Geez, I can see I spent way too much time away from our NAM forum today...

I'm presently on a crappy wireless connection in the Delta lounge at MSP so I don't dare try to tell "the rest of story" right now. As soon as I get the time and proper connection I'll fill you in.

+1 to Smoky Joe for being the first to notice the change in my sig.

Here is one of my Day #1 pics:



More later!

 

After the wheel quiz, someone noticed that the checkers wee missing off the rocker panels of Shadowfax and wondered what was up.

Congratulations

Nice looking wheels

 

I hope there will be lots more, later. You'll have to keep in mind that you have a justa in tow as you lead us west in May. No showing off!

 

Very nice Gary. That is one of my, if not my favorite color on the R56's. Can't wait to hear the story on how you got it.

 

AWESOME

 

Congratulations, Gary! Beautiful!

 

So the story goes...

I've been toying with the idea ever since the first information started trickling out about the R56 mid-cycle refresh but began to think about it in earnest last November. I had Sfax in at Motorwerks in MSP for a routine maintenance milestone and decided to replace the LCA bushings, which got me thinking about the odometer pushing 80K and the promise of additional corrective maintenance down the road. Over the past few months I was beginning to hear and sense different sounds and a bit more "looseness" in the transmission, steering, and front suspension -- little things that no one else would ever notice but that I alone could detect because I was so intimately familiar with the car. That visit to Motorwerks in November also afforded me plenty of time to check out their new 2011s in stock, particularly a Royal Grey MCS on the showroom floor with the full electronics package. That was enough of a catalyst to get me thinking seriously.

I decided to place a custom order because I figured if I was going to make the investment I wanted it to match my desired specs. I wrestled endlessly with body color choices. It came down to either Laser Blue or Spice Orange, and I ended up choosing the latter because (1) I thought LB was just a bit too feminine; and (2) the SO would be more unique (and I chose the white roof and stripes for the same reason). I loved the look and function of the MINI Connected with Navigation so despite the onerous price tag I had to have it. Same with the OEM driving lights, but of course they serve the added function of alerting me to the omnipresence of Bambi in the middle of the road up here in the Iowa Alps. The Cold Wx Package (heated seats), Premium (w/cruise), and clear bra were things that Sfax never had and that I had always wished for. The HK sound system and checkered mirror caps were just for the fun of it.

I placed the order with Chris Buria at Motorwerks on December 6th (I had already laid considerable ground work there so MoDM wasn't really an option) and tracked the process on the various websites at least once per day as it finished it build, moved to the port at Southhampton, made the transit across the pond on the INDEPENDENCE II, got offloaded in Baltimore, finished prepping at the VDC there, and ultimately arrived at Motorwerks on January 17th. In fact, there was a day in January when I was catching a flight back home out of BWI (near Baltimore) after some time at my client's location, and I suddenly realized that my new MINI was right there at the local VDC, probably sitting on a lot not more than a 15 minute drive from the airport. That realization drove me crazy!

So why the secrecy? Truth be told, the purchase wasn't a sure thing until January 27th when I made the trip into the dealership. I had entertained a few private offers for Sfax but none of the potential buyers or offers worked out to my liking, so I was relegated to a trade-in. I had removed many of the custom parts on the car to try and get it closer to stock (Paul astutely mentioned the lack of stripes evident at Wig and Pen), but a few were going to be there to stay (e.g., R53 bonnet, Aero Kit, rally lights, etc.). I had no idea what the dealer's offer might be, but I was fully girded and prepared to walk away from the whole deal if their offer didn't make the grade. I gave Sfax the ultimate three-hour detailing at a car wash about a mile south of the dealership prior to taking it in for the appraisal (so tough to keep it clean on the drive in -- winter is a bear! [Sorry Fred]). As I walked in I happened to catch a glimpse of the new R56 out of the corner of my eye, spanking shiny and spiffy and staged at a prominent place on the showroom floor; but I told Chris I didn't even want to look at it until the appraisal was done. He was surprised but understood, and I went down and camped out in the lounge during the appraisal process. In the end, the appraiser told me face-to-face that it was "the best maintained '05 that he had ever seen" ( <- me) and they offered me a good deal MORE than the KBB wholesale value (more than I had hoped for) -- on top of a sizable discount on the sticker price of the new MINI. Sold!

I am really loving the new MINI. It seems amazingly solid -- not a single squeak or rattle to be found (yet...knock on wood). It's going to take me some time to figure out all of the MINI Connected / Nav / Voice Command functions but it will be fun to learn progressively. I'm keeping things under control during break-in but the few times I've made a pass on the highway I can detect the latent presence of the turbo-assisted power just waiting to be exercised. Jan wishes I'd ordered the Laser Blue but says the most important thing is that I'm happy with it. And indeed I am.

