Had my first service since owning. I took ownership on 1/3/2013. As I pulled into the dealership I hit 4200 miles. The SA was surprised it was so low. I prioritized a list of issues I wanted them to look at.

1. The alignment of the hood was and has always been off. I could stick my finger underneath the gap on the right side, where it was very close on the left.
2. The door sills labels were peeling up on both sides.
3. Requested they reflash my ECU so I could possibly get manual control of the spoiler.
4. The icon on the driver side height adjustment handle is very light and blurry. (was this way from the start) Told them it was a nit-picky issue, but I just wanted to note it in case it gets much worse.

I was in the shop for four hours for the regular service and they partially corrected 1, fully corrected 2, no go on 3, and ordered the part for 4. I have a new service date for after they receive the part for 4. They are also going to work a bit more on 1. I also mentioned my missing light in the center console, and they may be installing that. (forgot to put that in my list)

They have big concerns about ECU reflashes, and don't want to do it "just to see". I was told of previous flashes which borked systems or ruined the stereo. I have read of that and I just said "I understand". I could have it done, but it wouldn't be under warranty, and I would have to pay about 7 hours of shop time. I still need to talk to the sales manager because he knows I've coded my car, and I just want to read a 2014's SPEG module.

Overall I give my dealer a

 

Looking good! you going to the CMMC karting meet on the 26th?

 

I decided to finally get going on a rear fog light set up, I am wiring the top 2 un-used lights on the prefacelift r53 to a relay which will trigger of the OEM front fogs.

-B

 

The other day the car got the JB+ and its made a bigger difference driving then the Intake, exhaust and oversides intercooler....or maybe its helping those parts come alive. Either way my car is keeping me happy.

Oh also installed the JCW Suede and Alcantara steering wheel.

 

"Oh also installed the JCW Suede and Alcantara steering wheel."

Nice. You have the Leather / alcantara one right? Post some pics, I really like the feel of the JCW thicker steering wheels.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/32300416251/



&

There is the full leather version also.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/32300416250/



Look forward to seeing the pics.

 

LOL ESCTuning I really need to clean the interior before bothering with pics. I guess the proper term is leather and Alcantara, the leather is so soft it almost doesn't feel like leather. Love the extra thickness of it.

 

Not a problem, i thought maybe you modded a factory one with leather to Suede , or flipped the leather.

Its the best feeling wheel from MINI.

Hope you have time to clean it and then post up some pics.

 

Strange sound on a huge windy day here in NE. Sounded like something dragging on the ground from the right rear tire. Fortunately is was just that. No lights or warnings came on, so I figgured as much. Now, just needs a good wash after this crappy wind storm passes.

Now, I can NOT find Blue Meanie window stickers anywhere on the net. Do ya'all know where to find such a thing for my Kite Blue '05 MCS? My birthday is in 5 weeks and that's what I want. Help!

 

Installed a thule roof rack I bought off a local NAM memeber... looks great, install was a breeze once I did some research... I read a lot of negative feedback about it, but to each their own...

 

Now go drive over 40mph. Does it whistle nasty? Our Thule does that on the Camry until the cargo thing is fastened on top. empty creates a whistle that can't be ignored. Maybe not on Minis. I haven't tried it yet.

 

A few possible links for stickers:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/gran...nies?p=sticker
http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-BEATLES-...-/271365407722

 

Definitely noticeable wind noise, but I just put the radio louder lol ... ill try it without the fairing to see if it makes a difference

 

My GP2 rear diffuser kit arrived today. Looking forward to installing them this coming weekend!

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

Yesterday a stubby antenna and today the factory arm rest. I'm done.

 

Awesome mod choice! I want to install one on my MINI this summer!

 

Vinyl wrapped my headlight trim and installed my new grill

 

Hehe, thanks! My wife says that the FedEx delivery guy said, "Your husband is going to be very happy when he comes home I bet." as she took delivery of the packages.

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

Nice. Post up the pics after the install.

 

Thanks for the sticker link! That'll work just fine :>)

 

Just finished my Cravenspeed nGauge install.

The nGauges.


With Scangauge II and Garmin.

 

Car is back from the shop :D today I throw on a roof rack! w00t!

 

OK: Nasty cold and snow out with 55mph winds yesterday; A great wash tomorrow. Ahhhh! She'll be so happy. Also with help from you friends. some Blue Meanie Stickers for my back windows, Perhaps a grill thing, and then to the shop for a vac-seal thing. Not huge I understand, maybe just a gas cap. All good?

 

All Good! Nice hand scrub wash and clear coat on. Boy, she's sure purdy now.Good to get the nasty snow dirt and salt off. Also a synthetic oil change with 5-30 weight. A full tank of 91 octane gas and a nice run in the country as fast as I could go (reasonably)! I had to dry it off, you know!! All set.

 

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2004-C..._Boot/ES83159/


installed a new shifter Boot But it did not come with a ring that the leather Boot is attached too. hoping to find a new or used one ( used as long as its not cracked any place) and I don't want to buy another one just for the ring. so if anyone has one kicking around and wants to sell it let me know. or if there's a vendor out there that sells them let me know.


*****
NEEDS TO BE FOR AN (AUTOMATIC NOT STICK )******
Thanks
Reed

 

New timing chain installed today by an independent. Just in time too. I thought I might be a little premature, but the guides were falling apart with the tiny piece of the tensioner side where the pivot bolt goes through was broken off and the rest of it ready to fall apart. Tensioner basically ok. It was last done 3 years ago. Prudent decision.


Also had the rubber (rock hard) seals replaced between filter housing and cooler housing to block. It was leaking bad. Runs like a top at 91K.