North American Motoring

North American Motoring http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums MINI COOPER news, forums, FAQs, and reviews for enthusiasts and owners of North American MINIs en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:01:34 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums//forums/images/misc/rss.jpg North American Motoring http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums <![CDATA[The most fun production car you've ever driven (besides MINI)]]> http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178789-the-most-fun-production-car-youve-ever-driven-besides-mini-new-post.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:36:07 GMT just curious just curious ]]> Coupe Talk (2007+) r56cooper http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178789-the-most-fun-production-car-youve-ever-driven-besides-mini.html Week 48 support group http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/1st-gear/178788-week-48-support-group-new-post.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:13:26 GMT I'm pretty sure I am in week 48. Ordered on 11/14 from Concord Mini and went into production on 11/20. ]]> 1st Gear Ohmen http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/1st-gear/178788-week-48-support-group.html <![CDATA[Curt Hitch for Clubman--good price; how's the install??]]> http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/clubman-talk-2008/178787-curt-hitch-for-clubman-good-price-hows-the-install-new-post.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:03:57 GMT So a few days ago I was thrilled to find out (via the forum) that minidomore had reduced the cost of their clubman hitch to $190 + $35 and had even had it on sale for $50 off a little bit ago. With snow season approaching I figured no rush on the hitch for bikes and I'd watch until it went on the $50 off sale again. Until... I saw Auto Clef's post about the new Curt Hitch for the Clubman for $115 +$35. (Both of these prices make me much happier than the previous options :thumbsup:).

His hitch was installed by the company. Is there any one that has purchased and installed the Curt Hitch on their Clubman? Please post feedback/observations.
Thanks!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alto Clef (Post 2912593)

There is an alternative you may want to consider: my Clubman was the "test fit" for a new Clubman-specific hitch made by Curt Mfg. They installed in early October, and it should be available any time now in the general market. NAM vendor Dustin (AutoX Cooper) offers the Curt hitch for all other MINI's at $114.99 + $35 shipping, and he might be able to generate a price for you. Email Dustin at info@autoxcooper.com.

The Curt hitch is the same "hidden" style as the MiniDoMore, but has safety chain loops built onto the hitch frame itself, rather than putting them on the drawbar (MiniDoMore's are on the drawbar). I think it may only be offered in 1.25" receiver size, but I might be wrong. Mine is 1.25". If you're looking at a bike rack with that size receiver mount, you should be good.

Here's the link to the vendor announcement for their clubman hitch:
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...y-to-ship.html ]]> Clubman Talk (2008+) zeddy http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/clubman-talk-2008/178787-curt-hitch-for-clubman-good-price-hows-the-install.html CHECKERED MIRROR CAPS http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-owners-of-new-jersey-monj/178786-checkered-mirror-caps-new-post.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:17:40 GMT (USED)Power fold checkered mirror caps for 2009 mini's for sale 50.00 for the two. the caps have no scratches dings or skuffs. Let me know ill deliver them personally if its close to the new brunswick area all other shipment costs will be at purchasers expense. you can email me @ xirideakinkx123@gmai.com ]]> MINI Owners of New Jersey (MONJ) Minichunksnj http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-owners-of-new-jersey-monj/178786-checkered-mirror-caps.html Power Steering Pump Quits http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/1st-gear/178785-power-steering-pump-quits-new-post.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:34:52 GMT My first post, although I'm not terribly new to Minis with a 1965 Traveller and a 2002 BMW Mini: today, in the 2002, the power steering went out as my wife was in a fairly-sharp (80 degree) right turn with oncoming traffic. No smashups but a couple of close calls. When she returned home I checked everything over and found no obvious discrepancies (good fluid level and electrical and mechanical connections ok). In surfing the internet, I then found a large number of similar power steering failure complaints (mostly in the UK where they've had more time with the car): it appears that the pump itself is faulty. No recalls, however, as BMW's crack legal staff seems to be on the ball. The car has a little under 50,000 miles.:sad: ]]> 1st Gear jgLabrown http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/1st-gear/178785-power-steering-pump-quits.html Just brought home a new 09 JCW Convertible http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/jcw-garage/178784-just-brought-home-a-new-09-jcw-convertible-new-post.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:33:42 GMT Took the wife car shopping today...to replace her '03 Z4 3.0....looked at several cars--cause she wasn't sure what she wanted. Her only requirements were that it had to be a convertible and it had to have a manual transmission. (she's great that way :-) I was hoping to steer her towards an S Cooper....well, the only Convertible S with Manual x-mission on the lot was an '09 JCW. (lots of just-a-cooper convertibles though) Got to negotiating w the sales rep and ended up buying it! I'm stoked! I've wanted a Mini Cooper since they reintroduced them...and even though it's "her" car...I get to play with it!

