This is my third week of MINI GP ownership and I absolutely love the car. It's probably as fun as my Porsche 993 to drive. Couple of questions though, it appears my car didn't come with the factory orange blocks used for raising the car, what do the DIY'ers recommend? I have ESCO jack stands to rest the car on, but need to know what sort of JACK PAD to purchase??

Is there a link for DIY maintenance, or do you guys recommend purchasing the Bentley manual?

Removed the front license plate attachment but it appears I have screw holes on the bumper....without getting these fixed at a body shop, what do you guys/gals recommend? European plate? Or just put the plate attachment back on the car?

Gave the GP it's first bath today and noticed this (see picture) couldn't seem to get it to sit flush, do others have this issue? Any ideas? This is in the rear against the passenger side rear window....could the plastic just be deformed? The driver side rear looks fine.

TIA!!

Andy

 

You can order the OEM blocks from one of the NAM vendors such as ECS Tuning.
You can see parts diagrams and find part numbers at:
www.realoem.com/bmw/
www.penskeparts.com
P/N: 51717188454
But there are expensive ($29 ea.)

NAM has a DIY link but also buy a Bentley manual.

For the front plate holes, I painted small screws gray (also with clear coat) and screwed them into the holes. Been OK looking for 7 years.
Also there is a company that sells small bumper plugs painted your body color:
www.bumperplugs.com
I used them on my Subaru because I needed a specific color.

I have a remote plate mount when needed to write off a fix-it ticket. Similar to:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/321200326124?lpid=82
For your panel, mine fit flush. I suspect you have a broken clip or two. The clips break easily if the panel was ever removed. Use the OEM links provided above to find part numbers. If no Mini dealer near you, I might be able to get at a BMW dealer because the BMW and Mini P/N might be the same.

 

Yep, good advice.

Jack Pad Extension MINI GP - Priced Each 51717188454

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51717188454/


Bentley Manual : Gen 1 MINIs.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/ES2073657/





Clips: Pull off the cover and see which ones are broken. People full the covers off and then tend to break the clips.






#9 Clip - Priced Each Yellow 07131503417

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/07131503417/




#10 Clip - Priced Each 07130766476

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/07130766476/




#11 Spring Clip - Priced Each 07149198818

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/07149198818/




Thanks