Sorry to hear about this.

Early in the morning, a fine layer of dew can make the roads slippery even when they look dry. In some areas of the country, algae/bacteria can grow on this water film making it a lot slippery than you would think.

Glad the bat can be fixed!

 

Thats the lower control arm. About $200 for a set from Alta, 240 for a set from MINI. Depending upon your deductable, You might want to get a quote first. It might not be worth claming it if the price to fix is too low vs your insurance going up next year ... depends upon what your policy says.

If you got road rash on the tire sidewalls, that can be a problem. Weeks from now a bubble can show up or there could be internal damage you can't see. I wouldn't drive to quick on that tire for a bit

 

I tried calling Will a few times yesterday, but wasn't able to get a hold of him. Knowing service closes at 6, I called at about 5:55pm but no answer, so I left a message. To my surprise, he returned my call between 7:30-8 last night to tell me what was going on. I wrote down a summary of what he said on a post it, and it's not completely legible... heh...

Passenger trail (trail rod? trail arm?)
Passenger front/rear tie rods
Upper & lower control arms
Passenger rims (currently 17" S-lites)

Just under 2k in repairs.

I happen to have 2k available, as I just got my annual reenlistment bonus from the Navy... So there goes the bonus. So now I have to call my insurance company, and see if I can't get them to cancel my claim without still raising my insurance. If they're going to raise it anyway, they might as well pay for the repairs, and I can use the 2k for the deductable and some other mods.

Ahh well... At least there's no body damage, and everything should be fairly easy to replace. I'm also going to see if I can't get rid of the S-lites too... Looking at the Mini R90's in Anthracite... But maybe something else. I'll know better after I talk to my insurance company, USAA.

And I forgot to take my DSLR to take pics of the roundabout. And the pics of the rims aren't high enough detail to see even the most servere curb rash.

 

Sorry to hear about this!

What is most important is that you were not injured and neither was anyone else. That's always the most important thing with accidents. The Batmini will get put back together even better than before!

 

Let me add my sympathies to those already offered.

I've had USAA for almost 25 years and just used them for car loans on our 2 MINIs - I've always been happy with them, especially their customer service, so I hope it works out well for you.

Also - not sure if you have a specific reason for going with replacement MINI wheels/tires, but it seems on these forums a lot of individuals do replacements with lighter weight wheels and non-run-flat tires to reduce the "sprung weight" (did I get that right?) at the wheels. Given your video of your track day, I'd say you drive at a level where you could appreciate the difference (not so sure it'd make sense for me).

I've also heard that the non-run-flats offer a less harsh ride while improving performance. Again, this is all hearsay from me, but I was just curious why you'd go with MINI wheels (and aren't they overpriced?).

Hope you're back in the saddle again soon. And KUDOS to Will - awesome follow-up and hopefully that leadership affects the change everyone is looking for at Tate.

john

 

I don't know about overpriced. Supposedly the R90's are real two-pieces, which is sometimes considered 'quality' for the style. I'm not fond of the bullets, but I do like the web design, and that they come in Anthricite. I didn't want to pay the $1800 for them up front when I bought my Mini, especially because then they do not include the tires. :/ At least thats what my MA told me.

So they've been on my eye for a while, and I've not really seen anything else affordable that does the same. And like many aftermarket parts, there could be fingers pointed in regards to un-related part failures, and other drama.

There's also something to be said for low-key mods, and for keeping the car close to stock. Trade-in value, as well as sentimental to some extent. Not accusing other people of being trendy or ricers, just saying when it comes to aftermarket, I like simple and unique. Obviously the bats are extravagant to a small extent... The seat logos are small, the windows are 'ghosted' so hard to see from the outside, windows are tinted dark to hide internal 'bling', and I occasionally put up a Batman related antenna ball.


No real updates on the Mini. S-Lites are $225, and the R90's are about $450. I'd be happy if I only had to pay for two, and insurance took care of the other two. USAA said no work is to commence until they approve it... Hopefully their adjuster will make it out to Tate today.

I did ask Will if I could also bring in an Alta SS I acquired, and he said "Sure. I install everything but pullies...", so it looks as if Tate is mod-friendly now as well. Keen.

All in all, Will has done an outstanding job so far, and I'm very pleased with the way he's handled my unfortunate situation so far. Makes being without my Batmini a lot more tolerable.

Thanks Will!

P.S. Will said he still reads the forums, but is unable to post. He's working on getting that fixed.

