In perhaps the largest recall ever announced, MINI USA is recalling every Cooper S and JCW model sold from 2007 to 2011. The recall effects almost all 2007 – 2011 R55, R56, R57 and R60 models with the turbocharged Cooper S engine. For a full list of the cars affected and the specifics behind the problem…

The Issue

The issue involves the electric auxiliary water pump on models that are equipped with the N14 turbo engine. The auxiliary pump is controlled electronically by an engine control unit. After switching off the engine, the electric auxiliary water pump conducts heat away from the turbocharger.

Under certain conditions, the pump’s electronic circuit board can malfunction. The malfunction can occur as a result of certain design features in combination with high operating temperatures.

If the water pump can fails, there’s a slight chance that the circuit board can overheat. And in an extreme case, overheating of the circuit board can lead to smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, this may also lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.

Models Affected

Here’s the full list of Cooper S models affected:

2007-11 / Cooper S (Dec 2006 – Oct 2010)

2008-11 / Cooper S Clubman (Dec 2007 – Oct 2010)

2009-11 / Cooper S Convertible (Dec 2008 – Oct 2010)

2009-11 / John Cooper Works (JCW) (Jun 2008 – Oct 2010)

2009-11 / John Cooper Works (JCW) Clubman (Jun 2008 – Oct 2010)

2009-11 / John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible (Apr 2009 – Oct 2010)

2011 / Cooper S Countryman (Nov 2010 – Jan 2011)

How can you tell if this is happening to your MINI? The first tip-off will be a plastic burning smell, or burning and/or smoke from the front of the vehicle may be noticed.

What Should I Do While I Wait for MINI to Notify me of a Fix?

First you can continue to drive your car. However MINI recommends parking your vehicle outdoors until repairs have been performed. Those who own affected cars will receive a letter asking them to have this service performed by their authorized MINI dealer, do so as soon as possible.

What’s Next?

At this point MINI is fixing all cars in its inventory and will be announcing a formal recall shortly. Any new or pre-owned MINI in dealers inventory will be held until the recall can be completed, but customer cars are not yet being held and the recall repair will not be happening until the service bulletin is released.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the cars after 12 engine fires had been reported including five that destroyed the cars entirely. In eight of the 12 cases, the fires occurred when the cars were parked and turned off.

]]> http://newmini.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/mini-usa-water-pump-recall/feed/ 0 donminimania MINI & BMW Clean up with 4 engines - Mini Mania http://newmini.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/nevada-city-adventure-2011/ http://newmini.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/nevada-city-adventure-2011/#comments Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:36:33 +0000 donminimania http://newmini.wordpress.com/?p=641 ]]> Story and photography by: John Burnett

NEVADA CITY, California – In 1850 pioneers travelled thousands of miles in covered wagons to discover gold in this small mountain town. On June 11^th, 2011 people travelled in their MINI Coopers and Classic Minis from all over the west coast, not to find their fortune, but to attend Mini Mania’s 11^th annual Nevada City Adventure. This year’s participants found no gold, but there was no shortage of chrome in these foothills!

The scene was set on the six acre Mini Mania compound in the foothills surrounded by majestic pines, blue skies and spring-like weather throughout the day. The first to roll in was Rick Williamson, driving a green classic VTEC converted Mini with a surfboard on top. By 10:00am the parking lot was nearly full, with MINI Coopers on the right, and classic Minis filling up the left, close to one hundred  cars total!. The Bob Woods Trio treated everyone to live music on the lawn. Mini owners mingled, enjoying ice cream from Lazy Dog and savory hotdogs from the folks at Top Dog, while others tested their Bocce skills out on the new Bocce Ball court. The more relaxed folks set up their folding chairs in the shade of the pines and just took in all the sights.

Vendors for this year included Show Car Detailing (www.showcardetailing.com/) with Richard Lin showing folks how to properly detail their car. Measuring Mini power by way of their twin Dynapack Chassis Dynamometers was Driving Ambition (http://www.drivingambition.us). The sound of Minis maxing rpm’s was part of the background music accompanying the event throughout the day.

By far the most unusual Classic Mini of the event was a bright yellow beast powered by a Ford Cosworth engine and owned by Bill Brooks!

The day was peppered with raffle prizes and giveaways, the highlight was the People’s Choice Awards, where participants voted for their favorite Minis in various categories.

