Hey guys, Just bought a new to me 2009 Mini Cooper S

Definitely a change, I went from

2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary
2008 BMW E60 M5

and now the MINI

I won't lie, I'm looking forward to spending less on gas (That V10 drinks) and just an easier daily. I wanted something a little less costly but for me the "driving" experience is important so it had to be fun.

This is also technically my 1st Turbo car and that Pshht is addicting!

Going from 500HP to under 200 will be a change but this car is quick, nimble and I love that its a platform that I can make some mods too and make it more my own.

Hope to keep a nice journal of the upgrades I make and learn a lot. The other Mini forums seems bland compared to this one.

Not the best pics as I haven't picked it up myself yet, still sitting at the dealer. No winter tires on it and I still have my winter beater kicking around (Passat Wagon) so no rush (we have a winter tire law here till March 15th)

The red interior sold me instantly!







And just so you get an idea for my modding tastes, my past 2 cars

Welcome to NAM and congratulations! Lots of BMW owners make the switch to MINI. Great looking E60 though! Any plans for your R56 once you get your hands on it?

Thanks I appreciate it.

Well seems like a Heat Shield should be one of my first purchases lol.

I picked up some small trinkets already before even getting the car.

LED Interior lights
Hologram Courtesy lights

Car already had an intake from what I recall so next is probably:

-Exhaust
-Forged BOV (unless I read up on something better)
-Stitched, flat bottomed steering wheel

I love CF so probably CF Duell or Vortex Hood Scoop. I should check you guys out!

The heatshield will definitely help protect your hood scoop. We have it HERE. Yes, the M7 Vortex Hood Scoop HERE is a popular option. Gives it that aggressive look. For an exhaust, do some research on REMUS here. It's a great choice and more than a few members on here have done some reviews on their quality/sound. Here is one of them. The Forge DV is a great choice. All around great quality product. If you need anything or have any questions be sure to let me know. We also have a lot of great DIY tech articles to help you while you work on your MINI. Even have one that can help you with your exhaust install. Let me know if you have any questions. Be sure to enjoy your new MINI.

Welcome and congrats

Nice collection. For the MINI glad to see the rooster red with the red doors, nice option on the black paint.

Former E30 convertible / E34 525i m50 owner here. Nice E60, like the e39 M5 also.

For exhaust have you looked at Milltek : https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2009-...t/Performance/

Non resonated has a nice sound and no drone.

And the Forge BOV adapter or BOV kit with the uprated valve or Uprated DV. If you ever tune and run more psi , you will want the uprated.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2009-...e/Performance/


On the heat shield are you looking for the line upgrade or the heat shield above the turbo ?

Sounds like you already got some major mods on the way.

E30 convertible, a real beauty!

So that Miltek exhaust, give a nice burble/pop? I need to look up Youtube for some soundclips hopefully.

As for the heat shield, For the turbo is my first stop

Thank you guys, lots of things for me to look over

Yea , i wish i still had is , Silver with red sport seats




But have an R52 MINI Convertible now.


Milltek pops and burbles, you will get more when the engine warms up and you hit your sport button, The non res is louder . The resonated a little quieter.




You are welcome. let me know if you need anything else.

Quite a change from your former cars, but Mini is extremely fun to drive. Not the minimalist car from it's original form, but definitely an efficient ride. I'm amazed at the fuel economy it produces. I still have the original factory runflats, and they require being kept at recommended pressure to optimize road feel and liveliness. A couple of pounds or more down and the feed back becomes noticeably duller/deader.

Keep us up on the mods and whatever else you end up doing your Mini. That interior is really nice, by the way. Welcome to the forum.