Just had this issue on mine a couple weeks ago on my 2003 R53. I replaced my original 2003 plug with a new, official MINI drain plug. It's definitely a 1/2" head on mine on both the original and the replacement. 13mm is loose, even with a 6 point socket. 1/2" fits perfectly with no slop. I've been fixing stuff since 1971, and my dad was a mechanic who had pro-level tools, so I know what a proper fit feels like. 1/2" was not too tight, not too loose. 13mm was loosey-goosey and begging to round off the head....

I'm seriously thinking about one of the right-angle Fumoto valves and a piece of silicone hose the appropriate diameter, to let me drain it directly into a bottle with no runs, drips, or errors....

Maybe you have a non-stock MINI drain plug that has a 13mm head?

C ya,
Dutch

 

Must be because its a Canadian model, eh?!

 

Put a missing piece back on my car... but it's chrome so there will be some plastidipping happening soon,

 

Info on that beautiful steering wheel please!

 

Tired of working on my Deuce so i installed the LH diffuser.

 

Thanks for the heads up, I didn't know that.

I have removed the offensive attachment.

As for the road, you don't know where it was, public or otherwise.

If you notice I jumped in the middle of a conversation and was curious about what the little cars can do. I have not hopped up or modified my car, nor am I into racing. It was more of a curiosity.

I return you back to your regularly scheduled thread.

 

I know High Schools stopped teaching the metric method of measuring so what do you base this on.

If you would just take the time to test this for yourself, you would find that a 1/2 socket is a smidgen smaller than a 13mm and fits the drain plug so much better lessening your chances of round it off.

If the drain plug was previously tightened by joe gorilla ( somtimes the case ) the last oil change, I garantee you will round it off with a 13mm...

13mm=0.5128inches
1/2 = 12.7mm

 

Actually in Canada, (as in the UK, Germany, France, Czech Republic and Brazil where the majority of Mini components are manufactured) we use the metric system of measurement and continue to be taught this system, along with Imperial, in our schools, engineering faculties etc. That would be what I based this on, along with my previous experience with this issue. If in practice you find using a 1/2" socket on a 13mm bolt works better for you, then go for it.

 

Installed my ultra gauge last night and went for a little romp. I found out MINI makes more power in these sub-freezing temperatures. My chinese boost gauge read 17psi at WOT and I definitely felt it as I had noticeable torque steer in 2nd (open diff ).

 

Finally connected my new Ciraya Drl front fogs. Incredibly happy with them. Going to be blacking out my trunk handle cover today also. Who knows if I feel confident I may attempt to put in my k&n air filter intake kit.

 

Got clear bra applied to my headlights. I got my clear bra applied by the dealer but they wouldn't do the headlights.

 

Installed patch cable from factory satellite antennae lead under passenger seat to my XM receiver without pulling the seat out.
Ordered HID conversion for headlamps, and foglamps.
55w ballasts 6000k BiXenon bulbs up top. 3000k for the fogs. Dont know how it will work, but bulbs are super cheap.

 

I hope you're not putting those 55w HID bulbs in a halogen housing. If so that's blinding, annoying, and dangerous to on coming drivers. Quite irresponsible.

If you're putting them in your factory xenon headlights then awesome, I know I've seen a few people wondering if it could be accomplished.

 

The oil drain plug on 1st gen cars IS a 1/2 inch, NOT a 13mm! The book might say its a 13, but if you have changed your oil you can tell a 13 is a little loose, try the 1/2 and it does fit perfectly like it should. Thought this was basic MINI knowledge by now.

 

Didnt really do anything to do it today... but I installed my Cravenspeed Shorty Antenna yesterday. Only having problems with 1 of the radio stations on my preset list.

 

Drove it in the snow for the first time, wow. It was surprisingly fun. Coming from only driving all-wheel-drive cars it was not what I expected. A RAD TIME!!!

 

--

 

Installed BSH OCC and blacked out rear tail light trim from vinylstyles.

 

Snow!

 

It is an Autocarbon carbon fiber/ Alcantara steering wheel from bimmian.com.

http://www.coopersport.com/56/STW/

I love the feel of this steering wheel. The added thickness really makes a difference for me. The construction is superb. I did get the only one they had in stock at the time. I would image before long, they will have another built and ready to go. It will be built on my original steering wheel I sent them as a core exchange. BTW, the carbon fiber inserts are overlays from CARBONMINI.

http://www.carbonmini.com/#!shop/pro...ergalleryv24=4

 

Took delivery on 3/28/12. Clicked over 15,000 miles this week, and with 500-some miles to go showing on the "service needed" clock, called my MINI dealer to make my 1st service appointment for a couple weeks out.

Turns out: they could get me in *today*.

Very routine; multi-point inspection, oil change. And replaced the coolant sensor via the recall. I'm still counting trouble-free miles, I had zero issues.

Noted that shop labor rate is $126. Sheesh. No charges today, of course.

I'd rotate the tires, but the snows are going on in the next few days anyway.

6mm of tread left on all four original Conti SSR run-flats. They look hardly worn, I don't know what new-spec is for those.

And...that's about it.

 

Indi is getting new brake pads tomorrow. Hubby is teaching me how to do it And yes, this is the first time for the pads, and she just hit 108k miles today. Awesome little car! Oh, and that means in the just over 7 months I've owned her (3-26-12), I've put 10k miles on her in that time span. Yup, sounds about right

 

do they make a blow off valve for the mini supercharger?? if soo what site can i get one from???

 

anyone know what i could do to give my car fast? ive changed the exhaust to a borla agressive cat back.. cold air intake.. and supercharger 15% reduction pulley! i wanna do more mods without having to redo the whole engine! im thinkin header and injectors but would i have to change my camshaft? or anything else or would the engine support these mods? how can i add more horsepower without costing me over $2000??

 

Worked some more on the paint chips on the nose. Progress was greatly aided by the random orbital buffer borrowed from my housemate and by his considerable experience in paint care.

Also painted the inside of the plastic bit inside the bonnet that has the foam seal for the intercooler RED so that it will show inside the intercooler scoop when reassembled.

Tested the red Nightshades left over from doing my taillights over a patch of the RED on the back of one of my decorative front plates to see if the "candy" red clearcoat over the RED works well. I'll decide in the morning after I get a chance to look at it again with fresh eyes....

C ya,
Dutch