Hi,

I am a new Mini owner. I've had mine for about 3 weeks now. I have had no problems with the mechanics but some with the cleanliness. I have white wheels and am interested in some brakes which don't have as much brake dust to show on my pretty white wheels! Any ideas? I also have a nice rattle in the front driver's side dash. Anyone else? Any tips for how to keep the whites looking whiter and the reds looking redder would be appreciated! Thanks!

Katie

 

I felt the same way about the wheels when I first got my car. I was out every other day trying to clean them of the brake dust, all the while smearing it all over my pearly whites. SO FRUSTERATING. Last week I got Transmate Sterling Wheel Brightener from Mini. (big bottle was about 35 bucks, but should last a while) Dilute 6:1, spray on, let sit for about 30 seconds. I used a large sponge to rinse the brakedust/brightener off. They look beautiful and it only took less than 5 min to do. The brake dust won't go away (unless you use different brakes) but this product makes ridding your baby of it a breeze.

 

I wouldn't worry about the wheels... I would worry about the rattle.

 

I agree You should take it to the dealer and have them check the rattle. You can buy a low dust brake pads when you need to replace it. Here's the site where I ordered mine for my Benz.

http://www.brakewarehouse.com/index.asp

Jun in VA
PS I'm jealous you all have mini... debating on ordering or waiting.

 

I can't address the white wheels, but I can your rattle. I have an 05 MCS--Jul 04 build and I get that rattle--from time to time. You will also hear other rattles as time wears on. If you do some searches there are more stories than you will want to read. My summation: pretty much the nature of the "beast". I added a Cold Air Intake and a performance exhaust and normally only hear that. You can also pump up the volume on your HK. Enjoy your MINI--have fun. Nick

 

The brake dust on the wheels appears to be "the nature of the beast". A good coat of wax on your wheels will make them easier to clean.