Hello everyone, New to mini, but not to cars. Previous cars: 1987 300zx, 2007 mustang GT, 91 3000gt VR4.

I was a big part of the 3000gt forums and know how much knowledge is attained here in this environment. I don't know too much about these cars, so hoping to be educated !

Any concerns i should have, repairs i should be aware of, and quick mods that would make the mini that much better?

Thanks!

2011 Mini Cooper S, 30,000 miles, auto, sunroofs, rear spoiler.

 

Welcome!!! I love mine. Not many issues and I've added a mod or two.

 

Just keep an eye on the oil level and change it in the 5000-7500 mi range (IMHO).


Mods? Drive the car for a while. If you want to turn faster, look at sticky summer tires and a bigger rear sway bar. If you don't feel planted in the seat, get a CG lock for your belt. Going faster.... that takes lots of $$$.


Motor on and enjoy.

 

Ain't cheap, that's for sure!!!

 

Welcome!

The VR4 was an amazing car. I had the same car but it was a RT/TT(Dodge).

Like stated above, change the oil every 5k and check it often. I burn about half a quart every 5k miles. Check out to see if your recall for the auxiliary water pump and timing tensioner was replaced. Also, see if the original thermostat was replaced as well(not under recall).

As for quick mods if you don't want to spend too much money. Just buy the JB+ it's a quick plug and play hardware that will give you 20whp+ and 30wtq+. It's $300. No other mods needed.

If you want to truly tune your MINI, there are companies such as NM engineering, Evolve automotive, DNA tuning, RennTech, Group4auto, Precision Auto Works(PAW), and Manic tuning(just arrived, OBDII solution for your engine, it's an N18). I'm sure I'm missing a few companies but you'll have to send your ECU out to others. A bigger intercooler(Helix, Forge, Evolve, and Wagner), Hot side boost tube(Forge or NM), Catless Downpipe(any brand is decent, but I love Evolve's), Exhaust(if you want sound, it won't give you much HP at all, maybe 2-3 if you're lucky), and an aftermarket diverter valve.

Suspension wise, get a bigger rear sway bar to corner that bad boy hard:-). If you want to track your MINI, get coilovers by KW/ST(made by same company). Or if you just want looks and daily ride friendly, Koni Yellows with NM or H&R lowering springs is the way to go.

Good luck and can't wait to see more pictures of your MINI!

 

Not only the oil level, but coolant level too. I totally agree on oil changes every 5,000 miles. 5-30 synthetic on my '05. Not sure if the newer ones are the same suggested oil.

 

Thanks Guys!

I know all about oil changes, the vr4 goes through a quart every 2 weeks, bad vss design. I read quiet a bit about the oil burn off, so ill make sure i keep an eye on that.

One thing I noticed about the mini is the lack of gauges/instant feedback. No boost gauge, coolant temp gauge, and some other basic info. I guess they wanted to simplify the dash. Also, I noticed the mini doesn't shift as smoothly as my 3000gt, especially around boost.

IN the Mitsu world the forum created an OBDII diagnostic tool and software for owners that can run on a laptop/palm device. Is there something like that here?

 

Welcome and enjoy the MINI, it's a great and fun car...

 

Great way to start up your mods...with Dials. There's lots of cool stuffs. I haven't done it yet, but would like to.

 

A SGII is what I would recommend for diagnostic and gauge display. Not the best or the prettiest, but I absolutely love mine. I picked up a secondhand one for 90 bucks and tabbed up a mount for free. Most useful mod on my MINI so far.

Motor on.

 

Welcome to NAM, chillowvr4 and congrats on your new MINI. By the way, nice pics as well. Happy motoring and don't forget to wave.