>>>>Remember, the headlight washers will only work with the headlights ON, and only every third "pull" of the washers.
>>
>>I couldn't find any documentation anywhere about how exactly they are supposed to work, but here is how they currently work:
>>The headlight washers will actuate the first time the windshield washer is used after the car is started and the headlights are turned on. They will not work again until the car is restarted. I'm guessing this is a programming issue.
>>
>>Are you sure '04s are supposed to work on every third use of the washers be default?
>>

Ryephile, what mods are you going to do specifically? Will they create any warranty issues? I would like to get an exhaust system soon--maybe Scorpion, but I don't want to void the warranty. Next, I'd like to switch to coilovers and get better bushings.

 

my immediate mods include springs, swaybars, rear control arms, and brake pads. None of this voids the warranty because they directly replace the factory part, and do not change the nature of the design. Stuff that I feel would risk warranty voiding, coilovers, supercharger pulley, front camber plates, big-brake kits all change the way the car runs/drives by design.

I see no need to put on coilovers unless you are tracking/autocrossing the car 24/7. Ditto with changing the bushings <---doing this will make the ride much harsher because there's very little compliance in the suspension. The MINI handles so amazing right out of the box, only a few bolt ons will bring it to world-class (like what I'm doing)

I'm not familiar with the Scorpion exhaust, but just a quickie, exhuasts are about the worst performance value for the MINI. For horsepower per dollar, it goes: Pulley, ECU, Intake, sparkplugs...and then throttle body, camshaft, exhuast.

Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Ryan

 

>>my immediate mods include springs, swaybars, rear control arms, and brake pads. None of this voids the warranty because they directly replace the factory part, and do not change the nature of the design. Stuff that I feel would risk warranty voiding, coilovers, supercharger pulley, front camber plates, big-brake kits all change the way the car runs/drives by design.
>>
>>I see no need to put on coilovers unless you are tracking/autocrossing the car 24/7. Ditto with changing the bushings <---doing this will make the ride much harsher because there's very little compliance in the suspension. The MINI handles so amazing right out of the box, only a few bolt ons will bring it to world-class (like what I'm doing)
>>
>>I'm not familiar with the Scorpion exhaust, but just a quickie, exhuasts are about the worst performance value for the MINI. For horsepower per dollar, it goes: Pulley, ECU, Intake, sparkplugs...and then throttle body, camshaft, exhuast.
>>
>>Hope that helps!
>>Cheers,
>>Ryan

The exhaust idea was basically for tone. Given all the conflicting data on the available exhaust systems, I don't see how one could expect to realize real hp gains on the street from them. But I don't want to get one that degrades performance either.

FWIW intakes have generated the same controversy with some declaring them pointless.

The coilover idea was for adjustability--for fun when the weather is good, but if it voids the warranty, forget it.

Anyway, I guess the only way to find out about what voids the warranty is by asking the dealer.

 

that's true, each service department operates differently, some not at all
Realistically, just about any mod you do will NOT void the warranty, however usually the hassle isn't worth it, legally.

As for performance modification politics, everyone's gotta sell parts, so naturally bashing "the other guys" parts will motivate everyone to buy their stuff. Also, dyno graphs are helpful, but can be manipulated very easily (sometimes unintentionally!) Basically what it comes down to is: are you perfectly satisfied with the product, not necessarily compared to other products. If you have technical background, then you have understanding what makes certain products superior, and why.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

WOW! :evil:

Pebbles...really awesome news! so...does this mean they'll have Mr. Bridger ready on Saturday?

 

Who's on the Tosca,WW site says I was loaded on the 26th, Mini USA says I'm on the docK??????I know which I want to believe ! but does anybody know for sure????

 

Believe the W&W site. I was three days at sea before Miniusa caught up.

 

yea, I'd believe W8W before the OL - just today the OL said my car was at the dealership - only 4 days behind

OK - T-minus 12.75 hours until delivery, for real this time!
My MA called and said the prep-guys can't activate the rear fogs w/out the toggle installed, narf, so I just told them I'll bring it back some other time and they'll do it...for free, of course.

 

i got my mini!!!
ppl don't laugh! ... i did stall the mini a few times.
urg, it's so frustrating.
i can't believe i stalled.
i think i might need to drive it around some more tonight.
tomorrow before work will not be fun!!!

instead of posting all these pics.
i'm going to just post the link.
i didn't take that many pics.
enjoy My mini

 

Thanks for the info, if that's the case, car should hit NY when I get back from vacation.

