[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

HI all,
I currently have a very high spec 2005 Cooper tin top which I love, but I desperately want the extra power of the S.
I'm not interested in the 2nd gen Mini and have not been able to find any suitable used S's with the same or better spec than my Cooper.
Currently thinking of a MCSC as I could spec one new and have also noticed that generally the used ones are highly spec'd, I have actually found several that have everything on my Cooper and a couple of extra options.

My main concerns are how you cope with the lack of rear visibility especially the rear window, which must get very dirty - in my Cooper I'm always using the rear wiper.
The other concern is how much interior noise you get with the MCSC as I do quite a lot of motorway driving.

Would be great to hear the views of some experienced owners.

Thanks, Geoff.

[AprilWhine]

Hubby just added a backup camera to his MCSC, takes care of all the rear visibility problems. Camera and monitor was only $90 US at Costco.

[BartMack]

I read a thread about adjusting your side view mirrors properly, and I'm impressed with the results- there is a technique to adjust them to the blind spots that really works. With that, and the standard PDC it has not ever been an issue with me in almost 1 year of ownership. It's definitely NOT an issue with the top down, which is where it should be

However, there is more ambient noise with the top down, not much you can do about that but shush people at stoplights...

[Syd]

I found mudflaps helped a lot with my 2002 Cooper.

[Rakey]

reversing camera is an option, there is even an offical MINI one too that works with the nav

But I manage ok with not been able to see out the rear window, infact I don't turn my head anymore to reserve, just use mirrors and sensors, its just a case of practise

As for noise, its not too bad in there in the legal speed limits, anything more and yes you get a certain amount of wind noise, but TBH the whine of the supercharger and the JCW exhaust drown that out

So what budget you got for the MCSc?

[BartMack]

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine (original)

Hubby just added a backup camera to his MCSC, takes care of all the rear visibility problems. Camera and monitor was only $90 US at Costco.

so you've commandeered the GP for personal use, eh? lol

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by BartMack (original)

I read a thread about adjusting your side view mirrors properly, and I'm impressed with the results- there is a technique to adjust them to the blind spots that really works. With that, and the standard PDC it has not ever been an issue with me in almost 1 year of ownership. It's definitely NOT an issue with the top down, which is where it should be

However, there is more ambient noise with the top down, not much you can do about that but shush people at stoplights...

I did the same thing with the mirrors too Bart, it does really help, even on a tintop too

[BartMack]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey (original)

I did the same thing with the mirrors too Bart, it does really help, even on a tintop too

and I always thought I knew how, until I tried the 'lean to the left, lean to the right' thing!

[thebigyin]

...but then all I do is turn down the volume on my Harmon-Kardon soundsystem to keep them happy. :-)
Seriously, I have a MCSC and on Motorway driving with the top up - when it is raining or snowing because I NEVER drive with the top up unless it is precipitating - I find the noise level is the same as my daughter's tin top Cooper. The soft top is insulated and you only hear vehicles that are immediately in your blind spots over each shoulder.
As for rear vision, I agree entirely with the comments about setting the mirrors. Once you do that and using the Back-up Radar, I don't have any problems.

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

HI all,
Thanks for the comments so far.
Just to make things clear I'm not the least bit concerned about visibility for parking, the Mini is about as simple a car to reverse park as you could ever wish to own.
I have the PDC on my Cooper and it's brilliant, living in central London though one has to learn to park in spaces that most people would consider impossible.
I've never bumped another car in the Mini and PDC can take some of the credit for that - shame the favour isn't returned by the morons out there who can't park........and thank goodness the plastic wheel arch trims only cost a few pounds and take a few minutes to replace

Anyway, my main concern is rear visibility while driving. I was taught by my ex-police instructor many years ago to always look in the rear-view mirror every few seconds so this in an ingrained habit - if I constantly can't see out of the rear window it will drive me nuts.

Thanks, Geoff.

[minicabrio]

You will find the back window gets dirty with the lack of rear wash/wipe... carry a roll of kitchen towel in the boot or a pack of glass wipes and it only takes 2 mins to give it a wipe over.

I personally have never had a problem with the visibility in the convertible... go for it

[ItHurts]

Quote: Originally Posted by drainaudio (original)

Anyway, my main concern is rear visibility while driving. I was taught by my ex-police instructor many years ago to always look in the rear-view mirror every few seconds so this in an ingrained habit - if I constantly can't see out of the rear window it will drive me nuts.

Thanks, Geoff.

