To celebrate many recently completed modifications I did a deep cleaning of the interior, and washed the dirty butt . The Mini just get the "Actual size" decals.

 

Full power flex this Thursday.

 

Two weeks ago I installed a Fumoto drain plug valve.

Yesterday I put on this Thule rack I bought from a member on here. I already had the wind deflector. I have attachments for bicycles and a kayak.

 

What does the bike rack look like?

 

Like this and this. The front wheel stays on the bikes.

 

Put a new engine air filter in my R53. Pretty uneventful. lol

 

Took out this.

 

So today... I approved the rust warranty to fix the problem areas under my tail lights, on the hatch, and a small spot under the door. I also will be picking up a loaner for it. Very exciting day for the mini.

 

Wait, they an '05?? I thought that ran out long ago..

 

I guess for 05/06 they upped the warranty to 12 years. Mine was produced 08/05 so I'm JUST covered still. Pleasantly surprised they approved the repairs. First good news I've gotten since I bought the mini.

 

Very cool! Good for you.

I thought that ran out years ago as well. Good thing you were able to sneak in the door at the last minute.

 

I'm so jelly. Cooper has rust under both tails and along the top of the hatch latch. I'm desperately hoping that it's shallow enough that I can get away with sanding and touch up paint and not have to go to an actual body shop.

 

I've heard stories so I didn't expect it to be approved. The picture of under the taillight doesn't really do it justice, but that's the best one I have.

 

Had mine fixed but if you have an 05 this is your last year to get it fixed.

 

So whats the production cutoff date now?? I've passed on so many good deals because of tail light rust.

 

Should be 12 years from the production date of the car, but I wouldn't rely on it if you find one with rust. Some people have been turned away before the time limit because of technicalities like not having regular dealer inspections for it. Also, they usually deny repairs if previous body or paint work is detected on the affected panels.

 

I set up an appointment with the dealer and it took them a few hours to approve it. Find the production date through something like bimmer.work and see if it's eligible. Then just set up an appointment with the dealer to see if they'll cover it and have them do a PPI while it's there. 2 birds, 1 bill.

 

For her 4th Birth Day Lucy got Silver highlights on her roof and tint all around.

Her Sister Ethel was also born today and is starting her trek across the Atlantic.

 

Fixed some problems.

What I thought was a leak in washer bottle wasn't. Truned out running without the inner guard rubbed a hole in the front washer line so anytime I hit the stalk to wash the front windscreen I just sprayed down the inside of the RHS A panel! Changed to 4mm garden hose since I have heaps of it on hand and I need the car.

Fixed the completely non working rear sprayer too. The hollow shaft through the back window had blocked completely with rust and dust. Cleaned it out with a piece of TIG rod and the compressed air.

Also removed both check valves so hopefully the rear can drain back a bit, doesn't rust the shaft and stops blocking the spray nozzle with mud. I get way better spray pressure now too!

I played with the ABS sensor while I was in there to try and fix my trifecta too. Unplugged it, plugged it back in and pushed it in further with a screwdriver to ensure it is making contact. Hopefully it works! I'll see when I take it for a drive later. Next step is a(nother) new sensor.

James

 

Looks so good and completes the look. BTW really like those garage doors. Just had new ones put on mine and new flooring.

 

The Mini has been getting all the new toys and affections lately while the Porsche have been sitting in the garage gathering dust.

The day is nice and Mini has been whining wanting to go out for a spin. I said I am busy so why don't you just go around the block? He insisted we go together as he is, after all, only 12 - he does not want to be kidnapped.

I snapped back and went and pulled out the Bit Char G and said, sometimes I only wish I can turn you into a remote controlled toy and stop this incessant whining.






Actually what made me think of the remote control toy car was the roof mount antenna. I have always like how the Mini looks with the antenna - like a scaled up radio controlled toy car.

It has developed a slight aerodynamic set bend on the mast. While it is very slight and in no way affect the function, when the boot is open, the rear spoiler now just come into contact with it while when new there were about 3/4" of clearance. I thought I can just put in a thin washer as a shim to take up the slack if I unscrew it one half turn. But the serrated feature a the mast base and the antenna base defeated that idea.

 

It is high time for some catch up of the paperless work. This AM I got around to update the spreadsheet that I use to track all my auto maintenance and modifications. There has been so much done to my precious that it is hard to remember all and especially the date and mileage accurately. Fortunately I can rely on the EXIF data of the photos as well as some photos I took.

It is easy to fudge on paperless entries like a spread sheet, but I have digital trail on the web, cloud, and my computing devices.

EXIF data does not lie

 

Bleeding coolant!

 

Oh, no. Is it the thermostat housing or water pump?

 

Just finished a 5 day 4585 kilometer trip with my R56....went from Vancouver, Kelowna, Canadian Rockies, Banff, Calgary, Edmonton, Glacier site seeing, etc.... and the best part I am the only Mini in the road so all eyes on my little red! Meet a few VW beetle and my butt does hurt a little though. Returned 5.5 liters /100 kms with a average speed of 130 kph and the little motor spins happily at 180-200 kph when no one is looking. The mini also went face to face with 3 black bears, 4 deers (I think one was a baby elk). a few dozen of momma ducks with her ducklings on the highway. The twisties on the mountain was the fun part and the paddle shifter was put into good use.