MINI Tech turned MINI Owner!
MINI Tech turned MINI Owner!
Hello all,
I have been working on the R50/R53 MINIs almost since they were brought into the states and have just recently purchased one. 2002 MC, Cosmos Black, Cold weather, Premium package with white bonnet stripes. I checked the car out for a customer and checked out his complaints(Oil leak, pop in steering, PS pump whine..etc..). It turned out that it was going to cost him 3500 bucks to fix it, so he decided to trade it in. It was perfect for me, the gas savings almost make the payment, so I bought it from my dealer before they wholesaled it. I have since replaced the rack, oil pan gasket, VC gasket, A-pillar trim, clutch and brake pedal pads, Cd head unit, RF outer ball joint, LF park light, RR side marker light, floor mats, shift ****, E-brake boot and handle and probably a few more things that I can't think of. I have also put in the updated taillights(05 and newer), MCS clear TS assemblies, boot mat, center console with the tray in front, and E-brake console. I am waiting on the radio stand pillar cover(paint rubbed off), and still need to replace the PS pump. All this in 2 weeks of ownership... Now for the clay and wax.
I have always liked working on these cars, talking with the owners, and now I am able to drive one everyday. I just wish I could get better gas mileage, but the on and off ramps as well as curves are so much fun!
My bio is:
Lead technician at MINI of Charleston and have 15yrs professional exp as tech.
Live in Charleston, SC
Married, 33 with 2 kids(Quintarian 11/Chastity 8)
I enjoy working and tinkering with all kinds of things
I am truly amazed at the amount of info on this board and have learned some things my self...
Thanks for the great site!
Chad
I have been working on the R50/R53 MINIs almost since they were brought into the states and have just recently purchased one. 2002 MC, Cosmos Black, Cold weather, Premium package with white bonnet stripes. I checked the car out for a customer and checked out his complaints(Oil leak, pop in steering, PS pump whine..etc..). It turned out that it was going to cost him 3500 bucks to fix it, so he decided to trade it in. It was perfect for me, the gas savings almost make the payment, so I bought it from my dealer before they wholesaled it. I have since replaced the rack, oil pan gasket, VC gasket, A-pillar trim, clutch and brake pedal pads, Cd head unit, RF outer ball joint, LF park light, RR side marker light, floor mats, shift ****, E-brake boot and handle and probably a few more things that I can't think of. I have also put in the updated taillights(05 and newer), MCS clear TS assemblies, boot mat, center console with the tray in front, and E-brake console. I am waiting on the radio stand pillar cover(paint rubbed off), and still need to replace the PS pump. All this in 2 weeks of ownership... Now for the clay and wax.
I have always liked working on these cars, talking with the owners, and now I am able to drive one everyday. I just wish I could get better gas mileage, but the on and off ramps as well as curves are so much fun!
My bio is:
Lead technician at MINI of Charleston and have 15yrs professional exp as tech.
Live in Charleston, SC
Married, 33 with 2 kids(Quintarian 11/Chastity 8)
I enjoy working and tinkering with all kinds of things
I am truly amazed at the amount of info on this board and have learned some things my self...
Thanks for the great site!
Chad
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Eagle Rock, Calif
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3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Bonits Springs FL
I LOVE CHARLESTON !!!! 
My sister lives there now. I plan a move in the next couple years. When I ship my R56 back to the states it will be via Charleston port. I'll have to look you up Chad.
Best of luck on the '02
My sister lives there now. I plan a move in the next couple years. When I ship my R56 back to the states it will be via Charleston port. I'll have to look you up Chad.
Best of luck on the '02
Welcome to NAM. I hope you enjoy your Mini.
I should be taking the training course by the middle of Feb.
I am waiting for my Technical rep to get it sorted out... I watched the video with specs already, and took the post test and another online test...Just waiting on them to get my certification for the prerequisite worked out.
Neat car, new technology, faster bus systems.
Chad
I am waiting for my Technical rep to get it sorted out... I watched the video with specs already, and took the post test and another online test...Just waiting on them to get my certification for the prerequisite worked out.
Neat car, new technology, faster bus systems.
Chad
I caught myself doing that, but not until I was past the thread stage....
Chad
My car had 75k on it...3/02 production. One of the earlier models out there. Alot of stuff, I was nit picking, but just wanted the car in like new condition.
Chad