R50/53 another newbie seeking advice
hello everyone, my name is bryan and new to the forum...I, as another member has recently announced, have rid myself of my SUV and am going through the financing process now to purchase a 2004 mcs...I have read with great interest and enthusiasm many of the post about almost everything but as you can imagine, the board is quite overwhelming with so many threads. I have a few questions that I hope don't sound too elementary that I hope some of you don't mind answering...
1. as i am just now ordering the mcs...what options are definately not worth the expense...( I know it's really personal preference but some combinations or options I can imagine may not be worth it)
2. I believe the mcs currently puts out around 165 hp...can anyone recommend aftermarket options that will safely and reliably boos this a bit?
3. Is it possible to order the mcs with the fender flares the same color as the body color...? I have only seen the constrasting black on all the examples on the mini site where you can build your own car
4. what are your opinions about using 18inch wheel/tire combinations...any clearance problems? I have seen the advice from tire rack but would like some personal experiences if possible. also related to wheels/tires...if the 18's don't work well...I would go with the 17s from mini but the package is 2100 dollars installed...I am almost sure a similar package can be obtained from either tire rack or discount tire...anyone have experiences there?
5. I have read some of the changes in the 2004 model...any others that are very different from the 2002 or 03 model?
6. can someone please explain in a bit more detail the break in process? sorry but this is the first new car I have purchased and don't want to mess anything up
7. anyone using mobil 1 or any synthetics?
Thank you all so much for taking time to read and hopefully answer some of these points...I can't wait to place the order and join the ranks of the "waiting" and soon the "have mini-will race" group...
happy motoring...
bryan
1. as i am just now ordering the mcs...what options are definately not worth the expense...( I know it's really personal preference but some combinations or options I can imagine may not be worth it)
2. I believe the mcs currently puts out around 165 hp...can anyone recommend aftermarket options that will safely and reliably boos this a bit?
3. Is it possible to order the mcs with the fender flares the same color as the body color...? I have only seen the constrasting black on all the examples on the mini site where you can build your own car
4. what are your opinions about using 18inch wheel/tire combinations...any clearance problems? I have seen the advice from tire rack but would like some personal experiences if possible. also related to wheels/tires...if the 18's don't work well...I would go with the 17s from mini but the package is 2100 dollars installed...I am almost sure a similar package can be obtained from either tire rack or discount tire...anyone have experiences there?
5. I have read some of the changes in the 2004 model...any others that are very different from the 2002 or 03 model?
6. can someone please explain in a bit more detail the break in process? sorry but this is the first new car I have purchased and don't want to mess anything up
7. anyone using mobil 1 or any synthetics?
Thank you all so much for taking time to read and hopefully answer some of these points...I can't wait to place the order and join the ranks of the "waiting" and soon the "have mini-will race" group...
happy motoring...
bryan
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
>>hello everyone, my name is bryan and new to the forum...I, as another member has recently announced, have rid myself of my SUV and am going through the financing process now to purchase a 2004 mcs...I have read with great interest and enthusiasm many of the post about almost everything but as you can imagine, the board is quite overwhelming with so many threads. I have a few questions that I hope don't sound too elementary that I hope some of you don't mind answering...
Bryan,
Aloha from Hawaii and welcome to NAM.
Almost all of your questions have already been discussed. Just search in the upper right corner and list the topic of your choice.
>>1. as i am just now ordering the mcs...what options are definately not worth the expense...( I know it's really personal preference but some combinations or options I can imagine may not be worth it)
This is tough because every option has some value. It's just that some have less value to some owners. Getting a basic MINI without many options is very good for some while others like many comforts. More technology brings more things to go wrong so sometimes simple becomes trouble free.
Sport package has some nice additions but could easily be skipped. You don't really need DSC but it helps for safety.
17" wheels look good but weigh more. Fog lights are not really needed for most people.
Leather? Not required since the leatherette or cloth option is good enough.
Premium package? Lots of bells and whistles that are options not requirements. The sunroof is airy but heavy- some 80 pounds and adds to a higher center of gravity -bad for racing and cuts some headroom.
NAV? expensive but does help if you have really long trips to areas that you don't know. I live on an island. Not much use for me.
See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25160
>>2. I believe the mcs currently puts out around 165 hp...can anyone recommend aftermarket options that will safely and reliably boos this a bit?
You can add to power but it will void your warranty for the item upgraded. Adding power doesn't help with traction or suspension. The biggest gain in power comes from upgrading to a smaller pulley for the supercharger, from 15% to 19% is common and costs $400 but it voids your SC warranty.
People change intakes, cat-back exhausts, ECU, intercoolers, etc. All of these are reliable.
See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25698
>>3. Is it possible to order the mcs with the fender flares the same color as the body color...? I have only seen the constrasting black on all the examples on the mini site where you can build your own car
Your dealer can help you with this by painting your wheel arches while adding an aerokit or side skirts or you can do all of these yourself with the help of a good body shop. Most people just paint the wheel arches to body color.
