Hi,
wondering if anyone lives on dirt roads, or has advice on what I can do to my mini to help it on dirt roads. Assuming I get it (see damaged at port thread), I would like to know if there are any aftermarket etc. things I can do. I am going to add mud flaps but I'm more concerned about the structural things. I have only ever driven diesel trucks so this will be quite a change for me Bought the mini because I will be driving into DC about 4 days a week, and it'll be so much easier than parking the truck not to mention the fuel saved! Problem is I live on a farm- about 2 miles of dirt roads to get there and I'm worried for my mini. Should I lift it a little? ha ha I've only seen posts about people wanting to lower Can you get tougher shocks, or a protective underbody plate?
thanks

 

What year is it? Coop or S?

 

BMW Mini Rally Car

The way to go.

 

wow, looks perfect for me!! a little creapy looking with the lights coming out of the front like that though.

kgdblu, its suppose to be an 08 cooper, non-s. Still not sure of its whereabouts, and trying to figure out what actual damage was done to it at the port -- see other post. Hopefully it will be ok though, its really hard to wait!

 

i live in the sticks of ohio n i havent had a problem. my drive way has potholes that almost swallowed my xtreme when i had it, n the mini hasnt had that kind of problem.

 

Your car should be just fine as long as you drive at reasonable speeds down the gravel roads. I think MINI offers a clear vinyl cling to protect the paint in the areas behind the mudflaps, and that would be a good thing to add to your car. If they don't, there are other aftermarket places that do. Other than that, be sure to avoid potholes and driving over severely crowned roads... you don't want to pack your power steering cooling fan with gravel! Not sure if there are any plates available yet for protection.

Probably not a good idea to tighten up the suspension, as that might contribute to premature rattles and possible strut tower mushrooming (hasn't been a problem YET in R56s). More travel and softer (stock) springs would be easier on the car (and you).

Obviously, you'll want to protect the paint with an extra heavy helping of the 'wax' product of your choice, as soon as possible. A good protective coating will help repel dust and dirt, and make it easier to clean. And you might want to visit the detailing threads for washing info. I suspect your biggest challenge will be to wash your car without introducing swirls into the paint. PM me if you have questions.

Hope this helps! Good luck with the new car, and let us know how things work out with the bumper repair.

 

great advice, Ed.
My car is much older..an '02..and I have an aftermarket steel grille protecting my cooling fan. Don't know if these are made for the newer models or if they're even needed anymore. A skid plate might help too, tho again, I don't know if these are available for '08s. it's worth maybe a search on NAM and of some of the vendors who sell after market stuff.
Sorry I couldn't be more help, but Ed seems to have covered all the bases. Good luck.

 

When I go exploring backroads, I often end up on roads that change from asphalt to gravel. ( you should see some of the roads I don't put on the runs)

I haven't had any problems yet negotiating them in my S with 17 inch wheels.

Your JustaCooper with 15 or 16 inchers should even offer a smoother ride since you would have more sidewall to offer more cushioning.

Just remember that you're in a MINI and not a truck and drive accordingly and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

Ha Ha Wolf617, I bet those backroads you go exploring are my daily driving roads Once I get my mini I'd love to tag along -- exploring my neighborhood