Hello all!! I am new to minis as of two weeks ago. I am a long time BMW lover and will never stray far from the marque. I fell in love with the Mini ever since the first time I drove one. I have been reading this forum now for about a month and decided it was time to set up an account and actually talk to everyone. I picked up a totally mint 2003 dark silver r53 with 70k. Fully loaded..except the 17's which I believe means no sport package?? .One owner. I have already started with the mods. My girlfriend is losing her mind..haha. I had about 6 mods done in the first week. Nothing big just little things. So far I have:

-Carbonio intake I shortened to fit in the mini. Nice carbon fiber pipe.
-had leftover carbon, so I made some exhaust tips. My goal is to "one ball" the exhaust..sort of creating a custom look and sound for little money. Cat backs seem so expensive for very little gain.
-Auto meter boost guage with custom bracket on left side of tach. Glows orange and dims
-shortened the shifter..just cutting it down made a massive difference. I cut about 1 3/4" - 2" off and it not only shortened the throw, but it also made for a more solid engaging action. Stiff if you will
-It has the stock xenons, so I put matching hids in the fogs along with white l.e.d.s everywhere I could(running lights,blinkers..etc)
-debadged
-blacked out chrome trim along base of windows(goal is NO chrome)
-Took the calipers off and painted them red(little details add up as long as they are classy)


My first major thing I really want is a 17% pulley...maybe a black alcantara headliner..and of course a nice drop and perfect stance with I am thinking either 17's and go as wide as I can with some stretch, or 18's not as wide less stretch. As far as stretching goes...I wouldn't want them too stretched anyways, my goal is all out performance...and usually that goes hand in hand with stunning looks. Thanks for reading and I hope I can make some cool online friends!

 

You are gonna have one tough Mini when you are done! My mods will come slower, as I'm trying to build a garage in '11.

 

Yea I am going for that blacked out tough look. My old car was a bright red 3 series. I am thinking about doing something different. Maybe even black wheels with a polished lip. I just don't know if that is something I may get tired of. No pun intended. Here is a shot of my old car.

 

Nice ride, and it sounds like you are going to make it even better. The neat thing about any MINI is that "go cart" handling is a standard feature. You don't need to spend big bucks on the S to have a fahrvergnugen experience, but if you do, you'll enjoy it more.

Here's a link to the forum's many threads on R53 mods: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...fications-196/

Here’s a link to aftermarket parts to help you finish out your Christmas list this year: http://soopercooperinfo.com/lindaminidiy11-09.html

 

That list is insane. That's the most substantial list I've ever seen for any car...very impressed. I have to say..this is my 3rd post obviously...and I had about 500 on the BMW forum...already people are 1000X nicer here. I would be lucky to have anyone even respond to me over there. Total A-holes...I would takes photos of both bmws all detailed up an post them and i would get 2 responses. Whats strange is I didn't have crappy pictures...it's all politics...Thanks MINI owners for being so COOL!!!

 

congrats n welcome

 

Howdy! Nice lookin' MINI you have there!

Yup, we cool like dat.

 

Welcome to the forum, good looking MINI, good luck with the mods.

 

Very cool - I've had my new 2011 MCS for four days and we are already starting to look at MODs for her. I can see how it becomes addictive...FAST. Can't wait to see updated pictures.