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2008 Mini Clubman

118 messages,  Last post on Sep 14, 2008 at 1:18 PM

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What is this discussion about? MINI Clubman, MINI, MINI Cooper, Future Vehicle, Hatchback, Wagon

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#36 of 118 Re: MPG [mburleigh] by percussionist Mar 11, 2008 (1:06 pm)
Replying to: mburleigh (Mar 03, 2008 7:21 pm) Gas mileage according to MINI's website is the following:   Clubman - 28/37 manual 26/34 auto Clubman S - 26/34 manual 23/32 auto   My question is this - both require premium fuel. I understand for the "S" version because it has a turbo charger (almost all automakers require premium for turbo). Why does the regular 118hp "naturally aspirated" version require premium fuel? I don't get it, so if anyone does, please explain. Replies to this message: bomb617 (Mar 13, 2008 10:03 am)
#37 of 118 Re: MPG [percussionist] by bomb617 Mar 13, 2008 (10:03 am)
Replying to: percussionist (Mar 11, 2008 1:06 pm) Because it's a direct injection engine and they use very high compression ratio.
#38 of 118 Premium Fuel by miniclubman Mar 13, 2008 (4:09 pm)
Actually, premium fuel is not required, but "strongly recommended". The MINI compression ratio is 11:1, so the premium fuel will give the best performance, but it will run on regular. I would also strongly recommend premum, since the engine is designed fo premium.
#39 of 118 Premium Fuel (miniclubman) by hpmctorque Mar 13, 2008 (7:23 pm)
"Actually, premium fuel is not required, but "strongly recommended".   Yes, but this doesn't answer the question of why the normally aspirated engine wasn't designed with a lower compression direct injection system that is happiest with regular. After all, fuel economy is a high priority in a subcompact, even in a premium brand subcompact. You could argue that the high compression enhances fuel economy, but I'd argue that the greater fuel economy doesn't compensate for the higher cost of premium fuel.   Incidentally, no one is arguing that the standard MINI won't "run" on regular, just that it wasn't designed for this grade.
#40 of 118 Premium Fuel, Cost Versus Perfomance by miniclubman Mar 14, 2008 (9:13 am)
I guess BMW / MINI made the decision that the typical MINI owner prefers increased performance by using premium fuel over the saving asociated with using regular fuel, at a lesser engine performance. True, the MINI is a sub-compact, but it's also an enthusiast's car attracting those who value economy and performance. It's not designed for those seeking the most economical and practical sub-compact, and there are plenty of other manufacturers offering those type of cars, usually at a lower price than the cost of the base MINI Cooper. As a MINI owner, I'll take better engine response and pay the extra at the pump. Remember, the MINI is still rated at 28 city / 37 highway, and 32 mpg overall. According to the EPA site (www.fueleconomy.gov) , it would cost less than $100 per year more to fuel a MINI for 15,000 miles of driving versus a similar EPA-mileage rated Toyota Yaris. I'll gladly pay an extra $2 a week for the MINI! Replies to this message: jaxs1 (Mar 14, 2008 9:33 am) miniclubman (Mar 14, 2008 11:34 am) rasldasl (Mar 14, 2008 6:46 pm)
#41 of 118 Re: Premium Fuel, Cost Versus Perfomance [miniclubman] by jaxs1 Mar 14, 2008 (9:33 am)
Replying to: miniclubman (Mar 14, 2008 9:13 am) The performance of the base Cooper is nothing to brag about even compared to similar priced cars that run perfectly on 87 octane. It would have been more acceptable if only the Cooper S was designed for premium. It maybe for marketing reasons that they want a "premium" brand vehicle to use premium fuel since it will reinforce that image every time you go to the pump. Replies to this message: miniclubman (Mar 14, 2008 11:34 am)
#42 of 118 Re: Premium Fuel, Cost Versus Perfomance [jaxs1] by miniclubman Mar 14, 2008 (11:34 am)
Replying to: jaxs1 (Mar 14, 2008 9:33 am) Yeah, jaxs1, it's all just marketing, including the claim of an 11:1 compression ratio! Those marketing guys!
#43 of 118 Re: Premium Fuel, Cost Versus Perfomance [miniclubman] by rasldasl Mar 14, 2008 (6:46 pm)
Replying to: miniclubman (Mar 14, 2008 9:13 am) I think the premium fuel complainers are forgetting what a great deal premium is these days. Back when regular was under $2 a gallon it was common to see a 30 to 40 cent price difference between regular and premium. As an example, unleaded at $1.50 and premium at $1.80. You were paying 20% more for premium. As gas prices went up to and over $3 a gallon the price premium for premium has shrunk in actual dollars (in most places) and as a percentage. In my area regular is about $3 and premium is $3.20. That's only 20 cents more per gallon instead of 30 or 40 like it used to be, saving a dollar or two per 10 gallon fill-up. As a percentage it is now only 6.67% more expensive for premium instead of 20%. That's what I call a bargain. Even if you are paying 30 cents more for premium you are still getting a bargain at a 10% markup instead of 20%. My guess is that as prices go up the gas stations don't think they can get as many people to pay the higher markup for premium so they keep the price as close to regular as possible without making it seem like there is no difference at all. Remember, there are still a lot of idiots out there buying premium for cars that don't need it just because they are convinced it's better for their car or they get more power out of it. You will only get more power out of premium on a car designed for it. Otherwise you are wasting your money.
#44 of 118 Re: Premium Fuel, Cost Versus Perfomance [miniclubman] (rasldasl) by hpmctorque Mar 15, 2008 (5:10 am)
Although I'm among those who indicated that the standard MINI should run on regular, and I still hold this view, you make some excellent arguments, rasldasl.   I find the MINI, especially the Clubman, and for limited uses, the convertible, appealing, but its difficult for me to justify the prices. While not as cute as the MINIs, nor do they handle and corner as sharply, the VW Rabbit, Honda Fit, and Scion Xd excel in different ways, and cost significantly less. They also have a lot more dealerships, which could be an important consideration. That said, the fact that MINIs enjoy excellent resale value supports the fact that they are realistically and correctly priced. The market is the final arbiter on pricing. My acknowledgement of this is how I would justify buying a MINI, just as it would be a consideration, although not necessarily the determining one, for staying away from a car that depreciates rapidly. Replies to this message: miniclubman (Mar 15, 2008 8:09 am)
#45 of 118 Re: Premium Fuel, Cost Versus Perfomance [miniclubman] (rasldasl) [hpmctorque] by miniclubman Mar 15, 2008 (8:09 am)
Replying to: hpmctorque (Mar 15, 2008 5:10 am) The MINI is certainly not the most practical, or the most roomy, or the most affordable, but it's the most MINI. That's enough for those who drive them!

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