People’s Choice Award Winners are as follows:

• Classic – Best Overall – Rick Williamson
• Classic – Cleanest – Carl Hoard
• Classic – Most Stuff –  Brian Howe
• Classic – Paint Graphics  – Josh Trundle
• MINI – Best Overall – Randy Stevens
• MINI – Best Graphics – Helen Boss
• MINI – Cleanest – Terri and Gary Morgan
• MINI – Most Stuff – Tony Obando

The day’s activities concluded with a tour of Nevada County that lead participants up scenic Highway 20 and down a windy side road through towering pine trees to the little charming town of Washington, where everyone took a moment to stretch their legs and enjoy the scenery along the beautiful Yuba river. On the way back, the tour stopped at a scenic overlook on Highway 20 and lined up for a panoramic photography shoot. Everyone had a great time!

>>>Read the Article in MC2 or just >>>Click HERE>>>

Congratulations Guys!!

Mini Mania Mini's at Hallet Raceway Oklahoma - Mini Mania Inc.

Vintage racing a Mini Cooper is hit, racing with old friends makes it a double, racing at Hallett raceway for the first time makes it a triple, and being a guest of the Corinthian Vintage Auto Racing group made it a home run! Almost too good to be true! And I don’t even play baseball! *yerrrr safe!*

It was on a casual note that a new/old friend of ours, Robert Hoemke asked after spending some time with us during the Monterey Historics ask if we would consider bringiMini Mania Mini’s at Hallet Raceway Oklahoma – Mini Mania Inc.ng a couple of our Minis to one of his local events. Robert races a number of different cars but of course he also does a fantastic job in the Historic “Purple People Eater” Mini Cooper of Richard McDaniels. Richard won both AARC and Trans-am races back in the ‘60s in this car.

So with too little thought, we said yes. It was just a matter of when and where. The choices from a timing stand point were between Eagles canyon in Texas or Hallett in Oklahoma.

READ MORE >>>

Guinness World Records™ Adjudicator Danny Girton Jr. was present during EMC and Pilobolus’ 16 December 2010 record attempt when 26 Pilobolus* performers fit into a standard new model Mini Cooper. Girton Jr. returned 18 January 2011 to commemorate EMC and Pilobolus’ record-setting achievement, with an official certificate presentation during EMC’s new product launch event.

MC Information Infrastructure Products President & COO Pat Gelsinger explained the record attempt as a way to celebrate their brand’s “record-breaking technology.” As part of EMC’s global initiative, the company also set records in London [Largest ball of magnetic tape] and Singapore [Most vinyl records broken in 30 seconds (team)].

We’ll let him tell you in his own words.

Congratulations again Russ!

My HOOKED ON DRIVING experience.

courtesy of MiniMania, December 11, 2010.

By Russ Hansen

Did I have fun?  You Bet!

Since the event I have found myself continually reflecting on the experience.  I find myself reviewing in my mind’s eye the turns I did well, and the turns I didn’t do well.  I have driven over a million miles for my consultant dietitian business, but none of those miles compare to the Hooked on Driving experience.

Before I go on, a BIG THANKS to Don Racine and MiniMania, for sponsoring the event attendance and providing the vehicles to drive!

There were several firsts for me.  First time to Northern California.  First time driving at this level.  First time driving a classic set up for racing.  First time for skill driving education.  First time to learn what the flags mean on a race track.  First time to learn about the hand signals that are used by the drivers, at a track like a href=”http://www.thunderhill.com”>Thunderhill Raceway Park (www.thunderhill.com).  First time to meet Don Racine, his son Dennis, his daughter Julie, and son-in-law John, all who are driving enthusiasts (what great people they are!).  And there were probably a few other firsts that don’t come to mind as I write this.   It was a great day.

It was a full day.  It was dark when I arrived, and it was starting to get dark when I left the track area at the end of the day.

Hooked on Driving is a fantastic event.  The event was well designed and achieved the objectives of improving driving safety, focus, confidence, control, and reaction skills.   Ultimately HOD drivers are safer on the public highways.  The Hook on Driving event is held at various tracks all over the USA.  The track I attended, is in Northern California, and is called Thunderhill Raceway Park (www.thunderhill.com), near Willows, California.  This was not an auto cross event.  For example, the straight-aways hit speeds of 70, 80, and 90+ with one long straight that included negotiating bends at speed.  Having said this, I quote the Driver’s Logbook which says HOD activities are not competitions or timed events in any way.  The goal of the program is to teach drivers in a controlled environment to drive their cars better and enjoy them at a level that would just not be appropriate on the street.

