I like the "green stuff" too.
I'd switched from Mobil1 (weened from the factory since day one), to Liqui Molygen in 2020 @80k mi.
I performed 2wo oil changes with it @5k intervals ea.and did notice a difference. The price for 5L was pretty steep back then - $68+/ 5L online .
Unfortunately my Mini was leaking about 1/4qt of oil (oil filter housing) every 500+ mi. I had stopped using it until the leak was finally addressed in late 2021.
I change my oil frequently (every 3,5k). So I had reverted back to using Castrol GTX FS since then/less expensive. I am now @ a little over 100k cared for miles and have been considering going back to the "green stuff".
The point is: I only wish I would have started using Molygen, like you, @ 15k. I think LM stated that Molygen has an extended wear protection of 30k mi (?).
Though I still prefer the 3,500k mi oil change regiment myself.

 

My apologies, I should have put additive behind the Molygen - it wasn't the oil. The oil was Liquimoly 0W-20 recommended for the Mini.

 

No problem. It's really nice to hear someone else taking good care of their car.
I've learned a lot from other peoples experience and feedback.

 

Yeah, if one is going to spend a good amount of money on a vehicle, they might as well take care of it so it lasts. I have no problems spending money on quality oil and other parts to keep a car running good, it will save money down the road.

 

I've been hearing some creaking for about 2wo months that sounded like the rear interior plastic panels were flexing or binding. Really quite annoying as my 21y/o Mini has never had any interior creaking or dash rattles.
After reading a recent discussion here on the NAM forums a couple of weeks ago with regards to swaybar bushings and the life if lubricant (silicone or otherwise), I'd thought it Interesting to me; as I've performed a complete replacement of all front and rear bushings with Powerflex and silicone lube. My suspension is tight and noise free. So I'd thought....
While driving during some heavy to moderate rain the other day, I couldn't help but realize that the creaking was gone.

Today was partly sunny and dry so I took a short drive. Sure enough - the creaking had returned.
So today I partially removed my 22mm rear Alta swaybar, cleaned and re-lubed the Powerflex bushings.... All is quiet again. No more squeaks or creaks.

 

This evening I changed my spark plugs.
I had upgraded my stock pulley to a 15% back in Sept 2022 and installed the colder NGK laser platinum plugs (BKR7EQUP).
I've only put 20,700 mi on these plugs since then. All the plugs were nice, clean and dry with the absence of residual oil.





However the differences in appearance has me raising a brow. - #1 & #2 center electrodes look normal to me (maybe a bit lean??). But #3 & #4 center electrodes appear considerably darker by comparison (perhaps rich condition??)
I'm not sure what to make of it?
My Mini has always fired right up upon the 2nd turn of the crank. Super smooth at idle. Little to no lag in acceleration from 0- 40mph. Immediate pedal response at cruising speed. No CEL or faults.
Based on the visual differences of the plugs - It maybe time to have the injectors tested.
Perhaps I'm overthinking it.

I'll pull the new plugs and inspect them after another 1k - 1,500k mi.

EDIT: Coil pack....Hmmm?

 

My mother-in-law (who treated me very well) had a lot of good sayings, one of which would apply here -
“Don’t borrow trouble.”

Enjoy and motor on.

 

Wise Mother-in-Law.
Life is already complicated enough as it is.

*Be vigilant* - but why try to fix things that aren't broken....

 

Just following up on this...
I came to a deal with the insurance company to total out the car, but keep it for the time being. Unfortunate, but that's where it's at. 195k+ miles, 12 years old. I am going to keep the car, and drive it through the winter. I will start looking for a replacement in the spring. Come spring time, when the next chapter is revealed, the car will be sold.

 

Question is... did you keep all the stock pieces to put back into it when you upgraded items?

 

Nope. My plan was always to drive this car into the ground and enjoy every last minute of it. So far, it's delivered. I haven't fully decided on what the exact plan will be for it come spring time. I "May" part it out, then scrap it. Or, list it on Facebook and try to get a few bucks for it whole. It would definitely make for a good parts car. Interior is pristine, and well taken care of. Some really nice upgrades on it, too.

