countrym - the dealer installed the Aero kit, I'll be posting some more pics as soon as I get it home.

These last few days waiting for the dealer to get Mistoffolees ready seem longer than the first 3 months....

 

I think I'm suffering from MADD. That would be MINI Anticipated Delievry Disorder. Is it normal to be sitting in my comfy chair, Whalen Shift **** in hand making BRMMM,BRMMM sounds while heel and toeing imaginary pedals? HMMMM. I've read the instructions for the Alta intake so many times, I could probably install it in my sleep.
I know "CHIBI S" (chibi is Japanese for "tiny"or mini) was off-loaded last Wednesday, so it should be just a few more days. ARGH!!!!
Thank you for your understanding...
Jim

 

Pebbles, I know all about the 90MPH endless MINI-thoughts - I've had this affliction for almost a year now

Also stopped at my dealership's "Service" department (really just a bunch of apes flying around). Found out my driver side headlight washer is defective (ordering a new one), and found out a bit about the Convenience function on the key-fob. On the '04's, the BCM is different than on prior MINI's. To operate the convenience function, press once to unlock the driver door - wait until the lights blink twice. Then, press and hold the wings again, and in a few seconds, the windows will lower until you release the wings. As for my headlight washers - they still only work once per ignition - which is clearly wrong - even the service manager figured that out!
Cheers,
Ryan

 

>>Thanks for the info. Apparently they are a little behind the curve here in CA. No one is listed as DISCAHRGED from the Otello - all 50 still listed as loaded on vessel.
>>
>>Bugger! I want my MINI!

Chuck, they really are behind the curve on the WW site. I just checked the site and my MINI is now marked as DISCHARGED. It was discharged on Oct 30... the day the ship docked at Port Hueneme. My MINI has been hanging around the docks for nearly a week now... ARRGHH!!

Well, I called my MA today and he had me thinking that my car just arrived at the dealer. It was a false alarm!! It was a black/white MCS with leather seats... I have leatherette! AARRGGHHH AGAIN!!! He says another batch of MINIs are suppose to arrive in the next couple of days... we'll see if I'm one of them.

I just checked the OL and it has me as still at sea... no EDD! wassup wid dat?

Well, congrats to you guys who have picked up your MINIs... they all look great! Hope to be motorin' real soon

- Jet

 

hee hee, I went out and snapped a night-time pic of MM2 with his winter boots
The winter setup weighs in at 41 pounds a corner (about the same as the MCS's stock 16's with run-flats), versus my summer shoes at 36.5 pounds a corner. I didn't notice the same difference in weight as when I went from the S-lites/Pirelli's to my summer as this time - mostly the huge change in tire feel.

--->Jet: no EDD? that's strange, especially if your MINI is already at the docks or closer.

--->Jimz - LOL, yea, it's actually rather normal to be daydreaming before delivery, hee hee.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

>>Chuck, they really are behind the curve on the WW site. I just checked the site and my MINI is now marked as DISCHARGED. It was discharged on Oct 30... the day the ship docked at Port Hueneme. My MINI has been hanging around the docks for nearly a week now... ARRGHH!!
>>
>>Well, I called my MA today and he had me thinking that my car just arrived at the dealer. It was a false alarm!! It was a black/white MCS with leather seats... I have leatherette! AARRGGHHH AGAIN!!! He says another batch of MINIs are suppose to arrive in the next couple of days... we'll see if I'm one of them.
>>
>>I just checked the OL and it has me as still at sea... no EDD! wassup wid dat?
>>
>>Well, congrats to you guys who have picked up your MINIs... they all look great! Hope to be motorin' real soon
>>
>>- Jet


Jet - I feel for ya brother. Its like I'm 7 years old again and Xmas day will never come. Too bad we're on opposite ends of CA, it would be sweet to see your MINI when it finally arrives.

Chuck

 

>>>>I just checked the OL and it has me as still at sea... no EDD! wassup wid dat?

Jet -
Look me in the eye and watch my lips move as I say with all honesty, sincerity and technical disgust . . .

"The Owners Lounge is Totally Wacked ! "

I went from being En Route to logging on and not finding the "Track your Baby".... I was a Owner and I had to enter the correct dates, mileage, etc... yet, I hadn't picked up my car.... so the dealer entered it was there and BAM, they had me listed as having the keys in my hand days before he was ready ... and yes, it's the same site that had me being produced for a week after the Jingu Maru sailed !

Don't go to the Owners Lounge until you have your car and can enter the correct date, mileage, etc...

 

Wow, Ryan, you posted your Night Photo while I was typing!
Your car with those wheels looks fantastic! I sure am glad you can drive fast, because they'll be chasing you down the street for sure !

Only let the good ones catch you!

 

FYI: The Tosca docked in Charleston port at 8:00AM Eastern today. So, I imagine my boy is having his visa checked about now.

