Purchased @ Westchester MINI in Elmsford, New York
- Many thanks to Lori Abrams aka miniqueen for a smooth and professional buying experience. I hope BMWUSA/MINIUSA recognize just how good she is.
Serviced @ Ralph Schomp MINI in Denver, Colorado

Nearly one year and 29000 miles have passed since I took delivery of my MINI Cooper S from Westchester MINI in Elmsford, New York and drove it back to Colorado. During that time my experience with the MINI has been mixed, but on balance I consider it to have been a positive.


My MINI has covered a lot of ground in the first year, including road trips to the Canadian Rockies and Southern California. It has actually turned out to be a surprisingly good car for long hauls, as long as only the front seats were occupied.
States & Provinces visited: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, Alberta, and British Columbia.
I was introduced to autocross and have now competed in 3 different events.
Through owning a MINI, I have gotten to know a lot of new people, some of whom I now consider to be good friends.

During the year, my MINI made a total of 10 trips to the dealership for service. At two of those visits, in addition to doing warranty repairs, scheduled maintenance was also performed (10k and 25k). My MINI suffered three repeated problems during this first year. Two of which have been fixed.
A significant number of early build Cooper S's had difficulty starting in the morning on the first try. The cold start problem on my MINI grew to the point where it sometimes took up to 4 times before the engine would finally turn over in the morning. This problem got progressively worse over the course of the few months it took MINI to develop a software fix.
Another problem common to the Cooper S, but not the Cooper, was a coolant leak from a seam between the two halves of the expansion tank. My Cooper S had 3 tanks replaced before MINI finally improved tank design. The new expansion tanks are made from beige plastic to distinguish them from the original problematic tanks, which were white.
Coolant Expansion Tanks Replaced (3): 10/2002, 1/2003, and 5/2003
The issue I find most discouraging as I consider my future with the MINI is windshield replacement. Thus far, my MINI has had five windshields installed - three replaced due to stress cracks. The windshield surface is very upright on the MINI, so it's also prone to picking up rock chips in the winter. While MINIUSA has replaced some of these windshields under warranty, I am concerned about how many times I may need to replace the windshield on my own, especially after the warranty is up.
Windshields Replaced (4): 7/2002, 9/2002, 11/2002, 5/2003

I now have a zero deductible on my MINI specifically because of the glass coverage. While I'm not paying out of pocket directly for windshields, my premiums have gone up because of the change in my deductible. Also, the most recent windshield installed in my car is from PPG. I'm hoping that this aftermarket windshield will hold up better than the ones MINI has sourced.

June 2002
06.07.2002 Westchester MINI: Delivery of 2002 MINI Cooper S - Mileage: 8
- Wait-listed since July of 2001 in Denver and February 2002 in New York.
- I flew out to New York on a one way ticket, met Lori Abrams @ Westchester MINI for the first time in person, collected the keys and headed west.
- 2 days and 1778 miles later there was a MINI Cooper S in the garage.


06.08.2002 Somewhere in Iowa - Mileage: 1200

July 2002
07.13.2002 Schomp MINI Service Visit #1 - Mileage: 4566
- Rear seat will not release. Broken Handle Replaced
- Replacement Windshield #1 Installed - Stress Crack in the original windshield


August 2002
08.02.2002 clearbra installed
08.06.2002 MINI Madness Air Intake (invoice #00000067)
08.15.2002 CD Changer purchased from Classic Auto
08.19.2002 one (1) Dunlop SP Sport 9000 Run-Flat purchased from The Tire Rack
08.24.2002 to 09.05.2002 3600 mile road trip from Denver to Jasper National Park in Alberta Canada.


September 2002
09.05.2002 MINI R84 white v-spokes purchased from Classic Auto
09.05.2002 Schomp MINI Service Visit #2 - Mileage: 10865
- Oil Service - Warranty Maintenance
- Service Engine Soon Light: Thermostat Replaced
- Replacement Windshield #2 Installed - Stress Crack in Replacement Windshield #1

October 2002
10.02.2002 Schomp MINI Service Visit #3 - Mileage: 12751
- Software upgrade - Cold Start fixed after 4 months
10.08.2002 H&R Lowering Springs
10.15.2002 Schomp MINI Service Visit #4 - Mileage: 13148
- Coolant Expansion Tank #1 Installed
- Honda Civic Loaner
10.20.2002 BMWCCA Autocross
- My first autocross
- 2nd out of 12 in the morning practice
- 10th out of 12 in the afternoon timed runs (the only ones that count).
- I have some minor consistency issues there.
- Official Results (MINIs are in "CS" class)