First drive impressions: Surprising pickup, great exhaust note!, torque steer(-), nice shifter, flat handling...the suspension isn't as harsh as the sport suspension on the Z-4. I'd like to out some coil-overs on it and lower it a couple of inches...but I think I'll have to wait before I start modding her new car. Anyway, I've been enjoying the forum for some time, so I'm glad to be able to participate now as an owner!

Peace to all!

Oh...Dark Silver, carbon black, Premium, Convenience, JCW! no pics yet...but you know what it looks like! ]]> JCW Garage Murph http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/jcw-garage/178784-just-brought-home-a-new-09-jcw-convertible.html Odd electrical problem http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2002-2006/178783-odd-electrical-problem-new-post.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:07:22 GMT We're talking about a 2005 MINI convertible.

It was running fine until my wife stopped at the grocery store. It would not start when she came out to come home. When we try to start it the gauges and lights flicker rapidly and the starter will not engage at all. Linda said she could hear a clicking coming from the dash when trying to crank it.

I checked the battery voltage and came up with 9 to 10 volts. When the battery cables were disconnected the voltage came back up to 13.9. We finally got it to start by jumping it but the voltage was dropping intermittently from 14 volts to 10.5 and the lights were dimming with the voltage drop.

I cleaned and reinstalled the grounds at the battery and both ends of the cable on the passenger side of the engine. All of the connections appeared to be clean and solid. Is there another ground I can check?

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Mike ]]> Coupe Talk (2002-2006) Divide Wee http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2002-2006/178783-odd-electrical-problem.html How do i tell when coilovers are bad http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/suspension/178782-how-do-i-tell-when-coilovers-are-bad-new-post.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:40:25 GMT I have a set of h&r coilovers with a about 40k miles. Lately it feels like the ride is super bouncy and very uncomfortable to be in. I'm looking to buy a new set or can i rebuild these coilovers? ]]> Suspension mini22 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/suspension/178782-how-do-i-tell-when-coilovers-are-bad.html holly molie http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/clubman-talk-2008/178781-holly-molie-new-post.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:28:17 GMT okay that should say HOLY, not holly.

well, i took my car in to have the "weepy nozzles" destruction fixed. MINI agreed to the repaint.

the even better news is that i got 42MPG driving down to the dealer today.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

i have an ClubieS as a loaner, and truth be told, i like my Justa better.

kev ]]> Clubman Talk (2008+) RadioFlyer http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/clubman-talk-2008/178781-holly-molie.html SUCCESS! Rear view mirror removal AND replacement installed...lots of pics. http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/interior-exterior/178780-success-rear-view-mirror-removal-and-replacement-installed-lots-of-pics-new-post.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:53:31 GMT This is what I did today...took about 4 hours...would take much less time (1 hour?) if I didn't have to figure a lot out. I must say a BIG thanks to cjmadura, as he got me most of the way thru it (he did not install a replacement mirror).

1) removed my rear view mirror,

2) got the remote-receiver circuit board out of the mirror housing,

3) placed it up in the headliner, and then,

4) installed a $15 replacement day/night mirror that is virtually 100% out of the way of the view thru the windshield.

THE VIEW IS AWESOME.

I'd post all the pics and instructions here...but I see that I can only post 3 pics per posting...so I put it all in a Picassa web album...I hope to figure out how to put the whole process here (advice please?).

Enjoy:

REAR VIEW MIRROR REMOVAL ]]> Interior/Exterior wsalopek http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/interior-exterior/178780-success-rear-view-mirror-removal-and-replacement-installed-lots-of-pics.html New 19mm Sway Bar- Setting? (newbie) http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178779-new-19mm-sway-bar-setting-newbie-new-post.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:14:20 GMT Ok its taken me soooooo long to finally get the 19mm H&R sway bar I purchased a month ago and springs installed! I had someone I know install it and H&R springs but I was wondering if anyone could help describe to me what it was supposed to feel like or what it did (referring to the sway bar here, besides the obvious lowering springs). I honestly just got it because I read so many people saying how it was supposed to be a great mod and a must have for my 07 MC S. So,... now that I have it what’s it supposed to feel like?

