North American Motoring http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums MINI COOPER news, forums, FAQs, and reviews for enthusiasts and owners of North American MINIs en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:42:09 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums//forums/images/misc/rss.jpg North American Motoring http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums 15in wheels on Clubman S http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/clubman-talk-2008/178740-15in-wheels-on-clubman-s-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:04:42 GMT I've been lurking these forums for a long time but finally need to make my own post. I pulled the trigger on a '10 Clubman S to be delivered some time around Christmas. I've been backwards and forwards through everything I can find here and elsewhere and am at a loss... has anyone had success putting 15" wheels on a R55 S? I understand the brake issue but I can't imagine that there aren't any wheels out there that fit. I'm trying my best to get away from the run-flats, utilize a spare, and get as much sidewall as possible on my winter setup.

I travel from northern New Hampshire / Vermont to central New Jersey weekly and drive a full gamut of the Northeast's worst roads... in four years I've bent 3 rims on other cars - hence the desire for a more traditional sidewall height. Please be specific as to what rims have worked for you, as I need to get some ready to put on my new baby as soon as she comes in. Thanks for the help. ]]> Clubman Talk (2008+) KiwiMtnClmbr http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/clubman-talk-2008/178740-15in-wheels-on-clubman-s.html My JCW http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/factory-jcw-talk-2009/178739-my-jcw-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:04:21 GMT I have many photos to show you guys. I will up load around 12 or show Ron:) I have many photos to show you guys. I will up load around 12 or show
Ron:)
Attached Images
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File Type: jpg Car_rear.jpg (93.5 KB)
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]]> Factory JCW Talk (2009+) Ron Avery http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/factory-jcw-talk-2009/178739-my-jcw.html Last weekend for Top Commander special pricing! http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/vendor-announcements/178738-last-weekend-for-top-commander-special-pricing-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:49:56 GMT Hi all,

The first production run of the Top Commander for the R52 will be shipping on Monday.

Here's the original announcement:

We'd had some requests for a control module to make the operation of the convertable top on the R52 easier. Well, we did it.

It goes up behind the header electronics and hooks to both the top and window switches there.
  • A quick double tap on the top open button fully opens the top.
  • A quick single tap on the window open button fully opens the windows.
  • A quick double tap on the top close button fully closes the top.
  • A quick single tap on the window close button fully closes the windows.
So about 30 seconds of button pushing is replaced by 3 quick taps to open everything up.

And about 20 seconds of button pushing is replaced by 3 quick taps to close everything up.

A single tap on the appropriate button will stop motion of the top or the windows.

Retail will be $69.95 plus tax, shipping and handling. Put a $69.95 deposit down via PayPal to sales@fes-auto.com and we'll cover shipping and sales tax (for CA residents). We're looking at about 4 weeks till shipments. We have to make the daugter boards for the switches.

When we're in production, the deal is off and it will be back at retail.

Matt

Discussion Thread; ]]> Vendor Announcements Dr Obnxs http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/vendor-announcements/178738-last-weekend-for-top-commander-special-pricing.html Clutch not covered under warranty??? http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178737-clutch-not-covered-under-warranty-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:21:22 GMT Hello All,

I hate to make this my first post on the forums, but I need some help.

My fiance purchased a 2009 Mini Cooper S almost exactly one year ago. It currently has about 14,000 miles. Today on her way to work the car broke down and from what the dealership says it looks like her clutch failed. They are telling her that clutches are a "normal wear item" and therefore the repair won't be covered under warranty.

I know clutches wear out eventually, however it's insane to think that an OEM clutch should wear out after 14k of highway commuting. We have never had issues with the car before today, it's been perfect. From my experience, one can usually feel a clutch wearing out well in advance of outright failure. They have yet to tell me exactly what part failed, so I don't know if it's the pressure plate/ throwout bearing etc...