 

>>>>>>I just checked the OL and it has me as still at sea... no EDD! wassup wid dat?
>>
>>Jet -
>>Look me in the eye and watch my lips move as I say with all honesty, sincerity and technical disgust . . .
>>
>> "The Owners Lounge is Totally Wacked ! "
>>
>>I went from being En Route to logging on and not finding the "Track your Baby".... I was a Owner and I had to enter the correct dates, mileage, etc... yet, I hadn't picked up my car.... so the dealer entered it was there and BAM, they had me listed as having the keys in my hand days before he was ready ... and yes, it's the same site that had me being produced for a week after the Jingu Maru sailed !
>>
>>Don't go to the Owners Lounge until you have your car and can enter the correct date, mileage, etc...
>>
>>
You are soooo right about the OL, Pebbles! It is absolutely WACKED! And so is my MA!! His lack of knowledge about the entire process scares me a bit. I may have to go over his head and deal with a sales manager when my MINI does finally arrive. I'm also a little bummed that this upcoming weekend is going to be a wet and soggy one here in So Cal I was also hoping to get some time to really clean and wax my MINI when it arrives. Well, this will have to wait anyway because I haven't even ordered my Zaino yet. Is there a quicker way to get the stuff online than the ground delivery offered on the Zaino site?

- Jet

 

PEBBLES!!

I hope you're just LOVING motoring!! I have over 700 miles already!!

 

Thanks Spoonleg! I do like driving around. and yes, I live down from a high school and those kids really make me feel good.

Jet - Don't worry about your MA. He's an employee and he only knows what they tell him. When I told my MA that I was able to call ASK-MINI and the nice Service Reps would tell me where the car was, like "Paint Shop" "Waiting Transportation"... he said that's great to know. When I said that the W/W shipping company allowed us to use our VIN numbers to track our cars in their cargo tracking site, he couldn't believe it. I told him the whole process is computerized and available to the public. He didn't know we could actually track the ships using the weather sites either. I told him it was really fun and it made the wait a little project for me that I looked at each evening after work.

The employees do have limited information because they don't read Bridger.US/MINI or any of these information or MINI community forums. I guess after working there all day, they aren't going to come home and read about MINIs.

Good luck moving ! I hate moving all my things anyway, but the weather being messy is just going to make it living hell for you! I do envy you having that nice big TV !

 

without further ado, I present to you, the CWFNC.... SONA!!

 

That looks awesome Spoonleg!

Tell me about your sunroof graphic - did it come from Cooper Flags? Or is it the vinyl static cling variety? Did you install it yourself?

 

thanks country! I have some more pics (better quality) but they're .TIFs and I can't figure out how to convert them to .JPEG??? Anyone know?

Anyway, the sunroof graphic is vinyl from Cooper Flags, but I know that there are a group of folks here who are doing a group buy of the static cling variety if you're interested. I LOVE IT! It gives the perfect amount of "tint" to the sunroof, and also gets rid of that unsightly amount of black on the white roof. So now I have the best of both worlds- white roof AND sunroof!!

 

Hey Spoonleg,

Great pics !!

Quick question. I see you and Country mentioning two different types of sunroof graphics from CooperFlags. What's the difference between the two??

BB-

 

>>Quick question. I see you and Country mentioning two different types of sunroof graphics from CooperFlags. What's the difference between the two??

Actually, the Cooper Flags graphic is perforated, and lets more light through. It costs $179.

The other option is solid vinyl, which is opaque. There's a group buy going on right now that ends 11/15. Jerseygirl is organizing it. Those are $75 + $5 shipping. Minicooperparts.com makes vinyl graphics, but they only have US and UJ flags.

Also, the vinyl can be removed and reapplied, whereas the Cooper Flags graphic is meant to stay on for good.

 

Thanks Country.

Blue Brummie Update: In Jersey, but still no word of transport scheduling.

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

 

--->Spoonleg - I never wash with Dawn, there's no reason to. If your paint is that whacked where you need to start over, a clay-bar or swirl-mark-remover or paintwork cleanser will remove and all wax anyway, so why bother with something redundant. I still haven't waxed MM2. When I do (hopefully this Saturday morning) I will use Zaino shampoo (which rocks), and then either Mothers or Zaino Clay-bar to remove all the contaminants, and then I'll use 3M Swirl Mark Remover to get rid of the transportation scuffs and imperfections. Then I'll wipe the car down with Wizards Mist-n-shine (or Zaino Z-6), and then do alternate coats of Z-5 and Z-2 (until my arms fall off!)

The result will be error-free, ultra deep, and ultra glossy paint!
Here's a few more daytime pics of MM2 with his snow-shoes and socks


Motor-On,
Ryan

 

Spoonleg and Ryan - Your photos look great! Both cars are beautiful!

Spoonleg - I love the stripe and the sun roof cover - hey in Texas, that cover will save you allot of heat building up in the car! It's the best looking sun roof cover I've seen! and I have your same wheels and I think the ride is really smooth!

Ryan - what can we say about MM2 ? He is so shinny and clean and those wheels are so Damn fine !


Ok I had a BAD EXPERIENCE today!
I recovered, but I have to share it with you!

and keep in mind my car has been in my hands about 42 hours at the time....

