I'm no mechanic, but I've done my share of tinkering over the past 20 years or so. That includes several German cars, from my first '79 Rabbit up up to the 189,000 mile VW TDI that this MINI will replace. The only time I have brought a car in for service was when it was under warranty. Of course most of the time it's a labor of love. All said and done, I have roughly $3,400 (including price of car) into this, and I still want to buy tires. So 4k after tires for a car that is probably worth around 6k. A good deal if I bought it this way, but I do have some hours into it - more than a pro would need, by a long shot. But I feel I know the car better, and will have an easier time servicing it in the future, as things come up. And with the miles I drive, the stronger trans, and low mileage driveline parts, plus the new clutch, are better than buying this same car running in stock form. I do have more pics, but the one I posted with the trans grenaded is the most interesting. I have a few of the engine going back in. After that, I lost interest in stopping to take pics, but all I missed was dropping the exhaust, and switching the shifter cables. Actually, I modified the original airbox to work with the larger trans mount. I've been told I'd need a cone type air filter, but all I did was use a heat gun to soften the plastic, then massage it to clear the bolt it was interfering with. Not only did I save money, but it looks and sounds stock. I just got my plates today, and can't wait to go home from work and put some miles on it. I've just driven it around my neighborhood so far.

 

I was hoping for pics of the completed car and you having fun driving instead of getting dirty.

Personnally, I admire folks who take action photos of the mechanical work, but I am greasy and not happy usually during my wrenching so the odds of me stopping to take a photo are slim. I try to help in other ways around here, but as far as a "how to" with photos, I am not that guy....lol