Has anyone else has this type of issue? If so, were you able to get it warrantied? Up until today we loved the whole Mini experience but now I'm pretty pissed off at this dealership. ]]> Coupe Talk (2007+) tbaker http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178737-clutch-not-covered-under-warranty.html <![CDATA[Wings Meet 'N Eat December 1st]]> http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-motoring-club-of-the-carolinas-m2c2/178736-wings-meet-n-eat-december-1st-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:52:58 GMT Don't forget our monthly 1st Tuesday Meet n Eat at Buffalo Wild Wings at 2530 Sardis Road N. Matthews,NC.
Meet at 6:30pm eat at 6:45 pm. Everyone Welcome :thumbsup: ]]> MINI Motoring Club of the Carolinas (M2C2) SSSSSSSS http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-motoring-club-of-the-carolinas-m2c2/178736-wings-meet-n-eat-december-1st.html <![CDATA[Help - top won't open past the sunroof position]]> http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/cabrio-talk-2009/178735-help-top-wont-open-past-the-sunroof-position-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:12:16 GMT I dropped off my R56 for service and got an R57 convertible as a loaner - the problem is, I can't open the top. I hit the toggle switch and it just opened the sunroof. I get some signal on the dashboard that looks like the car and then a piece of luggage on top. I thought it meant there was something in the trunk, but I checked and the trunk is empty.

Could some R57 owners help me with this? Am I doing something wrong?

TIA! ]]> Cabrio Talk (2009+) at7815 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/cabrio-talk-2009/178735-help-top-wont-open-past-the-sunroof-position.html <![CDATA['02 R50 5-speed owners please come in]]> http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2002-2006/178733-02-r50-5-speed-owners-please-come-in-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:49:46 GMT Guys, I bought an '02 R50 5-speed about a month and a half ago. Long story short, the car has a vibration under power that is mostly felt in 2nd gear, sometimes in 1st and 3rd, feel it more when it's under load (either cornering or uphill). The Ford dealership I bought the car from replaced the front left axle because the CV boot was slinging grease. The vibration was still there, so I took the car to the local mini dealership and they said that that's a "normal" vibration for '02 mini's. Does anyone else experience this? I can't imagine that this can be considered normal. Any ideas? ]]> Coupe Talk (2002-2006) trippinbillies40 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2002-2006/178733-02-r50-5-speed-owners-please-come-in.html ATF Fluid - Partial drain/fill http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178731-atf-fluid-partial-drain-fill-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:07:20 GMT Can anyone point me to a diagram/photo/description of the 6-spd Auto tranny fill plug? Its the 2007+ Aisin design with "lifetime" fluid.

Yes, I know, its lifetime, never needs to be changed, etc. I dont really want to get into that whole discussion.

Im just looking to do a quick partial drain/fill every 40k miles or so to keep the fluid additives fresh and get ride of some wear metals every now and then.

YES, I did and search...came up with some postings with broken links by "oxcooper" or someone. no dice.

Assuming the toyota Type IV fluid is the correct ATF ]]> Coupe Talk (2007+) pkgdave9144 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178731-atf-fluid-partial-drain-fill.html 10% DISCOUNT from RedlineGoods.com http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/vendor-announcements/178730-10-discount-from-redlinegoods-com-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:56:33 GMT Hello everyone,

We, RedlineGoods.com, are no stranger to the automotive industry. We have been providing our customers (now over 12 000) with QUALITY GENUINE ITALIAN LEATHER SHIFT BOOTS for 5+ years now. If you take pride in your ride - you will want to read this.

Has your shift boot seen better days?
Have you purchased a short shifter kit and the stock boot doesn't look good anymore or even hinders shifter travel?
Do you simply want to upgrade your stock vinyl pieces to finer leather?
Are you looking for the finishing touch to your custom interior?

Regardless of the reasons, RedlineGoods has a solution for you.

Starting with fine, buttery soft Italian leather, we will hand-craft new boots for your vehicle. The boots are made specifically for your model, so they fit your ride perfectly without any modification - unlike generic boots sold by others. See for yourself:


RedlineGoods has nothing to do with mass production. We're all about YOUR needs and YOUR car, which means a vast array of customization options.

