2023 Mini Cooper SE Live Journal & Review

Just a heads-up for those that are ordering the reverse lights I posted, I have noticed a random flash in one bulb when the car is NOT in reverse (bulbs off). I've only seen it twice as it's very quick, and only one side, so not sure if it's a defective bulb or just not playing nice with the car. Going to return and get another set sent out to see if it resolves. :-(

 

No I have not, did not know that was an option. Did not have any bulb out warnings or anything so didn't even think to check it out. Thanks for the tip!

 

Milage as of 6/2/22: 1708


So found some time to make my way to the track and get some recorded 1/4 mile runs on the dragy!

Made a total of 6 runs starting with 91% battery, ended at 78%, with a 10+ minute cool down period between runs. Ambient was mid 80's, full sun, dry surface. HVAC off, windows up. Simple 2 foot launch process used for consistency, hold brakes, floor accelerator, release brake, which achieved flawless launches with no wheel spin.

Did the following mode combinations: 1. Mid/traction on, 2. Mid/traction off short press, 3. Sport/traction on, 4. Sport/traction off short press, 5. Sport/traction off long press, 6. Hidden roller mode.

So to report, driving mode does NOT matter in regards to getting maximum performance for straight line acceleration. All runs were within .10 seconds of each other. I feel like battery/motor thermal management will probably have more of an effect than anything else.

Would not recommend using roller mode unless being used for it's intended purpose and is not necessary for getting max performance. Roller mode also turns off Regen braking 100% so lifting off the accelerator only brings the car to a coasting state and requires 100% friction brakes to slow down. Just a interesting note, the car coasts very freely, a disconnected feeling, so drivetrain drag seems VERY minimal.

Because of the good consistency I'm only posting the best 0-60 and 1/4 mile times.

6 second flat 0-60 w/the 1ft rollout!! Not bad! 1ft rollout IMO is more accurate to how a vehicle's acceleration "feels" despite not being a true 0mph start, and I feel this is definitely the case when punching the SE around 10-30mph, just look how consistent the G's are through 40mph.








And just for funsies heres the times for my golf R (these were from stage 1, I am unfortunately missing my stage 2 times which were obviously quicker by slightly more than a half second quicker in both accounts). That launch hits hard! :-D

 

Another bone to pick with Mini.

Who the heck designed the steering wheel?

The outermost buttons protrude away from the face of the wheel, are very close to the outer rim, and because of the position, my palms are constantly pressing the cruise res/cncl or volume up buttons while turning, such as in tight spaces, reversing, U-turns, etc, where quick lock to lock is required and using 9 or 3 as a swivel point. Even just holding the wheel at 9 and 3 (you know, where you should be holding it, and is even designed to be held at) is awkward because you can feel the buttons on your palms.

It is driving me absolutely bonkers. Never had this problem with any other vehicle (and I've driven close to 100 different vehicles), and will most likely require me to alter decades of driving habits. I can overlook vehicle design "quirks" but this is, IMO, a design failure. When you have a constant touch point, such as the wheel, the design should be absolutely scrutinized.

Honestly feel like Mini truly screwed this one up and they will hopefully address and change the design in the future. Move them a ½" towards the center, and recess them below the wheel rim and the problem is solved. Shoot, I might even start looking for a aftermarket wheel to replace it.