November 2002
11.07.2002 Windshield #4 Installed - Windshield #3 multiple cracks from gravel
11.08.2002 Schomp MINI Service Visit #5 - Mileage: 14810
- Supplemental Oil Change
- Headlight Adjustment
11.13.2002 mini5280: the Motoring Society for the Rocky Mountain Region selects officers. I'm voted in as president.
11.18.2002 Borla Exhaust Installed

December 2002
12.12.2002 Schomp MINI Service Visit #6 - Mileage: 16410
- Seat Lever Recall
12.13.2002 mini5280.org goes live and starts accepting members.
- leading up to the launch, mini5280 got an Employer Identification Number or EIN (aka Federal Tax I.D.), opened a bank account, printed stickers, and created the club website - mini5280.org


January 2003
01.31.2003 Schomp MINI Service Visit #7 - Mileage: 19567
- Coolant Expansion Tank #2 Installed

February 2003
02.19.2003 after just two months mini5280 hits 50 members. :D
Somehow, maybe due to the short month, my MINI manages to stay out of the Schomp MINI service department during February.
March 2003
03.04.2003 Schomp MINI Service Visit #8 - Mileage: 21181
- Driver's side windshield washer nozzle clogged -- replaced under warranty
- Passenger side door handle paint is coming off -- replaced under warranty
- Honda Loaner
April 2003
04.12.2003 BMWCCA Autocross - Winter Warm-up
- My 2nd Autocross. There are 16 cars in the field and MINIs Swept the Top 7 Spots. I place 7th. =)
- Official Results (MINIs are in "CS" class)
04.16.2003 Schomp MINI Service Visit #9 - Mileage: 27632
- Transmission Shift Cable Replaced - Plastic Housing Cracked
04.18.2003 to 04.27.2003 3600 mile road trip from Denver to Los Angeles

May 2003
05.14.2003 Replacement Windshield #4 Installed (stress cracks)
05.15.2003 Schomp MINI Service Visit #10 - Mileage: 27632
- Inspection 1 Oil Service - Warranty Maintenance
- Coolant Expansion Tank #3 Installed
- Front brake discs and pads replaced under warranty for excessive wear.
- BMW 325i Loaner

05.27.2003 The Italian Job Premiers In Denver

05.31.2003 BMWCCA Autocross School
June 2003
06.01.2003 BMWCCA Autocross - Points Series Event #1
- This is my third autocross.
- I place 2nd in the morning practice, which is held in the rain.
- Unfortunately in the afternoon timed runs the best I can hold is 9th out of 14.
- I still have a problem with consistency, but I'm also encouraged by my results (now if I could just get my fast times in the afternoon when it counts).
- MINIs win BOTH "BS" (Randy Webb) and "CS" (Tad Haas) Classes.
- Official Results (MINIs are in "BS", "CS", and "DS" classes)

The picture above reminds me of a signature pic that COOPERation made for me a while back.



06.02.2003 Paint is pealing from left center console support pillar.
- Schomp MINI has part on order. Warranty service visit #11 in my near future.
06.03.2003 mini5280 closes in on 70
06.04.2003 Mileage: 28791
06.07.2003 Mileage: 29004

For what it's worth, here are my opinions on the options after a year of living with them:
Premium Package
- On Board Computer: Other than the outside temperature, I don't use this at all. Since the outside temperature is the default display if you don't spec the OBC, I would not select this option next time around.
- Auto A/C: I like the Auto A/C and would get it again.
- Sunroof: Mine creaks occasionally and it doesn't get much use in the winter, but it sure is nice come spring and summer. Since I'm getting more serious about autocross weight is a consideration, so it's a toss-up whether I would select the sunroof again.
- Multifunction Steering Wheel: I originally thought I would use the cruise control functions more, but almost never do. I would definitely get the MFSW again though as the radio controls on the back are now one of my most used features.
Sport Package
- 17" S-lites: I would pass on the 17" wheels next time around. I sold mine and now use the 16" v-spokes which preserve the stock appearance and are lighter.
- Performance Run-Flats: The very first thing I would do to the car if I had it to do over again is replace the run-flats with regular tires. The tire change alone improved the acceleration, handling, and ride comfort.
- DSC: I hate it. I drive around with it turned off 90% of the time. If the system just applied the brakes when it detected slipping, it would be a nice addition. However, DSC also cuts power to the engine and I have had a couple of close calls pulling out of parking lots when DSC cut power with rapidly approaching traffic.
- Xenon headlights and Fog Lights: I really like my xenons and would get them again.
Lapis Blue Leather
- I like the leather a lot. That said, now that I have seen the Space Cloth (it wasn't available when I got my car), I wouldn't pay the extra $1250 for the leather.
- The alloy patina finish on the interior was the only finish available at the time I purchase my MINI. I would not get it again. My choice would be the plain silver. I did need to replace two interior trim pieces due to pealing paint. MINI should take strides to improve the interior trim paint adhesion.
Options I wish I had: The Cold Weather Package
My next MINI would be spec'd like this:
Pure Silver / Pure Silver MINI Cooper S
- Cold Weather Package
- Auto A/C
- MFSW
- Xenon Headlights with Fogs
- Space Cloth with the silver interior trim pieces
- possibly the sunroof

