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M7 Tuning

Reviews	Views	Date of last review
11	36903	9/9/2010

Recommended By	Average Price	Average Rating
82% of reviewers	$313.33	8.5

Description:	M7 Tuning is always working to create innovative new products for your MINI. M7’s goal is to develop original products that are a stride ahead and a step beyond the norm. Every product is engineered and styled to meet our tough standards and exceed your expectations. Check out what’s new with M7 and then get out there . . . share the passion. . . and enjoy the ride!
Web site:	www.m7tuning.com

Author

PGT
Banned

Registered: May 2006
Location: DC Metro
Posts: 7681

Review Date: 6/9/2008

Would you recommend the product? No | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 2

Pros:	creative thinking about most products
Cons:	lack of disclosure about fitment issues, over-hyped, lack of support

I've dealt with a ton of vendors over the years for my Jeeps, my Subaru's and my two MINI's. I came into the MINI world thinking M7 was the penultimate in this community. Today, my opinion couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, due to Peter Horvath's patronizing attitude to me in person at MOTD06 when I waited for two hours to talk with him about my issues with his products, both cars are free of M7 components as of this review.

Both STB's rubbed through the hood release cables, bulged the hoods despite following the prescribed solution and both discolored from mineral deposits left by the hood.

Both USS kits hit the exhausts installed, despite being two of the more popular ones out there. Sure, no manufacturer can guarantee fitment with all aftermarket parts, but we're talking about Alta and Milltek...arguably the two most popular. The utter lack of a disclaimer even today on M7's site shows (to me), they're more interested in making a buck than offering top notch products and service.

M7 has very few unique parts that can't be bought from another vendor, made yourself fairly easily or even left off altogether (for looks, not tangible performance benefits).

It's a shame really...there are some good guys involved at M7. I only wish I was able to deal with them.

Click here to Send this user a Private Message

MichaelSF
Outstanding in my field

Registered: May 2008
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 960

Review Date: 6/19/2008

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: $140.00 | Rating: 10

Pros:	Great service, Excellent product, well made, easy install.
Cons:	Product arrives and tells one to go to the Net for install instructions. They should be in the box too.

I read about the tendency of the front strut mounting surface to mushroom, either over time or if one hits a few potholes with a hard jolt.

I live in San Francisco that has been reported on the national news to have the worst roads in the country. So I was in a hurry to start taking some steps to protect my 2006 MINI from strut tower / mount damage.

I viewed the M7 YouTube videos on their products, read reviews here and also elsewhere on the Net.

Late night I had taken an Ambien then put in my order for the strut reinforcement plates that bolt on to the strut towers. Big mistake because starting to zone out I mistakenly ordered M7's strut reinforcement plates AND a reinforcement/stabilizer bar that goes across the top of the engine.

Since I did not have a MINI S, I failed to notice that the plates and bar combo does not work on the non-S R52 [the bar needs the extra height the S bonnet scoop has in order to clear the M7 bar when the bonnet [hood] is closed.]

When more awake, a few days later I reviewed the order placed [to check shipping tracking info.] When on the M7 site I suspected that the ordered item would not fit on my non-S cabriolet. So I called M7. Overall they were very polite and helpful.

They were not open yet in the morning, but the guy who answered the phone was great [later determined to be "Randy."]. He did not shrug me off and say to call back when they were open. He explained in detail why the bar would not work on my non-S.

He said some drivers of non-S cars have been able to get it to work by severely modifying the foam / insulation on the inside of the bonnet, but he recommended that I do not do that.

I was impressed with M7 because many businesses who are not yet open would have simply said to call back. Also, many retailers don't take the time to explain how things work.

All the M7 employees [three that I talked to at different times] did not treat me like the newbie idiot I was, and they were respectful and professional. Customer service counts a lot in my book. Treat me like sheet, I may still have to do business with you, but I'll hold my nose while doing so. And as soon as I can take my business elsewhere, I will.

On the later calls I was further impressed because many businesses would simply try to keep the bigger sale intact [the plates and bar kit I mistakenly ordered was $70 more than the plates alone, $200 compared to $130.]

An M7 customer service girl said I could ship the item back and do an exchange. But I also had the option to order the correct item, pay for it and M7 would credit me back to my card the full purchase price when the incorrect item arrived. Guess that's an obvious option, but they mentioned it as an alternative to get me the plates in a hurry.

They did NOT mention or charge me a restocking fee that many online companies do [I hate that, it will cause me to not repeat business with the merchant. I digress.]

Since I was not in that much of a hurry [don't drive much] I opted to return the plates & bar, and after receipt on their end, they could ship out the M7 plates and credit my card the difference in price.

