From what I've read so far, I'm very impressed with the knowledge and passion MINI owners have! I've owned my 2002 stock non-S for 4 weeks now.

I plan to change the oil after reading the threads on using synthetic. I only used synthetic in my BMW, but I'm assuming the non-MINI dealer I bought from, used mineral based and I was going to wait to change over, but after reading, plan to change this weekend. I also found a handy post here showing exactly what I needed and how to do it.

I do have a few questions, I hope some of you vet's can answer.
1. How do I remove and re-seat the drivers side mirror? I noticed the rubber gasket it sits atop of, was pushed down, so I want to re-seat. I also noticed a thin line of bubbled paint, just a tiny bit wrapped around the very front edge, from top to bottom. Is it possible this mirror is letting moisture in and cause a rust problem or might MINI USA cover under warranty?

2. I too set the airbag light off by placing a bag in the passenger seat. I dread going to the only dealer here in the Twin Cities as they're snobs, but have no choice if looking for recall/warranty work. From what I've read so far, it seems I'll need to bit the bullet and bring it to them.

3. Does the stock exhaust have a natural 'a bit' noticeable deep tone or am I looking at exhaust work? It's not loud, but throaty between 1st and 2nd gear, around 3k rpm.

4. Is it normal to have it rev up to 2k on a cold (60 degree) start, upon shifting from 1st to 2nd? After it warms in a few minutes, it's gone. I literally don't need to hit the gas when shifting into 2nd in this situation. After it does warm up, it does idle well, but does vary a touch, maybe +200 rpm or so, normal? I'm using Premium gas as well.

Sorry for all the questions...Thanks!

 

Hey beemer! Welcome & Congrats on your new to you Mini!

Can't help you with your questions as I have a 2nd Gen Mini but am use the 1st Gen folks will be along shortly to help you out.

Have you joined Sota Minis yet? If not here's the link to join the forum... http://sotaminis.com/forum

Hope to see you at an event soon!

 

Thanks for the link! I'll register there as well! Where are you located?

 

Cool! There's an event coming up on the 21st that sounds like a blast!

Am in St Paul by Hwy 280. How about you?

Also... perhaps try posting your questions in the 1st Gen forum sometimes the 1st Gen folks don't venture into 1st Gear.

 

Thanks again, will post on 1st Gen. I'm in Eagan. How has your service experence been with Motorwerks? I'll have to go there for warranty work, or other 'dealer only' issues. But I love Quality Coaches and bring both my vehicles there. They are highly rated in the Cities and do fantastic work. They specialize in vintage Austin's, Mini's as well as all imports, particulary BMW, Porsche, Saab, etc. They're in S. Mpls.

 

Will let you know on Motorwerks... pretty good so far but am working through an issue with the them right now. Hopefully everything will get resolved to my satisfaction.

Quality Coaches is on my radar as well. Will definitely consider using them for non-warranty stuff.