The name? Depends on what personalized plate names on my "candidate list" are available from the great State of Iowa. My request is in the mail. I'll let you know.

 

That is an AWESOME story! I to agree that the color choice was good. I do like the black roof, and strips. but after seeing your photos the white looks amazing. And the best part of the entire story is the "best maintained 05 he's seen". just awesome Gary. If there is anything I can do for you in the future (getting more accessories maybe??) do not hesitate to get a hold of me.

 

WOW!
What a story. Happy and sad. It makes me feel like the end of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back... sad, depressed and immense anticipation for the next episode.
It's an excellent color choice BTW.

I will truly miss motoring with Sfax. (salute)

I am in stitches waiting on the name...something Tolkien?
Nah...he's gonna throw us the most fantastic curve ball. Like in the cartoons where (1) Bugs Bunny pitch strikes out 3 players at bat.

 

I could never disappoint my literary-obsessed daughter or leave EddyM (aka, Roger) as the lone Iowa holder of a connection to Middle Earth; and I'm keeping my NAM handle. You can't get better clues that that.

 

What a great story! There is so much in that story that is uniquely Gary. There is no better time than now to post the ever-popular Dusting the MINI vid. This is in honor of the many marvelous MINI motoring miles we had in the company of Sfax.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBbduX3YaQc

 

I was just noticing your signature..I read the post and then had to scroll back up to see the username..then back down...then back up...like a virtual doubletake..

Congrats on the new MINI!
Shadowfax will be missed for sure, but he will live on eternally in spirit with the EIM group.

 

If you are interested click the link below

http://www.yotatech.com/f5/why-hell-...l#post51658541

 

So when you maintain a log book of all of the fuel you pump through your MINI's veins over the years, this is the sort of cool thing you can do:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...y-history.html

Okay, I admit it...I'm a nerd.

 

Oh man.

So, Seamus is visiting Miah and the techs at MoDM right now, thanks to a bad tie rod end, and I have a 2011 Laser Blue MCS sitting in my driveway right now.

I just took it for a drive, and THANKFULLY it has cruise control, because that is one hell of an accellerator.

I absolutely love my 2002 MC, but I could definitely see down the road what the advantages are of going newer. Time to get back on the road!

 

That is nice that MoDM gave you a new model MINI as a loaner. Of course, maybe there is a method in their madness...planting seeds of consideration for the future!

Mine is still in the break-in period so I haven't really tested that accelerator response yet. Though you've certainly whetted my appetite...

 

I haven't REALLY tested it...just needed to get onto 380, with a lot of traffic that wasn't willing to move to the left lane(I HATE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS!!!), and it definitely has more pep than my MC. Just talked to Miah--sounds like I'll have the loaner until Thursday or Friday.

And yes, I agree, there's definitely a method to this madness. My husband just got a 2010 Toyota Matrix 1.5 years ago, and he's already drooling over my 2002 MC, so the ride we took up to the airport today pretty much solidified his love for MINI.

 

Many thanks for the spectacular flowers and the many cards! I’ve always said that MINI people are the nicest people. EIM MINI people are especially wonderful.

I got home yesterday. Leo got a new steering pump and I got my own “pump” fixed. Now I’m ready for the 2011 motoring season. Can’t wait!

 

Hurray! We can't wait to motor with you! Gozer missed Leo at the Wig & Pen.

 

It's great to hear from you.

Glad both pumps are in good working order. We'll be looking forward to seeing you and Leo soonest.

Take care!

 

Great News! Looking forward to many more MINI adventures with you and Leo.

 

Great to hear that you are home!
Heal fast and motor responsibly.
Can't wait for the motoring season to get here.
We'll be looking forward to seeing both you and Leo back in the pink!

 

So last friday night i was driving home from skiing at chestnut and Wham-o there are 3 deer in front of me, I managed to slow the car down quite a bit but didnt stop in time. I hit one of the deer with the passenger side headlight and bumper.. I cracked my head light lens and cracked the paint and clear coat on the bumper.

Bummer I now am driving the jeep and is so nice out side
no snow perfect for the mini. Ill be getting my car back next friday, with a new paint job on the hood and bumper, and a new headlight..

So untill next time
Cheers

 

my daughter mentioned something about your lack of luck.
itsjustonethingafteranother

 

At least you got it slowed down most of the way (another advantage of the MINI). Just glad you are okay!

It will be a plus to have the new paint up front. I suspect you'll be able to say goodbye to some old rock chips.

Deer on the road...