I am new to the forum and a new mini owner. I actually posted today in a different thread which was related to NJ. I thought I might as well start a new thread since I live in the NYC area. Btw, thanks 4130 for that contact info in queens. I will calling up later today. I'm looking for any other reputable mechanics or shops around. Just got a 2004 mini s with 59k. Looks like I may have 2 common known mini problems. Clutch rattle and power steering failure. Ugh. I
A handy guy and have done plenty of clutches but just don't have the time or space. Anyone with any experience with mini mechanics in the area? I'm in queens, but any boro or even Long Island is fine.

Also should I go with a stock clutch and flywheel or aftermarket?

 

Ditto for me too. I was planning to install 15% pulley, replace failed power steering and a faulty Cam position sensor at my buddy's house this weekend (I live in the city and he's in the burbs with a 3car + full lift - damn I need to move).

On Sunday night I get a strange whirring/whooshing sound when I step on the clutch (throw-out bearing most likely) but all the research I'm doing has me freaked to do a full clutch replace with my friend while also replacing the rest of my laundry list.

thinking of sinking my summer wheel savings into a local indie shop doing my clutch, but have no idea who's a reliable option.

Anyone know a good shop in the Hudson Valley region (westchester, putnam, orange, dutchess counties are all viable)?

 

http://www.tyrolsport.com/ in Queens/Brooklyn I like Helix in PA ( I know it's a bit of a drive)lol

 

go with stock clutch and flywheel, call those shops and they will tell you why

 

Tyrol Sport gets my vote! Anything that I decide not to tackle on my car is getting done by them.

 

I drove by Tyrol yesterday, didn't go in, small shop.

 

Actually....its not that small. It's not a wide shop....it runs straight back. There's four lifts but you can put at least another three cars in there if they don't require lifts. The last time I was there, there were three cars on the lift (mine included), a VW and an Audi getting a tune upgrade and an S4 convertible getting an RS steering wheel put in. And there was still room.

 

I actually called the shop on Monday and spoke to Mike. He was busy with a customer and told me he would call me right back. He called me 2 days later but i haven't returned his call. The more and more posts i read I have decided to just leave my clutch alone. It's not slipping so ill just deal with the noise until I actually need a clutch. I'll use that money towards some mods for now. I'll probably just do my PS pump when I get around to it. It hasn't been acting up lately.

 

I agree, they are not the best at returning calls lol but they are very a very good shop and it seems like it is just another shop from the outside, they are actually the go to shop for many European car enthusiast specially Audis, VW and BMWs, my choice is Helix in PA but well... They are in PA but its worth the drive they are also a small shop and very clean maybe smaller than Tyrol but they do know MINIs in and out.

 

With Tyrol, email works best.

 

^^ Thanks. I sent them an email. I need my turbo oil line replaced with Detroit Tuned kit.

 

Damn. Tyrol suck. I sent them an email per mentioned above last week and never got a respond.

Any other shops in Queens?

 

I just read this and couldn't believe it. So I sent them an email at 7:29pm and got a response at 7:48pm. Talked to Mike and he said everything is working okay on their end. He really is a good guy. I know everyone has different experiences, but all of mine have been great when dealing with them.

Try mike@tyrolsport.com

 

I finally got a hold of him and scheduled an appointment.

 

Hey how did everything go? I'll be there at the end of this month to get some work done.

 

Really good job. I had them replace my turbo oil line from Detroit Tune. It took like a half a day.

 

Happy to hear it!