Hi, just got introduced to the Mini world. I picked up a 2012 Mini S, with low miles and lots of leather. Very nice car. The original owner put 215/45/17 tires on it and it handles a bit awkward. Also has a bent wheel in the back, just noticed that. Otherwise this is a nice ride. Would love to know the basics to begin with, ie exhaust, tune, intake, short throw shifter and some of the general quirks. I have an SVT Focus and am a senior member on focus fanatics. I appreciate all of the feedback.

 

Hi,

Congratulations. I just picked up a 2012 MINI S also. It has the 17" wheels with the original run flats. What do you mean that it handles awkward?

Enjoy your new ride.

 

What do you mean by handles "a bit awkward"? As for the exhaust I don't know if you plan on running an aftermarket exhaust with or without a cattless downpipe which will cause a CEL unless you get a tune. A Manic tune will take advantage of a free flowing exhaust and cattless downpipe, quicker spool and the latter will keep the heat away from the turbo and engine. The catted downpipes store a lot of potential heat soak (1450F).

Me personally like the JCW intake with tube filter, you won't lose that low rpm torque. If you don't plan on running a cattless downpipe the Borla S-Type Exhaust is a work of art! Note that it's not an agressive sounding exhaust unless running cattless. The NM Engineering Short Shifter is the way to go, there's a NM Eng. Shifter Assembly Box Cover for it also. Install when installing your exhaust because to add the short shifter you'll need the exhaust removed.

 

Hi, thanks for the responses. In the handling department, it has 215/45/17 tires on it right now, coopers I believe. They suck, and I'm sure it does'nt hel pin the handling dept. as for the exhaust, tune, intake info, thanks a lot. I was looking at exhaust and saw some astronomical prices for it. I'll look into the Borla with a catless system.

 

Welcome NOOB

wanna get one step up the non-NOOB meter?

Mini


MINI

or

or even newer . . .

to freaks like me it makes a BIG difference. Well maybe not THAT big ... but I think a NOOB should understand the difference lest you unintentionally offend a Mini owner.

 

 

 

MINI

not Mini

when you can mount 10" diameter wheels ... come talk to me

 

MINI, got it

 

Very nice , congrats.

 

I am not sure what you are feeling in regards to the handling but what I do know is the MINI has GOBS of torque and can be hard to control if you arent ready for it and it will only get more powerful the more performance you put into it.

 

I found a right rear wheel, bent, badly..............severe cupping, which also point to a bad alignment. Probably when the previous owner hit whatever he hit. New tires on the way, alignment shceduled and wheel is getting straightened. That would explain the twitchiness. Also, i have a SVT Focus, so I get the torque steer concept.