 

Congrats lo_mini. Your car looks fabulous. Don't worry about the shifting. That's just new relationship jitters. You will be shifting like a pro in no time.

Ryan - T - 12.25!

 

HERE I AM!!! (and I'm a SHE not a HE, people!)

I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! She is sooooo beautiful!!

Well I got to the dealer and had to bring my stripes for them to install. So immediately after I laid eyes on her they whisked her away to some unseen locale. I signed the paperwork and waited around for over TWO HOURS (they quoted me one, but that's ok. Quality is important). Finally they pulled her back into the garage and WOW!!! (Hey, I'm proud of that!) I have the feeling after a solid hour of practice I'll be a lot more consistent.

The very first thing I noticed was how BEAUTIFUL the anthracite interior is. I ordered it sight unseen (knowning how much I disliked the alloy patina and the silver scratches and wears). It has amazing depth and a beautiful tone that compliments the interior wonderfully.

The leatherette is super-nice and leather-like as you all know. Although it doesn't have lumbar support, it kinda curves where it thinks the natural curve of your back is. That outward support curve lands IN THE MIDDLE OF MY BACK! ouch. Maybe I need to adjust my seats??

The center speedo is WEIRD. I love it, that's the trademark of the MINI, but it's gonna take some getting used to. Love the digital speed readout though. Super helpful so I can monitor the RPMs and speed at the same time!

The HK system is rockin!! I love it! I've read the debates on its quality, but compared to my 96 Toyota with a broken/stolen antenna and crappy reception, this thing is crystal clear! I feel like the DJ is in my car talking to me! hahaha

 

Congrats Spoonleg and lo_mini!

Ryephile, you're probably at the dealer getting your car right now - I hope they get everything right for you.

The November club has 3 MINIs now! Who's going to be next?

 

>>
>>
>>Pebbles...really awesome news! so...does this mean they'll have Mr. Bridger ready on Saturday?


Waypoint -
NO ! I just told him I can't come pick up the car unless it is a Saturday. I've never heard a word from him about Mr Bridger being delivered in San Antonio. Just as soon as I do I'll be going down to take Spy Shots of him !! I know if I can't take delivery on 11-1, it will have to be 11-8. That's life!

Spoonleg - Lo Mini - Ryan
Congrats on the cars !
Lo Mini - Thanks for the great photos!

_________________

 

Hey NWMINI,

Glad to meet ya. I'm on the TOSCA !!

OL still shows me as awaiting transport as well, but the WW site showed it as loaded and sailing for the good ole US of A. From all I've read on this thread, I think the WW site is more accurate.

I keep looking to see where it's located on it's voyage, but it hasn't made any reports yet, so I don't see it on Accuweather or Oceanweather websites. Oh well.

Tick..... Tick...... Tick......

 

Yo Blue,

The WW site is definitely more accurate. The Owners' Lounge always takes a couple of days to catch up. Don't worry too much about it showing up on Accuweather; it can be kind of random.

Let me just say that you are a lucky duck! Your ship left England three days after mine, yet it's getting to Charleston a day sooner! What the heck? :smile:

Tick . . . Tick . . . Tick . . . indeed.

 

Hey CountryM,

Yeah, my baby will be getting off in New York.

I was just about to post a question to see if anybody has any idea how long it takes, on average, to go through incoming inspection. I figure once the inspection is done, it shouldn't take more than a day to get from New York to Mini of Peabody.

Actually, I am quite lucky, because I just got back from military duty overseas, and my original build commit wasn't until late November, but my dealer was able to get me an Oct build slot.

Let's hope our luck holds out and our ships stay well apart.

Oh how time drags while waiting for the ship to arrive........

 

Yo Blue,

I'm not sure how long it takes from boat to dealer on average. I'm sure a lot depends on how close your dealer is to the MINI holding tank.

I guess I'm lucky too, since I ordered my car 10/1, and it was built 10/13! :smile:


So, I know some November club members who were supposed to post some pics on here! (A-hem!) SPOONLEG AND RYEPHILE!

 

GOOD NEWS !

Mr Bridger is at the San Antonio dealer!

