Thinking about what color im going to powder coat my 18" rims...hhhhhmmmmm..Thinking black with a little flake

 

That came out nice! That was my second choice, but I actually use that little space and I didn't want to accidentally hit the scangauge.

 

Thanks, it works well, I too use that space but so far so good

 

Installed my Evolve DP, ceramic coated heat shield, and my NM sway bar endlinks. Yeah it is nice to be able to drive my MINI again.

 

Got new front brakes and brake sensor covered under warranty.

 

Had it towed home at 3am, the clutch decided to give out on the highway ...

any thoughts or experience to share on what I'm in for either to replace it myself or to have a shop do it?

 

I had the trans go out on the interstate, just after I bought my MINI. Clutch was in bad shape, so replaced at same time.

I am a MORON. I am such a MORON.

I decided to do this at a dealer......

On my R53(2002) it spent $8,000. Included in the price, some new scratches and dings to my bonnet, as well as the cost of a rental car after I was assured MINI would take care it. It also took them 3 tries to get everything running smooth. They didn't even know my MINI was an R53. They ordered all R56 parts, and didn't know where to get any remanufactured transmissions! Took about 2 weeks to get my MINI back.

Moral of my story: Go to a local shop to have your MINI worked on!
No Dealers, unless you have a warranty!
Do some research, ask specific questions. I wish I had known more about my MINI when this all happened. I would've researched aftermarket/performance parts a little more. I believe the engineers knew their stuff, and made a bad-#%+ little car, but if I can get a better part at around the same price, why not?

As long as you have a good person doing the work, you'll be golden.
If they call and tell you it's going to be more than $8,000 for clutch and trans, cuss them out, and take it somewhere else.

Wanted to add that my bad experience was at the major Denver,CO Area MINI Dealer.
Not here in Las Vegas.....

 

This what the cable looks like without trying to hide it yet, also the other thing there is my Bluetooth mic /music streamer.

 

After 10 days in the shop, I drove it home. Fixed.

 

Good news!! How did the towing discussions come about?

 

MINI USA called me and said I didn't read my warranty closely enough. "No towing coverage," they said. Worse, they suggested I squeeze the dealership to cover the cost, because I used their recommended towing company.

I got a new HPFP, a new catalytic converter (which failed because the HPFP did), and a walnut shell cleaning (which was only necessary due to the HPFP failure, but was listed as a "good will" procedure).

So...

 

At 55,000Km today I....

1) Replaced rear disc rotors
2) Replaced rear break pads
3) Replaced break wear sensor
4) Painted new disc rotors center hub
5) Painted rear calipers

I used mat black Dupli-Color caliper paint and it did an awesome finish. I did 3 coats on everything. My wheels are gunmetal so it does look really good to my taste. Still have the front calipers & rotors to paint - so I shall post again here soon!

 

I'm closer to 80k but did the same yesterday (did the fronts back at the end of October). I used the cross drilled rotors from Turner (which are actually StopTech's), I like them b/c the hub and all non-braking surfaces are already black (definitely make a nice difference), I also went with EBC Green Stuff pads. I had an issue with my sensor though, I went afternarket and got a $7 one from Amazon but it looks a lot like the front and not the rear, it didn't snap well into the plug so my light is still on, after looking at the ones ECS sells their pics look the same as the one I got so I think I just need to get under there and try again.

 

I want to do this towards the end of August. I was thinking about doing all the rotors and the rear hubs - they look pretty bad...

 

I got my windows tinted on Friday and they look awesome! Suntek Carbon XP 35% all around.

Before:

After:

 

Found out today that my buddy ordered a JCW Coupe and he's selling Bandit.



I borrowed this car for a few days when my car was in the shop - amazing car, but he really wanted a Coupe. If he doesn't sell it privately as is (it's modded) he wants to swap that JCW wing with my S spoiler.

 

That's too nice of a R56 to let go...

 

Added a GP2 rear diffuser.

 

Hey it's my MINI! I did just add the Rear Diffuser off the GP, it looks cool. It will be sad saying goodbye to my bandit, but the ole knee can't do manual anymore =-( I know horrific!! It's paddle shifters for me. But know worries I will work diligently to make my new coupe look as good as bandit. If any one is interested in Buying bandit, he is rediculously moded out and a hoot to drive. 24,500$ is my asking price.

 

They do look awesome, and I'm not even a tinted window type of guy.

 

Damn, he did a nice job on that one.....can't wait to see what he does with the Coupe'.

 

Thanks Mr. T, I feel like it finishes a good contrast of white (cream) and dark...white bottom dark top! I'm extremely satisfied with how it turned out, especially with the install - looks like a virtually flawless installation

 

I think the black roof definitely ties in the tint and makes a great design detail. I didn't realize how much of an improvement the tint made until I compared the two photos more closely.

 

I just spent the entire day replacing the brake rotors and pads and those pesky sensor wires on my R50 Justa. I had to stop for about 4 hours to attend a graduation for my niece, but otherwise it was an all day job. I'm sure most of you could have done it faster, but i had to be methodical and take my time. It was my first time. i feel good!

I would have bled the lines and replaced my brake fluid with that blue number 4 stuff but I mistakenly bought the wrong pressure bleeder... I bought a vacuum tank not a pressure bleeder... so i'll get the right one and do it another day.

I feel good! The brakes all work after I got done, and I got the sensor light to go out!

 

I had a dead battery, AAA came out and replace it with a new one.