Hi, I am new to this forum, but not a new mini owner. I have a few questions. I have 2002 Mini (non S) - Auto transmission... I was going to see if you guys know of any mechanic or anyone who works on minis that isn't so costly like MOB. I have to get my motor replaced in the driver door b/c it's dead and i need (well at least I THINK) to replace my cigarette charger.. it won't charge... it's been that way for over a year now and I want to to be able to charge my phone or plug in my ipod to listen too, more than the other's I would like to be able to purchase the GPS I've been wanting forever and actually use it..... also I was considering purchasing the OAM interface ipod for mini found one for $86 -- does anybody know who can install it? Best Buy refused to work on it or help me.. and I have tried calling around to the some other shops and they don't want to mess with it either... Also, does anybody know a good reasonable paint guy in town?! I have quite a few rock chips and some places on the hood are starting to rust... I was going to see how much it would cost to either fix the chips I already have..or just give it a clean sweep.... ? any help would be great.. thank you

 

Stephen's Garage is a good place for out-of-warranty MINI work. On the window motor, there is a known "issue" with those that involves either the motor relay or the limit switches that tell the motor when to stop (up/down). My passenger door was similarly afflicted. The cheap "fix" is to (optionally) remove the door card, and whack the inner door frame near the motor with your fist or rubber mallet while holding the window switch in the down position (assuming the window is stuck up). Takes 10-15 mins. You should try this first before you replace anything, as the replace option is expensive. Even if you have to perform the "fix" periodically (as I do) you're still ahead of the game.
Looks like the lighter issue could be a fuse. Have you checked it? Not sure what's involved in the ipod inteface but I suspect it only requires access to the back of the radio. This is not brain surgery but requires a screwdriver and small hands. The interfaces I've seen (the aux input for one) usually come with instructions on how to access the cable in the back of the head unit, how to unplug it, plug in the iface cable, and replace the original cable connector. On paint chips, see www.langka.com