I read in a Texas group's message board where a fellow was called about 1pm by his salesman in San Antonio that the truck had delivered his car and he could pick it up tomorrow! (now I'm reading this at 6:45pm after my walk) I realize I have 15 minutes to call before they close! I'm grabbing up the phone like a mad woman! Well, the receptionist says Yes there were deliveries but I'm not sure if your car is one of them. She gets my salesman and he says that my car arrived an hour ago. They'd had 2 truck deliveries today and it had been quite a day!

I told him again that my brother is helping me with his truck (to drive back to my house with the original front and back bumpers and the side skirts). My brother can't take off from work in the middle of the week (High School Teacher) so seeing as tomorrow is Wed, if they don't have the car ready Saturday 11-1, I'll come on 11-8! He said ok, he'd see what he can do!

Hey with 2 deliveries I know they have allot of people wanting cars and wanting them fast! So if I need to wait - they can take their time getting him ready!

I'm so happy my car is at the dealer! It seems quite safe to sleep now!

I think I'll have to tell my boss My MINI is in San Antonio, I want to take some personal time off this afternoon to drive down and look at it!

Waypoint, I'll look for Mistopholies and if I see him I'll take a Spy Shot of him too!

 

MM2 has arrived Since the skies were overcast all day - I couldn't get a good picture, except this one...

Woah! More power than I remembered with the engine stock
Mini-Fini cupholder...suck - I took it off ASAP arriving home.
It's great to be back behind the wheel of a - my MINI. The crisp, scalpel precise handling, the great aura, the excellent overall experience.
When I got home with the car, the rain quit just long enough for me to change out the wheels/tires, put on the Ferodo 2500 pads, put in the clear CHMSL, carefully rip out the mini-fini annoying big-gulp holder, and remove the airbag sticker from the dash. I already put in my rubber floor mats (which I still love) and my Moss Glove-box organizer (ditto) I can't wait 'til this weekend to install all my suspension components!

 

WELCOME BACK RYE!!!

Schweet ride, love the wheels. I wanna see it all lowered next.

Keep those mods coming!

 

>>Remember, the headlight washers will only work with the headlights ON, and only every third "pull" of the washers.
>>
>>on MM1, I had some light scratches from it's journey from Oxford to here - I also noticed a few light scratches on MM2 - nothing a little 3M Swirl Mark Remover or Zymol Cleaner Wax won't get rid of. Since I forbade the dealership from molesting my paint, I will be doing a total cleansing/polishing/waxing/detailing ASAP.
>>
>>Cheers,
>>Ryan
>>P.S. like Pebbles said: PICTURES already! The car is as tight as a drum.
>>>>
>>>>The pre-flight check revealed some issues.
>>>>-rear fogs weren't hooked up/new switch panel not installed even though they had supposedly done it on Fri.
>>>>-some light scratches on the hood and rear left quarter
>>>>-headlight washers would not work consistently
>>>>[/i]

I had the car serviced yesterday. The mechanic said that the headlight washers are working as designed--that they are only supposed to work once per engine start. This is actually stated on my work order. Perhaps they have changed for '04.

Rear fogs are working; however, unlike the front fogs, the headlights must be on (not just the parking lights) for the rear fogs to turn on. Interesting.

Could someone else with an '04 verify these two things?

 

>>YES! No stumble!

That is awesome news! I've been reading all the stumble threads and wondering if our cars would have software V36, and if they'd stumble/yo-yo. I am so psyched to hear this!

>>Woah! More power than I remembered with the engine stock

And I'm psyched to hear that part too!

 

Ryan...Very Nice! How do the Ferodo 2500 pads perform compared to stock?

Well...seeing how great MM2 looks and the exciting news from Pebbles has put my MII at about 9.1...

 

--->mcs22004: I haven't even checked to see if my washers work yet, but when I do I'll let you know. Also, my rear fogs aren't installed yet.

--->Waypoint: I can't really compare the Ferodo's to stock because they're not broken in yet (only 70 miles on 'em, need at least 200), however they feel a bit less pedal effort than stock. They seem to grab very well; and even though pedal effort is a bit reduced, modulation is excellent.

One issue with MM2 has arisen: The passenger door woofer of the stereo has a nasty rattle, much worse than the slight rattle I had on MM1's H/K. This is rather yukkie, and I'll have to get the dealer to do the "usual fix" for the rattling speaker. I'm rather surprised this hasn't been solved at the factory yet, as it's been an issue for many months now.
Cheers,
Ryan