The BMW Mini

Burnerman · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 5:17 pm

Finally these have started to come my way.....Mini were offering 3 years servicing for the price of a packet of crisps so thats hardly surprising.
1600cc Cooper automatic (2007)......is that a Renault engine I spy in there?

Seems quite a well built vehicle, good paintwork and solid construction. Not sure if I want one though.
John

KingboyD · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 6:27 pm

Every new style mini I have been in has creaked and rattled more than a 90 year olds false teeth!

Burnerman · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 7:03 pm

I was too busy getting to grips with the tiptronic paddle shift gear change to notice any rattles.....this one was only in for discs and pads all round.
John

Peter.N. · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 7:32 pm

'A' series engine, no electronics, simple suspension ...I love them

Burnerman · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 8:40 pm

Hey, thats the one!

Twin 1 1/4" S.U.'s, distributor right behind the grille to collect the rain, battery in the boot, give the ticking fuel pump the occasional thump.....my old cooper even had a push start button on the floor!
How I miss the gears jumping out of first, and the 'I'm not gonna make it' drum front brakes. We don't know we're born.
John

KingboyD · Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 6:03 pm

I had the mis fortune of fitting a clutch to an old mini once, I preffer Volvo V70 T5 clutches!

Burnerman · Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 6:40 pm

I wonder why the Vauxhall idea of using a pre compressed clutch unit, fed through a door in the bell housing, didn't catch on?
It seemed like a bloomin' good idea to me.

John

KingboyD · Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 8:39 pm

It was a very good idea! I think they lost out on time sold with that job though so went back to box out, thats my theory anyway

Stivino · Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 11:06 pm

I remember the old Nissan Cherry from 1970 had a similar set up with the clutch, whereby you could change it with the gearbox in situ.
You could also remove the gearbox and change the clutch on the Victors/Ventoras/CF van and leave the bell housing in place, they were a piece of cake.
I think the reason Vauxhall dropped laterly was because they changed the flywheel on the Cavaliers and Astras.