>>just got my '04 JCW mini and there's no rattles,no yo-yos,no stumble

Give it a few weeks

FWIW my dealer has been very patient with me and very good about huting rattles down and killing them.

 

>>I took delivery of my M3 around noon today. And yes Chris, there is the requisite 1,200 mile break-in period PLUS a 1,200 mile service. If I hear a knock on my door I know it will be the “Break-on Police” wanting to have a little talk with me. The power is intoxicating and the SMG technology begs you to drive the car aggressively.
>>
>>The MINI is a great driver’s car and there are definitely more totally satisfied owners then those with problems. Those of you still waiting to take delivery are in for a real treat. The biggest problem you will have are the facial muscles on your face getting sore from you silly little grin you develop from driving your MINI.
>>
>>

Have fun with the M3 - I recently had a chance for a extended drive in one (with SMG) and can't say enough great things about the car. Here's a comparison btw the M3/SMG and an MCS: http://www.bridger.us/mini/?Y=2003&M...TheMINICooperS

_________________

 

>>
>>
wow jerry, sounds like you have a major chip on your shoulder. not sure why you are even posting here any more, other than for attention, if things got that bad for you. No one was flaming you, I even said I would love to have an M3(read envy). But my response was meant to be more like "duh! of course an M3 would be better than a Mini quality wise...or at least I would hope so for paying over twice as much".
You shouldn't be so quick to jump on people or get on the defensive.
>>
>>

You are right. Please accept my apologies. But after 7+ months of being part of MCO I have made a few friends here. By and large this is a very diverse group of great people that all share a passion for a very special car and they deserve better from the dealer network and the manufacturer. More then anything I was expressing my frustration with what should and could be a great car for all owners. And I don’t feel I am trying to draw attention to myself as the number of threads that I have originated in 7+ months of participation here you could count on one hand.

>>
>>
Congrats on the new car. One question, the dealership that you mentioned doesnt happen to be in Santa Ana does it? Seems as most of the headache you had was from the Service Dept.
>>
>>

And as for the servicing dealer. No it was not Crevier in Santa Ana. However I did buy the car there and was most satisfied with the deal and the treatment, they were professional in every way and I would whole heartedly recommend them. The servicing dealer was Brecht in Escondido. I originally went to Brecht to buy the MCS but they were inflexible in their pricing and wanted $5,000.00+ over MSRP with their market adjustment and mandatory dealer installed options. I saved over $5,500.00 going the Creveir and they got me my ordered MCS in a little over 2 months. I guess you could say I made my bed so I should lay in it as I did not start my relationship well with my closest and obvious choice for service. But $5,500.00 is a lot of money, especially when you figure it is a 20% increase in the price. That’s a lot of money to save by simply making a phone call and then driving another couple of hours round trip to pick up the car.

 

My first house was $27000 USD.
A car gets you from here to there
and depreciates. Get what you
want and enjoy. I would have invested
the difference....but that's just me.

 

>>My first house was $27000 USD.
>>A car gets you from here to there
>>and depreciates. Get what you
>>want and enjoy. I would have invested
>>the difference....but that's just me.

Good advise on the investing. That’s how I paid for the M3, through money generated from investments. I haven’t gone to a job in over two years as I no longer have to work for my money, it works for me through sound investing and good luck. And I paid $24,500.00 for my first house and parlayed that into four different properties that eventually lead to a 9 unit free and clear apartment that produces good income every month. I am 55 years old and won’t have dreamt of spending this kind of money on a car when I was in my early stages of investing.

 

"I am 55 years old and won’t have dreamt of
spending this kind of money on a car when I
was in my early stages of investing."

Sound advice. All you youngsters out there
should take heed.....and keep the re-sale
high on my MCS...