These range from available materials (leather, carbon-fiber, faux-alcantara, perforated leater), through many color options (30+ colors of material and threads) to various finishing types (quadruple thread, two-tone, stripes and piping) - and we're open to even more custom arrangements. You can find our complete color chart by clicking here: http://www.redlinegoods.com/clrchart.shtm.

You can also order a re-sized shift boot for your short shifter or custom transmission setup, get the boot with the mounting bracket (where available) and order extra padding for your armrest cover. Or if you need a small design modification, for example in order to get your aftermarket shift knob to sit flush against your shift boot - we're the ones you should send an email to!

Our products are hand made to your order, shipped from Europe and arrive at your doorstep within two weeks from placing an order.

Our products have been discussed on many automotive forums and we frequently receive great customer comments. Just run a search on RedlineGoods on this forum to find out more about us, our products and our customer feedback.

Since, as the proverb goes, a picture is worth a 1000 words, here are some of them for your enjoyment. Click the link above them to go directly to our page dedicated to YOUR CAR, where you can easily order them with PayPal or your credit card!























MINI 01+ (AUTO) both boots & doorbars ---> $159.00
MINI 01+ (AUTO) both boots & downtubes ---> $159.00
MINI 01+ (AUTO) both boots ---> $69.00
MINI 01+ (AUTO) both boots & armrests ---> $139.00
MINI 01+ (AUTO) both boots & armrests & downtubes ---> $219.00
MINI 01+ (AUTO) both boots & armrests & downtubes & door bars ---> $299.00
MINI 01+ (AUTO) shift boot ONLY ---> $49.00
MINI 01+ 4-panel shift boot ONLY ---> $59.00
MINI 01+ both boots & doorbars ---> $159.00
MINI 01+ both boots & downtubes ---> $159.00
MINI 01+ both boots ---> $69.00
MINI 01+ both boots & armrests ---> $139.00
MINI 01+ both boots & armrests & downtubes ---> $219.00
MINI 01+ both boots & armrests & downtubes & door bars ---> $299.00
MINI 01+ both boots w/4-panel shifter & downtubes ---> $169.00
MINI 01+ both boots w/4-panel shifter ---> $79.00
MINI 01+ both boots w/4-panel shifter & armrests ---> $149.00
MINI 01+ both boots w/4-panel shifter & armrests & downtubes ---> $229.00
MINI 01+ both boots w/4-panel shifter & armrests & downtubes & door bars ---> $309.00
MINI 01+ both boots w/4-panel shifter & doorbars ---> $169.00
MINI 01+ center armrest ONLY ---> $69.00
MINI 01+ door armrests ONLY ---> $89.00
MINI 01+ door bar covers & armrests ---> $189.00
MINI 01+ door bar covers ONLY ---> $109.00
MINI 01+ downtubes ONLY ---> $109.00
MINI 01+ ebrake boot ONLY ---> $49.00
MINI 01+ shift boot ONLY ---> $49.00

MINI 07+ (AUTO) both boots & door armrests ---> $159.00
MINI 07+ (AUTO) both boots ---> $69.00
MINI 07+ (AUTO) both boots & center armrest ---> $109.00
MINI 07+ (AUTO) both boots & door+center armrests ---> $189.00
MINI 07+ (AUTO) shift boot ONLY ---> $49.00
MINI 07+ 4-panel shift boot ONLY ---> $59.00
MINI 07+ both boots ---> $69.00
MINI 07+ both boots & center armrest ---> $109.00
MINI 07+ both boots & door armrests ---> $159.00
MINI 07+ both boots & door+center armrests ---> $189.00
MINI 07+ both boots w/4-panel shifter ---> $79.00
MINI 07+ both boots w/4-panel shifter & door armrests ---> $169.00
MINI 07+ both boots w/4-panel shifter & center armrest ---> $119.00
MINI 07+ both boots w/4-panel shifter & door+center armrests ---> $199.00
MINI 07+ center armrest ONLY ---> $69.00
MINI 07+ door & center armrests ---> $139.00
MINI 07+ door armrests ONLY ---> $109.00
MINI 07+ ebrake boot ONLY ---> $49.00
MINI 07+ shift boot ONLY ---> $49.00

One of the first questions is always about the available colors. I hope this pictures explains it perfectly well!
http://www.redlinegoods.com/clrchart.shtm



Please remember that if you cannot decide without seeing the colors in person you can ORDER SAMPLES from us. For a mere $10 you'll get ALL the samples (a small swatch of each color) and, more importantly, if you actually order a product going by those, you'll get $5 of that reimbursed to you.

