Hi All,

It's only taken me six long years, but I finally convinced SWMBO that a MINI is a "sensible" car for my daily commute. Last week I picked up a 2003 MCS - Indi Blue with White top, Blue & Black Leather interior, 17" wheels - I'm in love! (My daughter has named it "Gary")

I do have a couple quick questions I hope y'all can help me with:
The run-flats have been replaced with normal tires, and I have no spare. I've ordered the 12V compressor and slime package from minimania.com, but I believe I will need a valve removal tool also - is this correct?

Also, the passenger door won't open from the inside. It did for about three days, then my daughter was pulling very hard on the handle, and it stopped working. The electric locks all work properly; it just won't open from inside. Has anyone had a similar experience and, if so, what did it cost to fix it?

I'm taking it to the dealer on Friday to get an oil change and have the door fixed - is there anything else I need to be on the lookout for?

Thanks for your help.

 

I can't help you with your issues, but I just wanted to say welcome and congrats!

 

My husband's run-flats were replaced with normal tires as well, and we just thought about that possible flat situation, since we have no spare tire. What does a person do without a spare tire in a MCS?

And welcome!!!

 

There is a space saver spare available. You just have to carry it in the boot. I ordered a bag from a NAM vendor to carry mine in. Should be receiving it soon. I have been carrying it in a trash bag.

 

Welcome to NAM and to MINI. I am not sure why you need a valve removal tool?? There is an issue with the new MCS (late 07 and 08 models destined for the US) that due to the new tire pressure monitoring system you can't use the goo to fix a flat otherwise you will destroy the sensor. The sensor is inside the tire mounted at the valve and attached to the wheel.

That is not an issue on the 2003 (My first mini was an 03 BRG MCS, loved it!) On the 2003 the tire pressure system watches the tires rotational speed and if one is spinning slower or faster then the rest of the wheels the light comes on... It also comes on for no apparent reason... but i digress...

Welcome again and enjoy you new MINI!

 

I was under the impression that to put the slime into the tire one first had to remove the valve so the slime would flow into the tire better. Is this incorrect?

 

Welcome I know you will enjoy your MINI. Next time try changing you own oil very easy and will save you some $$.

 

[quote=Diamond_Joe_Quimby;2093237]Welcome to NAM and to MINI. I am not sure why you need a valve removal tool?? quote]

I just got my kit from minimania.com - the instructions on the slime bottle do say to remove the valve core prior to putting in the slime.

 

Some of the Slime kits come with a valve core removal tool. Also, Slime is claiming their sealant is compatible with direct TPMS. Would love to have confirmation on this from a tire guy. Alex or Leo are you out there?

 

The kit I got didn't have the tool, but pep boys has them - I got the removal tool as well as 4 spare valve cores (because I know I'm going to drop at least one of those tiny things!) for about six bucks.

I also read the blurb from slime, and was curious if it's on the level. Anyone?