If I had to describe it all I can say is that after going into a few turns I am much much more cautious! It doesn’t feel like I can take turns as tight anymore. I thought the sway bar was so you could taking tighter turns..... Maybe I was wrong, or maybe I just don’t have it on the right setting. What would be the best setting for a much tighter turning experience? And since I’ve read so many posts on here lets say for vantage point purposes, I’m looking at the sway bar and hole 3 is the last one towards the rear of the car and whole 1 is towards the engine out of 3. CAN ANYONE HELP ME WITH THIS QUESTION PLEASE?:impatient: I was looking on the forum to see if there was already an answer but there is so much jargon i wasnt sure which hole was which! not really concerened with %'s just looking for a better, tighter turns for my new adjustable 19mm sway bar.

Thanks for reading ]]> Coupe Talk (2007+) mikemc http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178779-new-19mm-sway-bar-setting-newbie.html Help! Trouble deciding which rims to buy. http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2002-2006/178778-help-trouble-deciding-which-rims-to-buy-new-post.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:48:14 GMT Well first off i want to get some new rims for my 2005 MC. Its red with a white roof and white rims. I defiantly want to get some black rims but im having trouble deciding which rims to buy. i dont have the biggest budget in the world so price cant be too high. here are a few im looking at. and feel free to suggest... Well first off i want to get some new rims for my 2005 MC. Its red with a white roof and white rims. I defiantly want to get some black rims but im having trouble deciding which rims to buy. i dont have the biggest budget in the world so price cant be too high.

here are a few im looking at. and feel free to suggest others.
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...dClar=Standard

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...dClar=Standard

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...dClar=Standard

And i'm not sure what size the wheels have to be. i need to get new tires soon so im hoping to just get rims with the new tires so i can kill two birds with one stone. so what size rim fits on the 05 mc?

Any help would be appreciated :] ]]> Coupe Talk (2002-2006) h20polo93 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2002-2006/178778-help-trouble-deciding-which-rims-to-buy.html JCW Logo on Engine http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/factory-jcw-talk-2009/178777-jcw-logo-on-engine-new-post.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:02:45 GMT My JCW Clubman is an early 2009 with no JCW logo on the engine. On the Gen lls that do have the engine logo....where is it located? My JCW Clubman is an early 2009 with no JCW logo on the engine. On the Gen lls that do have the engine logo....where is it located? ]]> Factory JCW Talk (2009+) Yakatak http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/factory-jcw-talk-2009/178777-jcw-logo-on-engine.html <![CDATA[After you've used your R53 Cooper S]]> http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/general-mini-talk/178776-after-youve-used-your-r53-cooper-s-new-post.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:45:50 GMT Once you've finished used your mini cooper s (supercharged) do you let the engine get some air/cool down first before you store it away in the garage. I tend to open the bonnet and let the engine/intercooler cool down and close it later on. Is this doing any good? or is it just a waste ? ]]> General MINI Talk Driv3r http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/general-mini-talk/178776-after-youve-used-your-r53-cooper-s.html Some Questions http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178775-some-questions-new-post.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:16:08 GMT I got my wife a 2009 MC Hard Top in September after her shitty Saab kept breaking. Now After driving it and being a previous BMW owner (E46) I am trying to sell my VW and buy a 2010 MC HT myself. Any of you guys have kids? We have talked about it in the next couple years and wondered about putting a car seat in a MINI and if it would be a PITA. I was bouncing between the idea of a used E92 Bimmer or a new MINI and I would much rather have a MINI. They are just so much fun to drive and the mpg... I got my wife a 2009 MC Hard Top in September after her shitty Saab kept breaking. Now After driving it and being a previous BMW owner (E46) I am trying to sell my VW and buy a 2010 MC HT myself. Any of you guys have kids? We have talked about it in the next couple years and wondered about putting a car seat in a MINI and if it would be a PITA. I was bouncing between the idea of a used E92 Bimmer or a new MINI and I would much rather have a MINI. They are just so much fun to drive and the mpg is great I just have a hard time not adding a 2nd one to the garage. ]]> Coupe Talk (2007+) 09OBMC http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2007/178775-some-questions.html