I returned the D1 Spec throttle controller which, it turns out will not work on my '12 auto.

 

Well guys and gals, I finally got around to having my DuelL AG graphics put on today. I went to a shop where I have done business for the last 16 years. I was there when the shop was first starting. To make a long story short, he had the car from 9am to almost 5pm. When I went to pick it up, the first thing I saw was the side graphics were screwed up. There was also a decal that was suppose to be at the bottom edge of the boot and it was not put on. When I dropped everything off this morning, I gave him photos of how everything was to go on and explained all this to him. It was like he totally ignored me. He, in fact, told me he did not want to do the job to begin with since I got the graphics from somewhere else (DuelL AG). He, furthermore, tried to tell me the graphics were not for my car. Now, he has lost my business for good and I will never refer anyone to him. If you are in the Pensacola area, DO NOT go to Creative Instincts. Fortunately, my guy Vince at DuelL AG is going to have another set made for me as quick as Lyle (Vinyl Styles) can get them done. Just to let you guys know, Vince works his butt off to satisfy his customers.

 

Nothing. I was going to install front pads and rotors, but I pulled a muscle in my lower back trimming hedges yesterday.

Once again, custodial duties of the manse spoil my fun.

 

I installed my Cravenspeed dipstick, and now can check my oil without spewing a stream of expletives.

 

It was yesterday, I made and installed this to replace the broken factory one

 

Dropped of my MINI for a new paint job

 

Had to have the car towed to the dealer. Temp sensor went off, checked, no coolant in system. Has anyone had this happen?

 

Must have been a chupaCARbra.....

 

Lol

 

Did my first oil change since owning the mini, took me way too long to move the coolant tank but besides that, a very easy job! This time it took me over an hour, next time it'll probably take 20-30 minutes.

 

Oil change and coolant flush done at Detroit Tuned.

 

3lusive - Congrats on the oil change on your Gen 2 R56 Cooper S. Placing a clean rag under the filter housing lid next to the transmission helps not drip the oil residue from the filter/ housing lid.

Cooper (base ) is easier due to no turbo hoses in the way.

Removing the coolant tank the first time to get it out of the way, can be a little tricky. Just undo the front little screw,tilt a little bit and it should unhook, there is a attachment point peg at the bottom on a grommet. Also, watch the little hose clip to the left hand side it hooks to the smaller side hose. Also , If you twist the tank with the hose connected just a certain way you might get a drip or two of coolant, I try to keep it level and slide it to the side as much as possible toward the engine.

Then get the socket on ( 27mm ) the housing and unscrew.

If you need future filters for your Gen 2 MINI we have them here.

Genuine MINI : Oil filter kit with O-ring & drain plug washer Gen 2 MINIs


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11427622446/ES2207539/



We also have them in 5 packs so you can stock up. Part number 114276224465PKKT

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11427622446/ES2594054/



Once you get use to them it will not take you long to change it.

 

It's been a while now, but here's what I shaved (and didn't) on my boot:


Kinda ties in with my custom rally stripes:


In the interest of "reduce, reuse, recycle", I reused a bit:


C ya,
Dutch

 

Nah, it's good. You're here to tell us about it!

C ya,
Dutch

 

First "mods" Starting small. Swapped dealer supplied, fat chrome license plate frames for slim black ones and traded the antenna for a stubby. Also got Fergus a new mf wash mit and some fresh mf towels.

 

I'm sure the thin plates and the stubby contributed to some form of weight reduction. Therefore, kudos!!! ;-)

And....those were my first "mods" too :-)

 

Hey guys- Tomorrow I hope to Plasti-dip my wheels and my grille on my R53. Pics and info should come tomorrow. In the meantime, anyone have any tips for the Plasti-dip process? A recommendation for grill-slit removal would be awesome too.

Thanks guys, wish me luck!

 

Exhaust!! JCW mufflers from WayMotorWorks, resonator delete and welded in by Bay Bridge Bimmers and Mini in Oakland. Finally, exactly the sound I was after! NO highway drone!

 

Nice sound...what was the total cost?

And what is "Mini in Oakland"?
I'm in the same area and I'm not familiar with it.

 

http://www.baybridge-bimmers-minis.com/

http://www.waymotorworks.com/r55-clu...-mufflers.html

 

Ahh... "Bay Bridge Bimmers and Mini" in Oakland.
Cheers

 

Make sure your can is warm to the touch, (assuming you're using the rattle can type), and when you do the grill mask off the entire front bumper/hood, otherwise if you get overspray you can barely see it and you'll have a helluva time finding it all and removing it. (I learned the hard way). Good luck!

 

I Plasti dipped my wheels and didn't like it. It wasn't easy to remove .....that's my personal experience. Yes, I used five coats etc as recommended. I think its harder to remove on mesh wheels as opposed to five spoke etc. I'm not saying that your not going to not like it......but this is for consideration and my personal experience. Many will argue this.....good luck and please post pictures.

 

Backed into it with the truck. Don't know which is worse: That it's got its first ding, or that I did it.

 

OK, this was on Thursday, but we put a 1 day old baby in the back seat and drove it home from the hospital!

Seriously- if you're clever enough and can learn how to travel light, you can make an R50 work for your family of two kids and two adults. Our newest is now 4 days old and rides in the back seat in a Chicco KeyFit 30 seat, which we found is the one available here in the U.S. that fits the most securely in the back seat. Our 8 year old boy rides next to her, mom and dad in the front. We're all fairly tall (5'8" for her and 6'1" for me) and of course our son is a tall one as well. We also found a stroller that will fit in the boot properly- the Britax B-Agile. The City Mini from Baby Jogger will fit even better, but we found the B-Agile a bit easier to push. Check them both out, YMMV. We got an adapter bar to allow the Chicco car seat to snap into the B-Agile; one is available for the City Mini as well.

Why not just take the other car, if there is one available? Because it's an R50 as well! Both of us (and our son) love our little cars, one is paid for and one is almost there and we live in the city, where parking can be a hassle and gas can be expensive.

I realize that they made the Countryman just for growing families like ours, but really, have you seen a Countryman? Besides, they put families in even smaller cars over in Europe- there's no reason we can't do it on our side.

I'll be putting up a more detailed post about how our seats fit in the back, how the stroller fits, etc., next week after we figure out why Baby Hazel is so fussy about eating!

Val