P.P.S. And thanks for all the kind words and guidance all!

 

If there is something slick on the road it should be reported to the road commission or DOT. Do it in writing, as a state/county agency they will be required to make it record for future use if necessary.

 

WagnBat, what about the run-flats vs. non-runflats - any thoughts there?

john

 

IMHO, riding on runflats is like riding on tanktreads. I couldn't wait to get rid of them...so I did. I also went down to 16" wheels, which seemed to smooth out the ride...

 

USAA is the best insurance, period. BUT... only available to military or family of military.
Correction - you meant "unsprung weight". Sprung weight = weight on the springs, which is the rest of the car. Easy way to determine it... if it rotates when you move, it's unsprung weight. Therefore brake rotors, wheels & tires are all unsprung, but brake calipers are sprung.
That depends on your definition of "performance". Non-runflats are often made with a stickier rubber compound than runflats. That helps straight line acceleration... but the trade-off is that your sidewalls will flex a lot more than the super-stiff sidewalls of runflats. A stiff sidewall is a great help for sharp handling (such as when autocrossing). No contest on the ride though - runflats are a lot harsher, mostly again due to the harder compound and stiff sidewalls.

Personally, I like my runflats, and I'm sticking with them. I LIKE the stiff sidewalls. The ride? Meh - my Mustang is WAY harsher than my MINI is... so it feels smooth to me. If I wanted a damn Cadillac I would have bought one! The extra peace of mind that I am much less likely to get stranded is also a plus!
Bat, you of course do realize that the (silver) web spokes are only a $500 "upgrade" option on all (01/05 or later) MCSes that have the Sport package? That's why I got them - cheap upgrade, lighter wheels (compared to S-lites) that look a heck of a lot better IMO. I wouldn't mind having anthracite versions though, to hide the brake dust better :smile: I'm guessing the $1800 price is for "dealer provided" extra wheels, not the factory option.

 

Wagnbat,

Are you considering aftermarket rims?

http://outmotoring.com/team_dynamics_pro_race_1.html
13 pounds for 15" and 17 pounds for 17". Available in Flat Black to match the BatMINI

 

I don't think we're talking about the same wheel...

I think you're talking about the $500 upgrade R98 web-spokes:


And I'm talking about the R90:
http://www.mini2.com/qt/r90_wheel.mov


And DrDiff, Not sure about the flat black... But that anthracite looks nice, except for the brass looking center ring. We'll see what USAA & Will work out.

 

I knew what the R90 was, I just got a little confused because you said:

So I misinterpreted what you meant by that. :smile:

 

Wagnbat ... The R90s are BBS 2 piece wheels, list $430. Don't buy from Tate. Call Herb in sterling. Tell him roadfly price should be free shipping. $370 http://forums1.roadfly.com/mini/foru...6443828-3.html
Or try Classic but you pay for shipping.

The wheels are dirty here because I took the pic just after adding the brakes ... brake dust. They are 1 pound lighter than the s-lites.

I was considering changing to Comp SSRs but just got my insurance policy renewal and ANY aftermarket parts, especially named were wheels, require a rider ... extra money. But MINI wheels do not. If you consider aftermarket wheels, you might want to check what your insurance company says.

 

USAA, as I'm sure you already know, will do you right on the claim. Especially since you want to rescind it!

Anyway, hope you get'r back soon!

-Paul!

 

Chows4Us - those are some sweet wheels, very nice. And they hide the brake dust well.


BTW, GSDs4Us :smile:

 

Thank you. Yes, they do hide the brake dust well. Unfortunately, or fortunately, my wife has the eyes of an Eagle and cleans them at least twice a week! Gotta love a wife who likes to wash the (her) car

 

Glad Bat Mini will make a full recovery. I have four S-Heavy's at Curry's if you want to borrow mine for a while - they're just sitting on a rack.

Speaking of near collisions - 395 and Jeff Davis Hgwy - almost got forced right into the guardrail by not one but two STOOPID cars. Thank god DSC was on and I had BARELY enough room to swerve and brake. Coopy the pup all tuckered out from class barely noticed.

 

I also have a set of 4 16" OEM's sitting around. If you find you need extra time to get the wheel tire issue resolved I could also loan you a set for a week or two if it would buy you time to make that decision. I'll also be coming up that way to Annapolis for the boat show, monsoon permitting.

And as you shop tires, I love the Goodyear GS D3's. If you want a test drive lemme know.