 

jerrygee: I hope in a couple years to have an MCS and a new M3 in my garage. Well, I'm halfway there at least... Have fun with your new toy! I love those cars:D

 

Congrats on the new purchase. I drool over the E46 M3's every time we're in the dealer... However, from the experience we've had with our E36 M3, they are not exactly immune to electrical gremlins... The E46 is supposed to be better, but be warned... :smile:

 

Please allow me to preach to the choir for a moment:

Cars do get us from here to there. They'll all do that. The reason most of us choose MINIs or M3's or [insert fun car here] is because they do more than that and because we want more than that. When 2minis said "that's just me", he/she said a lot. Just as others value reliability and comfort, leading them to choose Camrys and Buicks, JerryGee values performance, leading him to spend substantially more than most. I applaud his choice. I'm going to hop out of my '97 M3 and into an '04 MCS. By the time it's paid for, who knows, maybe I'll be ready to hop back into an M3. Probably a 3 year old M3. Bottom line for me is bang for the buck and indulging my passion for driving.

Wow... makes me want to go for a drive!

eMINI
Proud future owner of '04 IB/B MCS

 

Yeah. It is just my opine. But if I was going to spend that much money
on wheels it wouldn't be on a BMW. I don't think the quality and reliability
are there and that would be mandatory. I really wish that BMW was not
involved with the new MINI but I have expressed that many times before.

 

jerrygee makes some excellent points, particularly about the two tiers of service one receives at BMW/MINI dealerships.

When I call Universal Mini to make a service appointment, I get the "the soonest appointment I have for a MINI is <insert date 4 weeks away>"

Some "smarter" dealerships like Assael don't say stupid things like that, and furthermore they don't make you feel inferior for owning a MINI and bringing it to a BMW dealership for service.

I think the whole BMW thing got to their heads.

 

I'm sure under the hood, the M3 is quite impressive. Aesthetically speaking, though, the thing's a dud. It just looks so...plain.

 

>>And as for the servicing dealer. No it was not Crevier in Santa Ana. However I did buy the car there and was most satisfied with the deal and the treatment, they were professional in every way and I would whole heartedly recommend them. The servicing dealer was Brecht in Escondido. I originally went to Brecht to buy the MCS but they were inflexible in their pricing and wanted $5,000.00+ over MSRP

The last time I took a MINI to Brecht for service they made us feel like we stepped in dog poop on the way in and were tracking up their pretty showroom.

 

Jerry,

Sounds like one fantastic ride. I know nothing about the SMG (sequential manual gearbox) please explain. It has a clutch right? just push gearshift up to go up a gear, down to drop a gear? Does it have paddles on the steering column? Give an expose I'm sure that others would like to hear.

Sorry that you're no longer a MCS owner. I do understand your frustration, but let me assure you that all MCS are not like yours. Many of us have trouble free, great performing cars, and responsible dealers who fix the problem the first time. Hope that you continue to post here, as I enjoy your perspective on things.

 

>>Just placed my order for MCS and I am starting to think maybe I should cancel. Between Jerrygee's post and all the stumble/yo-yo issues, I'm having second thoughts. I did consider BMW 3 series prior to the Mini order, as well as Audi & Infiniti. After the test drive of the MCS, I was satisfied with the choice. That was before I started reading all about the service/dealer issues in regards to fixing what seems like an on going problems. I am nuts about rattles, my wife's Vovlo 850 sportswagon drive me crazy with rattles and last thing I want from a new car is annoying rattles.
>>
>>Any thoughts?
>>
>> I am from the Boston area an MINI was placed with the Peabody dealership.
>>
>>

Don't worry Mikebike,

I just picked up my MCS a few weeks ago and I've driven it a couple of thousand miles and I have no stumble, no yo-yo, nothing. Don't cancel your order you'll love it.

RaceCarDriver

 

I currently own an E46 M3 SMG and am now looking to buy my own place. Therefore, the M3 has to go. Anyway, Jerry, you will love this car. It is awesome.
The only reason I just registered for this forum is because I am doing the exact opposite of you. I am looking at getting an 04 MCS. My previous car before the M3 was a Honda S2000. Since I know I have to cut back on something (as far as my car goes), I wanted something that would still be fun to drive like my previous cars. I hope I don't run into any of the problems you ran into on your MCS.
Good luck

 

I went the opposite route. I went from a new 2003 M3 to a 2003 MCS, it wasn't planned that way, my M3 was stolen. If you think the Mini attracts a lot of attention, drive an M3. Unfortunately the M3 attracts a lot of negative attention from the cops and theives.

