Happy Birthday MINI

My MINI is approaching the big ONE. So the question arises- how to celebrate? A fun weekend road trip perhaps? A nice drive through the countryside? Maybe a nice new set of floor mats? Or a new cd for the player? Or would it be a better birthday present to tuck MINI away in the garage and give her a day's rest.

No matter how the day passes, I can't help but think back to all the fun times I've had in MINI over the last year - and all the places she's taken me to. Although I'm still making my monthly payments, I continue to do so happily, because my car is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It is the first major purchase I've ever made on my own and I couldn't be more pleased. I love my car not only because it is adorable and super fun to drive, but because of all the places it lets me go and the people it takes me to.

So for her birthday, I'm going to give MINI a nice carwash, fill up her tank and drive over to visit someone I love. Maybe my parents, maybe my best friend or boyfriend, or all of the above.  Maybe I'll take them for a ride.

Oil Change: MINI Style

I learned something new today. According to Baron BMW in Kansas City, MINIs do not need to have their oil changed until they reach 15,000-16,000 miles. For perspective, an average car needs only about every 5,000 miles. 

Today I realized that my MINI is at the 5,200 mile mark. I called the dealership in a frantic panic thinking that I had unwittingly put my MINI into the oil danger zone. Thankfully, they convinced me I have a long ways to go.

What's more, the newer model MINI's onboard computers pop up with a countdown to service needed. You're MINI will all but drive itself to the oil changing locale.

Now with my mind at ease, I can keep motoring for over 10,000 more miles.

Convertible Weather

It's official. It's convertible season. A few reminders so you can keep cruisin' safely.

• Don't get too comfortable: Strange as it seems, enjoyment of the cenvertible top is the single biggest distraction to drivers.
• Close Second: Wind will blow loose items around in your car, or worse, out of your car. Put any extra items in the trunk for safe-keeping.
• Hearing Impairment: Be aware that you might not be able to hear all the sounds of the road as well when the top is down.
• Top down fatigue: Long distances can be draining. It's wise to take a break every so often so stop, get a soda and stretch your legs.
• Skin Safety: Long periods of UV ray exposure leads to criteria for a lobster-look-alike contest. SPF 30 and you're good to go.

Advantage? The 360 degree view and the wind in your hair!

Happy Motoring!

It's Official: Party in the (MINI) USA!

MINI Takes the States is back, according to the official release from MINI USA.

This summer MINI Takes the States is meeting in the middle (well kind’a , sort’a ) for a fun-filled weekend in Denver, Colorado, August 13-15.
This MINI weekend is all about motoring, fans, community and fun as MINI Takes the States in 2010. This year’s event will kick-off with 5 big rallies from Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago as motorers and enthusiasts rally with the all new MINI Countryman to the mile high city.
Mark your calendars and hold on to your seats as MINI Takes the States in 2010.

Any good MINI girl wants to set her MINI free on the open road. MINI Takes the States could just be the perfect opportunity (and excuse) to spend some good 'ol quality time behind the wheel.

I'm a newbie to the MINI world, so my MINI has never taken the states, so to speak. How about you readers? Anyone taken part in the drive or rallies? We'd love to hear some fun stories!

Not Quite Convertible Season...

All week I have been looking forward to my 125 mi drive home to my parent's house this weekend. It's finally springtime and the midwest has been a balmy 65 degrees all week. Not so fast.

I started off the trip yesterday afternoon at about 5:00pm- the sun was still high, making a light jacket more than adequate. All winter I have sadly ignored my convertible top, and yesterday it finally got some attention. Top down, I started on my journey.

About 30 miles in, the clouds started looming on the horizon. MINI and me kept on motoring, but soon the temperature started dropping. Within 15 minutes, we had lost 20 degrees. Regretfully, I pulled off on the nearest exit and shut MINI's top.

The rest of the ride home wasn't nearly as fun- rain drops here and there, some good music and -20 more degrees, we were home. The taste of fresh air and wind wasn't nearly enough- I'm definitely ready for summer.

Today it snowed 6 inches. It's still going to be a while.

2011 MINI-Lift

BMW is doing what it does best - redesigning. This time they're targeting the MINI's in their lot. The 2011 version of all MINI models will feature updated exteriors and interiors, including "more aggressive bumpers" and updated headlights. The interior's most significant change is to the radio controls and center console for cars without navigation.

There's a bunch of engine changes happening- I don't want to get too technical. Read all about them here.

And of course a new MINI model isn't complete without all "new" color options - for both interior and exterior this time. MINI has finally dumped its signature British Racing Green for, you guessed it, British Racing Green II. What's the difference you ask? "A gold tinge." Sure...
Crazy MINI designers like to live dangerously- silver out, grey in.. They have decided to replace "Dark Silver" with a more pearlescent "Eclipse Grey."

However in a valiant effort to move away from their predominantly grey/blue palate, MINI is also introducing a new color, "Spice Orange." Sounds saucy- I like it.

The new MINIs are expected to roll out this September.

