Actually yesterday....first oil change (since I've owned it), changed manual trans oil, rotated the tires and washed it!

 

What battery did you get? Mine is pretty dead too, I'm looking for a new one

 

Had mine replaced under warranty already as well..they don't last long...

 

I dont know about that...

My stock battery lasted a few years, and the little Odessy PC680 only failed when I let the car sit un attended for a year.
If you are going through batteries, you have other problems. One should go 3-4 years before it looses its charging capabilities.

 

Didn't say I'm going thru batteries,just that the OEM ones don't really last, bud of mine had his go out at 2 yes too...

 

I did the same last week.... It's been rainy, and I was afraid that one drive on the interstate would ruin it all. Actually, dirt doesn't seem to stick much, except for the hatch and rear window. Water beads up super nice too... Looks really cool even when it's wet too!

Your pic looks super clean and shiny. Good job, I know it's a lot of work!

 

Thanks! Wouldn't it figure it rained last night?? Every time!

 

Lol I expect rain after cleaning up the car, lol looks great

 

I finally finished my project of upgrading the shift boot and shift **** on my R53. I used one of the R56 red shift **** and leather/red stitching shift boot. It took some time to adapt the shift ****, but it looks nice

 

Where did you get your a/c clutch. Mine went out last week.

Regarding your power steering pump, in case you're not aware, this is a big issue for all Gen1 Mini's. Fortunately, after many many complaints, MINI USA is offering a Warranty Coverage Extension for the Power steering pump and associated cooling fan to 13 years/150,000 miles (2002-2005 Mini Cooper/Cooper S). So, before you buy anything, stop by or call your local dealership to inquire about this. I'm taking my MINI to the dealership first thing in the morning.

 

The battery is slightly more than 4 years old, which also means warranty is gone. Actually, its probably 2 weeks out of warranty. Which is great because I heard timing chain rattle while working on it. Which is weird, because the tensioner was replaced already

 

eBay. There are a couple of guys selling them for $99.

 

This one...

MTP-48/H6

It's huge compared to the OEM battery. Wasn't sure it would fit in the battery tray. It did. Has a nice folding handle in the top to help install and remove it.

 

Finally found a battery at autozone, a duralast gold. Put it in, started right up. Now to deal with the chain rattle...

 

So far the best 20 dollars ever spent. The cravenspeed stubby antenna and cravenspeed dipstick installed yesterday. I'm pretty sure no one needs to see a picture of a dipstick but here's the antenna

 

took the roofrack off last night, got back 3MPGs! looks like i'll be hauling the bike in the jeep for all the local rides.

 

This morning:





This is the very first load of stuff that is going into our new home. Because we just bought a house. This is a load of stuff that we don't want the movers handling. (We're using movers because I'm old and out of shape and lazy.)

Ironically, the first member of our family to take up residence in the new place is our late cat. I took her ashes over in this load, and put her right next to the fireplace. (She used to nap there in our old place when she was alive.) We're having the place tented for termites, so there can't be anything living moved into there for a couple of days. But the toxin (Vikane) shouldn't hurt her, since she's already dead.

 

Sorry to hear about the cat...

First oil change today (and a 'free' car wash)...4700 miles...got a lot of strange looks at the dealership for being in there so early; also state inspection. Was very impressed with the service department.

On a side note, the oil change was very reasonably priced, considering the aftermarket cost of the oil and filter - basically worked out to be about $15 for labor.

 

Did my first oil change today as well at 5300, also free car wash that will be rewashed this weekend(windows tonight)

 

My dealer wouldn't do a free oil change at that mileage, they wanted $200 for an oil change. And won't do a free car wash because of the spoiler on the roof

 

bogus! must be a machine wash then?

 

I ponied up for this oil change...10k miles seems like a long time between oil changes. I might eventually push it that far, but not yet.

I was actually impressed with the car wash (which I agree is probably machine)...they also vacuumed, which I never got around to last weekend.

 

Mini dealerships all around should have the same prices, oil change before warranty date around 90$, also car washes are free. laziness could be a factor, my dealership only hand washes, which is cool. 200$ kinda steep.

 

Something a bit mean for Halloween :p

 

In and out for $75.99, although there was a 'coupon' that I've seen up for about 6 months.

That is one sweet ride!