MINI Cooper - READ ONLY

2671 messages, Last post on Mar 31, 2009 at 1:03 PM

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#2616 of 2671 One thing that struck me.... by andys120 Aug 27, 2008 (9:52 am)
was that for a car equipped with run-flats and Sport package the Cooper S I drove was pretty smooth over the pockmarked NH country roads, I didn't ride much harder than my non-Sport 528i with go-flats. The ride was a little jigglier due to the short wheelbase but that's what makes the Mini's reactions so quick. A lot of people might tire of that jiggly ride but old sports car guys like me accept it as the price you pay for really athletic handling. Did I tell you I really liked the steering and cornering? Replies to this message: blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:11 am) sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 10:20 am) blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:39 am) ltq (Oct 30, 2008 8:18 am) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 10:57 am) plekto (Aug 27, 2008 4:11 pm) and 2 more...
#2617 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [andys120] by blueguydotcom Aug 27, 2008 (10:11 am)
Replying to: andys120 (Aug 27, 2008 9:52 am) Take a corner fast on a bumpy road...those wretched RFTs will bounce the car sideways. BMW has no idea how they've ruined their cars off-the-lot with RFTs. Replies to this message: sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 10:20 am) blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:39 am) ltq (Oct 30, 2008 8:18 am) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 10:57 am) plekto (Aug 27, 2008 4:11 pm) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 5:28 pm) bodble2 (Aug 27, 2008 7:12 pm)
#2618 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [blueguydotcom] by sabrinae Aug 27, 2008 (10:20 am)
Replying to: blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:11 am) How do you deal with the lack of a spare. Any experiences out there? I can't imagine not being able to slap on the spare and taking the flat to be fixed. What do you do? Replies to this message: blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:39 am) ltq (Oct 30, 2008 8:18 am)
#2619 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [sabrinae] by blueguydotcom Aug 27, 2008 (10:39 am)
Replying to: sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 10:20 am) I removed my RFTs. Drive without a spare. I did the same with my 06 BMW. I've got roadside assistance through Amex, so if all goes wrong I call Amex to get me towed.
#2620 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [blueguydotcom] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Aug 27, 2008 (10:57 am)
Replying to: blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:11 am) RFTs with sport suspension is BRUTAL on a Mini unless you are on a smooth flat track. Bumpy country roads or highway strips will drive you nuts. Replies to this message: plekto (Aug 27, 2008 4:11 pm) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 5:28 pm) bodble2 (Aug 27, 2008 7:12 pm)
#2621 of 2671 Re: Help [Mr_Shiftright] by sabrinae Aug 27, 2008 (12:33 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 8:35 am) I have decided against Turbocharged anything so the Volvo is out. It's the mini or a honda or a versa and I don't want the honda or a mini no matter how sensible they are.
#2622 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [Mr_Shiftright] by plekto Aug 27, 2008 (4:11 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 10:57 am) I second this. In fact, get a set of the original 15 inch rims if you can and stick high profile tires on it. The car isn't powerful enough or heavy enough to need more than good modern 13s, let alone even 15 inchers. 17 run flats is just silly. Really. Makes an amazing difference in comfort and ride as well as increases MPG on the highway. Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 5:28 pm) bodble2 (Aug 27, 2008 7:12 pm)
#2623 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [plekto] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Aug 27, 2008 (5:28 pm)
Replying to: plekto (Aug 27, 2008 4:11 pm) And will help your braking and maybe even spare those broken shock bolts and motor mounts that come up in early MINIs.
#2624 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [plekto] by bodble2 Aug 27, 2008 (7:12 pm)
Replying to: plekto (Aug 27, 2008 4:11 pm) A large part of the Mini's appeal is looks, or style. 15 inches wouldn't look right, let alone 13"!. Even the Fit is going to 16", VW's have had 17" for years. I agree they need to replace or refine the RFTs, or retune the suspension to suit the tires, but the large wheels have to stay.
#2625 of 2671 Re: Help [sabrinae] by coupah Aug 28, 2008 (9:29 am)
Replying to: sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 4:55 am) Sorry to say you've been given poor user info regarding paddle shifting. The post labeling them "a gimmick" is from someone who is clueless. This technology has been developed from open-wheel racing. And is currently the fasted way to shift a transmission. In hundreds of milliseconds... I am NOT implying that the MINI shifter is racing equipment, rather, it is proven technology... Here is my take... I drove, just last week, an 06' S with paddles. At low speed and low RPM's-yes it could shift a bit faster. But above 4,000 RPM and shifting near redline, this vehicle ROCKED! I had all I could do to keep it on the road! All my attention was devoted to where I was going and having both hands on the steering wheel allowed me to drive it hard. I have an '06 6-speed and i can't come close to driving it like I did w/ the paddles. All I can say is that the naysayers are ill-informed, have NEVER driven the paddles and I may very well order an '08 with paddles. Catch me if you can! Replies to this message: blueguydotcom (Aug 28, 2008 10:27 am)