The write-up of the maintenance history turned out more negative than I was thinking it would before I started. Don't get me wrong, I do like my MINI an awful lot. However, needing to have the windshield replaced 4 times, the coolant expansion tank replaced 3 times, and make 10 trips to the MINI dealership for warranty repairs was more than I originally bargained for. I am also not pleased to be on a first name basis with the installers at Speedy Auto Glass. I didn't think the MINI was going to be perfect, but I at least expected BMW to be able to make the MINI slightly more reliable than my MK4 Jetta (2000 VR6).
That said, I do still enjoy the car. I'm happy with the handling, the performance, the small size with the efficient use of space, and the design of the car. The giant killer aspect of the car is appealing too (We're up against the E36 ///M3, the E46 ///M3, and the ///M Roadster in the BMWCCA autocross series and hanging tough).
Dave Bunting

 

Excellent Review Dave. I look forward to compiling my 1-year-later review. Sounds like the MY02's have had a rough road to pave, glad you stuck through it! Almost 29000 miles in a year, I'm about on that path; I've got 4500 in 7 weeks.

Happy Motoring,
Cheers,
Ryan

 

Yes, EXCELLENT review Dave! I personally agree with all of your points as well as the overall assessment.

Are you going to send this to BMW/MINI (MINIUSA)? May be a good idea, since there's no telling whether or not they are reading anything here...or more to the point, understanding what they read.

 

Very nice job Dave.....Maybe if you let that poor MINI rest a bit it would not have gone through so many windshields....29000 miles in one year :smile:

 

Dave:
Thanks for the very thorough and thoughtful review you sound very committed to your mini, at least for now.
I too have an 02, picked it up on August 1 last year. While I only put 500 miles a month on mine and don't drive it in the winter, I have had similar problems with the water pump/expansion tank which has been replaced twice.
The windshiled does certainly seem to be susseptable to road damage too.
I have to think though that the stresses autocrossing places on a car will certainly make certain subsystems wera or even fail faster than normal, such as the brakes you have had replaced under warrenty.
I guess Mini Dealers don't ask if drivers have been competitively driving when parts have woren out early in the warranty period.
Again, thanks for the review, I you have encouraged me and I am sure other Mini owners to do the same journal. I hope you will stick with Mini, sounds like you will.
Regards,
Hank (MGEAR)

 

:smile:

 

Well done Dave. I guess you're going to be ahead of me for sometime in the mileage race. I'm still stuck at 25k :smile:

 

Hank:

I have to disagree with you that autocross contibuted to my windshield problems.

I had two stress cracked windshields before I ever autocrossed. The first windshield that was replaced after my 1st autocross was for multiple cracks caused by gravel, not by stress cracks. The final windshield was stress cracked before the 2003 autocross season began. I just held off on replacing it so that I could have a fresh windshield for spring and summer.

Dave

 

Dave,

Thanks for the review. I'm getting a DS/B in a month. I noticed through your pics that you ditched the bonnet stripes at some point. Didn't like them? They not wear well? I'm curious because I ordered mine with them.

Thanks

 

DiD, great review and pictures. I hope you were saving often when you were putting that post together!

 

I have had three different bonnet stripes on the car. I'm a little finicky and the bonnet stripes are cheap to change. I had the MINI stripe design and then these two that were custom.

 

Thanks for the great write-up Dave. I'm looking forward to seeing if I can beat your one year mileage. The interesting thing is I have not driven across the country or to Canada. In fact, the FURTHEST I've travelled, if I'm not mistaken, is Philly which is less than 2 hrs away (and only 1hr 15min -MINI TIME). I just drive the darn thing all day long 7 days a week.

As one friend asked, "Don't you ever turn it off?!"

Good luck with those windshields!!!

 

Thanks for the Report, Dave! ... clear and concise as usual ..
...I'm at my aniversary in 24 days - with about half the milage! - but luckily, my debugging hasn't been as severe as yours (i'm still on my first windscreen!). Ownership, for me, has seemed carefree in part because i've been able to read your posts along the way and feel i know what to expect - Thanks for all the real-world info from the trenches ...

 

Nice report, Dave, I'll read it later... :smile:

 

Excellent review Dave :smile: :smile: :smile: Thanks....

 

In the near future I believe I'll have a section on TeamMCO. :smile:

 

Excellent review, Dave.

