No, I think you're getting at it the wrong way. I work in conjunction with the Motoring Advisers. In NYC, sometimes we have up to 10 different deliveries in a day. The Motoring Advisers help their customers and if it's super busy I assist them with deliveries to speed up the process for customers and staff. I'm also responsible for 2nd Date Appointments, where we wash the cars and answer any extra questions that the customer have acquired after they had initially taken the vehicle from the dealership. Of course customer service always comes first and is our priority #1. The Motoring Advisers are always in the loop of who I'm talking to and where I am.

There isn't any screening done at our facility we help everyone equally and efficiently.

It's important to note that we are a factory owned store. We are not a regular dealership. I regularly see the head of BMW North America and see MINIUSA peeps from time to time. We do not waste people's time. With a factory store...you know you're getting the very best of the best service possible.

 

 

 

Nice shot by the beach, R58 looks really clean. I have to clean mine.

 

Thanks! I washed it that morning. One of the really great perks here at MINI of Manhattan are the free car washes. If it's slow here and towards end of the day I'll bring my vehicle in and wash it and detail it. Love it.

 

 

Nice shot! In NYC you are lucky to find a parking lot.

 

That's the MINI of Manhattan parking lot.

 

I'm in that area often. Check out Havana Social on 48 and 10th

 

You should stop in sometime and say hi.

I'm starting a MINI car club here soon.

 

This must be quite a challenge to drive to work in NY and have parking. I am sure you have to live with door dents all the time with all these tight parking spots.

This is definitely not for me. I don't miss Montreal and Toronto either.

 

No challenge at all. I don't care about traffic. I treat it like a game.

Where I normally park my car during week, BMW has an agreement with a particular lot where we, MINI/BMW employees can park for much less than the normal rate. Like almost 90% off.

 

Dropped lil Vader off to get new turbo put in. I'll have it back in about a week. I'll post some pictures and videos once I have it.

 

Nice, is it like the ATP turbo one?

 

From what I've been told yes. They are in the process of installing it this week. When I get any updates...I'll definitely let you know. So psyched!

 

Soooo...a few fairly major problems have arisen.

1. In the process of installation of the new turbo, the turbo is so big that the hood doesn't close. One solution may be to alter the hood slightly to accommodate the larger turbo size. (definitely will be expensive)

2. Also the turbo would need some sort of ceramic, carbon fiber, etc heat blanket as the proximity to the radiator and plastic parts under the hood. (This issue is not that big a deal per se.)

3. The current intake that I have installed on the car would need to come out and a new intake would have to be custom fabricated. (probably will be expensive)

4. Some of the piping would need to be altered as well to accommodate for larger air flow. (Not so expensive)

I was prepared for some setbacks as with any customization, but all these might be a deal breaker for budget concerns. In a myopic sense...I'm not a happy camper, but I can always just put it all back together and keep it the way it is...for now.

In the end...it's just a car.

 

It would be cheaper to buy a Owens turbo that is a direct swap, and it's also recommended by Manic.

 

Much thanks! I'll relay that to the team.

 

Sorry to hear it did not work out.

 

I haven't given up my friend...ohhhh no. I spoke with them earlier and they are working on some solutions. It'll get done.

 

as he rubs his has together and assumes his mad man pose and mad scientist laugh

 

Not sure if you read Old Broken Winds writeup on his experience with the same Garrett turbo (kit from ATP). I posted a link to it before but here it is again.

On the second page of the PDF, he clearly states that the turbo would NOT fit without modifications to the hood.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3240122

 

Thank you kind sir. Much appreciated.

 

Exactly...

 

Current shots of what the Garrett GT28RS 53mm Turbo looks like inside. It hasn't been fully installed yet. Soon the intake alteration will happen, some new piping will be installed, and a turbo shield will be installed. I should have the car back probably by Middle or late next week.