First off I want to thank all of you guys for all the great surveys I have received, the surveys have brought me to be in the top 12 nation wide for CSI allowing me to be chosen for the Motoring Council. Basically what that means is the third week of May I am going to Montreal to discuss the past, present and future of MINI, the flaws we have noticed and where we think it should go and the improvements that could be made. Well I wouldnt have this honor if it wasnt for you guys so I want to hear what you have to say and I will bring a list of all the ideas from this community. This is one of the few opportunities we will have that may directly influence the cars we love so let the ideas flow!! Thanks again guys, its an honor.
First off I want to say that just by asking the owners what we think shows what a class act your operation is. Thanks.
As most readers know I like to go the DIY route. (I do know when to not touch things and put my vehicles in the hands of the experts.) One of the things that has bothered me from day one (12/02) has been that I can not get a copy of the official service manual. There are some excelent third party books out there but I have never found anything that is better than the book the factory techs use.
The other thing I feel is needed is to have MINI North America get more involved with the grassroots events. I read how MINI Europe seems to be hosting big events (MINI United, Cooper Challenge etc) and MINI NA is totaly absent at the three biggest MINI events in the country (MINI Vacation in Vegas, MINIs on the Dragon and MINIs ON Top). Also I would like to see a bigger involvement in MINI motorsports a track series, autocross and some type of driver training.
Those are some valid points, im not sure the service manual will come through, but I will bring all of these points up and hopfully have answers on them to post when I get back. Thank you Jack.
I can't comment upon the Las Vegas and Dragon events, but MNI NA is usually present at MOT. At the '05 MOT we were unloading our car outside the motel room and Jim McDowell walked up and introduced himself and we had a nice conversation. He had landed in NJ the previous evening from Germany and then drove up to New Hampshire to be there. A fair sized contingent of MINI NA reps were also on hand.. There are also references to MOT in presentations MINI NA makes when discussing owner loyalty, etc (there's a pic floating around somewhere of that).
Granted their participation is relatively subtle, but MOT is organized by a local organization. A MINI NA event could be interesting though.
Congrats, that's great to hear. It always makes me happy to hear about a local man influencing the world.
How about retrofit kits for MINI's first few buyers? I am not interested in trading in my early first year MINI for a newer model and it really bugs me that there are no retrofit kits for things like the alarm, harmon/kardon stereo, the iPod adapter (part of the h/k I guess), you know, things like that.
Something that would be nice to be able to do would be to change the computer controlled options at our leisure. I'd love to be able to change my auto lock options or turn off my day time running lights without having to make a service call. A USB computer adapter and a small program is all we would need.
And what is with the obscene price of the JCW package? I know, you don't set the price for the parts, JCW does, but can't you somehow negotiate a cheaper price. $$ to HP ratio is just not good enough. How long do you feel the JCW package will still be offered as a dealer installed option available to early 2002 models (if even still available)?
There is nothing I would change about the way the dealership handles their relationships with their customers. Ive been nothing but happy even if an inspection and oil change cost me over $100.
Oh, and why did all those fun little free gifts stop coming in the mail?
Well the price for the JCW wont be changing unless they decide to stop producing them and try to get rid of the inventory in the warehouse for new accesories. The JCW accessories were always available at the port which would drop the price around $800 but then your insurance company would find out and possibly raise your rates. And unfortunatly for retrofit kits to install existing accesories on the R56's I dont feel will be happening because its a whole new vehicle, for the I-PODS we now have to install a completely new module, code it to the vehicle and replace the storage compartment above the glove box. For the h/k the new speakers are different sizes, the amp is different and the radio it self is different so doubt even the after market world could make that interchangable. Now as far as being able to change the DRL's and entry lighting and all the good stuff we used to have you come in for, MINI already answered that request, the R56's can all be programed through the OBC in the directional stalk. But i am glad to hear you would not change anything with the dealership. I appreciate all the ideas guys, i could use some more though, keep them coming!