Find below some photos of our STRIPED BOOTS. These can be ordered for any car and unless you specify otherwise, the stripes will be put wherever there are stitches on your stock boot, ie. a stripe is inserted between two adjacent panels, which are also re-sized to make sure the overall dimension is correct!

Stripes can be combined with stitching which can be CONTRASTING (these two are black perforated leather with light gray stripes and contrasting thread):



Same as above but solid, not perforated, black:


Thread can be also MATCHING so it won't be visible




Thread can be color-matched to the stripes or to the main panels' leather color. Here color matched to stripes, obviously :)


Or it can be a completely different color than either the main panels OR the stripes - below is black leather with white stripes and red thread:



PIPING is a cool, sporty and elegant way to finish off your shift boots. Piping can be done for any car, and it replaces the threads with a special, well, pipe made by wrapping a thin plastic tube with leather. It looks amazing:









When ordering please make sure to select the primary color as the first leather color and the color of the piping as the secondary leather color.

Another special finishing we offer is QUADRUPLE THREAD. The idea is simple - there are four rows of thread instead of two, and you can choose both the color of the two inside threads, as well as the color of the outside threads. They can all be the same color, but they don't have to - which gives a vast array of visual effects:












Another example of how important it is to get a shortened shift boot if you're purchasing a short shifter, which is a service RedlineGoods provides at a very modest surcharge.

Here's a sample of the 08+ Impreza STI with the Kartboy short shifter and respectivelly shortened RedlineGoods shift boot in black perforated leather:


Today's 10% discount code: 63P88B81FFN - Valid through Friday, November 27th!

Take care
Maciek ]]> Vendor Announcements RedlineGoods.com http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/vendor-announcements/178730-10-discount-from-redlinegoods-com.html Paint Protection on BRG http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/interior-exterior/178729-paint-protection-on-brg-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:41:05 GMT I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my bouncing new MINI, and I'd like to see pics of clear paint protection (ClearShield, Clearbra, etc) installed on your BRG MINI.

I'd like to see how visible it is when installed professionally, how it looks if you put it on over stripes, etc.

Thanks! ]]> Interior/Exterior fox220 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/interior-exterior/178729-paint-protection-on-brg.html Overheating Problem http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/178728-overheating-problem-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:25:27 GMT So I know there are a lot of threads on overheating (lol? :(), but I figured one more couldn't hurt. And most lead in a different direction.

My 2005 Mini Cooper has been having a battle with overheating since I bought her in February. First time was the serpentine belt breaking and I replaced that and filled her up. Fine for a long while after that. Even drove her 1000 miles to Tennessee and then 1000 miles back. No problems whatsoever. Then the alternator went out a couple of months back. I replaced that.

Shortly after that, it began to overheat. I filled it up. It would be fine for a couple of days, maybe even a week or so and then heat up again. I did an entire coolant flush and refilled it. Worked for about a month I'd say.

Then the two weeks ago, it reared its head again. I replaced the thermostat, thermostat housing and gasket. It worked for a couple of days and then two days ago it started again.

It happens all the time. First time we noticed it after the thermostat change was on the highway around 60 mph. It went up, then came down. Then went back up and stayed up until i pulled into a gas station. Since this ordeal has started, I've learned to carry water. I open the radiator fill cap and steam bursts out. Tons of it. It also blew off the reservoir cap. So it's now a goner (anyone know where I can get one?). So I fill it up and take it home. I get home, I use the bleed valves. Refill it. Works great yesterday morning. Then yesterday afternoon, I'm sitting at the Dairy Queen drive thru and it starts to heat up. I turn it off for maybe 20 seconds. Turn it back on, and it's back at normal temp, runs fine all the way home. Get home, reservoir is between Max and Min. The last few times it overheated, there was water in the reservoir still. I top it up with water, bleed the valves again.

