I believe the new 2007+ R56 MINI startup noises are due to a similar mode that VW uses to heat up the Cats when cold starting. Here is a paragraph from a VW Document.
The 2.0L turbo operates in two modes. Cold-start conditions initiate a dual-injection mode for rapid heating of the dual catalytic converters. A quantity of fuel is injected on the intake stroke around 300 degrees BTDC of ignition, and the fuel distributes itself homogenously because of the long gap before ignition. A second injection, around 60 degrees BTDC of ignition during the compression phase, forms a rich mixture around the spark plug, which allows a considerable degree of retarded timing without affecting the engine’s stability. Normal mode and stoichometric levels begin quickly, when the catalytic converters have reached operating temperature, usually within 30-40 seconds.
So basically you get two firings of the injectors and some other funny stuff going on.
admin MINI Cooper
Just purchased R55MINI.COM, R56MINI.COM, R57MINI.COM, R58MINI.COM to eventually set up sites for FAQ and general help on the R55, R56, R57 and R58 model MINI Coopers by MINI/BMW. They are just parked for the moment.
admin MINI Cooper
After my initial MCS test drives on Saturday I decided to drive these two cars back to back over the same roads today to re-confirm my choice.
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admin MINI Cooper
In addition to my test drive yesterday of the 2007 MINI Cooper S I was able to view many of the options I ordered for my car.
I’m not a previous MINI owner. The driving exceeded my expectations and I think would even more so over time. The exterior met my expectations. The interior was a bit below my expectations. I may go compare a GTI again just to make sure I still want the MINI.
The interior is nice and I didn’t look too close to see any fit problems. Cloth seats could have a bit heavier material and is much like on the new base Rabbit 2dr except for the checkers. The Lounge leather is great and leatherette is nice. The seats are still not as comfortable as some of the competition like VW. They seemed a bit small to my 6′4″. Standard radio sound is marginal or below par for this class. HVAC control are a bit light and the Auto HVAC does looks a bit less cheap. The chrome interior package looks nice with most of the trims and I think I would order that if I get a 2nd chance. The Aluminum trim color sometimes looked a bit green to me and there were some noticeable surface imperfections in the checkered trim. Is the sunroof shade a joke? I moved it just enough to scare myself I would break it.
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