More Mini Talk. Finally drove one.

[FC]

Originally Posted by John V

The central speedo is a major Mini design flaw, IMO. It's a huge turn-off. They are still neat cars and very fun to drive.

I liked the option they offered on late R53's where you could get two small dials over the steering column with speedo and tach. Too bad they didn't carry it over. Still, the digital speedo under the tach works well enough, I guess. It's just that the central one is dumb.

[Rob]

Originally Posted by makaveli

I'd let my wife buy whatever she wanted.

Me too. Especially considering her contribution to income (how can you even argue in that case?).

[JST]

Originally Posted by John V

The central speedo is a major Mini design flaw, IMO. It's a huge turn-off. They are still neat cars and very fun to drive.

Meh. It's annoying, but you get used to it quickly. If necessary, you can set the digital display in the tach to display your speed, which is the same approach Mazda used for the RX-8.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by JST

Meh. It's annoying, but you get used to it quickly. If necessary, you can set the digital display in the tach to display your speed, which is the same approach Mazda used for the RX-8.

my main gripes, too.

i'd like to know boost PSI, oil temp and water temp in an OEM-type of way.

given that it's a German car made by Brits, you could see why i'm distrustful of any aftermarketeer who would splice into the factory Lucas electronics to add those gauges.

[lupinsea]

They're still using Lucas for the electronics? As in Lucas, Prince of Darkeness? As in Loose Unsoldered Connections and Splices?

I really hope they've improved over the years.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by lupinsea

They're still using Lucas for the electronics? As in Lucas, Prince of Darkeness? As in Loose Unsoldered Connections and Splices?

I really hope they've improved over the years.

i think they actually do for some OEM bits and pieces.

but for the most part, i was just making stuff up (do you really trust german electrical stuff installed by brits?).

[FC]

I'm getting that feeling again - that maybe I should swap the 330i for an MCS. I have to go to a body shop and get an estimate for yet another bumper hit. I think the signs are getting clearer. I also have started to think that maybe it's time for a change. My kid is about to go FF and if we have a 2nd kid, my wife would be home 6 months, meaning I'd only have to deal with one RF kid for 6 months. I dunno. Just more waffling I guess. It's just that I'm about to have to buy new winter tires and pay for window tinting. If I keep it through the winter, I'd probably hang on to it for a while longer.

[ff]

Knowing the frown I'll get from Bono, I still think that you should keep the 330i. At least through the winter.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by FC

I'm getting that feeling again - that maybe I should swap the 330i for an MCS. I have to go to a body shop and get an estimate for yet another bumper hit. I think the signs are getting clearer. I also have started to think that maybe it's time for a change. My kid is about to go FF and if we have a 2nd kid, my wife would be home 6 months, meaning I'd only have to deal with one RF kid for 6 months. I dunno. Just more waffling I guess. It's just that I'm about to have to buy new winter tires and pay for window tinting. If I keep it through the winter, I'd probably hang on to it for a while longer.

i'm sorry, F.

we still need to get together so you can drive the car. i've just had it in for a quick service visit and also a new windshield.

(sigh).

[FC]

No sweat lemming. My house is in the middle of remodeling so it's not as if I've had a lot of spare time. Maybe I'll have you and Zach over when it's all done (hopefully by Labor Day).