It was the same thing for me, though I'm sure he would have taught you to "cycle" through the wing mirrors at the same time as well as checking just the rear. Dead astern visibility isn't too much of a problem, judicious use of side mirrors and leaning left then right with the correct adjustment, as previously mentioned, will sort it out. Even then, as in any car, if you're not sure, don't manoeuvre.

Road noise is surprisingly good for a soft top, there is a noticeable increase at "spirited" speeds, and there seems to be slightly more exterior noise in the blind spots - design feature anyone?

I actually prefer to hear slightly more traffic around me, extra senses adding to the immediate feel of your environment is never a bad thing IMO. That, and the fact that over-run pops and farts are better enjoyed!

Go for it! You'll soon get used to the "features" that come with a soft top, and when you do have the roof down, the smiles per mile will go through the non-existent roof.

[REHW]

reversing is not a problem as you have the sensors. The problem is when you pull out of a side road at an angle to the traffic and need to see out of the rear side windows. the large c panel of canvas is the bit thats a real problem. At the end of the day its something you get used to and you manouver according to what you can see. Its no different to driving a van.

I have a very nice Mini cooper S convertible for sale if you are interested. see link below to my ad.

[fl0r15t]

I can't pretend that when the road gets beyond greasy and into wet/dirty the rear screen starts to become obfuscated at speed. I drove about a five hours back from Wales in solid rain last weekend by abouts 10 minutes into the journey it was pretty useless. But even when I was getting home (no point stopping to clean it if it stays raining) you can make out headlights through it, but you are pretty much driving on side mirrors 100%. You just get used to it. I don't find it that much of a problem any more - not ideal but the compensations just so heavily outweigh it. Would love to be able to press a button on the dash to clean it but I can put up with it.
Noise I don't find a problem at legal speeds.

[rkw]

Quote: Originally Posted by REHW (original)

The problem is when you pull out of a side road at an angle to the traffic and need to see out of the rear side windows. the large c panel of canvas is the bit thats a real problem.

A Multivex mirror on the passenger side helps immensely for that situation. It has been discussed on MINI2 and NAM. Search the forums for Multivex.

[Shamster]

I'll go against most of the flow here and say that the external road noise on the MCSC with the roof up is unacceptable. I have used it on the motorway for 250 miles trips but don't think it's really cut out for long trips like this.

Where it comes into its own is the A and B roads with the roof down (and not so long journey ).

Luckily mine gets used at weekends mainly but if I had to do a lot of motorway driving the MCSC would not be the one.

[Griffer]

Roof up , visibility rubbish but it is a convertible and you have to drive with the roof down it's the law!!! Even if it is raining (but not too hard!!). The noise is the best thing about it. I often drive with the roof down and the radio off just to hear the whine and the exhaust popping. Nuff said.

[REHW]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pingu (original)

I'll go against most of the flow here and say that the external road noise on the MCSC with the roof up is unacceptable. I have used it on the motorway for 250 miles trips but don't think it's really cut out for long trips like this.

Where it comes into its own is the A and B roads with the roof down (and not so long journey ).

Luckily mine gets used at weekends mainly but if I had to do a lot of motorway driving the MCSC would not be the one.

I totally agree with you on this point and in fact thats the main reason I am selling mine. I need something quieter.

AS for a blast at the weekend its great but not as a an every day get me here there and everywhere car.

[Griffer]

Quote: Originally Posted by REHW (original)

I totally agree with you on this point and in fact thats the main reason I am selling mine. I need something quieter.

AS for a blast at the weekend its great but not as a an every day get me here there and everywhere car.

I drove a R56 Cooper S and it was quiet and civilised.... and they were its bad points!!!!!!! The whole point of the supercharged "old" Cooper S is the noise. You don't buy one for practicality or fuel consumption, if you want that, buy a "normal" (boring) car. I will get off my high horse now!!! Oh yes my MCSC is my only, every day car, drinks like a fish, rattles, sqeaks, tax costs a fortune, no boot space, no rear visibility, expensive, poorly equipt....need I go on???? Would I change?? NO!!!

[pprovart]

Quote: Originally Posted by Griffer (original)

Roof up , visibility rubbish but it is a convertible and you have to drive with the roof down it's the law!!! Even if it is raining (but not too hard!!). The noise is the best thing about it. I often drive with the roof down and the radio off just to hear the whine and the exhaust popping. Nuff said.

*sigh* Roll on those blue sky days when we can roar around the countryside in our MCSCJCW's