See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=18973
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=18356
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=19213
>>4. what are your opinions about using 18inch wheel/tire combinations...any clearance problems? I have seen the advice from tire rack but would like some personal experiences if possible. also related to wheels/tires...if the 18's don't work well...I would go with the 17s from mini but the package is 2100 dollars installed...I am almost sure a similar package can be obtained from either tire rack or discount tire...anyone have experiences there?
You have to decide if you are lowering the car and with what springs or coil overs. This will then determine what amount of wheel offset you can take before your tires will rub on your inner wheelwells. 18" wheels do not have to rub if their offset is about 42 to 48mm. You have to plan suspension upgrades with tire/wheel purchase.
See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25704
Or on wheel upgrades
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25647
>>5. I have read some of the changes in the 2004 model...any others that are very different from the 2002 or 03 model?
Not really. Mostly small stuff. See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25212
>>6. can someone please explain in a bit more detail the break in process? sorry but this is the first new car I have purchased and don't want to mess anything up
Drive the first 1250 miles easy with revs up to 4500 rpm and with varying speeds. Break in for the brakes, tires, and clutch is in the first 300-500 miles. Go easy. A few times with higher revs is not going to bust anything.
>>7. anyone using mobil 1 or any synthetics?
Sure Mobil 1 can be used for oil changes or any of the good full synthetics like-
Castrol Syntec
Amsoil
Redline
See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25446
>>Thank you all so much for taking time to read and hopefully answer some of these points...I can't wait to place the order and join the ranks of the "waiting" and soon the "have mini-will race" group...
Go for a few test drives. Then do it again. And again.
Enjoy.
_________________
Aloha Hawaii
Bryan,
Aloha from Hawaii and welcome to NAM.
Almost all of your questions have already been discussed. Just search in the upper right corner and list the topic of your choice.
>>1. as i am just now ordering the mcs...what options are definately not worth the expense...( I know it's really personal preference but some combinations or options I can imagine may not be worth it)
This is tough because every option has some value. It's just that some have less value to some owners. Getting a basic MINI without many options is very good for some while others like many comforts. More technology brings more things to go wrong so sometimes simple becomes trouble free.
Sport package has some nice additions but could easily be skipped. You don't really need DSC but it helps for safety.
17" wheels look good but weigh more. Fog lights are not really needed for most people.
Leather? Not required since the leatherette or cloth option is good enough.
Premium package? Lots of bells and whistles that are options not requirements. The sunroof is airy but heavy- some 80 pounds and adds to a higher center of gravity -bad for racing and cuts some headroom.
NAV? expensive but does help if you have really long trips to areas that you don't know. I live on an island. Not much use for me.
See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25160
>>2. I believe the mcs currently puts out around 165 hp...can anyone recommend aftermarket options that will safely and reliably boos this a bit?
You can add to power but it will void your warranty for the item upgraded. Adding power doesn't help with traction or suspension. The biggest gain in power comes from upgrading to a smaller pulley for the supercharger, from 15% to 19% is common and costs $400 but it voids your SC warranty.
People change intakes, cat-back exhausts, ECU, intercoolers, etc. All of these are reliable.
See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25698
>>3. Is it possible to order the mcs with the fender flares the same color as the body color...? I have only seen the constrasting black on all the examples on the mini site where you can build your own car
Your dealer can help you with this by painting your wheel arches while adding an aerokit or side skirts or you can do all of these yourself with the help of a good body shop. Most people just paint the wheel arches to body color.
See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=18973
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=18356
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=19213
>>4. what are your opinions about using 18inch wheel/tire combinations...any clearance problems? I have seen the advice from tire rack but would like some personal experiences if possible. also related to wheels/tires...if the 18's don't work well...I would go with the 17s from mini but the package is 2100 dollars installed...I am almost sure a similar package can be obtained from either tire rack or discount tire...anyone have experiences there?
You have to decide if you are lowering the car and with what springs or coil overs. This will then determine what amount of wheel offset you can take before your tires will rub on your inner wheelwells. 18" wheels do not have to rub if their offset is about 42 to 48mm. You have to plan suspension upgrades with tire/wheel purchase.
See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25704
Or on wheel upgrades
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25647
>>5. I have read some of the changes in the 2004 model...any others that are very different from the 2002 or 03 model?
Not really. Mostly small stuff. See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25212
>>6. can someone please explain in a bit more detail the break in process? sorry but this is the first new car I have purchased and don't want to mess anything up
Drive the first 1250 miles easy with revs up to 4500 rpm and with varying speeds. Break in for the brakes, tires, and clutch is in the first 300-500 miles. Go easy. A few times with higher revs is not going to bust anything.
>>7. anyone using mobil 1 or any synthetics?
Sure Mobil 1 can be used for oil changes or any of the good full synthetics like-
Castrol Syntec
Amsoil
Redline
See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=25446
>>Thank you all so much for taking time to read and hopefully answer some of these points...I can't wait to place the order and join the ranks of the "waiting" and soon the "have mini-will race" group...
Go for a few test drives. Then do it again. And again.
Enjoy.
_________________
Aloha Hawaii
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Monster Island
Welcome to NAM, bcrx7!!
