We recently got a '06 Mini convertible as a commuter car for my wife and I set to work with upgrades immediately. Painted wheel arches and aero kit with chrome grill adapted, halo lights with silverstar bulbs, lighted door sills, refinished used BBS RGR rims (thanks MINIjr) with custom red stripe, red interior panels and chrome trim and leather brake and gear boots with red stitching. Also added bluetooth, alarm and aux input (in rear foglight swtich location) and cross-drilled rotors and Axxis D+ pads (can't stand OEM BMW brake dust). What do you think?

 

Also exhaust tips and stubby antenna.

I don't like the faux grill stickers that come with the aero kit to fill in the rear bumper pockets. I'm thinking of using real black powder coated grill pieces instead.

 

Very niiiiiiiiice !

Almost makes me wish I would have gotten the "S" just to get the red dash and oval door insert. Sweet.

That MINI is crying out for one mod right away though. Can you hear it ? It's begging... "boot stripes... boot stripes.... boot stripes".

 

+1! It looks nekkid from behind, boot stripes make the car look complete

 

digg +1

 

Doesn't sound like a "commuter" car to me... I must say it looks good and you are lucky to have a wife that would let you "enhance" the new ride...

 

Thanks!

You're right - it's not really a "commuter" as that term is usually used referring to a no-frills vehicle. For us it's a commuter because it gets better mileage than the van she usually drives. We realized that most of the time there was no need for her to be driving such a big vehicle. Of course another significant factor was just getting her something she liked to drive and the Mini has been a car she always liked. (I like it too, but I probably wouldn't have got the convertible and definitely not an automatic.)

As for her being understanding about "enhancing" the vehicle, she's learned to tolerate it (and even appreciate it much of the time). I think she knew it was a lost cause when I put a body kit on her Odyssey.

 

In general, I agree about the boot stripes. However, I'm just not sure I like the way they would be obstructed by the "Cooper S" badge and the trunk hinges.

 

Welcome to NAM!! No point in warning you about the "Mod Bug", you were infected a long time ago. That's a fine looking ride!!!



06MCS/DS/B/Bbonnetstripes/Whalen8ballshiftmachine

 

Verrrrrry nice!

 

Very interested in finding out more about the Axxxis brakes. Any negatives? I am, shall we shall, "meticulous" about the brake dust on my wheels. makes me grumpy. Thanks!

 

That's just great -- you've certainly been infected with the mod bug.

 

I installed them along with the cross-drilled rotors myself. I ordered the pads from Zeckhausen Racing and the rotors from Turner Motorsport. First driving after the install, the pedal feel was much softer (to be expected). This improved much after bedding the pads. I haven't done have any actual stopping performance testing, but my sense is that the brakes still don't have quite as much bite as the OEM pads. I expected that, but the trade off is worth it for us - this car is never going to see any heavy performance driving (it's an automatic and I've heard cross-drilled rotors really don't hold up to track use).

I was also considering Centric Posi-Quiet pads (which I put on my M3), but they weren't recommended for the Mini (because they reduce pedal firmness even more - although I haven't noticed this on the M3). I can't tell you how great it is to go a month without getting any noticeable dust on the wheels. The Axxis pads are supposed to have even lower dust.

I was thinking of adding steel brake lines (and maybe performance brake fluid), but I don't know how much I can expect that to improve things. I've found Dave Zeckhausen of Zeckhausen Racing extremely helpful with all my brake questions. I'll probably consult with him on the subject before I make any other changes.

 

From one '06 CR MCSC owner to another, nice ride!

 

Aestetic Creations supplied mine. Not a difficult install hinges were pre cut and new Cooper S badge was included. I am getting ready to order some more things from them.


This is mine with the stripes. We all know CR is the best.

 

That does look pretty nice. Did you have to remove and reinstall the "Cooper S" badge?

 

^ yep, but it's EASY. ImagoX has done a "how-to" thread in the Mod Forum.

Boot stripes look great on any MINI, IMHO. But they especially look nice on the Convertibles.

Edit: Found It:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=73509

 

Thanks! You guys sold me - I'm getting them.

 

No problem... the work was done by Matt (ImagoX).

I think you'll be very happy with the finished product. Be sure to post updated pics when you finish the install.

 

Nice MINI! I LOVE audio inputs, it makes an MP3 player in the car so much more enjoyable than trying to fiddle with one of those radio transmitter things or the tape deck. And makes commuting more enjoyable, too!

 

You need to remove the big cupholder, IMO that should be the first mod any MINI owner should do

 

I don't really like it either, but we really need a place to put a cup larger than the ones by the shifter.

 

AWESOME!!! congrats

 

The cup holder kind of sucks, but it works great and is still in mine because the other three holders just don't get it!

 

3? What, you don't use the ones on the glovebox door?