Is the M3 a better car than the MCS, absolutely, but remember it cost twice as much and costs twice as much to insure. The M3's have had their share of problems too, many of the early 2001 and 02 has engine failures, and many of the new ones constantly use oil. My 03 was fine, no problems. I took the 6 speed over the SMG. I thought the SMG shifts were too slow and jerky unless you were in the fastest mode (BMW doesn't recommend using the fastest mode, due to the fact that the parts will wear out prematurely) but I know a lot of people who got it and like it.

I thought about getting another M3, but I know quite a few people who have had their E46 M3 stolen, I even know one person who has had two stolen. I already have an 02 Z06 in my garage and I don't need two fancy cars. The M3 is an awesome car, but I prefer the Z06.

The MCS, however, is the best bang for the buck, period. I LOVE MY MCS, and I'm glad I bought that over another M3.

RaceCarDriver

 

I feel your pain Jerry....a bit too well, me thinks. Between the constant rattles (despite multiple dealer tries at a fix), broken windshield, HORRIBLE bog/yo-yo/stutter problem (also multiple dealer tries at a fix, only appearing to make things worse each time they tried), coolant tanks, trim falling apart, poor seat stitching, etc. I had it. No more. I was even president of the local club and just couldn't bring myself to spend one more day in that (parden me) POS. Gave up and sold it. Bought an M Roadster. Ahhhhhh.....now that's a car!!

R

 

>>Jerry,
>>
>>Sounds like one fantastic ride. I know nothing about the SMG (sequential manual gearbox) please explain. It has a clutch right? just push gearshift up to go up a gear, down to drop a gear? Does it have paddles on the steering column? Give an expose I'm sure that others would like to hear.
>>
>>Sorry that you're no longer a MCS owner. I do understand your frustration, but let me assure you that all MCS are not like yours. Many of us have trouble free, great performing cars, and responsible dealers who fix the problem the first time. Hope that you continue to post here, as I enjoy your perspective on things.

“The SMG II sequential M gearbox is an automated manual gearbox on which operation of the clutch and the gear-changing are performed by electro-hydraulic system.

The SMG II is operated via two rocker switches on the steering wheel and the selector lever on the centre console.”

The above is quoted straight out of the SMG manual I downloaded off the internet. Basically SMG II is not a sequential gearbox like in a motorcycle, but a regular 6 speed gearbox with the H pattern and regular clutch but the shifting and clutch operation is all done via the electro-hydraulic system. The difference between the SMG in say the Z4 and the SMG II in the M3 is the SMG II allows you to adjust the shift speed in both the manual and automatic mode. Be advised, this transmission is not a substitute for a true automatic but more of a manual without the third pedal. It does take a little time to feel fully comfortable with and at 200 miles I am well on my way but still not a 100%. It is major fun on twisty mountain roads, the same place a MCS really shines. I live in the mountains of San Diego County so I have the opportunity to really enjoy my “sports cars” and motorcycles on a daily basis. I still like to just go out and drive or ride, this is something that hasn’t changed in 40 years of driving and riding. I had loved cars and motorcycles my whole life and started counting the days until I could get my learners permit and then driver’s license from the age of 10 (I got my learners permit at age 14).

I know full well that there are a lot of very happy MINI owners out there as there well should be as it is a great drivers car. I enjoyed wringing out mine immensely. I can’t wait to come upon (or have one come upon me) a MCS with a “spirited” driver that knows how to get the most out of his ride as I know it will be very competitive in the twisties but obviously the M3 is going to have the unfair advantage on the straights, but then anyone can just mash on the accelerator.

I can’t stress enough, the MCS is a lot of bang for the buck and my biggest problem was convenient access to a good servicing dealer. That was what ruined the MINI experience for me. Enjoy your MINIs, they are great fun!

