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Hello all, former Subaru owner checking in. I just picked up my first Mini 3 weeks ago after much research into which years are worth getting, r53 vs. r56, prices, etc.
After much deliberation on whether I actually wanted to part with my Subie, I present to you my 2011 MCS, named Windy, apparently, by a friend of mine the first time she saw the car.
So far the theme of this car has been "that's gonna take getting used to." This car has so many oddball things about it coming from my Subaru that nearly every time I've driven it, I've had at least one moment where I reach for a control, or a switch, or get a different/strange feeling from the steering wheel or pedals. It's gotten to the point where I laugh when I catch myself saying that something will take getting used to.
Overall the car has been a joy so far. I am especially loving the gas mileage compared to my Subaru's average of 17-18 city. But, because I can't leave well enough alone, I can't wait to start modding the car. First up, wheels and tires since I am not a fan of how these runflats feel.
For anyone that reads this far, I do have one concern about the car that I haven't been able to find anyone else talk about so far. The car seems to be making a faint "brakes dragging" metal-metal sound from the front passenger side. I believe it to be related to the engine itself, since I can hear the sound change with the engine RPM. I haven't had the chance to get in there to investigate further yet, but so far I am assuming it could be a pulley that is going bad? I certainly hope it's nothing more serious than that.
Lastly, for those curious, here is a photo of my old Subaru. It was a 1999 Impreza 2.5rs, with a 2006 WRX engine swap, and many many other mods done to it. It was a very fun car, but I'm really enjoying driving a car from this decade.
Last edited by magik-biped; Jul 3, 2017 at 10:08 PM.
Thanks for the advice. I have actually been reading into this part to see if it might be the cause.
I took out the front passenger wheel and fender liner to see if I could pinpoint the noise, but it was hard to tell with the sound of the engine running. Using my makeshift DIY stethoscope (i.e. a long screwdriver with the plastic end touching my ear), I did notice that the friction wheel did sound pretty noisy.
I don't know if it is necessarily bad or not, but I might be replacing this part in the near future just to be sure.
Welcome to NAM! That GC8 is super clean! And it's a coupe! I bet that sold quick and for a good amount. Really clean R56 as well. Windy should be a fun change up from the Subie. If you ever need anything be sure to let me know. We have a bunch of tech articles that'll help you work on her ("DIY help" link in signature). Enjoy your time here.
Lots of information here on your generation of car between the threads, the members and the vendors (as you can see).
I am definitely spending a lot of time sifting through the forum trying to research as much as I can. There is lot of information to absorb.
Originally Posted by PelicanParts.com
Welcome to NAM! That GC8 is super clean! And it's a coupe! I bet that sold quick and for a good amount. Really clean R56 as well. Windy should be a fun change up from the Subie. If you ever need anything be sure to let me know. We have a bunch of tech articles that'll help you work on her ("DIY help" link in signature). Enjoy your time here.
Thanks! I loved that car, it drove and looked amazing. And it did sell pretty quick, hahah. But yeah, the Mini is definitely proving to be a fun little car so far. I have taken a look at the articles on your site, and have already bookmarked a few of them that I am going to be using in the future.
