Most liked posts in thread: MINI Misses Filing Deadline for WRC 2012

I very much enjoy watching the Minis in the WRC but I suspect I am one of a very small percentage of people that watch the rallies in the US. Seeing the way that Mini owners have changed over the years, I bet only 1% or less of US owners watch the WRC. I know that more people watch WRC in other counties but the US is a big BMW/Mini market. It is already a little hard to find the WRC on TV now it sounds like it my soon be impossible.
I will keep hoping for a two car entry for the full WRC season.

 

I've always followed the WRC, but with the MINIs I watched every race. It's a shame that BMW is giving the race team such a short shrift. I'm tired of watching Citroens and Fords drive.

 

:eek6:

 

I have to agree Mark. They can find the money to run a second car, but not with Kris in it. I thought they were really into the WRC and I was really up for the 2012 season, but with BMW/MINI acting this way, I honestly don't care anymore how they do.

In reality, BMW/MINI is no different from any other car maker, even if we wish they were. Build it, market it, get you to buy it and then screw you until you might need another one.

Jim

 

I agree completely with this ^ Jim. Is the MINI Kool-Aide starting to taste a bit bitter? Maybe a new roadster will make it sweet again. :wink:

Personally I don't think BMW has any intentions of supporting the new 1 series in any competitive venue. I could be wrong, I often am.

My best guess is the driver of the other MINI contesting the Monte came with his own $ponsorship. Unfortunately money i$ more important than talent these day$. Happen$ in all form$ of racing. Sad, but true...

 

If it smells of dung, no need to step in it to know for sure..... Surprise!

 

You are correct Chuck. I got a bit caught up in the whole MINI thing and almost believed that BMW/MINI USA actually cared about their product and its customers. What with all the secret messages, adds, little gifts and all, they certainly gave that appearance. In the end, it is the simply "the car" that one gets into and the great community that goes with it. BMW is no better, worse or different than any other car company. Show them the money and then be on your way. I'm getting back to reality now, love my MINI, love the community and BMW who?

BTW: When I get a Roadster, I plan to make it look like at Triumph. :lol:

Jim

 

Nathan, we should have M/A sponsor Chris. I know it takes a lot of money to fund a $eat, but if we all kicked in $10 it would be a good start. I hereby pledge $10 of my donut money. :yesnod:

 

I'm in for $10.00, maybe $20.00 and I'll virtually cover donuts for Crash.

Why did BMW even start this WRC thing in the first place if they were not serious about it? They did get a lot of hype for MINI last season and they will milk Monte Carlo for all it is worth, then sell out. This has really turned me against BMW, not that they care, which they don't.

Jim

 

I have yet to step into a BMW dealership were they actually care about the customer It's like they are doing you a favor :crazy:

True story, a few years ago we were in the market for a new roadster, looked at the Mercedes, they did everything they could to get us a car, very nice people. Went across the street to BMW to look at a Z4, the guy says to come into his office....me and the wife are sitting there..<crickets>...This guy is doing NOTHING! :crazy: This is what I say, "Why are we in here? Obviously you don't want to sell a car today?" He says, "I guess not" ut: Me and the wife get the heck out of there, walk across the street, to the Acura dealer, they have a used 03 Z4 that we drive off the lot. The best part....we drove it across the street to BMW and I show the idiot the car.......classic :cornut:

BTW, this is the same BMW dealership that tried to become a MINI dealer, but has such a crappy reputation that MINI said no....:lol:

 

Sorry to hear of your unfortunate experience Jim. I have to say that I disagree with your statement questioning whether a BMW dealer actually cares about their customers. Whether here locally or elsewhere, I have always felt entirely welcome and cared for when I have needed something from a dealership. I guess there's always a few isolated cases where car sales folks and prospective buyers just don't mesh.....

I have interacted with this particular BMW dealer for 35 years and have had mostly favorable dealings with the previous and current ownership. Our new car purchase experience in 2006 was quite the opposite of yours. Overall, I believe they have always been a pretty stand-up business. Parts and service staff are awesome, but sales staff have come and gone like the tide. Some (salemen) are just not cut out to play well with others in public.

As for the MINI issue, there's more to the story than their reputation.

 

Funny thing is Jon....this kinda went on there even after we made the mistake in buying her a "pre owned certified" 05 BMW 330ci, from Niello, but had to return it over and over to Weber, has they had to fix it, yes the service guy fixed it, but it was obvious that we did not get the same service as the people that bought there :frown2: They are pretty much out of the picture if we will ever buy a BMW again.

 

That's a bummer. I never have experienced that type of treatment, whether there or at any other dealership, over my many years of BMW ownership. Next time we can face-to-face, I'll give you the names of the folks I regularly deal with. If you do choose to get another Beemer, maybe they would work out better for you. Their lead service writer left them a year or more ago (long overdue, but I was'nt ever intimidated), and that led to a very positive change. Actually, they have struggled off and on with having a sound interpersonal individual in that position for years. Like I said above, there's always a few folks that just simply should'nt involve themselves in jobs where getting along well with others is a top listed pre-req before being hired. Talk to ya soon... JB.

 

It would be cool to see the M/A logo on a WRC car. Maybe we could even send our racing shirts to Kris and he would sign them.

BTW: We need a "in your dreams" smilie.

Jim

 

I always thought it was strange that MINI USA didn't get more behind the RSR team, especially this past season. Now it seems like it is MINI corporate as a whole. They want to push their racing heritage from the past as a marketing tool, but not promote it with their current cars?