On the day they shipped the M7 plates they seamlessly refunded to my card the $70 difference in price. I did not have to follow up or chase the refund, as happens with many companies.

Shipping was very fast both ways [about three days] because M7 is in California, about 400 miles from me. About 10 days from my initial mistaken order I was bolting on the M7 plates.

Installing the plates was as simple as removing three nuts on each strut tower plate, placing on the M7 plates on, which fit perfect, and replacing the nuts. I did not have a torque wrench but kind of have a feel for things after years of shearing off bolts and stripping nuts.

Note, if the M7 plates easily slip over the strut plate bolts without resistance that generally indicates your MINI has not suffered mushrooming. My surfaces appeared ruler flat.

I am very pleased and my MINI struts don't feel as fragile as I assumed they are without the reinforcement plates. There's a debate on the efficacy of the M7 reinforcement plates, but to me they are better than going naked. It's only $130, so who cares.

By the way, the plates are very well made. They look machined with a router [not cast] and have a nice feel to them. I guess if nothing else, the plates may effectively hide shrooming.

Kind of like putting a bag over my ugly head, but hey, whatever works to get me some action.

I digress again.

All around a pleasant transaction and great product.

Now for my complaints [which may be nitpicks to some, if not all, normal people]:

RMA - The morning person at M7 [Lisa?] told me she would e-mail me later in the day with an RMA number [return merchandise authorization] to put on the shipping label. As you know, many companies will not take a return without an RMA. So that was important.

Well I never got an e-mail and the next day had to call to ask WTF. Another nice person said they decided not to do an RMA, just to send it back. So no e-mail was sent.

I would have appreciated that bit of info rather than constantly checking my e-mail for the next 24 hours, including my spam folder in case M7's email got tossed into there.

Description Issue: Online M7 says which parts will fit which MINIs, by year and "R" number. That's not a good way to do it because fools like me who just got a MINI don't know which year is which in terms of an "R" number.

For newbies like me the website should say which MINIs M7 parts will NOT fit. The Site says what M7 parts will fit which models [by "R" model number], but they should also say which models the parts will not fit [e.g. "These do NOT fit the following models:... 2006 non-S model, R52..."]

For me, it took a lot of research to understand how MINI designates their models, R52, R53, R57, etc. It's interesting that even the MINI manuals I have nowhere say that a 2006 non-S convertible is an R52.

It's one more hassle for us new owners, knowing which model is which by the R number. Trivia side note: The "R" stands for "Rover" and is a designation of the old British Rover car manufacturer.

Lastly, when I got the plates there was a paper that said to go online to get installation instructions. Now granted the reinforcement plate installation is super simple. I suspect most people install the plates without logging on to the Net to read install directions.

M7 should include directions in the box. Not sure why they do not. Maybe so people will log on to get detailed information, but as we all know, most guys don't bother with directions.

MCS 02 Silver
Neutral

Registered: September 2008

Review Date: 9/9/2008

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10

Pros:	Great products
Cons:

I have read the issues of these other two gentlemen and I must say that without any research NO ONE should go ahead and just BUY!!!!!

I have been an owner of and MCS 02 since I ordered it back early 02.My vehicle is now 6 yrs old and 101,00 miles on it. The products I have on my vehicle are both M7 and MiniMadness (sorry Pete had to say it). Although both are different styles are marketing I wound being more of M7

. Peter and his staff have always been very knowledgeable and very kind. As far as his products the PLATES for strut mount DO WORK. I live in Puerto Rico which makes most of you guys state side primadonas because of the roads just ask Pete when he came down and drove down here. I ordered the Plates almost 4 years ago and after I replaced the old mounts. And to this day 4 years later the mounts are intact and look brand new besides No MUSHROOMING!!!

As far as the crank pulley(2%), its gives you the UMPH!! when you need at any given time

Also, which I highly recommend is the 180 degree thermostat a MUST in hot climates!!!! So theres my two cents about this. My question to Peter @ M7 and others the new Turbo Diesel is on the way WHAT are you guys going to do about it?

970S
Neutral

Registered: November 2008
Location: Mesa AZ
Posts: 7

Review Date: 12/7/2008

Would you recommend the product? No | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 5

Pros:	Well constructed and finished
Cons:	Needs instructions in box, fitment issues

Installation was very straight forward, easy if you will. HOWEVER! Even using the supplemental fitment instructions regarding the hood insulation, I found the hood would not close properly (high at the back) and the STB is rubbing cables and destroying the hood insulation blanket. Mineral deposits are making the STB look unsightly....too bad, it looked soooo good when first installed. I was considering a cold air box and supercharger pulley from M7 but now will purchase one from Alta or another vendor.

