Hey guys! My name is Caleb Cheshier and I have wanted an R53 since I was 16. I am 26 now and I finally got one! It is an 03 BRG with 120k,factory xenon's, panoramic sunroof, climate control,and a couple other packages... (not 100% familiar with how the packages lay out). I bought it about a week ago and I have already installed SSR Competition 16x7.5" with BFG G Force Sport Comp 2's. I also have changed the air filter, cabin filter, fuel filter, and oil in the first week. I really love it so far! It is super fun to drive and cant wait to do some more mods.

Future mods are going to be some new speakers as these are blown. Eventually I will going 15% pulley, DDM intake box with samco hose, various bushings being replaced, stratosphere exhaust, possibly full FA53 and gauges to tune with. I autocross with Red River Region in Louisiana so eventually suspension mods will be going on as well. Here is some pics so you guys can see. Thanks for being an awesome forum!

 

Grats! Looks just like Car (That's my MINI's name). Mine has been in the shop for 31 days (long story) and I miss her like crazy. Have fun making yours unique!

 

Nice looking R53, welcome!

 

Welcome to NAM and congrats on your new MINI. More mods to come, I'm sure. It looks great and love the BRG.

 

Thanks for the welcomes guys! My wife asked me if I was still pleased with my purchase after a week and a half and I have to say I really am. I just absolutely love driving this thing. I am looking into replacing some of the motor mounts as they are cracked and not looking so hot. I don't want to add a lot of NVH. Any recommendations on the passenger side replacement? Also anyone have any thoughts on speaker replacement? I have been searching and reading but have yet to find an exact answer yet. Has anyone tried to run a component system off of the factory boost stereo?

Droog: I love the name you have come up with for it! So original I have named mine dumm Kopf for the time being...

got-m1ni: Thanks man!

Mr. T: Thanks so much for the welcome! I can't wait to get some more power out of this thing! I also love the BRG!

 

Car just had a motor mount replaced. Actually, I was supposed to pick her up, today, but was told they found a leaking cylinder so they are now waiting on that part and maybe next week. I've already been 32 days without my vehicle and I am quite unhappy about the situation. They don't take me seriously because I am a female and they're basically right when they say that there's nothing I can do. I am already 2 grand into this repair.

 

Droog: Wow that sucks! Which mount did they replace? What cylinder was leaking? That is crazy that that is their attitude towards you though. I mean they must not really want your business if they act like that. Is it a MINI dealership?

 

So after replacing the fuel filter the other day, I noticed my gauge reads low now. I cant get it to go to a full tank. Anyone else experience this? I may have bent something when I had the sending unit out. I hope not...

 

I honestly don't know. They didn't tell me and I am not all that knowledgable on this kind of thing. Hopefully I will become more knowledgable as time goes on. It is not a MINI dealership, it is a small service center who is contracted with my warranty. I actually just received a call from them saying that the work will have to be done at the dealership so at some point today Car will be at MINI of Birmingham getting some proper attention. I am really angry that I have gone 34 days without my car but I am somewhat relieved that these idiots will no longer be messing around with what they know nothing about. I'll keep you posted on the status.

 

Droog...sorry to hear about your MINI, hope the dealer will take care of you soon!

 

That looks really nice! BRG was my second color option, nice wheels you put on there. Once you get the modding bug, you can't stop!

 

Droog: Wow that is crazy. Yah I would be upset... Is the warranty covering all of the work? I bet you are super anxious to get Car back lol

 

cooperScaleb05: Thanks man! I love the BRG... it is so pretty! Yah I have wanted a set of these wheels since I was a kid and finally got a set! Oh I have had the modding bug for years. I really should get some more pics together and list my car history....

 

So, I received an update on Car. Not good. She got to MINI of Birmingham and as soon as they hooked it up (that was his wording) the master cylinder literally exploded, sending brake fluid everywhere. They ordered parts (he said master cylinder and reservoir) which will be in on Tuesday and they will update me then. He did say there were a lot of things dry rotted and cracked, so I'm curious about that. More than anything I'm just glad this problem is being addressed by professionals, now. And to answer your question, yes, this is all warranty work. I had to pay $500 for the work, out of pocket, and warranty is covering the rest. My lender even suspended payments for a month as to not make me pay my regular payment plus the additional $500. I just keep reminding myself that this can't last forever. I will get Car back, eventually.

 

BTW- I like your username

 

Droog good thing its only costing you $500 out of pocket. Let them fix whatever they want if that's all its gonna cost, otherwise I would get my car out of there ASAP. I will purchase a car from a stealership...oops I mean dealership but I will never let them touch my car after that. in my opinion they are thieves I do all my own work and what I can't do I have a trusted mechanic friend do.

 

Haha! Thanks!

 

Congrats Caleb. that is one sharp looking MINI! If you ever find yourself in central Texas look up our club for an event. We'd love to have you join in on one of our crazy fun drives.

http://www.meetup.com/Austin-Mini-Cooper-Car-Club/

~p

 

Droog: Good to hear you are only paying $500 for all of these repairs. I hope you get Car back soon!

Pyratio: I have family down in Lakeway so I am down there sometimes. I will have to hit you guys up for sure! I wonder if there are any meets in Dallas... I will have to look into the regional forum.

Update on my car... Went to the Dyno today! Videos and dyno sheet will up later. I was very pleased with my results!

 

http://s153.photobucket.com/user/cal...8f8bd.mp4.html

Dyno video as promised! I love how flat the TQ curve is!

 

I picked up Car from the service center, today, and she is driving like a champ! Woohoo! So glad to have her back after 39 days!