Just did a coolant flush and was shocked that the prev owner had never done one. Let alone a coolant change. Not sure if people care about their cars but you know when it breaks down it's the mfrs fault right? Can't be that you didn't do your part in maintenance.

Note to self
Before buying check all fluid levels. That could be a huge indicator as to the condition\upkeep of the car

 

Totally agree! Coolant was filthy, eh? As timing would have it, I am swapping out the radiator/thermostat/housing/hoses this winter just to refresh the system. From what I can tell, these radiators can spring a leak in the 120-140k range and my guy is at 108k miles. So I would rather do it BEFORE it goes and on MY time instead of during the week (at night).

Trying to be as proactive as possible instead of reactive...

 

Nice... let me know how that refresh project works.
was there a kit for all the hoses?

Is AZ asian or Arizona

My Cooper runs so hot up here in Canada BC I can't imagine it in the desert

 

Will do! Nope, just pieced or piecing them together from various sites. Hoses typically come from RockAuto (Gates) and the MINI specific pieces from the vendors on this site.

Arizona! Land of the 120-122 (50C) degree summers! Oddly enough, my MINI has never run warm down here. (knock on wood) Performance decline can be noticed but that is about it. Now, going to work in 60-deg weather, he is zinging along. Loves the colder weather.

 

Thanks everyone!

I got banner red spray paint from Ace. I forgot who it was that used this and was a pretty close match to the chili red. Sanded, primered, and painted couple coats.

 

Took Barnaby for a ride around town and then on the highway had a good day. But I found out the hard way that when WMW says the DT bypass valve will "cause a slight drop in gas mileage" they weren't kidding. Went from 21 around town to 17 and 30 highway to about 24. Not impressed... anyone else have this issue?

 

I've never been a fan of these valves. I'd say throw it away.

MINI already had this part made correctly the first time. The same part number was installed on the Cooper S, JCW and the GP.

 

Today was a productive day for me and my new Cooper S. I added a new KN box air filter, an ALTA 22mm rear sway bar, JB+, and painted brake rotors red to match the body color. All in all a good day in the garage.

 

hmmm you must not know how to drive stick.

 

DAMN I wish I knew this before. It seems people are in a love hate relationship with this part. I was having a yoyo in my 2006 so I thought this might help which it did but also helped make my MINI a gas guzzler

 

I had one, sold it and bought a brand new oem valve. I'm not a fan of how they feel when driving, nor am I prepared to lose any mpg.

 

I've been driving stick shift cars all my life and own three other cars with manual gear boxes.

I don't think that anyone could shift a manual as fast as the Asin auto box shifts in the MINI.

 

The F56 Aisin auto shifts much faster then the R56 Aisin auto. Looks like the programming and slight change worked.

 

The whole point of the paddle shifters is fast shifting. Its an outgrowth of F1 racing, I believe. That said, I LIKE having a clutch and a stick shift.

 

Eh driving an auto maybe faster, but for 99% of us those spilt seconds won't matter. For the 1% that those seconds do matter, they are driving manuals anyways. If the autos are so fast why isn't anyone racing with them? Besides, driving an automatic is sooooo boring. To each their own though, anyhow my mini today got an air filter clean.

 

Forgot to add that I FINALLY have a horn again. Replaced the old, broken stockers with new OEM ones... Biggest difference? The old ones were plastic... These newbies are all metal and SO much louder than the old ones! Happy customer!

 

Well didn't really do anything to my Mini. Just put 400 more fun filled miles on "Abe" today. Even had the chance to eat lunch next to this big monster. Love being on vacation.

 

YEP I learned that the hard way it seems I will be doing the same thing. I wondered why there was so many of them for sale in the marketplace.

I have the automatic and it seems the BPV messes with the shifting in the auto too. It seems to rev so much higher and not shift something i never felt with the stock oem one. Ill be ordering new one soon!

 

Changed the oil and filter, checked and rotated the tires. While it was up on jacks gave the suspension and brakes a once over. Used 1/4 qt of oil over 5k, tire look good even wear on all four. Riken Rapto 205/50x16 mounted on R84 Xlite 16" rims I picked up for $150 down in LA this past summer. Good looking tires and they handle well. All four were down 3-5 PSI brought them back to 35PSI and rotated front to rear, directional tires. Brake Pads all looked good rotors are in good shape. Suspension was tight and looked good. At 41K alls well no leaks, even managed to change the oil filter with just a little spillage. Gave her a bath and cleaned up the inside so she is good for another 5K she is due a Road worthyness check on 11/202015 whatever that is. 11K until whatever the next big service is. Will put the OEM 15 tres and wheel back on for the winter as I want to repair the road rash and paint the 16" rims and probably replace the tires and install the TPMS sensors that are laying in the tool box. Don't want to do it now and have to rebalance the tires. Friday I will get the windshield replaced, got nice rock into it while up at Hot August Nights In Reno in August, will replace the wipers at the same time. Sent off the oil sample to Blackstone I will be interested to see if the Iron reading has gone down, Was a little high the first time. Nice warm Fall Day so should be good till spring now.

 

100% in agreement. You want to be more involved in driving the car. Taking one more layer away by pressing buttons is not for me. If I were racing for $$$$ then I can see the application for outright speed (although only milliseconds) but whipping through the corners of the Sea to Sky hwy here would bring down the experience significantly for me if I were in an auto with paddles.
The few seconds or milliseconds advantage does not in anyway enhance the joy of cornering for me

Happy to report coolant successfully completed. No leaks and no overheating LOL.
Next to tackle is the brake fluid. Then the transmission fluid. One per month
Then I'll take a breather before considering getting rid of the openometer for boost and temp gauges.

 

Turned in my new to me 2011 Clubman for agreed upon stuff as condition of the sale (extra key, spare tire, jack kit, replace parking light & repair horn) .....since I purchased it from a Jaguar dealer, they gave me a loaner for the day.....2013 C250 Mercedes.......not bad for a "Loaner"

 

Took him to work today. 66-degrees on the way to work...

He is running well and flying along nicely! Love the cooler weather.

 

Changed my oil today. Only took me 2.5 hours. Thanks to that damn filter housing, just would not screw on right. My hands are WAY too big for this BS.....

 

Same on my end with the back brake wear sensor. 45 minutes of struggling under the car. Arms are burning. Lots of swearing. Can't let it get the best of me.... Finally gave up and asked my wife to help. Done in 30 seconds.
Even getting to the coolant bleeder valve requires a specific length flat head screwdriver because the standard size handle is restricted by the tight space.

 

They didn't get the key made so I got the "Loaner" for a second day.....