This morning, it overheats while driving, cools at a light. Goes up while moving, cools at a light.

There is also a light scraping/grinding sound for the last few weeks when slowing down and taking off. Maybe the water pump?

God I hope it's the water pump. I can do it myself and it's certainly less expensive than a blown head gasket right?

What do you guys think? Sorry for the extremely long post. ]]> Stock Problems/Issues mupepe http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/178728-overheating-problem.html another tire replacement question http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178727-another-tire-replacement-question-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:17:41 GMT Hate to ask this again, but I'm looking for thoughts on replacement tires. I've heard the gen 2 07 onwards MCS has suspension that is tuned for run-flats, and that the tire pressure monitoring system is sensitive to not having run flats, therefore you should replace with runflats.

I've been really disappointed with the wet/snow weather performance of the original Dunlop SP Sports. So far, I've narrowed the shortlist to:
  • Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT
  • Continental ContiSportContact 3 SSR
  • Pirelli PZero RFT
  • Yokohama ADVAN Sport ZPS
Does anyone have any experience running any of these tires? What would you recommend? Thoughts on all-weather performance?

Thanks, Yorkshireman ]]> Coupe Talk (2007+) Yorkshireman http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178727-another-tire-replacement-question.html Want to upgrade from Hi-Fi to Harman Kardon http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/navigation-and-audio/178726-want-to-upgrade-from-hi-fi-to-harman-kardon-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:59:09 GMT Yesterday I listened to the new audio system on the Camden and I think is much better than the hi-fi. All speakers are h/k and the amplifier as well. Im hoping it would be an easy replacement of speakers/amp to upgrade it without rewiring. Has anyone looked into this? Yesterday I listened to the new audio system on the Camden and I think is much better than the hi-fi. All speakers are h/k and the amplifier as well. Im hoping it would be an easy replacement of speakers/amp to upgrade it without rewiring. Has anyone looked into this? ]]> MINI MX http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/navigation-and-audio/178726-want-to-upgrade-from-hi-fi-to-harman-kardon.html Where is pass heated seat controller? http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/178725-where-is-pass-heated-seat-controller-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:47:13 GMT My 06 MCS vert has a problem. The problem is, the passenger seat back heater is always on. No matter if the console switch is on or not. And add to this, the AIRBAG light is also on in the dash. (not overhead) I think theses things are related.. but Im not sure where the controller for them are. Does anyone know where the controller box is for these? My 06 MCS vert has a problem. The problem is, the passenger seat back heater is always on. No matter if the console switch is on or not.

And add to this, the AIRBAG light is also on in the dash. (not overhead) I think theses things are related.. but Im not sure where the controller for them are.

Does anyone know where the controller box is for these? ]]> Stock Problems/Issues scatpack http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/178725-where-is-pass-heated-seat-controller.html Clubman Stripes - Show me your Stripes! http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/clubman-talk-2008/178724-clubman-stripes-show-me-your-stripes-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:42:11 GMT I am thinking of getting stripes on my clubman S and wanted to see some pics first. I would love to see how they look first. Photos of a black clubman with Silver stripes would be even sweeter! Also wanted to know if there are any good quality alternatives to the MINI stripes offered? Thanks alot. Muchas Gracias! I am thinking of getting stripes on my clubman S and wanted to see some pics first. I would love to see how they look first. Photos of a black clubman with Silver stripes would be even sweeter! Also wanted to know if there are any good quality alternatives to the MINI stripes offered? Thanks alot.

Muchas Gracias! ]]> Clubman Talk (2008+) ClubmanS-REX http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/clubman-talk-2008/178724-clubman-stripes-show-me-your-stripes.html