Joker801@mac.com
Neutral

Registered: May 2009
Posts: 2

Review Date: 5/29/2009

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10

Pros:	High Quality, helpful staff.
Cons:	None.

I've had nothing but positive experiences with these guys. For my '09 Clubman I've purchased a turbo heatshield, Vortex hood scoop, upper and lower grill sets, carbon fiber front splitter and a strut tower brace. All the stuff installed without a problem, does what it's supposed to do, and looks great.

clubracer59
Neutral

Registered: July 2009

Review Date: 7/13/2009

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10

Pros:	Precision made product
Cons:	None

I've had no trouble installing M7's SRP/Stressbar on my 2009 MCS. Although it would have been a good idea to put a copy of the instructions in the package, the parts were easy to put together and were slotted to allow fitment for different tolerances among cars. The insulation issue on the 09 MCS is a moot point, as the bar is much farther away from the insulation and does not touch the hood. The underside of the plate has a curved groove and fits precisely over the cable without chafing. It's too bad some people have bad experiences. If people are confused about what products fits what there is a solution - it's called a phone. Do your homework and ask a tech at the company about your fitment before you waste your money. I even got a discount because of the fourth of July sale.

-=gRay rAvEn=-
Modder-ator

Registered: August 2008
Location: SoCo
Posts: 3264

Review Date: 1/7/2010

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: $500.00 | Rating: 8

Pros:	Polite curtious service
Cons:	Some stuff takes 2-3 weeks to make and ship

While I have products from both Atla and M7, I would rate Alta a notch higher in the "if you are not happy, please feel free to return the product for full refund and no restocking fee."

Upper Strut Tie Bar - I also have the M7 STB, and while the plates do keep the towers from mushrooming, my bonnet still is raised up some even after doing the soak and slam for the bonnet insulation. Not a huge deal but it should be known that it doesnt totally conform even after several attemtps. But after seeing some other bars out there in the shop and how they have to be dismantled for our freqent changes, the M7 upper front strut bar is best one out there in this regard. Something to consider when ordering one for your MINI.....

Recently ordered the M7 CF front Aero Splitter. Took about two weeks before it was shipped. Sounds like it may have been made to order. I had prompt and curtious responses, but would have just been good to know that before hand to avoid email inquiries back and forth taking up everyones time. I never mind waiting for a quality hand made product just would like to always know that ahead of time.

After installing the splitter I will WB with my impressions on that item.

Kirkland
2nd Gear

Registered: May 2007
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 107

Review Date: 1/30/2010

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9

Pros:	Excellent upgrades for ride and appearance
Cons:

Purchased M7 coilovers and ultimate upper and lower grills for R56s. Coilovers changed the car's ride and handling greatly and grill looks outstanding.

fishead # 1
3rd Gear

Registered: August 2009
Location: oregon(where else?)
Posts: 166

Review Date: 2/28/2010

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10

Pros:	performance
Cons:	none

Good people --Great products ----------excellant "service"------whats left to say ?? Great !! -( & thnx Peter for "breakin a few rules" for me !!!)

jonasandezekiel
3rd Gear

Registered: April 2010
Posts: 178

Review Date: 4/11/2010

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10

Pros:	Works as advertised, fits my car well
Cons:	none other than it was slightly defective, but it was resolved IMMEDIATELY

I don't know why some people on here are complaining about M7, some of them sound like real nightmare customers.
My experience with M7 was excellent. I had a problem with the strut tower brace (one side was drilled improperly, and the bolts were loose) but it was resolved immediately, and I was sent out a replacement at no charge, of course. Now, the brace performs perfectly. The customer service person I spoke with was very courteous and helpful. I also spoke with Pete on another occasion regarding the handling of my Mini, and he was friendly, extremely helpful, and far from patronizing. He was a wealth of knowledge and gave me a great deal of his time to resolve my issue. I would highly recommend M7 for any aftermarket mini product.

-=gRay rAvEn=-
Modder-ator

Registered: August 2008
Location: SoCo
Posts: 3264

Review Date: 9/9/2010

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: $300.00 | Rating: 10

Pros:	It WORKS !
Cons:	Directions were not specific for application

R53 - M7 Aero Splitter - Directions for the Aero Splitter were for the regular S bumper, so hole placements were not as described. Other than that it is a beautiful piece and VERY VERY FUNCTIONAL !

Definately a bang for your buck mod here - I would do again. And it is functional at your "Normal" highway speeds too so all can appreciate the better handling you will have ! MINI definately feels more planted to the ground and predictable. More of a solid feel to the steering too.

LOVE IT !

Good going Pete. Just fix the PDF file instructions

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Views	7,743,430

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