Well, I had this nice reply typed out but my browser decided to log me out and I lost it.

Quick version

I washed, cut/buffed/waxed the car today and it looks great. Here are a few pics:









I changed the plugs a few days ago - removed what I believe to be the originals.


I upgraded the Navigation software and have new 2014 disks arriving Monday. Also Monday I have a PiperCross air filter and new spark plug wires to replace, what I'm also pretty sure are, originals. I've got my PDR guy scheduled this week to take a few of the dings out, so that'll be nice.

I changed the oil using the which was awesome. No climbing under the car and getting burned by oil - just clamp the hose, pump 40 times, stick it down the dipstick tube, unclamp and wait till you hear bubbling. Whoever did the oil change last must have found a way to get an impact wrench down to tighten the oil filter housing cap - holy crap. I ended up having to go buy a 1/2" drive 15" breaker bar to get it loose and I'm no small guy (6'2", 240lbs). Next oil change will be easier.

So far I've identified three issues with the car.

1) One of the headlights were burned out. Easy fix - hopped on Amazon and bought a pair of 4000k DS2/DR2 headlights for $12.
2) The DSC/ABS/TPMS lights come on together at times. I've identified the issue as a bad wheel speed sensor and have ordered replacements. I'm going to give eBay a try - you can't beat $22 for a pair (where the OEM ones are over $100 each). If they don't work, oh well, I'll try again, lol.
3) The radio is a bit static-y from time to time. I let the wife drive it on Friday and she complained about it saying she had to turn it off because it was so bad. I didn't have a CD to test but read somewhere it could be the amp, the antenna ground or the spark plug wires. I'll do some testing and see what I can figure out.

 

looks great.

i had the same problem with the oil filter. a little torch and breaker bar did the trick eventually. it has a torque spec, which i follow for most things, but after that irritating experience, "snug" will be just fine from now on.

i would take a closer look at your strut towers. check for any deformation/mushrooming. not a huge issue, but a common one i may have forgot to mention before.

 

Nice looking MINI! Welcome to the R53 club.

My advice for something you should do almost immediately if you can afford it is to change your wheels to something much lighter. I did a 15% pully, intake, and one-ball mod initially and they made the car come alive. But going from the same stock wheels you have to the 11lb wheels I have on it now made such a huge difference, it made the car quicker everywhere and generally more fun. The stock wheels are listed at 25.1lbs each for reference. Seriously it doesn't seem like just changing wheels would do much, but if you can get something in the 14-15lb range you will be dropping ~40lbs on unsprung rotational mass.

 

You aren't kidding!! I rotated the wheels and was amazed at how heavy they were, wow. I've been looking around for new wheels but there's not a whole lot in my area and I really only want wheels made for 4x100, not ones that can do multiple. eBay is pricey and I really didn't see what I liked/wanted. I checked ECS, too, but they don't carry aftermarket wheels (Get on it, Alzor!!!) Any suggestions on a good place to buy?

Thinking about the 15% reduction S/C pulley and may do it, but it'll be down the road.

 

i got neuspeed rse05's. theyre about $1100 shipped for a set of 4, but they are 4x100, 17x7.5, hub centric for the mini, fit stock mini centercaps, come in black, white, and i think red, maybe silver, and weigh just about 17lbs.

not bad for a 17" wheel. that would allow you to of course use thebsame tires if wanted.

 

Be patient, keep an eye on the classifieds here, that's how I got my wheels. You'll come across something eventually.

 

I had a similar issue with my radio (I have the H/K system) which was so bad it sounded like the speakers were blown. The issue was only with FM (AM also but I never listen to that). I ripped the whole car apart, took antennas out, tried separate antenna, etc... In the end it appears it was a bad tuner section in my radio. Got another one off Ebay for pretty cheap and it sounds 100% better though I do still get a little static now and again. If you isolate your issue to a ground or antenna module (there are 2 - one in roof and the other in hatch door on left which uses the defrost wires as an antenna) please report back exactly where it was so I can investigate mine further.

My original post is located here ==> https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...h-fm-only.html

Enjoy the new hobby!

 

That's awesome, thanks! I may look to see what's on eBay and see if it helps fix the issue.

Thanks a bunch!

 

I love my '12 R56s, but it's sure a shame that government regulations did such a dramatic job in changing the look of the Mini.

 

Thought I'd post an update:

Did the air filter and plug wires yesterday. Plug wires were original and the new ones (Bosch) fit/work perfectly.

For a car that had been so well taken care of (on paper - major things), I seriously question the PO's judgement when it comes to necessary maintenance.. or maybe she just didn't know, but the plugs were original and pretty bad and the airfilter was worse:



I replaced it with a Pipercross filter (also wiped/vacuumed the air box out) and the car has new life!! I could hear the car making adjustments when I started her up the first time. I don't think the ECU was used to getting so much air. We went for a spin up the block and, wow.. I'm amazed. The car is substantially quicker and I love that defined supercharger wind… puts a smile on my face.

I did notice one issue while I was under there, the intake boot is beginning to crack. It's not all the way through, yet, but it's getting there. I see ECS has them for $30 so I'll just do that.

Thanks again to everyone for the advice and help. I'm really enjoying MCS. Soon I'll have to give her up to the wife so she can drive it, but not before getting some PDR on Thursday. Hopefully the MCS will be like new once he's done.

 

Looks like my intake filter did, I changed my wires also, shortly after purchase. My plugs however could use a change I'm sure, just waiting for my pulley install to change those. Keep up the good work!

 

that looks delicious

 

Right?! At least I can clean the pipercross if it gets that bad, but I won't ever let it.

@Bav: do the plugs. A 30 minute job, at most, and you can get the plugs on amazon for $7 per. It'll make your engine happier

 

Don't forget the cabin filter, an often overlooked item. Won't make a bit of difference in performance, but you'll feel better knowing it's clean

 

Good call Got one in my Amazon cart now!