First Mini!
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Coast, Maine
First Mini!
Hello everyone,
I recently have purchased a 2005 Mini Cooper S! So far I love the car! It rides well shifts nice and has a decent amount of options. I was looking at Honda Civics, but I felt you got more bang for your buck here.
I'm not interested in racing it or getting max horsepower. I just want a clean professional ride with a few tasteful extras. I'm hoping to get the Fog Lights installed as well as an LED conversion for the interior lighting (Maps, Domes, Well and Sill lights). Maybe some Xeon / HIDs for the headlights as well. Probably Xeon for low beams and HIDs for high beams. I probably will get some nice chrome rims / wheels to match the trim on the outside as well. I like the idea of summer and winter rims / wheels.
The downsides are that I am getting the Power Steering Pump / Fan replaced at a dealer that is almost 200 miles away from me. It is going to be free though so that's not bad at all. One thing I would have liked to see was an audio auxiliary in option as well.
I have also heard of a shock tower "Mushrooming" issue as well. That concerns me because the roads here get all kinds of frost heaves and potholes. Has anyone experienced this first hand? Any input on known defects or problems that should be fixed is appreciated.
Overall I have been driving it for a couple weeks and I like it a lot. I hope to keep it in good shape and look forward to the driving ahead.
Let's Motor!
NOTE: Pictures soon to come. I want ot get it washed / waxed up before the big photo op ;-)
I recently have purchased a 2005 Mini Cooper S! So far I love the car! It rides well shifts nice and has a decent amount of options. I was looking at Honda Civics, but I felt you got more bang for your buck here.
I'm not interested in racing it or getting max horsepower. I just want a clean professional ride with a few tasteful extras. I'm hoping to get the Fog Lights installed as well as an LED conversion for the interior lighting (Maps, Domes, Well and Sill lights). Maybe some Xeon / HIDs for the headlights as well. Probably Xeon for low beams and HIDs for high beams. I probably will get some nice chrome rims / wheels to match the trim on the outside as well. I like the idea of summer and winter rims / wheels.
The downsides are that I am getting the Power Steering Pump / Fan replaced at a dealer that is almost 200 miles away from me. It is going to be free though so that's not bad at all. One thing I would have liked to see was an audio auxiliary in option as well.
I have also heard of a shock tower "Mushrooming" issue as well. That concerns me because the roads here get all kinds of frost heaves and potholes. Has anyone experienced this first hand? Any input on known defects or problems that should be fixed is appreciated.
Overall I have been driving it for a couple weeks and I like it a lot. I hope to keep it in good shape and look forward to the driving ahead.
Let's Motor!
NOTE: Pictures soon to come. I want ot get it washed / waxed up before the big photo op ;-)
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
Welcome coolioMcPimp and congrats on the new ride! Good luck on keeping your list of planned mods down to a few tasteful extras. Also, I'm sure if you search the threads on NAM you will find the info you're looking for on any shock tower issues.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Audio aux input for your car are still available from several vendors, here's one :
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...p3_hookup.html
Most of these were installed aftermarket, since when our first gen cars were designed there was no such thing as an ipod or smartphone! It's a very easy installation.
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...p3_hookup.html
Most of these were installed aftermarket, since when our first gen cars were designed there was no such thing as an ipod or smartphone! It's a very easy installation.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Coast, Maine
Needed update.
I just realized that I pretty much left this post sit for half a year.
I haven't done a lot to my Mini yet. I named him Sheldor, based off the show Big Bang Theory. It is Sheldon Cooper's online name in World of Warcraft. It's nerdy I know.
I have bought a few parts, but most are not installed yet:
1. Door Speakers - Pioneer TS-G1644R I think
2. ECS Tuning Strut Tower Plates - JUST installed
3. Cabrio Diagonal Braces
4. Red Cheap Tow hook (Front) - Broke this winter
5. ECS Aux in CD Changer Kit
Ultimately, if I could dream, I would like to turn it into a JCW Mini S, but that's super expensive and takes a LOT of time. I would also like to get some aftermarket rims, tint, Front and Rear fogs, Chrono Dash Kit, The GP style driver side dash compartment (to the bottom left of the steering wheel), adjustable suspension, short shift kit, Full LED conversion and that's pretty much it.
That's the dream, but lets talk reality. In reality I don't have a lot of extra cash. So I've narrowed it down to a few things. I cracked both bumpers this winter due to having poor tires. So I would like to fix and replace the bumpers. While they are out I might as well add the Front Fogs and the Rear Fog / Reverse light. I would still like to stealth mod the airbox. Otherwise I think that's where I will stop. I might still get the tint on the two rear windows and the back window. That all depends on cash
Maybe one day I can have a car that's not my daily driver that I can put a lot of cash into and enjoy. For now I'm going to keep it simple and enjoy it for what it is.
I've got a Google Drive folder set up for people to view pictures. I keep it fairly updated. There are also some documents that show tire sizes parts cost etc. Enjoy!
See Sheldor on Google Drive
I haven't done a lot to my Mini yet. I named him Sheldor, based off the show Big Bang Theory. It is Sheldon Cooper's online name in World of Warcraft. It's nerdy I know.
