The first thing I did to my Mini today. Yup, totally drove over the ramps onto the other side. Had to use the jack to get the ramps (yes both sides) out from under it. Swore a few times. Then was working on replacing my hot side tube. Got the connectors off top and bottom. The bottom was a PIA. Trying to work on getting the silencer off. I'm not going to snap it off like some people do, so then realize I don't have the correct torx. Put the damn thing back together. Go inside to shower. Look back into my "mechanic" tool box I bought a while ago and see that the correct one was in here. AAHH!! Looks like I know what I'm doing tomorrow.

 

^^^ Now, that's a story with humility!

I used my ramps yesterday but strictly as raised supports while I was underneath working on the new JCW muffler installation.
Easier to floorjack from both side using jacking points/adapters, then slip the ramps underneath the rear tires.
Plenty safe and secure with no need for jack stands...

 

That is a good idea. I don't have a nice solid concrete floor. Using my gravel driveway with chalks behind it so it didn't roll into the road. Always learning on this car.

 

Good job. Glad to hear it is not that bad of a job. The alignment process sounds like fun. I foresee this in my not too distant future... On 114k miles with the originals...

 

Oh no! That has to be everyone's worst fear.

I retired my ramps and just went to the hydraulic floor jack and jack stands. For me, this is a little bit more of a controlled environment.

 

Compared to most of you I did very little. New shifter (****) and managed to break all the tabs on the trim piece at the boot. Made of crap they are. Also replaced the broken center armrest and installed a full set of mudflaps (sexy). Oh and I replaced a number of broken fender clips and whatnot that were allowing things to be a little loose up front. Then I installed a roof rack which turned out to be rather simple but at first seemed imposing. Oh yes, I installed a new chrome trim for the hood as all the clips were broken on the original and a new cabin air filter. Lots of chicken s&^t stuff but it was a task with the sweat dripping in my eyes due to the ongoing heat wave we are having.

 

Ramps with front lip give a bit of warning before going over the edge, easy enough to add.

 

That little stuff adds up quickly tho.

 

I think I'm going to do something to the edge of them. They were free ramps, so I can't complain too much. But not going through that crap again!

 

Replaced my stock speakers.

 

It's bound to happen soon. It's a common problem. The motors are easily avail on eBay. Aligning the window wasn't bad. Just need to be sure that the gear type brackets that hold the window are hand tight enough that if you adjust the window it doesn't move (only moves with your force.

As for the bottom rails. Just be sure to mark the 10mm bolts before you remove. Get them back where they were or you'll be adjusting the angle of the window as well.

Make sense?



Best of luck!

 

Perfect! I was wondering about that and you confirmed! I was wondering if we placed the new rails in the same position as the old rails that would eliminate the need for one of the alignment processes. Very cool.

Thanks.

 

Same issue with those boot ring tabs on mine a few months ago, so replaced with Cravenspeed products as shown here:
Cravenspeed shift **** and well cover installed

 

Removed the ALTA CAI.

Lubricated the shifter cable heim joints typically not seen since they are under the air box.

Replaced a four inch rubber hose section that looked sketchy. It was for fuel tank breather line at the electronic throttle body.

Installed new JCW Intake and full detailing of exterior.

 

Installed an Eibach 19mm adjustable rear sway bar.

Then I washed the car and went for a drive. I was having fun on some country roads . . . seeing if I could feel the difference of the new sway bar. Taking a familiar route, I turned onto a road and discovered that it now has a gravel surface. I almost crapped my pants but stayed in control. Jasper got all dusty, and all I could do was laugh. And hoon.

 

Oh no, ramp off.

 

I have done a lot of dumb things and am glad to see I am not alone!!

 

Saturday I had new tires fitted and yesterday was alignment day. What a difference!

 

I picked up a spare set of R98 Alloys last night. In much better shape than these but one rim has a small tweek in the lip from a pothole. Our mini has one rim with similar damage so now I can replace it with one of the straight ones from this spare set and send the spares off for straightening and refinishing. They seem to corrode bad on the outer edges even when they haven't been curbed.

 

Used it to transport a carnivorous plant.

 

Nice! And I hear that gives you an extra 5hp at least

 

Oooh, I wonder if I could install one of those permanently in mine. During spring through fall we get flies like crazy here in Iowa from all the turkey and hog farms. I feel like any time I open my window, I get 18 more flies in there!

 

I'm having bad luck with cars.
Thankfully not my Mini, but what a deer did to my Matrix. I saw it, slowed down. It turned to walk the other way then jumped back into my hood.

 

Today I ordered everything form ECS to do my first oil change (myself) on the MINI. Also got everything together to spray the wheels and mirrors vintage gold. And CAM Position sensor is ready to be installed too!

 

First Bath!