Hello everyone I am a new owner to the 2002 Mini Cooper S and new to this forum. I recently aquired a dark grey (what color is this called?) MCS with sport and premium package and Navigation. Already, I want to do a few mods but I don't know what is good and not for minis.

I am looking to update the headlight to projectors with Xenons. Do anyone have experience with the ebay projectors? It is fairly cheap at under $200 and another $200 to add on the Xenon kit.

Also, I am in the market for an exhuast and intake. What brand do you recommend?

Here are a few pictures from the ad and I hope to learn a lot from this forum.

 

Nice car! Congrats on your very wise choice of vehicles. I'm sure the gear-heads will be along any time now to give you updates on your questions. Good luck, and happy motoring!

 

Alta makes a nice intake, they also make a variety of pullies. M7 also has TONS of aftermarket equipment. Definatly check the vendor lists here as there are several great vendors. Welcome!

BTW the color is listed on the passenger side strut tower.

 

Welcome to NAM! I think you will find NAM a valuable resource, lots and lots of information here; it will take some time to soak it all in. Be sure to research the threads before opening and possibly repeating one already addressed.

Beautiful MINI, I think it is the Dark Silver, but as brutalsun said, it should be listed on a black decal on the left (passenger side) strut area facing out. Remember, Rule 1 is always wave at other MINIs. MINIquette is extremely important. Visit www.miniusa.com and download the "Unofficial MINI Owner's Manual, lots of good pointers there.

Also, I would recommend getting with the local MINI club; many do not charge dues and many are listed here on NAM or you can find some additional ones listed at MINI USA in the Owner's Lounge (registration required).

Again, welcome aboard!

 

Best mod for a MINI is to add a passenger ...twice the fun.

 

Welcome to the Family, feel free to call me with any questions about mods for your "S" or use our chat system found at www.autoxcooper.com

Dustin 312-388-4263

 

Congrats on your purchase. I really like the color.

 

Congrats on your purchase! I also have an '02 Mini Cooper S (MCS) in dark silver.

Before you start modding, I suggest that you spend quite a bit of time reading through the information here on NAM before you go spending your money. Everyone will have their own opinion on what you should do or buy, so by reading and seeing other peoples experiences you should be able to make up your own decision as to what you want to do to your car.

You live in So Cal so there are plenty of good shops and vendors in the area to help you with whatever it is you want. Have fun in your new found friend!

 

Welcome aboard !

I installed a Zenon kit I purchased on Ebay in my Jaguar which had just factory projector style low beams. What I didnt know was that ALL Jags are shipped with a projector style lens specifically designed for Zenon bulbs. You have to look close, but there is a thin line across the middle of the lens. What this does is to give your beam some definition, and keeps from blinding oncoming traffic, and from your vehicle being rejected at your state safety inspection intervals.

I do not believe ANY of the units being sold on ebay have this particular lens, and what you will find is that not having any definition to the beam will make it "bleed" all over the place not giving you the proper illumination.

Check the threads here, I think you will find some whom have attempted this mod was less than satisfied, and went back to factory Zenon.

Good luck You have lots of reading ahead of you.....

 

Thanks everyone. I am looking at getting a black out front grill and some Xenons first. Owning the car for less than a month and I already want to mod the hell out of it!

 

I got my 02 and quickly went and bought intake, exhaust, header for it and it had a good reaction to the acceleration. suggest a pulley which i'm about to do

 

Very important point- always wave!!!!

I was 2/5 today, unfortunately.

As for the xenons- it shouldn't be too hard to remove the old headlights, so it would be a good DIY job.

 

I just discovered that one of my front strut is shot and I figure might as well get coil overs. I guess kind of a good and bad thing.

 

Welcome to NAM and better the DARK SILVER club. Check it out.
Your Mini looks like mine WAAAAAAAAY back in 2002 when I got mine. Except I have white top and the mirror caps at one time were white.



You have the bug and there is nothing to stop you now. Mod away. BTW the e-bay lights are not bad for the price.

Look for a mad Mini Doctor close to you to become attached to them for the advise and mods. Check the Venders list. As one put it there are many opinions. No one has the perfect solutions but that's what makes it fun individuality.

As they say:

"SPEED COSTS HOW FAST DO YOU WANT TO GO"?

Look at the MAD MODDERS thread (now locked) for some wild rides.

 

Congratulations on the new purchase! It looks just like my car did when I first bought it(sans the NAV)! (DS is the best color!)

The very first thing you should do, if you plan on doing any of your own work, is go and find the Bentley Manual for your car (http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Cooper-Se...7996089&sr=8-1)

I would suggest saving up for a nice pair of OEM '05-'06 Projector headlights. It should just be a plug and play type situation (It looks like you have reflector xenons already, however, the picture is a little blurry, so I can't say for sure...) They are expensive, however, IMO they are worth it.

Comfort-wise, I have really enjoyed my 3-spoke steering wheel, much more comfortable than the 2-spoke.

I can't offer any advice on exhaust or intake though, I haven't gotten to that point yet!

-Chase