663 Offline	I was wrong,USA cars do offer a visibility package (rain sensing wipers and auto mirror) for $300 starting 9/02 according to MINIUSA. They were in the cold pack. originally with the heated screen. So it seems everybody/country is getting different info. MINIUSA (not the website) still say Sep. is on for the screen. Jet Black MCS Lapis leather 17s or 15s (winter) no DSC

Jun 20th, 2002, 10:48 AM	#19 (permalink)
3GGG MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kingdom of Fife Local Time: 10:50 AM Posts: 346 Offline	I have given in and ordered the car without the visibility pack as I cannot wait any longer for it. Should get my car in September I am told today.

Jun 24th, 2002, 06:41 PM	#20 (permalink)
LittleTiger MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Frankfurt/Main Local Time: 11:50 AM Posts: 52 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by ezrally I was wrong,USA cars do offer a visibility package (rain sensing wipers and auto mirror) for $300 starting 9/02 according to MINIUSA. They were in the cold pack. originally with the heated screen. So it seems everybody/country is getting different info. MINIUSA (not the website) still say Sep. is on for the screen. Thanks for giving us a small piece of hope. Chili Red 'S' with 17" alloys, full leather (panther black) and a number of toys inside (H/K, visibility pack...)

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