Hi All, I purchased a 04 hatchback, yesterday, been wanting one for years, been riding the bikes for 60 years, but thought it was about time to put four under me again, but this mini is about as wild as the bikes LOL.
Have a couple of questions, the old girl has 109, Thousand on her and I was wondering about Oil, should I use a heavier Synthetic, than 5W-30, that's recommended when new, and what's a good brand, I always used Castrol in the bikes, with good results, also am going to need tires before long, can anyone recommend a good brand and size, It has 205/50/16 Goodyear Eagles at present, but don't know the history on the tires.
Thank you all for letting me aboard, Robbi

 

Hi Robbi, welcome to the zoo! Congrats on your new MINI. You've asked a couple of questions that are open to a lot of opinions.
Re: oil. Go with the full synthetic that you are most comfortable with.
Tires. Oh dear. You will get as many opinions as there are posters. Tirerack.com has a very large selection and reviews to help you weed out the problem children. Stick with the size that came on the car, or go "plus size" and buy new wheels. I'm guessing that yours is a "justa" Cooper given the original tire size. (Could be wrong on that one). Lightweight wheels/ performance tires are not a bad first mod.

 

Welcome to NAM!
Let the madness begin.
Rode Triumph's & Norton's for 20+ years.
Raced Bultaco, KTM, Maico, Husky for a number of years also.
Mini is just a big go kart with 100+hp.
Enjoy

 

Switched from racing bikes to the mini too

 

The newer Mini's are filled with Mobil synthetic 5w -30. They recommend this to maintain warranty. Tires, there alot of good ones.....read the reviews on tirerack and good luck. Glad you joined the team!

 

Welcome to the forum Robbi!

 

Thanks Guys, Yea I started riding the bikes, in 1949, had an old Indian Sport Scout, ran half mile dirt with it, Did a lot of Hill Climbing in the 60s with an Indian woodsman, it was actually a Royal En field, and Indian put there name on it. Had a Norton when I was stationed in Germany, found out unlike an Indian, the first thing that hits the ground is your shoulder, on a heavy curve, not the pegs, or floorboards LOL, so much for the bikes. thanks for the help, and the welcome aboard, I will probably be bugging you guys again with questions Later Robbi

 

Welcome to NAM. Pics would be appreciated by all here .
We use Amsoil, the MINI place near us uses it so we got some there and have been using it ever since.
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/default.aspx

Annette

 

welcomer n congrats