Jerry

 

I'm envious. I too made investments.....mostly bad. It was all I could do to afford an MC. But if I had the money to buy an M3 I'd buy a 65 396/425HP Vette AND a 61 409 Impala. Neither would handle that great or be all that fast compared to some of today's cars......but there're my dream cars. Enjoy your new M3 and don't forget to wave at the MINI's you see. :smile: :smile:

 

Have fun with your M3. I visit this site on a not so regular basis because I get a lot of what's wrong and not a lot of what works and what people like. I have a 2002 MCS and I love it. I also have a 1997 540i that my wife drives and I don't unless it is for long trips. When I have a choice I get in the MINI. I have 17,000 miles on it and have had no problems, love my dealer Cincinnati MINI, and can outcorner everything on the road. A guy I work with has a Porsche...we went out recently in the MINI and he said...I'll bet not too many cars go faster than you around corners. Enjoy your new car and I'll see you in my mirrors on the next turn.

 

>>Have fun with your M3. I visit this site on a not so regular basis because I get a lot of what's wrong and not a lot of what works and what people like. I have a 2002 MCS and I love it. I also have a 1997 540i that my wife drives and I don't unless it is for long trips. When I have a choice I get in the MINI. I have 17,000 miles on it and have had no problems, love my dealer Cincinnati MINI, and can outcorner everything on the road. A guy I work with has a Porsche...we went out recently in the MINI and he said...I'll bet not too many cars go faster than you around corners. Enjoy your new car and I'll see you in my mirrors on the next turn.

If you ever come out to Southern California and find yourself in the mountains of San Diego County and a Silver Gray M3 comes up on you we could have some fun. I have no qualms that a MCS with a good driver would be a problem in the twisties for most any car on the market today.

Jerry

 

I wish I also had an M3...something to play around with on the weekends...but for now is MCS (and only MCS) all the way...

L

 

Wow I just looked at the specs on that car! 50k to start!!! 4.8 seconds 0-60! If I could trade I would too! The MINI is well... "Mini" compared to that car.

I'm sorry but the MINI Cooper S is 75% of the performance at less than half the price... Money no object heck yeah I'd take the M3, but to a lot of people on this board Money matters!

FYI you can get a 97 M3 for about the same price as a new MINI Cooper. Hmmm tempting... I would get the extended warrenty so add a $1000 or two to that price.

Oh well dreaming over, I gotta go and drive my MC... The best bang for the buck in my opinion. Rattles suck! I have the back hatch rattle and a really bad rattle that only occurs at redline. I think I have that traced down to change in the ash tray! :smile: Now when I need to redline I reach down and take the ash tray and put in my lap. For those with rattle boxes you have my sympathies. Rest assured the newer MINI's have very few if any rattles.

For reference and to try and make this the most boring long post...

$23k 2001 Honda Accord Coupe - Rattles galore
$40k 2003 Saab Wagon - Very few non annoying
$21k 2003 MINI Cooper - Couple annoying
$5k 1996 Mazda Miata - None ever with 100k on the clock!

Please note the Miata was pre Ford...

Is there an award for extra long boring posts?

 

>>I feel your pain Jerry....a bit too well, me thinks. Between the constant rattles (despite multiple dealer tries at a fix), broken windshield, HORRIBLE bog/yo-yo/stutter problem (also multiple dealer tries at a fix, only appearing to make things worse each time they tried), coolant tanks, trim falling apart, poor seat stitching, etc. I had it. No more. I was even president of the local club and just couldn't bring myself to spend one more day in that (parden me) POS. Gave up and sold it. Bought an M Roadster. Ahhhhhh.....now that's a car!!
>>
>>R


Davbret: I can't believe you are STILL haunting these MINI boards! Do yopu still check out Roadfly regularly too?

My JCW-equipped car is now 7 months old without a single rattle or reason to take it into the dealer for ANYTHING. Knock on wood, of course. And I've driven it fairly hard. Too bad you didn't have that same experience.