It sounds like your problems break down into four types.

Known problems which have been remedied - cold start, coolant tanks, seat lever

Known problems which have not been remedied - windshields (although your problem could be exasperrated by living in Colorado)

Trim/quality control - Paint peeling, headlight adjustment

Other mechanical problems - the thermostat, windshield washer nozzle and the transimssion shift cable. The nozzle is obvious but what did you effect did you notice before the thermostat and shift cable needed replacing?

I was also curious about the "supplemental oil change." Was that because of your mileage pace or were you burning oil?

I pick up my MCS inside of two months. Hopefully, I'll have a nice ECU that starts cold and a beige coolant tank (thanks for that heads up). If mine isn't beige I might not leave the dealership until it is.

I agree that the autocrossing didn't contribute to your windshield breakage. Now about the early brake replacements due to excessive wear...

 

Excellent review, Dave.

It sounds like your problems break down into four types.

Known problems which have been remedied - cold start, coolant tanks, seat lever

Known problems which have not been remedied - windshields (although your problem could be exasperrated by living in Colorado)

Trim/quality control - Paint peeling, headlight adjustment

Other mechanical problems - the thermostat, windshield washer nozzle and the transimssion shift cable. The nozzle is obvious but what did you effect did you notice before the thermostat and shift cable needed replacing?

I was also curious about the "supplemental oil change." Was that because of your mileage pace or were you burning oil?

I pick up my MCS inside of two months. Hopefully, I'll have a nice ECU that starts cold and a beige coolant tank (thanks for that heads up). If mine isn't beige I might not leave the dealership until it is.

I agree that the autocrossing didn't contribute to your windshield breakage. Now about the early brake replacements due to excessive wear...

 

IMO, that is a pretty fair grouping of the issues I have had. The shifter cable exhibited no early warning signs before the housing cracked. It was a bit of a ham-fistedly shift though.

I have had oil changes done every ~5000 miles. MINI can say what they want about the oil change interval going up to 15,500 miles, but the extra oil changes are worth it to me for the piece of mind.

I don't think the autocrossing realistically caused the brake rotors to wear prematurely either. I only did two autocross events in my MINI before the pads and rotors were replaced. I can't see how a few ~60 second runs with minimal braking (I'm trying to be fast right) appreciably wears the rotors compared to the other 28,000+ miles of usage that the rotors saw

 

dave,
thanks for the great review. i have just ordered an s 03 and will travel to south carolina to pick it up (from LA, the prices here are outrageous). i have been going back and forth on the DSC and would rather have a limited slip differential. i often think these systems are meant to replace really good driving skills? I have been undecided about it until reading your review (peer pressure, everyone seems to choose it).
I will be sure to have a beige expansion tank before driving off. I am retiring a landrover (89 range rover) and really want a break from the shop. initially i was looking at a WRX and the GTI but then i foolishly? drove the MINI. hooked.

thanks again.

 

>>Sport Package
>>- 17" S-lites: I would pass on the 17" wheels next time around. I sold mine and now use the 16" v-spokes which preserve the stock appearance and are lighter.
>>- Performance Run-Flats: The very first thing I would do to the car if I had it to do over again is replace the run-flats with regular tires. The tire change alone improved the acceleration, handling, and ride comfort.
>>- DSC: I hate it. I drive around with it turned off 90% of the time. If the system just applied the brakes when it detected slipping, it would be a nice addition. However, DSC also cuts power to the engine and I have had a couple of close calls pulling out of parking lots when DSC cut power with rapidly approaching traffic.
>>- Xenon headlights and Fog Lights: I really like my xenons and would get them again.

Dave. It sounds like you make a strong case for not going with the sports package. I just ran the numbers on the MINIUSA website. The package is $1,250 and the the xenons and fogs are only $640. I agree with you 110 percent about the 16" wheels vs the 17" wheels. Bigger in this case is just bigger. (Miata owners figured this out a long time ago). I'm seriously thinking about making a call and seeing if I can jump out of that option. My only question is do I want to add the NAV or just pocket the money.

 

Dave, thanks so much for the informative review! While I'm sorry you are the guinea pig here, (that's what you get for driving so much :smile: Thanks!

 

BMINI: yeah, there are some nice wallpaper options in those pictures. :smile:

MINI Division: If you're lurking through the thread and want to contact me, I would be happy to answer any follow-up questions this post brought up.

Dave
dave@mini5280.org

 

>>BMINI: yeah, there are some nice wallpaper options in those pictures. :smile:
>>

Speaking of wallpapers:

Another New MINI Desktop Wallpaper

- Dave, thanks for letting me get my hands on that image. It's such a great shot on so many levels.

 

Gabe,

I'm glad you liked that image. I like it a lot too.