After several years of waiting out the market, I recently picked up a 2009 Clubman. I found a low mile car spec'd just like I wanted: Cooper S, Pepper white including roof, Getrag 6 spd, leather, pano roof. It also has the Walnut dash trim option, which looks pretty slick.

So far it's gotten tint, wheels, and some detailing. A clay bar treatment made a huge difference.

I love the way the car drives (everything but the torque steer). Before you put your foot in it, especially at a shift point, it's a must to have both hands on the wheel.

The only thing I don't like is that, predictably, the car collects a ton of dirt and dust on the rear... thinking about fabricating a dust spoiler.

Finally, the third brake light accumulates condensation. Is this a common fault on the Clubman?

 

I get it completely. I love my 07 MCS too, and never tire of looking at it or driving it 52K miles later.

 

I'm pretty sure NM Engineering makes the torque arm mount inserts for the CM also. For $60 it'll really help on the torque steer.
Condensation in the 3rd brake-not heard but a couple of people mention this so I'd say it's not common. Probably broken seal and will most likely have to replace entire light unit.
Dust on the hatch-one of those things with a hatch back type car. Pretty hard to get around it.

 

hey drsimmons, thanks for the tip on the torque arm mount inserts. I'll check that out.

After my post last night I did a quick forum search and the brake light issue was a warranty item... more common to the clear lens on the S.

And yeah, you are right about the dust issue. I wasn't kidding about tinkering with a dust spoiler, though. They are available for Subarus and other makes... and I like goofy little projects around the garage.

 

Congrats on your 2009 Clubman...I got one CPO a month ago (PureSilver/Blacktop) and I love it too...ditto on your comment about torque steer. Let me know how it work out with the torque mount inserts.

 

Cool. I did check on www.waymotorworks.com and NM does make a torque arm mount insert. They actually come in a pak of 2, one for each side of the mount at $60+ ship. Great mod or upgrade whatever you want to call it.
There's another one out now but didn't check it on the site but I know he carries them. It's made by BSH which makes a great oil catch can so I'd assume it's a good one also.

 

Check out www.waymotorworks.com. Way installed them on my Clubman at the Dragon, they rock!

 

Is this the one for the Clubman? http://www.waymotorworks.com/powerfl...shing-kit.html

 

no, we are talking about the torque arm bushings for 59.00

 

That's a control arm bushing....different animal.

 

When you go on Ways site go under +8 Clubman S. The sku is listed as NMtorquebushing. $59 + ship.

 

Yup these cars are fun! I'm on #3 after a 5 year break and I'm loving it!

 

Confirmation... this is the one? http://www.waymotorworks.com/nm-engi...nt-insert.html

 

Yes! that's it!! I have a slight vibration at idle they said would go away, but hasn't. Not annoying, though.

 

I need to check this out but I was told that they needed to be grease properly and maintain otherwise they squeak.

 

Email that question to Way, he WILL respond and quickly, too

I never heard that, would be interested in his answer!

 

No grease that I'm aware of. They do not have grease zerks. They are a harder poly material thus firmer so you get faster response to the drive wheel. I haven't heard of them squeaking. Now, rear camber links can squeak but most of them do have grease zerks.
If it were to squeak I would think a little shot of WD40 wouldn't hurt anything.

 

Yay! Another 2009 PW Clubman S! I hope you enjoy yours at much as I do mine.

The dirty boot is famous and it's hard to avoid.
I have recently used Prima's Hydro Seal and it seems to repel some dust.
Whatever dirt does end up on the car comes off very easily.
I'm very impressed with how it helps keep those nasty Florida "love bugs" from sticking to the front!

Motor on!

 

LittleWing....I found another good product for those pesky love bugs.
Glass Polish. Kinda expensive but I put it on my front and rear windows as well and what bugs do hit come right off.
Says it is ok for use on glass. Kinda acts like rainx does but alot easier to apply.

 

Thanks for the tip.
DH drives all over FL for a living and his car really gets hit hard with the love-bugs. UGH! I will try this on his Avalon. It's not a fun car to wash and I try to keep the bugs off of it for him. He can't be bothered.

Sorry, didn't mean to derail the thread...

Motor on!

 

A "california duster" is great for quickly removing dust on the boot. Walmart has large ones for $15 or so.

 

Thanks, John... the duster's a great idea.

I have become an OCD owner very quickly. I moved the project car out of the garage (really just a pile of parts right now) and relocated it to my shed so the Clubman can live inside. I have a detailing kit in the cargo area all the time and the car hasn't really been "dirty" but once since I purchased it.

One reason I like P white so much is that is is pretty forgiving. I looked at a Midnight Black Clubbie when I was shopping, and I could tell it would be a nightmare to keep clean.