I don't have my Mini yet. But in my previous manual car, I also drove by the tach. Also engine noise.

But the MPG thingie, that I didn't have it my previous car. But it's a good incentive to help keep me going slow. Gas prices in San Jose area is super-duper high. $4.10 for the 87 octane from Valero.

 

I like the center spedo, but I also have a wide field of vision. I'm sure that makes a world of difference.

Kevin

 

Really don't like my huge center speedo in my R56. I'd much rather have the space used by gauges similar to the chrono package.

 

I love the big speedo, however I find that I rarely look at it when I am driving. I usually keep my eye on the MPG. Gas is too expensive and I've noticed that since I have switched the digital display to show MPG, my average MPG has gone up! However, I do find it annoying that the fuel gauge is in the center, I always forget to look at it.

Also, I've been teaching my little sister to drive in my car (yes, I am a saint), and the center speedo makes it so easy to keep an eye on her speed.

 

You're using 87 octane? Always, or only since gas topped $4/gal ?

 

wish i had the chrono.... i only use the digital display on the tach.

 

I have a question about this. What's more important, using "top tier" gas or using higher octane? I've only had my mini for 10 days, and have put only chevron 89 in it, since the other option was 93 octane. You think I should spring for the 93? Just curious. Thanks.

 

Both. Wish I had access to 93 More money but more power too.

 

As do we

 

I never look at the big speedo, thinking about covering it up with masking tape so my girlfriend won't get so nervous

Generally drive by tach/sound in traffic and "as quick as I feel is safe" the rest of the time.

 

Only time I look at it is the fuel gauge or messing with the radio. I run mine to where digital speed is displayed on the tach.

 

Big speedo ftw!

 

I did this too, but eventually the suction on my mount faded, the gps fell, hit my shift ****, and the LCD cracked. Going back to the original question, I love the look of the big speedo. I think it adds to the quirky theme of the car, but I keep the digital one on the tach, although I generally judge speed by feel and sound

 

I use my GPS if I want actual speed (i.e., MINIs prone to read 3 to 5 mph high - but that's another thread ).

 

R53 here and I have always loved the looks of the big speedo. Not so much the R56 though. When shopping for my new MINI I steered away from chronos and absolutely hate the Nav look.

Truth is though, how often do you look at speed? A quick glance to set cruise on the highway and in stop & go traffic or around town you should be paying attention to other things like your driving and other vehicles.

What I really wish for is the second pod on the column but packed with all the gauges of the chrono pack leaving the big speedo alone. Oh and my last four cars were BMWs and I really miss that analog instantaneous MPG gauge. Oh well.

 

Fortunately my '03 Cooper has the factory navigation system, so I don't have to be disoriented by the speedo being in the middle of the dash.

The passenger side cup holder mounted practically on the floor, not so much.

 

Walt, I don't have my Mini yet. I'm driving my Tacoma pickup, which I use 87 octane all the time.

 

What speedometer?

 

I always use the center speedo. My 1st MINI was an 03', which didn't have a digital readout on the tach, so I go used to peaking at the middle. Now, I still do it out of habit in my 09. (And every other car I drive...sucks to see air vents there in other cars when I check my speed.)

 

 

it also makes a nice mounting point for a G-Tech system....

the primary effect of that enormous instrument from my experience is to ensure that the passenger always knows what I'm doing...

i certainly do not use it myself, as referring to it takes much longer than just refocusing on the digital readout at the bottom of the tach

 

I use the digital and the Big Speedo!

 

'06 cabriolet with full JCW options: I always use mine. I like it. And the little digital speedo in the pod on the steering column isn't always switched to speedo.

I bought the car used and was SO glad it didn't come with the nav option. The speedo in the traditional location is so cool.

 

Ha i was just thinking about this today. I never ever ever use my big spedo but i do love it. Passengers get a kick out of it.

Digital all the way. Now i would gladly give my center tach up for a engine temperature guage. I also noticed my large spedo is off 2-3mph. IN my r53 it was oposite. The digital was off by that much and my center was perfect

 

I drive by the tach also. I only look at the speedo when the fuzz are near!