When Don first asked what I would prefer to drive, a classic MINI Cooper or a New MINI, I said “a classic”.  I’m still glad I did, but that choice was not without challenges.  The first challenge was getting the car to move without burning the clutch.  Even the simple process of engaging the car into first gear was a learning experience for me.  For this classic with a dedicated racing setup, the tach speed of 4000 rpm or more was needed to get the vehicle rolling and to keep it running.  Honestly, I never became real proficient at getting the engine speed and clutch engagement coordinated well for the highly geared machine, but it was fun trying.  The other issue was that my helmet blocked the view out of the panorama rear view mirror mounted inside the car.  I found I was unintentionally holding up faster traffic, as I was learning how to drive the racing classic thru the 15 turns on the track.  During the sessions, sometimes I would take a turn near perfect (“the line”) and at other times it seemed like I had never even seen the turn before.        On the track, concentration is key, which includes being aware of others on the track.    I found being aware of others on the track was particularly challenging for me.  It just didn’t come automatic for me, and more track time practice is obviously what one would need for all skills to be honed.

Additionally, the classic vehicle engine was so loud, we learned that it was not really feasible to talk about my technique, in the car, while driving.  So, in car communication, except for some pre-designated hand signals and pointing, was essentially impossible.  The instruction, therefore, had to wait until each driving session was over.

The day consisted of driving four sessions and three classroom sessions that reviewed the driving experiences.   In addition to the lessons the head coach, D.W., was imparting, and what Don and Dennis were instructing me about, I also had to learn to trust the car.  D.W. emphasized that the Hooked On Driving day was to learn how to drive better, safer, wiser; and it was not to become a race car driver on this first day.  As the day progressed, racing techniques were imparted, but only to achieve those primary objectives.  For me that was an ideal philosophical and practical approach.

After the first three sessions in the classic bumble bee yellow #61, a “CV” joint problem occurred.  As a result, this meant that the final session of the day was run in a MINI Cooper S.  The handling difference was amazing.  I found that I had fun driving the MINI Cooper S too.  By the way, the “S” really had some punch compared to the Standard MINI my wife and I drive.

I learned a lot.  I learned that driving at this skill level and above has a language of it’s own.  Much of the day was hearing a term or phrase, forgetting it, and hearing it again, and then remembering it, usually.   Lots of new things.  I was in A group, along with about 15 others; more advanced drivers were in B, C or D groups.  Everyone in A group had a coach that rides along with the driver.  Don and Dennis were my coaches.  I also road along with Don in the MINI Cooper S during a Coaches session (the Coaches get to play in their cars, in between the participant sessions).  It became obvious that Don drives at a racing skill level.  I learned during the day, that he has raced for years.

Since the event, I’ve already found in my daily driving, more fun and more confidence as a result of the event participation.  Yet I know, also, not to be over confident.  Recently for example, I drove 190 miles, with about half of them on snow pack /icy roads.  The dangerous stretches were negotiated with a little more confidence because I felt like my safety judgment has improved.  Something simple like braking on the straight, before the turn is started, isn’t always obvious unless you’ve had some training like that at Hook on Driving.

This trip was unfortunately short, as a business trip / vacation just a month prior meant that this trip just couldn’t be extended.   In fact, while on that business trip, I got the call from Don saying I had been selected for the event.   I’ve gotta go back some day.  And I’d recommend the Hooked on Driving experience to anyone.

END

ASC/DSC EXPLAINED

for the MINI, integrated by BMW

FUNCTION:
ASC & DSC work with the ABS system to provide enhanced vehicle stability.

ASC – Automatic Stability Control
ASC uses speed sensors at each wheel and throttle position to improve traction by applying the rear brakes if the rear wheels spin faster than the front. It can also shut off individual fuel injectors and close the throttle valve to help maximize traction. ASC also acts as a virtual limited slip differential by detecting a spinning wheel and applying braking force to just that wheel until traction is regained. AWD models (the BMW xi) use ASC-X which monitors all 4 wheels to provide limited slip differential effect. The ASC system also provides traction control by modulating throttle, ignition timing and braking force to maintain traction.