 

Wow. Sorry to hear that.
Insurance companies suck! -
Without knowing any unseen damage to the interior, frame and trailing arm - The exterior damage does not look that bad to me. IMO; certainly fixable (without slathering on a ton of "bondo") and not worthy of deeming a total loss.
But yeah - I understand the body shop repairs may out weigh depreciated BB value.

Not intending to deflect from your post...but empathize with you. I hope you don't mind me injecting my own similar account:
I had built this '68 custom Karmann Ghia and had a guy swerve into my left front fender causing a dent and damage to the custom fender flare.


Although I intended to do the repair myself, I got a couple of estimate from a body shop between $900 - $1,200 to submit to his insurance company.
The Insurance company deemed my car a total loss. I retorted with a futile argument that the car was completely rebuilt at a cost of $15,000.
Their response - "Show us proof that you had the car appraised. Otherwise a car of this age is not within the value of the cost of repair".
They deemed the car a total loss. Of course I kept the Ghia and repaired the damage for $25 and 10hrs of my time.

Insurance companies suck and our premiums keep going up. - even with not tickets or accidents in over 10 years!

 

I had thought about taking the money, getting just the body work done, perform and needed mechanical repairs, and keeping the car. But, with the miles on it now, it's going to need some attention to the engine to keep it running. Makes sense to cut my losses and move on.

I love those Karman Ghias. That one looks pretty wild!

 

It's sad but I understand your position.

With regards to my Ghia - Thanks!
A $200 car turned out to be a labor of love.

 

Before you spend money on testing injectors, please consider using a fuel system cleaner containing PFA - the Gumount brand has been effective at eliminating symptoms of poor running.

 

Thanks. I can agree.
I tested, refurbished and installed my (380cc Siemens) injectors at the same time I performed the mods (20,700 mi ago). I've always run 93 octane and have usually added Techron injector cleaner at least twice a year.
The Mini has always run great with no engine performance issues. I think the additive helps.

 

Cut an mdf template and transferred to corrugated black plastic. Drilled 5 holes and fastened with plastic wall anchors. (Volvo? Using the 380cc Volvo fuel injectors with plug adapters)

 

Love your Ghia! When I was a teen, really wanted one bad.

 

Interesting idea.
That's a lot of decals!
You have such a nice looking,well cared for Mini - ' nice discreet alternative you've come up with rather than sticking them all over the rear hatch.
Clever.

 

Thanks.
It took me nearly 10years to get a hold of one. I wasn't looking to restore but rather transforming.
This salvage (clean title) Ghia was a perfect find.
I'm much older now. I don't think I would ever do this to a Mini

 

Thanks! Aside from the hiking and DMB stickers, all are vendors, materials and/or brands used. I’m adamant about Mobil 1 oil and Shell 93 gas. Still got a few more I need to acquire (ECS Tuning, a Mini Specialist in Hudson, NH, and maybe a Union Jack).

ps: thanks for the tips on bleeding the clutch slave cylinder

 

I haven't revisited the thread but it sounds to me as if it all worked out with the slave bleeding
In that respect - Congratulations on (a miserable job) done well !!!

 

Probably going to strip all stickers, if FT Myers is still standing after Milton, exhaust draws enough attention.

 

To all the MINIs, their owners and everyone else in Florida, I hope you all have found a safe place to be ahead of Milton. Take care. Thoughts and hope for the best for all there.

 

I echo Eddie's sentiments -
In 1985 when hurricane Elana hit the Gulf coast of FL (Clearwater), I lived upstairs, in an a 2wo story apartment, with large pane windows over looking the beach. There was was no covered parking.
A mandatory evacuation order was in place. We stayed. I parked my beloved highly modified '65 Beetle taking refuge in an abandoned (evacuated) hotel parking garage. The storm was fierce and lingered for a nail biting 2wo days.
Storm surge flooded the in land island and turned the streets into 4' deep, debris laden canals. In the aftermath - my Beetle survived without so much as scratch. Just covered in salt.
For those that live in an apartment in the Gulf coast area; This may be a safe haven to keep your Mini from damage and out of harms way.
In the aftermath of hurricane Helen, obviously, there's still much debris left over. Take shelter and stay safe