Today I received a letter from Environmental Testing Corporation (Aurora, CO), endorsed by MINI USA, asking to use my MINI Cooper S in a US Govt mandated emissions testing and performance program. If I participate, I will be paid $250 and will have a new BMW loaner car (full tank of gas) for the 3 to 5 days (or more) of the test. Additionally, my MINI will have the interior and exterior cleaned and returned with a full tank of gas. I will be granted a tour of the "lab" (in Aurora, CO), upon request.

Searching NAM, I found a similar thread (Oct. 2008) from a California owner. No negatives, so far.

I will probably reply to ETC (see www.etclab.com ) with a yes, but I'm curious to know if anybody else has received a similar letter (and what you decided to do).

Of course my MINI has a few modifications, but they don't seem to be concerned about them, so far.

Thanks,
Rick (curious)

 

If they need a 2nd MINI, let me know

 

yep - got one today, I'm considering participating too...

 

I want to play!

 

I will be calling the testing lab tomorrow to ask for a few more details (rules about mods, etc). I will let you know what happens. Maybe we'll put lots of miles on the loaner BMW.
Rick

 

winnie mini--
What is the model year and type of your MINI?

 

I have a 2005 R52 MCSc - a few pics in my gallery

 

I have sent in my response post card (with mileage, contact phone number, etc). I suspect that when they call me, my MINI will be rejected for not being 100% stock. It has an Alta Cold Air Intake and a Webb 17% SC pulley. I'm sure they don't want to have my mods skew their numbers for the EPA. I'll send the card in anyway...
Rick

 

I got one a couple of years ago. Your MINI has to be COMPLETELY stock. No pulleys, cold air intakes, no JCW. Just a stock MINI.

 

seriously i want in on this!!!

 

I had to dig quite a while to reach this one.

They're at it again.

I signed up to have my MINI tested, got the letter back in September.

Anyone else get one?

I remember Theresa's MINI was selected back in 2009.

We are all set to swap cars on Friday, they said I'll get a BMW one or three series sedan as a loaner for 7 to 10 days which could be fun.

So there will be one less MINI at C&C this weekend.

Robert