Looked into getting the OEM alarm retrofitted. Need to do more checking. Might have to bite the bullet and buy the NCExpert cable & software so I can do it myself.

 

That looks interesting! Looking forward to seeing them installed on your car.

 

Rear brakes done. Watched latest Tosh.O.

 

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The huge tail lights are pretty much the only thing keeping me from really liking the new ones.

 

Installed my NM torque arm insert! I wanted to do my Powerflex small insert at the same time, BUT noooooo. The NM exhaust was too close for the bolt to come out of the small side. So I'll have to return later and take the v-band clamp off to do this since the exhaust won't flex enough out of the way to get the bolt out.

 

Had the same issue with mine. Only took an additional 5 minutes to pop the clamp and move the pipe out of the way. I installed a whole new mount rather than the small insert, but the issue was the same.

 

I replaced the spark plugs and wires in my R53 with 119k miles. I'm guessing the plugs have never been replaced - they looked pretty hammered.

 

It is interesting... MINI says the plug interval is 100k miles... Clearly not the case! I recently spoke with a MINI SA and he said no! Shoot for 50k miles. I recall reading that everyone swaps them out from 10k-30k miles even. I was around 65k miles on my old plugs and they looked bad...

When in doubt, replace them. They are easy to do. NGK plug wires from rockauto.com are about $31 shipped (less 5% discount) so we cant say it is expensive.

 

Technically not "today," since the tint, stripes and grille badge were added yesterday and the rims dipped last Friday. But, close enough, right?

 

I'm not in the market for one either, but I'm going to try and fit in a test drive on Sat - there's a launch event going on. My good friend who is an SA has driven them and wishes he could put that BMW engine in his Coupe. It sounds very different and very sweet.

 

looks good.

 

Well I returned to the project yesterday after work. Unbolted the V-Band clamp on the exhaust and that gave me enough room to take the bolt out! I removed the mount and found the small insert needed to be pressed out Thank God I work at a dealership! I put the mount in the press and after a lot of pushing, checking, pushing, checking, get a different size, push, check and voilà! Small "insert" was finally pushed out! I lubed up the Powerflex small inserts and metal bolt channel and installed them into the mount. **The copper grease that comes with said bushings with will not come out of clothes, so don't wear anything that will leave you heart broken!**

I installed the mount and took a test drive. Shifting is great! Especially low speed shifts. Theres no jerky gear shifting that makes me question my ability to drive a manual transmission. This is probably one of, if not my #1, favorite mods! This has changed how my MINI drives. Its great

 

Quick trip to the dealer today to have the passenger headrest replaced, and the bottom "petal" trim piece on the steering wheel replaced. Something had pulled a thread on the headrest (no idea what, really!) and it was hanging out, and the finish on the lower petal had gotten pretty scuffed up.

I figure as long as it's under warranty, I'll have them fix it. At least, if it's covered, I will!

 

Getting closer...

 

Installed H&R coilovers yesterday quick phone pics today





The fronts need to be brought down a little more and I'll have to get better pics with a real camera

 

Clay barred my mini for the first time! What a huge difference from just wash and wax...

 

5 piece Turbo Hose Kit Anyone on here running these?

 

Looks good! Before you lower it more, give your suspension about a week to "settle." Some say suspension doesn't settle, but mine dropped 12mm from my day 1 measurements to day 10. Then do your final adjustments and take it in for an alignment. Installing my coilovers threw my rear toe WAY out of spec, so I highly recommend an alignment.

 

These are a used set so most of the settling should be done. I'm not going to adjust them until tues or wed. Then it's time for new tires and an alignment. Also put in adj rear control arms yesterday.

 

Custom Built 4" Exhaust Tips And Rear Muffler Delete, It now sounds the way it should have from the Factory.....



Attachment 91263

 

Looking good, miniblu! What size and brand tires are you going with?

 

I've been looking at the Hankook ventus V12 evo2. I have the evoK110 right now. Probably staying with the 215/45/17. Before putting the coilovers on I thought of going down to a 205 for clearance but it seems fine with the 215.

 

Hello clay bar, all done, can't wait til Tuesday for my new wheels

 

Looks sweet. Gotta sound clip?