DSC – Dynamic Stability Control
DSC builds on the features of the ASC system. While ASC functions only during acceleration and braking, DSC functions during all driving conditions such as cornering and emergency maneuvers. Additional sensors are added to acheive this level of stability such as lateral, yaw, brake pedal, and steering angle sensors. In DSC, each of the three subsystems: ABS, ASC, and DSC have jobs to do, and these are:

ABS: Cornering Brake Control, Electronic Brake Proportioning
ASC: Brake Intervention (or ABD-Automatic Braking Differential), Drag/Drive Torque Reduction
DSC: Dynamic Brake Control, Maximum Brake Control

Let’s dig deeper, shall we?

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is a suspension control system which goes beyond the single components of Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC + T).

The steering wheel movement, vehicle speed, transverse acceleration and yaw are all used by DSC to register imminent instability when cornering. DSC then intervenes via the engine management system, reducing drive torque and activating wheel brakes when necessary to keep the vehicle stable. These events occur within milliseconds.

DSC is, in fact, a further development of the ABS and ASC+T slip control systems.

While ASC + T analyzes the longitudinal forces occurring in straight-ahead operation, DSC additionally registers and analyses lateral dynamic forces.
When cornering at high speeds, DSC counters unstable vehicle states such as oversteering (rear of car brakes into a slide towards the outside of the curve) or understeering (front of car pushes towards the outside of the curve).
The DSC feature can provide maximum stability when cornering.
With DSC there is a significant reduction in the risk of skidding.
BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control system has been available on a variety of BMW models over the last three years.

Here’s how it works:

DSC constantly compares vehicle speed, wheel speed, steering angle, and yaw rate with a benchmark of plausible and optimum driving conditions’ data. In a fraction of a second, DSC recognizes a threatening instability and a danger of skidding. The DSC system can correct an unstable driving condition by applying precise braking action to the individual wheels. As with ASC, DSC will if necessary also cut back the engine speed to automatically stabilize the vehicle.

The ASC + T system will reduce engine output until the vehicle can move or or until acceleration can occur without the wheels spinning. If this reduction is insufficient, each drive wheel is braked individually until both wheels have optimum traction.

This makes it possible to drive on snow, wet roads or other slippery grounds without the wheels spinning. Even if the back wheels suddenly lose traction in a bend during acceleration, ASC + T intervenes so quickly that the vehicle is stabilized before it can oversteer and swing out of the bend. The instrument console informs the driver of any control intervention and the relevant situation.

The DSC computer constantly calculates an ideal driving condition that is compared with the current status. If the vehicle oversteers or understeers, the calculated ideal deviates from the measured status, and DSC will intervene within a few milliseconds via the engine management system by reducing the engine torque and applying the brakes on individual wheels where necessary.

DSC makes use of the ABS wheel-speed sensors and the following additional components:

steering angle sensor to detect the driver’s chosen path.
lateral-acceleration sensor to define the lateral forces which must be transmitted to the road by the tires.
rate-of-turn sensor to define the vehicle’s degree of rotary movement.
brake-pressure sensor to define the longitudinal forces acting between tires and road surface under braking.

ASC/DSC CONTROL BUTTON
The control button on the center console is used to deactivate the ASC/DSC systems.

NOTE: On all systems, ABS IS ACTIVE AT ALL TIMES.

A indicator lamp between the tachometer and speedometer is used to show ASC/DSC status.
A flashing indicator lamp indicates the system has activated.
A steady indicator lamp indicates the system is turned off or inoperative.

On the ASC system:
Press the ASC button to disable ACS while leaving ABD active.

On rear-wheel drive DSC systems:
Press the DSC button to disable DSC while leaving ABD active.
Press and hold the DSC button for 3+ seconds and the “BRAKE” instrument panel lamp will light yellow and disable all stability/traction systems.

On all-wheel drive (xi) DSC systems:
Press the DSC button to disable DSC while leaving ADB active in maximum output mode.

On ALL systems:
Pressing the ASC/DSC button again will reactive the system. If the indicator lamp does not go out or if it should come on and stay on during driving, a component has failed and should be serviced.

WARNING:

If the ABS, ASC/DSC, and BRAKE lamp should all come on during driving, DO NOT drive the car and have it serviced immediately.