Anything I can do to help, please say so.

Mark

 

Thanks for all the offers peeps... It's much appreciated.

I stopped by Tate to drop off an Alta SS I picked up, and had a chat with Will. Wasn't expecting a service advisor to be all 'collared shirt & tie', but it's obvious he's trying to up the ante. He said he saw me at the BBQ, but somehow I missed him. :( Oh well.

Anyhow, they (Tate) just got matte black R105 wheels in yesterday. Will said he doesn't know how much or how many they have, but he'd look into it. Those wheels look terrible in silver/chrome, but awesome in black. Still waiting for USAA to contact Will though, and see what we have to work with.

And two cars were banged-up in the traffic circle this morning, both apparently entering the circle from the same direction as myself. Yesterday on the way home, I think I identified the cause.

1. There is a fixed hole in the road, which appears sandy, and is right at the 'weight transfer' point as you get on the circle and go from steering right to enter, to steering left to continue.
2. The ground gets extra moisture right passed the sandy/filled spot. Not sure why, will need to look further, but it was raining this morning.
3. The camber of the circle is different from that of the onramp. The onramp dips and goes up the circle, meets the circle at a rise, and then you transfer to a grade that seems to camber out.

I'll look into it more later, as it won't make a difference now. But if those 3 factors are indeed present as I've seen driving by 3 times now, it would indeed make for dangerous conditions, especially with moisture on the road.

 

So, are you considering adoption, then? I suppose I could put you in the spare bedroom :-)

- Z

 

Will,

USAA will not require a rider for aftermarket components, in my experience.

You will, however need to keep accurate records for everything added to the BatMINI that wasn't on the window sticker.

This would preclude such unscrupulous claims as a $6000 stereo and LCD screens all round in a Pinto :-)

Again, YMMV. Just give USAA a call, they were happy to explain it to me when I first established my policy for the MINI.

I can offer you an S-Lite or two cheap (Silver), as I got extras from Classic, due to (minor) scratching on mine during pick-up.

How minor? I got over it before Classic got around to sending me the replacement rims. Still new in the package.

Cheers,
Matthew Z.

 

I'm going to have some S-Lites up for a fire sale level at the end of the month. I'm going to give into my urges and get the Grey/Anthracite R99s (Double Spokes). I'm also going to get new tires (memo to self call John Behe) as I think I can here the rhythmic sounds of wear bars when I'm driving now. (either the Toyo Proxes 4s or Falken ZX-512s).

 

R105s are the new 18" JCW wheels. If you go R105: they are more than R90s, list closer to $500/wheel; you will need four new tires (more money); unsprung weight going way up, 18" tires are heavy; probably won't handle as well as most people recommend 16" for xcross, 17" for track, 18"+ for bling

Just a thought.

 

I don't completely with the automatic assignment of '18" tires are heavy' and '16" for autocross, 17" for track, 18"+ for bling".

A cross section of the OEM wheel availability and corresponding weight ranges (data from MINI2 FAQ):

15" sizes: 6 models, from 12.0lb (5.45kg) to 15.2lb (6.9kg)
16" sizes: 7 models, from 16.5lb (7.5kg) to 20.9lb (9.5kg)
17" sizes: 6 models, from 20.6lb (9.4kg) to 25.1lb (11.4kg)
18" sizes: 2 models, from 23.3lb (10.6kg) to 23.5lb (10.7kg)

So, not counting the 15s, you can see from the list that it's very possible to have a larger wheel that is lighter than a smaller whee. There's a 17" OEM wheel that is lighter than a 16" OEM wheel, and it's very possible to have an 18" OEM wheel that is lighter than a 17" OEM wheel. There is some relativity there.

Also, keeping the same tire circumference and width, there would be less rubber on a larger wheel, so I would hope there's some offset benefits in reduced tire weight (as opposed to wheel weight).

Personally, I think that the shorter sidewalls of larger wheels do yield performance handling benefits that are worthwhile, as long as the weight doesn't get out of hand. The less flex, the better! The only downsides of a shorter sidewall are:

1) Rougher ride
2) Increased risk of damage to wheels on potholes, etc.

NEITHER of which should matter at ALL if performance is your concern. Those two excuses should never come up in a performance-related discussion, IMO. The issue should really be "shorter sidewalls vs. weight".

Chows, I'm not saying your post was wrong, I'm just saying it was a generalization that isn't necessarily always true.