Saw a MINI Cooper SE at...

insightman said:
I remember reading how proud MINI was to have incorporated the traction control system into the motor control system so it can act sooner to ensure traction than less-integrated systems, so I'm surprised to learn it activates the brakes, too. I'd be less surprised to learn the stability control system uses the brakes.
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Do you happen to have a source for that info? I came across some mentions of it in reviews. The MINI TC system is sooo much nicer than the other FWD EVs. We were thinking of adding a Bolt or Niro, but even my wife was taken aback by how much they spun their wheels.
 
polyphonic said:
Do you happen to have a source for that info? I came across some mentions of it in reviews. The MINI TC system is sooo much nicer than the other FWD EVs. We were thinking of adding a Bolt or Niro, but even my wife was taken aback by how much they spun their wheels.
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This MINI Cooper SE introduction press release (which I read and re-read many times on July 9th, 2019, the day the production model was unveiled), says:

In order to ensure that the high level of torque supplied by the electric motor immediately on set-off can be put to use for hallmark brand riding fun without loss of traction, the new MINI Cooper SE has an innovative DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system.

That same day, Green Car Reports described the system in such a way that caused me to believe it would not be responsible for the release of brake dust:

The company has developed a new traction and stability control system based on altering power inputs to the motor, which delivers quicker and more efficient response than using brake pressure offsetting motor power.

Also on that wonderful day, Motoring File explained:

According to those who have driven the SE, it’s an absolute riot on the track and is likely the most capable around an autocross. This is also due to something called ARB – BMW’s highly advanced traction control system designed for electric cars that features a slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit making it dramatically faster to react. Combined with with DSC, actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation (say that three times) significantly reduces the power understeer usually experienced with front-wheel drive vehicles, but without control intervention to stabilize lateral dynamics.
 
That seems to imply MINI added an extra control module that utilizes the existing stability control. I know my power spoke wheels have brake dust on them, and if I touch the brake pedal even once I consider it a demerit for not paying attention when driving. Also, on the Facebook forum there were many complaints of brake dust, but that forum is closed to the public now.

The SE's lack of wheel spin is a major feature that doesn't get enough recognition.
 
Lainey said:
I finally saw another SE Saturday. I was stopping by Whole Foods and turned the corner for more parking spaces. I saw a BRG 2022 parked charging. I didn't need to charge but I did go right up next to it and charged for this pic View attachment 12526
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To update this. I have seen this green machine around the neighborhood a ton and we finally tracked it down. Our neighbors 4 doors down own it! I had a chance to chat with them and they love theirs totally. Like me the main driver doesn't go far, so it's the perfect suburban ride. They were supposed to get the 2020 SE but with delays and our dealership just being kinda stupid about electrics, they found it in stock at a dealership 100 miles away. Nice to know it belongs to a great family.
 
Lainey said:
To update this. I have seen this green machine around the neighborhood a ton and we finally tracked it down. Our neighbors 4 doors down own it! I had a chance to chat with them and they love theirs totally. Like me the main driver doesn't go far, so it's the perfect suburban ride. They were supposed to get the 2020 SE but with delays and our dealership just being kinda stupid about electrics, they found it in stock at a dealership 100 miles away. Nice to know it belongs to a great family.
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Wow! Only 4 houses away is even closer than the SE a block down the street from me. Did you suggest your neighbor should join this forum?
 
insightman said:
Wow! Only 4 houses away is even closer than the SE a block down the street from me. Did you suggest your neighbor should join this forum?
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Next time I talk to them I will. They had just brought their new other car home and were working on learning some of that and needed lunch.
 
on Friday I spotted a twin chili red Mini SE in Santa Ana, CA.....driving down 1st street. The moment was fleeting, I got stuck behind a bus! I was so bummed, I've never seen another Mini SE on the road especially not an identical twin. Hopefully we will meet again!
 
I was very surprised to drive past another SE today! Almost didn't notice but the distinctive 2020/2021 nose cone caught my eye. With the sparse charging around here and the 170mi trip to the nearest MINI dealer, I expected to be the only SE for quite a while. Small cars are pretty rare here to begin with... most people either drive a truck or a Subaru...

VideoCapture_20210816-163427.webp
 
Not really "saw another SE" story, but I wanted to share. While I was sitting in the outer lane of a Walgreens drive-through the person helping me said, "I really like your wheels," referring to my Power Spoke wheels. First time I've gotten a comment on them.
 
I saw a 2022 Moonwalk Grey SE with a temp tag in my neighborhood this evening!

I waved furiously, but they didn't see me. To be fair, they were probably focused on turning down that side street that I just might have to go exploring sometime...
 
In the last few months, I have seen:

Tesla 100, X, Y, and 3
Fiat 500E
Mustang Mach E
Chevy Bolt 1st and 2nd gen
Chevy Bolt EUV
Polestar 2
Porsche Taycan
VW ID.4

Alas, I have yet to see an SE.
 
SE's are so rare in my neck of the woods. When there was an electric car show in town, my dealer asked if they could use my 2022. I said yes, and went along with a rep from the dealer. Great fun, lots of interest and questions, and LOTS of lookers.
 
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