These different systems all work in unison to provide a very safe and stable vehicle under almost all circumstances. Remember, physics does still apply and even our MINI’s have their limits. On numerous occasions, however, I have felt the DSC system kick in on slippery surfaces and jerk the car back straight without any input from me. It is quite impressive to say the least. While some may feel that ASC/DSC limits their MINI’s performance, the payoff in safety on the road is too great to gamble with. At the track… well, that’s a different story…

License plates are typically affixed directly to the car and thus most cars are designed with mounting places and holes for a standard plate. It is also very common is surrounded by a frame from either a dealership or some other custom frame to personalize it.
It is also very easy and common in the US to request and purchase a ‘vanity’ or personalized license plate. And the MINI owners of the America love to personalize their cars. This great example of a personal license plate can be found on the back of my daughter’s MINI Cooper S Clubman!

The BMW MINI Cooper range of cars in the US does not allow for easy mounting of the required front license plate.
Does your state require a front license plate? Do you HATE the idea of drilling holes into your beloved MINI bumper? Do you want to avoid the ticket from the ever-friendly traffic officer? Here is the answer to your dilemma!

Custom frames are available from Mini Mania.

The following are just a few of our fellow MINI Cooper owners that have custom plates!

Mini Thunder II – 2/20/2011

On Saturday night (the day before the event), February 19th, 2011 (Presidents Day Weekend) Mini Thunder will be holding a BBQ dinner at the track. If you plan on travelling a long distance, this will give Saturday as a travel day to get there and Monday as a travel day to get back home. More Information

According to the NHTSA, there is “an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle,” which causes “difficulty while trying to steer or control the vehicle.”

CNNMoney reports that this investigation comes after 54 drivers complaints and a number of confidential field reports to the agency that drivers suddenly lost power steering assistance.” If the problem is widespread, NHTSA estimates that 80,000 MINIs may be affected.

The Detroit News is quick to point out that last month, NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation into steering issues reported on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata,” and as we saw earlier this week, nearly 140,000 Hyundai Sonatas were recalled. Keeping that in mind, MINI may be next.

If an NHTSA recall is issued for the 2004 and 2005 MINI Cooper, we’ll bring you all the details.

By Richard Posluszny  Posted: Sep 29, 2010 08:08 a.m.
US News and World Report

Prodrive ran the car for four days at its facility in Warwickshire, driving mostly on tarmac, but also on dirt. The car is now scheduled to travel to Portugal where it will undergo a week of gravel testing.

“As with any totally new car, it is vital to take time to ensure all the systems are working as intended before embarking on a week long gravel test,” said David Lapworth, Prodrive technical director.

MINI intends to run some of the 2011 WRC before preparing for a full season of racing in 2012.

More of the story here:
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/09/mini-countryman-wrc-a-first-look-at-minis-rally-car-as-prodrive-completes-shakedown.html

Save 15% at www.MiniMania.com on parts and accessories for the Mini Cooper

The concepts for the Riley show that it will either be a spin-off from the Mk3 Mini, due in 2013, or a new notchback body style inspired by the original Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet.

Many at BMW acknowledge that a super-luxury version of the Mini, fitted with a very high-end wood and leather interior, is likely to have appeal to affluent city dwellers.

However, others argue that a notchback Mini would attract buyers in countries that regard hatchbacks as low rent. A three-door van, based on a version of the Countryman platform, is also likely to feature in the future Mini plan.

Despite the profusion of niche models, the challenge for the Mini design team is to nail down the form of the Mini 3.

More of the information can be found here: http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/252508/

The car charged with this task is the MINI Countryman WRC, which is being developed by Prodrive, in close cooperation with MINI, and is based on the production model. The powerful heart of the racing car is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged engine from BMW Motorsport. The car complies with the new Super2000 regulations put in place by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which stipulate the use of turbo engines with 1,600 cc displacement and four-wheel drive combined with an increased emphasis on road relevant technologies. The result is a significant 25 per cent reduction in overall costs. The first test drive for the MINI Countryman WRC, which will also be available to customer teams, is planned for autumn 2010.

This decision sees MINI continue its success story in the world of rallying. In the 1960s, the MINI Cooper S caused a sensation with victories at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. The company also tasted success on many occasions in the European Rally Championship. Having already demonstrated the sporty character of its models in many countries in the MINI CHALLENGE, the brand is now taking its presence in motorsport to a new level with the commitment to the WRC.

