Glad to know its not just me.

Yeah...the dealer never seems to hear the noise. We just make this stuff up because we have nothing better to do. And when you tell them something like that they give you that look that implies that you must be off of your rocker.
Coolant Box...Is that the plastic container just left of the driver headlight? Its pretty empty for its size but there is liquid in there. How do I know if I need to add coolant?
I'll check the Owners Manual in the meantime until I can get back to this post.

 

Normally it should be about half-full when the engine is cool. Make sure you use MINI-approved coolant if/when you top it off. If the level continues to go down after topping off, it's a sign that you're losing it somewhere in the system.

 

Topped off the coolant (with MINI coolant so there shouldn't be an issue there) and did not hear the gurgle sound. I guess that was it. Thanks guys.

 

I guess this is the place to post this: the MINI Cooper COUPE has arrived at Willis auto center. 2 of them showed up this morning at 9:00am, and yes I have drove one and they are AWESOME! Also, Willis will be having it's new car show on Tuesday night starting at 4:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to come.

 

Thanks for the heads-up

 

Just a heads-up...had to push back the November Meet-n-Eat at Breitbach's by one week due to known schedule conflicts. Our Event Calendar now reflects the actual, final date of Saturday, November 19th.

BTW, did anyone get the chance to go see the new Coupe at WAC?

 

The High Plains Motoring Society's spring event will be held near Branson, MO from May 10 -13. Ya gotta go!!! Don't miss it!

 

Didn't see anything RE:this on the hpmotoring site -- where'd ya get the confirmation?

 

As you know, I am perhaps too impatient when it comes to planning MINI fun I wrote to Jonathan directly. He will send out information to the masses around Thanksgiving. The dates are locked in. The tentative resort location's rack rate would set me back $400, which I choose not do, so I might be off at the 'ol Motel 6 while you bask in the lap of luxury. It's all about MINI fun!

 

Maybe we could find a more economical alternative for all interested EIMers...

 

RE: Oil Change
I have always put MINI Oil in my car. However, that won't be the case for my next oil change due SOON. What brands are recommended by my MINI friends?
Has anyone used or heard of Mobile G1 synthetic? Or "BG" synthetic?
I might have the names a little wrong any info is appreciated.

 

Jo -

Just got your v-mail...been tied up in meetings all day.

Check out the list of MINI approved oils in the following post:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3247242

I have used the Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40 with great happiness. Available at the Pep Boys in MSP that I drive by all of the time.

 

Denny says he gets the Mobil 1 0W-40 European formula at Farm & Fleet here locally.

 

This is definitely not a warm weather question but we haven't officially opened the cold weather babble so...

I am going to order winter tires and wheels. I have somewhat decided on 15" Blizzaks with steel wheels. I am somewhat concerned that 15" wheels and rims are too small. Has anyone else used these? Any thoughts? Any advise is appreciated.

 

Your choice is spot on. The 15" wheel will allow the use of a higher profile tire. Along with a narrow width, you'll have the preferable winter set-up.

Tire Rack has a configurator to help you with tire selection.
As for the Blizzaks, I can highly recommend them as they have never failed either one of us and mine have been used for 3 winters now.

 

If you decide on 16" for your winter set-up to be safe size-wise, I'm looking to unload the MB Motorsports wheels I used to run on Sfax during the summer since I can't use them on my '11. They're still in very good shape and would make a great set of winter wheels for someone. I'd let all 4 of them go dirt cheap to a fellow EIMer, along with the hub centering rings, Gorilla chrome lug bolts, and lug key. $160 for the works. That way, you'd only need to buy the tires. Steelies tend to rust easy too, and these would help you avoid that problem.

Let me know if you're interested. I'll give you and Tom first crack before I offer them to others.

Here's what they look like:

 

SOLD! I will bring the cash to the November meet. Thanks!

 

05MINI I have a set of 15" borbet rims that wont fit on my 2011 with Blizaks let me know if you are interested

 

Demon, Do you have a pic of your Borbet 15s? I have been looking for something black for my 02 Justa if the price is right.

 

I dont right now but I will take a look around looking for 450 for the set

 

It was 22 F here this morning. I'm thinking we'll have to dust off the wintertime chat thread pretty soon. "Warm weather" is taking some creative imagination...

 

So sorry I wasn't able to attend the final Meet & Eat. I know you all had a great time based on the pic that I saw. You were all in my thoughts as I detailed my MINI that day. After I was done I didn't even make it out of my alley before some old guy in a pickup truck stopped me and gave me a thumbs up on my car. I went in for an oil/tire rotate and a 32 point inspection. The only thing wrong that they made a note of was a few door dings.
ACE Auto Doctor
State Street
Bettendorf, IA
has my approval for service.

 

Jo, good to hear from you...been missing your typically reliable posts in here.

Yeah, we missed having you along for the meet. I'm sure we didn't pay enough homage to all of the available "Red Five" stories that are out there. And thanks for sharing your experience with Ace Auto. Suggest you consider adding a note in our Servicing in Iowa thread for future reference.

 

I got my snow tires and Shadowfax's old wheels on! She went from looking cute to kind of Bad A**! I really love the look

And I am very excited that I actually figured out how to attach the picture!

Bring on the snow!

 

She does look a bit more aggressive now, doesn't she? A new wintertime personality.

I'm feeling a close, personal connection with Gozer now. Like the transplant of a vital organ that used to belong to a beloved family member. We're now flesh and blood.