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1st GearNew members: make an initial post and introduce yourself as you shift from Neutral to First Gear. Current members: meet some of the new members.
Hello,
I'm Ayan from Sydney, Australia. A month ago I picked up my first mini and I can't stop driving it. I haven't been able to find any hugely active mini forums for the 2nd gens until I came across NAM, so I've happy to be here
What I love about my clubman...
It's quirky, has lots of attitude and some practicality to boot. This thing goes hard for its teeny weeny engine, I'm always surprised by how hard it pulls mid-range and just gets going in any gear.
I finally get the go-kart reference for minis, the way it drives on the right stretch of road (smooth roads with elevation changes, on and off camber tight turns) ....it's just sublime!
But the best part of my clubman is the exhaust note....it brings out the 13 year old me. The JCW has lots of burbling, pops...and sometimes bangs!
Whats not so hot...
It's a 10 year old car so there are bound to be a few rattles, especially around the frame-less doors and the rear seat latch (I think)
It runs a bit hot (106-108 deg C), but I hear that's normal? Maybe that's why it burns a bit of oil and the heater has a burning plastic smell sometimes.
I look forward to participating on this forum and have a lot of reading to do on the 'how to's' and what to beware of during mini ownership. I recently did an oil change, next up is brake fluid flush and spark plugs
My Mini...
2008 R55 JCW, Dark silver with 140,000 kms - pics below
Welcome to the forum and the adventure that is owning a Mini, ha ha! That’s a nice looking Clubbie you got there. If you're reading up on the do’s and don’ts and how-to’s you are definitely on the right track. Now you know why we love them!
Wasn't sure of the color with the 1st couple pictures
I call it shampoo white!
Originally Posted by MrGrumpy
Welcome to the forum and the adventure that is owning a Mini, ha ha! That’s a nice looking Clubbie you got there. If you're reading up on the do’s and don’ts and how-to’s you are definitely on the right track. Now you know why we love them!
Thanks. I just picked up a replacement bonnet scoop as mine's warped and faded from the heat the turbo generates (I'm guessing this is a common issue on earlier 2nd gens)
Hi and welcome to NAM, iankun!
Congrats on your Mini buy! Lots of fun in your future!
Tons of information here, to help you keep that Mini in good condition.
The gen 2 area will be your friend!
Thanks. I just picked up a replacement bonnet scoop as mine's warped and faded from the heat the turbo generates (I'm guessing this is a common issue on earlier 2nd gens)
That will happen from what I hear, mine doesn’t have the scoop (Countryman) but I do know that the turbo gets VERY hot! And I’ve heard and read about warped scoops from it. Keeping the factory heat shield on will help. The aftermarket heat shields look super nice, but can trap heat and melt the valve cover, so be careful there. WMW has a turbo blanket that when used in conjunction with the OEM heat shield will keep that heat in the turbo where you want it, making it more efficient according to the folks with more smarts than I have. This is what I personally plan to do eventually. Hope this helps a little bit!
Happy Motoring! Drive it like you hate it! Lol. Really.... it’s good for them to get driven hard sometimes.
That will happen from what I hear, mine doesn’t have the scoop (Countryman) but I do know that the turbo gets VERY hot! And I’ve heard and read about warped scoops from it. Keeping the factory heat shield on will help. The aftermarket heat shields look super nice, but can trap heat and melt the valve cover, so be careful there. WMW has a turbo blanket that when used in conjunction with the OEM heat shield will keep that heat in the turbo where you want it, making it more efficient according to the folks with more smarts than I have. This is what I personally plan to do eventually. Hope this helps a little bit!
Happy Motoring! Drive it like you hate it! Lol. Really.... it’s good for them to get driven hard sometimes.
Thanks for the info Mr. Grumpy. I was reading up on that and I might add heat reflector tape to the underside of the scoop in addition to the turbo blanket/wrap on the turbo. I'm confident this will mitigate any risk of the new scoop melting/warping.
Nice looking clubbie....lol. I tried to talk my son out of the yellow, but he loved it. Yours looks squeaky clean! Funny you should mention how addictive it is. I have a Slk that sits more often than it should as I want to take the mini out.....doh My neglected MB.
It's a 28i (4cyl turbo). I've owned her for 5 years and then the mod bug hit earlier this year....I still don't know how, but I convinced the secretary of finance it'd be cheaper to buy a used hot hatch and so queue the Mini...lol.
To my wife (If you're reading this) You're the best!
It's a 28i (4cyl turbo). I've owned her for 5 years and then the mod bug hit earlier this year....I still don't know how, but I convinced the secretary of finance it'd be cheaper to buy a used hot hatch and so queue the Mini...lol.
To my wife (If you're reading this) You're the best!
lol....if you ever get a chance, check out the 35is. Makes the mini, and my Benz, feel like pigs.
I call it shampoo white!