I have bought a few parts, but most are not installed yet:
1. Door Speakers - Pioneer TS-G1644R I think
2. ECS Tuning Strut Tower Plates - JUST installed
3. Cabrio Diagonal Braces
4. Red Cheap Tow hook (Front) - Broke this winter
5. ECS Aux in CD Changer Kit
Ultimately, if I could dream, I would like to turn it into a JCW Mini S, but that's super expensive and takes a LOT of time. I would also like to get some aftermarket rims, tint, Front and Rear fogs, Chrono Dash Kit, The GP style driver side dash compartment (to the bottom left of the steering wheel), adjustable suspension, short shift kit, Full LED conversion and that's pretty much it.
That's the dream, but lets talk reality. In reality I don't have a lot of extra cash. So I've narrowed it down to a few things. I cracked both bumpers this winter due to having poor tires. So I would like to fix and replace the bumpers. While they are out I might as well add the Front Fogs and the Rear Fog / Reverse light. I would still like to stealth mod the airbox. Otherwise I think that's where I will stop. I might still get the tint on the two rear windows and the back window. That all depends on cash
Maybe one day I can have a car that's not my daily driver that I can put a lot of cash into and enjoy. For now I'm going to keep it simple and enjoy it for what it is.
I've got a Google Drive folder set up for people to view pictures. I keep it fairly updated. There are also some documents that show tire sizes parts cost etc. Enjoy!
See Sheldor on Google Drive
I just realized that I pretty much left this post sit for half a year.
I haven't done a lot to my Mini yet. I named him Sheldor , based off the show Big Bang Theory. It is Sheldon Cooper's online name in World of Warcraft. It's nerdy I know.
I have bought a few parts, but most are not installed yet:
1. Door Speakers - Pioneer TS-G1644R I think
2. ECS Tuning Strut Tower Plates - JUST installed ( http://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_R50_R52_R53_Cooper_ECSStrutTowerPlates_2002_2 003_2004_2005_2006_2007_2008/
3. Cabrio Diagonal Braces ( http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51617123516KT/
4. Red Cheap Tow hook (Front) - Broke this winter
5. ECS Aux in CD Changer Kit ( http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/82110153367/
Ultimately, if I could dream, I would like to turn it into a JCW Mini S, but that's super expensive and takes a LOT of time. I would also like to get some aftermarket rims, tint, Front and Rear fogs, Chrono Dash Kit, The GP style driver side dash compartment (to the bottom left of the steering wheel), adjustable suspension, short shift kit, Full LED conversion and that's pretty much it.
That's the dream, but lets talk reality. In reality I don't have a lot of extra cash. So I've narrowed it down to a few things. I cracked both bumpers this winter due to having poor tires. So I would like to fix and replace the bumpers. While they are out I might as well add the Front Fogs and the Rear Fog / Reverse light. I would still like to stealth mod the airbox. Otherwise I think that's where I will stop. I might still get the tint on the two rear windows and the back window. That all depends on cash
Maybe one day I can have a car that's not my daily driver that I can put a lot of cash into and enjoy. For now I'm going to keep it simple and enjoy it for what it is.
I've got a Google Drive folder set up for people to view pictures. I keep it fairly updated. There are also some documents that show tire sizes parts cost etc. Enjoy!
See Sheldor on Google Drive
I haven't done a lot to my Mini yet. I named him Sheldor , based off the show Big Bang Theory. It is Sheldon Cooper's online name in World of Warcraft. It's nerdy I know.
I have bought a few parts, but most are not installed yet:
1. Door Speakers - Pioneer TS-G1644R I think
2. ECS Tuning Strut Tower Plates - JUST installed ( http://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_R50_R52_R53_Cooper_ECSStrutTowerPlates_2002_2 003_2004_2005_2006_2007_2008/
3. Cabrio Diagonal Braces ( http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51617123516KT/
4. Red Cheap Tow hook (Front) - Broke this winter
5. ECS Aux in CD Changer Kit ( http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/82110153367/
Ultimately, if I could dream, I would like to turn it into a JCW Mini S, but that's super expensive and takes a LOT of time. I would also like to get some aftermarket rims, tint, Front and Rear fogs, Chrono Dash Kit, The GP style driver side dash compartment (to the bottom left of the steering wheel), adjustable suspension, short shift kit, Full LED conversion and that's pretty much it.
That's the dream, but lets talk reality. In reality I don't have a lot of extra cash. So I've narrowed it down to a few things. I cracked both bumpers this winter due to having poor tires. So I would like to fix and replace the bumpers. While they are out I might as well add the Front Fogs and the Rear Fog / Reverse light. I would still like to stealth mod the airbox. Otherwise I think that's where I will stop. I might still get the tint on the two rear windows and the back window. That all depends on cash
Maybe one day I can have a car that's not my daily driver that I can put a lot of cash into and enjoy. For now I'm going to keep it simple and enjoy it for what it is.
I've got a Google Drive folder set up for people to view pictures. I keep it fairly updated. There are also some documents that show tire sizes parts cost etc. Enjoy!
See Sheldor on Google Drive
Congrats on the mods for Sheldor.
__________________
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
Last edited by ECSTuning; Mar 16, 2015 at 05:41 AM.
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Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Coast, Maine
Thanks~! So far my ECS parts have shipped quick and have been great quality. I look forward to finishing up what I want to do.
__________________
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
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