MINI Must Have

Whether your MINI is fresh off the boat from Europe or has been cruisin' the streets of the USA for a while now, you must protect her. These MINI All Season Weather Floor Mats made of black rubber are exactly what you need. I've had mine on my car for an entire year and they still look like new. What's more, the carpet underneath is pristine. You can also buy matching mats for the backseat, just in case you have frequent passengers and foot-travel back there.

Your MINI's been good to you-- return the favor.

MINI takes the States

According to the Motoring File, MINI's two-day rally and festival is back for a 2010 edition. This includes driving from still-to-be-announced starting points across the country to the final destination, Denver, CO. Participants will arrive in Denver on August 6th and stay for a two-day festival of all things MINI.

The last MINI takes the States was in 2008, with the main drive spanning 1,500 miles from Miami to Boston. Watch the highlights here.

It seems MINI is realizing its drivers favorite things -- drive and talk about their MINIs. All other cars might want to beware I70 and other highways leading into Denver in early August. It will be a MINI stampede.

What is John Cooper Works?

John Cooper Works or JCW is MINI's performance model, named after the famous race car driver and tuner of the 1950's and 1960's. John Cooper and his son Michael assisted BMW in releasing the suped-up version to the public in the 1990's. Cooper created the John Cooper Works company in 2000 and died shortly after. His son Michael managed the company until 2007 when the BMW Group bought JCW as a MINI subbrand.

John Cooper made the first MINI Cooper in 1961, after driving a MINI and "falling in love with it's racing potential." It imidiately made a splash on the racing circuit. The Cooper's version of the MINI Cooper S won the Monte Carlo racing circuit three times from 1964-1969.

The name Cooper was not attached to the MINI consumer vehicles until BMW of Germany acquired the MINI brand and began marketing them as premium small cars in 2000. The John Cooper Works variation was introduced on a limited scale during the 2006 model year. You can watch Australians break down the difference between the Cooper and the JCW here.

Information from www.miniusa.com.

MINI Convertible: Best Value of Year

The 2010 MINI Cooper Convertible was recently named Intellichoice's 2010 Best Value of the Year in the 'Convertible' category for all bodystyles: base, S and John Cooper Works. The "BOVY" awards are based on total cost of ownership of the vehicle in relation to its peers in the same model category. Intellichoice awards "BOVY" awards to 32 different categories of cars and trucks.

This is the third consecutive year a MINI has received a 'BOVY.' Last year the MINI Convertible was awarded BOVYs for both the 'Convertible' category as well as 'Best Car Value over $24,000.'

While the emotional appeal of the MINI brand has long been recognized by car enthusiasts, it seems Intellichoice is now acknowledging the rational appeal of the brand as well.

Dirty MINI

My least favorite thing about winter? Dirty roads. They lead to dirty shoes, pant legs and most disturbingly dirty cars.

Beautiful winter snowflakes undoubtedly lead to gray mush and salt, wrecking havoc on cars. But there are some steps you can take to minimize the impact of these cold-weather foes on your MINI's finish.

• Wash your car as often as possible. Try to keep up with the weather forecasts. Anytime you see a patch of clear weather, treat your MINI to a shower. Don't forget to wash underneath your car, where most of the salt will accumulate.

• Never use warm water to clear ice off the windshield or headlights - the glass can break on contact from the temperature difference.

• Use caution when brushing snow off your MINI. The dirt particles that are hiding under the snow can inadvertently scratch the surface. Use a soft brush in a short, straight pattern, without removing the very bottom layer of ice.

• Never brush snow off the body panels. Unnecessary and can often lead to scratches.

Stay warm!

Oxygen Blue No More

As of March, MINI will no longer be producing Oxygen Blue hatchbacks. What's more, the Pure Silver option on the JCW model is being pulled in favor of a new color exclusive to the JCW line to be released later this year.
MINI is infamous for keeping certain exterior color options only available to specific models and switching color choices relatively often. There are 11 exterior body paint options for the traditional MINI Cooper, however "White Silver" is only available with the MINI Camden and the deep brown "Hot Chocolate" is limited to the MINI Mayfair. Each of the eleven color has specific options for the roof and mirrors, including a combination of white, black or body color options. There are further changes and options when you consider the Cooper S models.
These limitations on color choice can be very frustrating to MINI shoppers because it often means having to compromise either their ideal color or body style in favor of what combination is offered at the time.

MINI Countryman

Image Courtesy of miniusanews.com

There is a new MINI in town. The MINI Countryman is the first true four door MINI and is arriving in the U.S. in early 2011. This "New MINI" is MINI's take on an SUV; it's higher off the ground and features a "tougher grille" than previous models. All the specifics and details will be available on mini.com/newmini on February 7, 2010. In the meantime, check out MINI's promo video:

It seems to me this new larger model will create a whole new breed of MINI drivers. It will appeal to people who have larger families or the need for more space. Additionally, the rumored four wheel drive option could appeal to consumers in colder climates. One step closer to MINI domination.

Welcome

Welcome to the Know Mini Blog, where there will be blogging all about Mini Coopers! Please subscribe and/or bookmark our page and come back often for new posts.