I'm driving down Brodie Ln, it becomes the country as it leaves town so it a great place to go motoring. There's a Black BMW in front of me, 2 cars behind me, it's a 2 lane road with a neighborhood on one side and woods on the other. The Black BMW, hits his brakes and then we see it, a 5 gal paint bucket is in the middle of the road and there is a stream of white milk/paint running both ways to the gutters.... People going both ways are driving through "white water"... spraying it up.... and Here we are going 45 mph, but we slow to at least 30 and there is no place to go... cars coming at us in the other lane so all 4 of us run through this ****! The BMW right away, takes a left into a neighborhood street, the car behind me brakes hard and stops on the side of the road and he gets out to go get the bucket out of the street.... My blood pressure went straight out of the top of my head. I ran down to the next cross street and turned in! and yes, there was white paint sprayed up from my front wheels, down both sides of my car, splattered down both of my Aero Kit side skirts, up to the windows on the both doors! I had a Severe Panic Attack. I didn't cry (be proud Nov club members, because I was really close to a crying jag right there) !! I mentally thought of every car wash in the area and ran about 3 miles to one. I used the spray off manual type car wash and washed the car. I sprayed him off with the liquid wax and then the fresh water rinse. I then ran it to a gas station, put 10 gallons in, and then used their soft cotton / paper towels that they provide (for your windshield) ... well I used about 25 of them... I totally wiped down both sides of my car, inside the doors, inside the side skirts, getting every speck of any milky white water off my car. Anyone watching me would think I was a "Car Nut"... but I was recovering from a Severe Panic Attack and the cleaning was helping me in a BIG way!

Just as I finished, a couple really nice ladies walked up and Made My Day... Asked if it was a MINI Cooper and said they loved it. I was standing with the doors open, wiping down the inside of the door frames, and I told them, Don't go up Brodie Ln, there's a can of white paint spilt in the road... they both freaked out and Asked if I'd just washed it down the way, YES! and By then I was a normal human being, the nice chatty women helped allot! Once again the car looked great and I was on my way!

Happy Motoring, Ya'll !

_________________

 

Time to order the Zaino!! Got the call this afternoon, will be picking up the car Monday morning. WOO-HOO!!
Pebbles,Spoonleg and Ryan- Your cars look GREAT!! Congratulations!
I had my black 1990 Maxima about two weeks when I also came across a paint spill. No way to avoid it, what a mess. Glad everything came out all right, Pebbles.
This is going to be a long weekend!!
Jim

 

Pebbles - :evil: Most of them have sniffed too many fumes...

Ryan - The winter wheels look great. I'm not sure which ones I like best. I want to be like Imelda Marcos (sp?) and have thousands of shoes (for my MINI).

Spoonleg - I love your Cooperflag roof and especially your stripe. Every time I see a new MINI picture I think "I want one of those".

Well tomorrow Blue Moon (I finally settled on a name) hits Charleston. Another dishonerable discharge no doubt.

 

You know Pebbles I was looking at your car just now and I thought "She's right, the diagonal red stripes are not symetrical." So I went to Cooper Flags and sure enough, their flag is the same way.

So a quick google yielded this. See how the stripes are spaced? So... Mr. Bridger is perfect! :smile:

 

>>You know Pebbles I was looking at your car just now and I thought "She's right, the diagonal red stripes are not symetrical." So I went to Cooper Flags and sure enough, their flag is the same way.
>>
>>So a quick google yielded this. See how the stripes are spaced? So... Mr. Bridger is perfect! :smile:
>>

Traveler --- You hit the nail on the head! I just learned it myself yesterday. I called the salesman yesterday and he said everyone has asked about it. He said they center that red cross from front to back and side to side on the roof and then they know the rest will fall into place. IF they try to line up the front or back then the red cross is off center (crazy Brits) The spacing of the lines, with some wide and some thin and applying it on a roof that is not totally flat is what causes it to end up that way. I promise that my red cross is directly in the middle of my roof (yes, I measured it after I talked to him).

Here's Pebbles !



This leatherette is nice. Mother, Please hand me the key !



Sit and Stay, what a bummer ! This Aero Kit is nice, but can I go now?

 

Well now that the Tanabata has finally docked details about the journey are starting to emerge. Things apparently went pretty well until they had the extended stopover in Baltimore. There the MINI’s started to get restless and several of them attempted to jump ship. The crew thwarted the attempt and the MINI’s were confined to the lower decks. I was able to hack into W&W’s security site, http://www.badMINIbadbad.com and learn more details from the reports that were filed. After the attempted escape, a sympathetic crew member smuggled a copy of The Italian Job into the recreation room. This got the MINI’s all wound up and they started holding impromptu autocrosses on the lower levels after hours. They particularly liked catching air at the top of the ramps. Matters got worse when the MINI’s started taunting the 7 series BMW’s that had come down from the first class section to watch the action. They said the Bimmers had an ugly butt and a near riot ensued. Ultimately all the MINIs had to be segregated from the BMW’s and security will be tight during off loading. So apparently Blue Moon, like so many others before him, will receive a dishonorable discharge. Countrym, I’m afraid your car was implicated as well.


It’s Friday folks. I really need to get out of here. And no offense intended to the BMW owners. I really like their cars. :smile: