Again, it's kinda hard to discuss the wonderful world of MINI without rehashing the big stories that are covered in 20 different places, however, the news this week that MINI is now doing a "mandatory recall" of all R56 (aka 2007+) Cooper Ss... and for what? To have their tailpipes moved in 1/2 an inch so people won't burn themselves? Please add me to the "gimme an effin break!" list.
But on a lighter note...
Lego MINI!
See more Lego MINI coolness on the "Brickblog"
Buy Condo, get free* MINI!
While in the last six month we hear more and more accounts of MINIs being thrown in as buyer incentives during this horrific US housing market, one Atlanta (Georgia) development makes no gaurantees when it says "for what you are paying in rent, you could win a BMW Mini Cooper." What no freebies?
Related Links:
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tailpipe snippage, legos and free MINIs!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
MINI Takes The States 2008! Registration now Open!
If you are a new MINI Owner, a non-MINI owner, or just been living under the overpass the last two years, you may be saying "what is 'MINI Takes The States'?" In my own words, it's a four-part, nationwide party sponsored by good ol' MINI USA! In their words...
Two years ago, MINI Takes the States motored coast-to-coast with thousands of MINI Owners and enthusiasts joining up for a legendary motoring extravaganza. This year, though, everyone hoped even more folks could get in on the fun. So MINI owners voted to visit four U.S. cities for four separate weekends of good times, including the chance to drive a MINI on an aggressive autocross course.
Plus, the net proceeds from registration fees are all going to help out a regional MINI Motoring Hearts ™ charitable organization. So mark your calendars for one or more of these unforgettable events, register today and start picking your co-pilots...
Highlights in each city will include:
* MINI Parking Corral at festival grounds
* MINI-Autocross Test Drive
* Live festival entertainment
* Headliner band Saturday night
* The “Bootload of Fun Zone” with activities for all ages
* MINI Vendor Village
* An official MTTS Welcome Kit for each paid attendee
* Friday night Meet & Greet (MINI Owners only)
* Rise and Shine Saturday Rally (MINI Owners only)
And the list goes on! (click here for the rest)...
This event takes place in MIAMI, BOSTON, CHICAGO, and L.A. Now, here's the kicker- EVERYONE IS INVITED – EVEN IF YOU DON’T OWN A MINI!!
Now that's marketing, baby!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Dead Key Fix. Best MINI Tip Ever! (so far)
A NAM* member writes:
"...my key stopped working in that the remote lock/unlock feature is not working... Can I fix this myself, or must I take the key to the dealer?"
Now of course, if you ask the dealer, he might say "...and that's $200 for the new key, $50 for re-programming, and you can pay the girl at the desk."
Thankfully we've got InterWeb®, with the power to connect like-minded people(s). And we all know by now there is never a problem someone has not already experienced and written about. And this is where "Steve" comes in (if that is his real name).
Steve responds with:
"The problem is that one of your keys lost it's association with the car. It is not a dead or defective battery. It has happened to me twice in the past year. You need to have all the keys with you when you get in the car. Step 1..."Sure I could copy, paste, and repost the whole breakdown here, but that would be a) rude, b) stealing (sort of), and c) not giving our buddy Steve his "props" (my staff make me say that).
*Go read the 4 minute solution yourself over at NorthAmericanMotoring.com. You'll be glad you did. And when you need to use it, tell Steve "thanks"!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Be nice to your MINI Dealer whenever possible! Reason #32:
Everyday we hear yet another story about another dealership or Service Dept. that screwed someone over or has the compassion of a railroad spike.
The coolest thing a car dealership has ever done for me was replace a fuel tank filter free of charge- but only because although I was 6 months out of warranty, the mileage on the vehicle was far below the warranty limit and way to soon to be having any fuel filter issues. (What I get for driving a Chevy?, perhaps?)
However, that pales in comparision to the email that landed in my InBox this morning!
(Yet) A(nother) friend of mine ordered an R56 a few weeks back and is expecting to take delivery any day now.*
The following is an excellent story and illustrates "Reason #32" of why you should try to be nice to your Dealership Staff whenever possible:
(Lightly edited for privacy concerns):
"Yesterday I stopped by (MINI dealer) and spoke to (Sales Manager). He looked at what the computer said about when my MINI would actually arrive. It looked bad because the
schedule had already slipped one day. According to the schedule, it wouldn’t arrive until Saturday. Of course I was bummed and told (Sales Manager), “I guess we won’t be having a birthday party Saturday after all.”
He jumped on the phone and called the guy at Port Hueneme Vehicle Distribution Center who is in charge of the entire schedule. I heard him say, “I need a favor. You just received a car for a special guy who helps me out a lot. We have 200 people coming here Saturday to welcome his car. Can you do anything for me?” After checking, the VDC Manager said, “I’ll get it through and on a truck tomorrow.”
*That means my MINI will reach (MINI dealer) tomorrow. Whoo Hoo! The party’s on!"
This may be THE coolest thing I've ever heard a car dealership do for anyone! Of course, this is the same dealership that put up streamers, balloons, and a disco ball- to celebrate the delivery of another friend's MINI!
So- What's the coolest thing a dealership/service dept. has ever done for you?
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Dealer Visit: A Brief Recap
I know no one cares, but I gotta tell someone!
Mr. Bigglesworth went in for his 12-month checkup yesterday at ASSAEL MINI. He's got ~11,500 miles on him so far. A couple interesting snippets I thought I'd share:
- I pull up @ 0745, the super-hot greeter girl says hello to me- by my first name!? She talks up the "cool little 'Spy Car'"...
- My file now has "NO WASH PLEASE" on it permanently! :)
- Mr. Service Writer and I do "the walk" (you know- where they note current dings, etc). He sees my Limited Edition Tow Hook License Plate Holder: "Heeeey-- That's pretty nice! In fact... [goes in for a closer look] that's the nicest one i've seen- where'd you pick it up? (I pimp Blair's machining skills!) He spends 5 minutes talking about how his FELL OFF ON THE FREEWAY and inquires how he might get his hands on one (go Blair!)...
- We walk around the back and he says, "Wow your car is really clean!" I smile...
- Waiting for my rental (grr!) I tried to get the skinny on the rumor of the dealership getting bought out. Mum's the word over there! The two folks I talked to acted like they didn't know what I was talking about but I could see in their eyes that they know something. Brecht, here I come, maybe?
- I went to the parts counter and inquired about a few OEM, interior shiny bits. Man, OEM parts from the dealer are ludicriously priced! ($78 for one door sill?)
- As requested, they didn't wash the car. They did however, put on an unknown (probably BMW/MINI branded) tire treatment though. It only splashed up a little bit onto my paint and arches. *shrug*
- I picked up my car and before I headed onto the HMS Gridlock, I went over to MINI Sales to say hello to my MA. (Ed. note: I picked up my MINI exactly 370 days prior and haven't seen him since. ) I walk in and before I could even say hello he calls me by name too! We chat for a moment and he says, "Oh by the way, thank you for the letter you wrote about me. I can use it if I ever need another job." Sheesh! Even *I* don't remember writing a letter! Damn, he's good. (MA="Nick Armstrong" by the way if you ever have to send anyone to ASSAEL)
- The "12-month checkup" included the 10k mile oil change. I also had an intermittent SES light. The SES light was caused by the 02 sensor (I lost a bet with my friend). I don't know what they did to it, but my MINI is noticeably faster now than when I handed the keys over! Did they reset the ECU and it adjusted itself for my pulley and cold air intake? (That's just me guessing- I have no understanding of the technology!).
Since my first MINI in 2003, I've had both very good and very bad days dealing with the service folks at Assael. Today, was definately a good day! Yeah, a short, boring recap with no pictures. But true!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Feliz Cinco de MINI!!
Brecht MINI in Escondido had a neat little event for the area MINIacs, "Cinco de MINI @ Brecht". It was a full-on Cinco De Mayo Fest! (I got some great video footage, but too bad I left my still-camera in the car, so you'll have to use your imagination!)
The on-site taqueria dude broke it down with good ol fashioned downtown street-cart style chicken, carne asada, and bean tacos! Yuummm!! (my friend said, "I never heard of bean tacos" to which I had to reply, "you need to get out more!")...
I discovered that mock-margaritas are no fun- even w/o the Tequila I still don't like them!...
What's a Cinco de Mayo with out Ballet Folklorico and Mariachis?!...
The parts desk had all their MINI schwag on the counters for everyone to drool on (yes, I did get another hat)...
Time to play.... Beat The Pinata!!...
The Brecht SCCA car was prominently displayed...
They had several 2006s on the lot and even a few 2007s too! Well, they've got one less because the neighbor of one of the WCMers bought one that day (which, of course, makes Mr. Brecht very pleased!)...
After the food and festivities, WCM lead a short run through some twisties... It was so much fun, most of the group of 43 MINIs headed back to Brecht via the switchbacks. Me? I had to head off to the freeway and get back home...
Overall it was very much fun and I am glad Brecht sponsored such a great event! I should write them a letter and thank them! (Yeah- I think I'll do just that!).
Whenever get the video edited I'll try and post it back on this entry!
