Does anyone out there who has an '06 MC (non-S) and an aFe intake have any "interference" issues? Specifically, on the lower rear edge of the heatshield, mine is coming in contact with an electrical connector attached to the tranny. It might be a switch for the reverse light, but I'd rather not chance any damage to it.

I understand after searching the forums that the aFe heatshield requires some pushing and shoving to get it in there. After I got the tabs to line up with the holes, I noticed that the wires and switch at the tranny were hitting the heatshield. If you didn't notice that when you installed your aFe, you may want to take a quick look to see if it is touching anything, just for safety's sake.

Again, I've got an '06 MC with the newer Getrag tranny. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I've already called Flowsource and they're going to contact aFe.

Thanks,

Al

 

THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP! I just checked this morning and I see what you are talking about. With the bonnet up, there's probably about 1/16" space, but if you apply any pressure to the heatshield (as what the bonnet would do), you have contact with that connector. So far, no issues, but with engine vibration and torque, I'm sure that isn't good.

I hope aFe fixes the issue. Heck, I love my aFe so much I would even pay for a redesigned heatshield. It does need to be fixed.

Here's a pic:

 

dickdavid,

Is your Cooper an '05 or '06 with the Getrag?

- Al

 

Yep. 06.

 

Right on - thanks. I just got off the phone with an aFe Customer Support rep. I directed him to this link to show him the picture you posted. He said he'd pass this on the engineers and let me know what comes out of it. Thanks for taking that pic!

- Al

 

Another update: Flowsource ROCKS! A rep from there went down to aFe to discuss this with them. Ultimately, aFe acknowledges the issue and is going to get a solution in a couple of weeks.

I gotta tell you, it's great to have a someone personally call you and work with you towards a solution.

- Al

 

I got a PM from Flowsource as well with that same info. Big thumbs up to them for jumping right on this.

 

I just checked and I did not see that issue with an MC with the CVT.

 

Hip Check,

Good to hear you're not having issues with your aFe heatshield.

This issue may be isolated to the 05/06's with the Getrag manual transmission. Apparently, the switch that the heatshield is hitting or rubbing against is a reverse light switch. It's possible that the CVT's have the reverse light switch mounted elsewhere.

- Al

 

I've checked mine as well and no issues. 06 MCCa - CVT.

 

I'm glad that we've established that the automatics are free of this issue. I'd like to know if any more 05/06 Getrag Manual Transmission Coopers have this issue. The only other person I know with this same set up has sold his Cooper and brought it back to stock before doing so.

 

Got the same problem - I have an 05' Cooper with Getrag manual.

Checked today - and yes - the bottom of the housing rests on some kind of a connector...

Who do I contact in aFe please?

Thanks

 

I ordered my intake last week for my 04. Any issues with this year?

 

Bor,
A rep from Flowsource called me back to discuss the issues. I emailed their customer service with my contact info when I discovered this. Where did you buy your aFe from? I'd start there first. If you need to contact aFe, check out their website: www.afefilters.com

Flowsource will have more "pull" than me in getting this resolved, so I'll let them work this through.

----------

ddeaton,
It depends if you have the Getrag transmission. I'm speculating it's only the 05/06's that may have this issue, since the pre-05's had the Midland tranny (from my limited knowledge).

- Al

 

Hello,
I spoke with aFe and this is where it stands. Replacement heatshields won't be ready to ship till June.

I will post a new thread once they are ready to ship. Anyone (regardless if intake was purchased through FLOWsource or not) can PM me with address info. I will pass it on to aFe. This way aFe can ship you the heatshield replacement once it is ready.

aFe and FLowsource thank you all for your patience in resolving this issue.

 

I had this problem when I first installed the shied. I removed the shield and reinstalled it. On the second install, since I was aware of the tolerance issue, I tried to keep it away from the part it touched, and it fit perfectly. Can't explain why, just a slightly different angle and it fit fine. I checked it the other day when I saw this thread and it is still fine with plenty of clearance.

 

COOL! Thanks for taking care of this.

 

Well, it's just about June! I can't wait for my new heatshield! I've been using my original heatshield that I've "modified" by removing the entire lower half. Major heatsoak when you're moving slow or stopped, especially now that the weather's starting to warm up.

So has anyone heard anything yet about our new aFe heatshields?

- Al

 

Hello, and responding on June 15th...,
I just received and installed a new AFE CIA in my '06 MC. There's no indication that this shield is an updated version. I want to shout out a thanks to others' input on this post; I was able to align the heatshield, and with an additional bend on the front part that bolts down, the shield clears the reverse light switch and cable by about almost an inch (I don't know that I need more space than that, but I will keep an eye on it). Btw, The Mini hums nicely, and I'm taking it on a 900 mile round trip this weekend. I'll have a better idea afterwards how intolerable the deeper sound from the engine will be...

 

Hello,
I apologize for not posting up sooner. I've been sick and hadn't called aFe for regarding the heatshield issue. I was told that they should have had some last week. I will be placing a call to them and to ask if they have the updated heatshields.


Thank you all for your continued patience.

 

I got my replacement heat-shield today! Woohoo!!! Looks like it's a modified version of the original with the corner cut off.

Thanks aFe for stepping up and addressing the issue and THANK YOU Flowsource for facilitating this.

 

Likewise - I just finished installing the modified heatshield this evening. So far, it looks like it clears the wires by about 1/4" at the closest, plenty of room elsewhere.

(IMHO) Aesthetically, I think it would look cleaner if the hole was sealed up. Not that too much engine heat would come in - there's plenty of bigger openings for that to occur. A "slick" way would be to cut the corner off at a big 45-degree plane cut, put it inside the shield and tack weld it. It would look like a corner "step" on the inside that would leave plenty of room for the reverse switch. Again, this is my opinion, and doing this would probably increase the production cost.

As dickdavid said, THANKS! to both FlowSource and aFe for looking into this and coming up with a resolution.

I'll post pics soon.

Regards,

Al

 

I finally got a chance to install the FREE replacement heat shield and just wanted to report in that it fit perfectly.

I also noticed that my filter was pretty dirty. Thank goodness, Flowsource includes a second filter in the kit. I was able to make a quick change and take my time cleaning the first filter. Very convenient.

 

Hey I know this is an old thread, but i really need to know. I have an 03 R50 and was just wondering if the only difference between the 02-04 intake kit and the 05-06 is this change? I have someone who is selling an 05-06 intake and really didnt want to pass up the deal if it will still fit my 03. Any help would be great.

 

@Mixed_Blood_Mini:

Considering that I most likely had the 02-04 model heatshield shipped to me first, I'd wager that an 05-06 would probably work. All other aspects of the heatshield remained the same.

Good luck!

- Al