Took it to the shop.

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Code P012 on my scanner... Techs said it was a Vanos issue, Fault 2D5A. They reset, scanned again, test drove, and sent me on my way...

 

I did this drive, twice each way.

I might have done it in rather less time than is recommended....

 

I had the Aardvark serviced today. Had new Powerflex lower control arm bushings, power steering hoses, oil pan gasket and oil filter housing installed...and 4 new continental tires. 164K miles and counting, most with the top down going faster than advisable.

As a NAM newbie on my first post, I have to explain why Aardvark: my Mini is white with black trim and top, and it seems to enjoy Mojave desert bugs on its nose. My son the co-pilot came up with it and it really fits.

 

Gave it a much needed bath.

 

I wish my car was only that dirty, I hate winter. Very nice GP
Oh by the way my MINIs Konig feathers came in

 

Car just hit 60K so took it in for some service items and once over. Found a leaking vacuum pump, water pump, thermostat housing, oil filter housing, small leak on the valve cover, some issues with my PCV being clogged and a huge pot hole dent on the inside of my front wheel. The pain.

The good news is I now have a 100% Clubman S with a full service. Well, I still need to order that wheel.

 

A friend of mine (Gearheadaddy) made this custom mount for my cell phone made out of billet aluminum.

The moulding above the window. Is it normal for it to look like that? Can it be replaced under warranty?

 

Regarding the molding, it's probably just some oxidation. Should come off with some pressure and a soft rag.


Anyways, today, I rotated the tires, waxed the calipers, and test fit some new wheels.





More thorough writeup coming soon.

 

I emailed Sewellparts about the side scuttle that went missing from my car recently, and they were understanding and sent me a replacement under warranty! So today, I got the new side scuttle in the mail. Thank you Sewellparts for being a great vendor to the NAM community!

 

What a teaser, looks badass. What kind of tires are those?

 

They're my winter tires - 215/40R17 Yokohama IceGuard IG52cs.

Can't wait to be back on summer rubber.

 

I really like these picture .

 

This weekend my R52 gets a 15% pulley, new plugs, and coilovers.

 

That was it! Thanks!

Sent from cellular device.

 

I've been working on customizing the boot of my R56S. Did the rear seat delete and am now "raising" the floor of the boot to the same level as the rear seat delete. Operation large hatch space is nearly complete. I'm also looking for other peoples hatch projects... should I make a thread?

 

Drove it in very cold weather today

 

Turned 30,000 miles (well, since I've only had the car a month I only turned about 1200), and I installed a new to me JB+. Should be fun to drive in the morning!

 

Cosmo got new shades today. 35% smoke gray ceramic llumar on sides and back

 

Installed "circular" tail lights my OEM ones had cracked glass.

 

How did you install them sideways like that?

 

The BMW J hook style replacement blades I've been using meant for the E-series Bimmers are nice, but they were expensive and somewhat cost prohibitive at $40 dollars a set.

It was time for new blades and the arms on my 03' were looking somewhat tired so figured now was a good time for the 2013 MINI Wiper Arm/blade swap. Beginning in 2013 MINI models MINI developed blades very similar to what are on the BMW's. The arms are exactly the same as ours, but instead of a J-hook design they have a straight end at the blade attachment

Purchased new L/R arms #61617352525 and # 61617352526 and the OEM MINI blades: #61610039343. Everything came to about $120.00.





And just in time too for ride home for the first three hours of a blizzard....They are super quiet and work fabulous. And since these blades are a one piece design, ice and snow cannot accumulate between the blade suspension and blade itself making for streak free clearing of the windshield even during winter months.

A bang for the buck mod IMO.

 

Raven is that a direct swap then? How long to install?

 

Raven, what seats do you have?

 

New tires!! The new ones (Bridgestone Ecopia) are quieter than the worn-out OEM Contis, and they seem to roll about as well. (Which should only get better as they wear in!) One thing I've noted: They tend to roar or hiss, rather than squeal, when pushed hard.

The verdict is still out about the grip, but I'm starting to explore it a bit...

 

Ahh yes another reason to go to So.Cal. I've saved a ton of money on wiper blades in the past 13 years of mini ownership