The fan I can handle. But the automatic transmission is a different story. Between waiting on the warranty company, ordering parts and such the shop had my car for literally a month.

 

That's what you get for getting the Auto..

 

Well I got the automatic because it was my wife's idea to get a MINI and she can't drive a stick. I know, I know. But even being an auto it is still fun to drive

 

I got the auto because it shifts faster than the manual.

 

That was the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the Mrs teaching her how to drive a manual.

You got the Checkmate, which is super cool. I was following one online, but the guy just wanted too much money.
I'm sure that's true. But, there's a certain satisfaction of a manual.

 

Dumb question, I'm looking at buying some wheels that the guy had on a Miata, the hub size is larger than the hub on the Mini, is that gonna cause any problems? Will the torque from the lug bolts be enough to keep the wheel centered properly?

 

The Checkmate is a great color combo. I love the "Space Blue Metalic" I now use the car as my daily driver in traffic the automatic is nice. But on the weekends I wish it was a stick for the twisty mountain roads...

 

To goneFXcrazy the larger hub size will not matter IMO. I would look at the offset or even test fit if possible.

 

I love my auto with paddle shifters

 

I'd go with hub centering rings, you can use the lugs but it's not really the best way to go. The rings are cheap on Amazon, can get plastic or aluminum, I've heard the plastic ones can break or melt. I had plastic rings with no issues fwiw.

 

x2....Hubcentric rings work just fine...and like the other poster stated-get the aluminum ones. Plastic may work, but I am more comfortable with the aluminum ones. My center bore on my XXR wheels was over 70, and the hub centric rings made it right. eBay has good deals on well made rings. Just eBay search for Mini Cooper hub centric rings. Plenty of choices.

As for your previous choice and questions using the 0 offset wheels to try out....to get that "flush with the fender" look you're after-a +35mm offset worked perfect for me. No rubbing, and they tuck nicely in the rear due to camber adjustments and the lowering springs. I've had zero issues.

 

Ordered a few parts from ECS, I thought I still had all the stock header bolts, but one has grown legs in the last three years.

Cleaned out the battery tray.

 

Well, it turns out that the local BMW dealer where the PO had the Mini serviced was useless and stripped out several of the threaded Hub holes..... Any easy way of rethreading the holes or is just replacing the hubs easier?

 

probably new hub

 

Figured. Looks like about $150 for all 4, not bad.

 

how many are bad?

 

Both drivers side have at least one hole with bad thread.

 

I went to bed yesterday morning starting to have second guesses about my r53. Its been in the shop recently and I am wondering if I made the right decision..someone please reassure me the r53 is reliable. I dont want it to be a money pit!

 

Put it this way, race car builders prefer R53's from what I hear, so it may not be reliable, but it is a stronger motor.

 

The same was always said about the Ford 6.0 Powerstroke Diesel, but once it was "bulletproofed" with a specific set of parts, it was a very good reliable powerful motor. Sounds like the R53 is the same way.

 

I mean don't get me wrong I LOVE my car, look, handling, style, etc I am just getting worried more and more something will go wrong. I am trying to see if its worth dropping another 3 k into it or selling and getting a newer one or god forbid different car

 

I would service the transmission while it's still in the shop. I would also sevice the supercharger and maybe change out the oil pan gasket and o ring seal. Take it from me the tranny is an expensive job, but one I feel you can avoid with changing out the tranny fluid.

 

I conceded defeat a few weeks ago. I’m hoping by next Sunday night to have my car listed for sale. I love the car, but the last six months have been aggravating to say the least.

I'm going Japanese, **** euro cars and the problems they bring

 

don't do it, *** cars have no class for the most part.

 

I have spent over $6k after warranty on just my transmission alone. I still love my R53!! I plan in keeping mine for a long time to come!!