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, says: “I am delighted MINI will be represented on one of the most popular stages in international motorsport. The success enjoyed on the rally circuit has made a vital contribution to the image of the brand. MINI customers have always shown great interest in motorsport. I am convinced we will add a few more chapters to our success story in rallying. The MINI Countryman provides an excellent basis, from which to create a competitive racing car for the world championship. In Prodrive, we have a strong and experienced partner. We will work hard together over the coming months to ensure we get the project on track right from the word go.”

“This is a very exciting new motorsport programme,” said Prodrive Chairman, David Richards. “During the 1960s MINI captured the imagination of the world when the tiny car took on the might of V8 powered Fords and won what was then one of the toughest motorsport events, the 4000km Monte Carlo rally. I believe our new MINI will become a firm favourite of the latest generation of rally fans, just as it is adored by its millions of owners across the world. We already have a significant number of confirmed customer orders for the new MINI rally car with the first deliveries scheduled for the start of the 2011 season.”

Prodrive has been working on developing the MINI Countryman WRC since early 2009. The company was formed in 1984 by Richards, who won the World Rally Championship as co-driver to Ari Vatanen (FI) three years earlier. Based in Banbury (GB), Prodrive has developed into a leading independent company in the motorsport and automobile sector under Richards’ guidance, and today employs over 500 staff. Prodrive’s many successes currently include six overall victories in the World Rally Championship, five titles in the British Touring Car Championship and three class victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours (FR).

BMW was present when the World Rally Championship made its debut back in 1973. Achim Warmbold (DE) and Jean Todt (FR) tasted victory in their BMW 2002 at the Alpenfahrt Rally in Austria. However, MINI’s tradition in this discipline stretches back even further: Pat Moss (GB) clinched the first victory with the MINI 850 at the 1959 Mini Miglia National Rally. MINI ultimately enjoyed its finest hours at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967: the MINI Cooper S celebrated three overall victories at the most iconic rallying event in the world. Paddy Hopkirk (IR, 1964), Timo Mäkinen (FI, 1965) and Rauno Aaltonen (FI, 1967) joined the list of winners at this prestigious event. In 1965, “Rally Professor” Aaltonen also won the European Rally Championship. Tony Ambrose (GB) and Mäkinen finished second and third to round off an excellent overall result for the MINI Cooper S. In addition, MINI drivers also enjoyed many individual wins at renowned rallies throughout Europe. The last BMW World Rally Championship victory was achieved in 1987 in Corsica by Bernard Béguin (FR) driving a BMW M3 which was built and run by Prodrive.

From 2011, over 40 years down the line, the MINI Countryman WRC will be charged with adding further chapters to this success story. It bridges the gap between the classic MINI concept and a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle. The brand’s first model to feature four doors and a wide-opening tailgate, it offers more space – which can be used in a wide variety of ways – to go with its raised seating position and optimised ride comfort. Plus, the “go-kart” feeling for which MINI is a byword has been preserved and takes on a new dimension with the optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. The MINI Countryman expresses the defining virtues of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and the scope for customisation – and does so in an absorbingly individual way.

The next step down from the racing version is the MINI Cooper S Countryman. With its twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection now complemented by fully variable valve management, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the range-topping model offers by far the best balance between output and fuel consumption in its displacement class. The engine generates an impressive 135 kW/184 bhp and allows the MINI Cooper S Countryman to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. Furthermore, the MINIMALISM concept sees wide-ranging technology designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions – such as Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display and the need-based operation of ancillary components – fitted as standard and in model-specific combinations.

The MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman can be ordered as an option with MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive. Here, an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, in extreme situations as much as 100 per cent. The result is a new, traction-led expression of the agile handling for which MINI is famed.

1. MINI model designations 1258  - Jun-12-08
2. MINI CAR CLUBS 421  - Mar-02-05
3. Engines from Mini Mania 346  - Aug-01-03
4. COMING SOON: Austin America VTEC Kit! 332  - Nov-06-09
5. COMING SOON: VTEC Rear-Engine Rear Wheel Driv 322  - Nov-05-09
6. Installing a VTEC in a Mini Using the ULTRIK 291  - Aug-08-05
7. Oil Service Interval Reset – 02-06 MINIs 253  - Jan-02-07
8. Mini Chassis/VIN and Commission Numbers, Part 250  - May-11-04
9. Mini & Cooper Wiring Diagrams On-Line 240  - Feb-19-02
10. Mini Identification 226  - Feb-13-06