On item 1) Pass on the:
Boot Extension Mat (It only is meant for when the seats are down; otherwise, it's excess baggage) and Dealer Car Covers (they are more novelty than functional)
But Must Haves are:
Rubber Floor Mats, Euro Parcel Shelf, and converting the rear fog lights as additional brake lights.
All the other Options you'll see pros & cons if you do a search
On item 2)
Too much info here to re-post. Better to do a search or look in the Performance Modifications Forum
On Item 3)
No. But people have had them painted to match the body.
On Item 4)
Don't have any experience on 18s. Just 16s and there perfect for me.
On item 5)
Better transmission for the MC. Also check Gabe's website, Motoring File. He had a good write-up article about the differences.
On Item 6)
Vary engine speed the first 1250 miles & don't exceed 4500 rpm or 95mph, something like that. It's in the manual.
Also, at start up I wait until the engine temp gets to normal before going over 3000rpm.
On item 7)
Not yet. Still letting the dealer change it for free.
But most of all....experience the MINI yourself.
Enjoy.
:smile: :smile: :smile:
On item 1) Pass on the:
Boot Extension Mat (It only is meant for when the seats are down; otherwise, it's excess baggage) and Dealer Car Covers (they are more novelty than functional)
But Must Haves are:
Rubber Floor Mats, Euro Parcel Shelf, and converting the rear fog lights as additional brake lights.
All the other Options you'll see pros & cons if you do a search
On item 2)
Too much info here to re-post. Better to do a search or look in the Performance Modifications Forum
On Item 3)
No. But people have had them painted to match the body.
On Item 4)
Don't have any experience on 18s. Just 16s and there perfect for me.
On item 5)
Better transmission for the MC. Also check Gabe's website, Motoring File. He had a good write-up article about the differences.
On Item 6)
Vary engine speed the first 1250 miles & don't exceed 4500 rpm or 95mph, something like that. It's in the manual.
Also, at start up I wait until the engine temp gets to normal before going over 3000rpm.
On item 7)
Not yet. Still letting the dealer change it for free.
But most of all....experience the MINI yourself.
Enjoy.
:smile: :smile: :smile:
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 0
Well, it looks like the all Hawaii gang is replying to this thread.
1. Options - Get the MFSW, as for the sunroof, it is hot and the sunshield doesn't do much.
minihune - The sunroof does add weight and raises the center of gravity on the vehicle, but the biggest reason racers would do without it is due to structural rigidity.
2. Performance mods - 165 hp is pretty good for that little car. Master those 165 horses before you do other mods. For more power you need better breathing with a new intake, better exhaust flow with a header and free flow exhaust, better engine management with a software download, and of course a reduction pulley.
3. Painted rockers and fender flares - They are beautiful, but costly as the flares and rocker panels have to be sanded smooth.
4. 18s - I had them on my MCS and had no problems. My car was stock except for the wheels and intake. I swear by Tire Rack.
5. Not sure as I'm not up to date on that.
6. Taken care of by Sullivan's Daddy and minihune. My break in period was a little different as I could not resist and had a few runs to redline during this period and pinged off the rev limiter a couple of times, too.
7. Your car comes stock with synthetic oil. I use Mobil 1 on all my BMWs, but prior to Mobil 1 I used to use Castrol Syntec, which is the oil BMW uses. There are a couple others that racers like to use such as Royal Purple and Synergyn.
1. Options - Get the MFSW, as for the sunroof, it is hot and the sunshield doesn't do much.
minihune - The sunroof does add weight and raises the center of gravity on the vehicle, but the biggest reason racers would do without it is due to structural rigidity.
2. Performance mods - 165 hp is pretty good for that little car. Master those 165 horses before you do other mods. For more power you need better breathing with a new intake, better exhaust flow with a header and free flow exhaust, better engine management with a software download, and of course a reduction pulley.
3. Painted rockers and fender flares - They are beautiful, but costly as the flares and rocker panels have to be sanded smooth.
4. 18s - I had them on my MCS and had no problems. My car was stock except for the wheels and intake. I swear by Tire Rack.
5. Not sure as I'm not up to date on that.
6. Taken care of by Sullivan's Daddy and minihune. My break in period was a little different as I could not resist and had a few runs to redline during this period and pinged off the rev limiter a couple of times, too.
7. Your car comes stock with synthetic oil. I use Mobil 1 on all my BMWs, but prior to Mobil 1 I used to use Castrol Syntec, which is the oil BMW uses. There are a couple others that racers like to use such as Royal Purple and Synergyn.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: North Topsail Beach, NC
I just picked up my MCS on Wednesday, its only got 180 or so miles on it. The options I got, and what I think about them are this:
Sport Package: Worth it, the seats rule, the 17s are nice (though a bit rough) and the Xenons lights and the rest of the stuff that comes with it is great.
Harman Kardon Stereo: For only 550 bucks this stero is TOP NOTCH. I have a friend with simply a nice Apline deck and it cost 400 bucks, just for the deck.
Multi Function Steering Wheel (2 spoke): Best radio controls on the streering wheel I've come across, and cruise control is a must IMO.
I also opted for the Anthracite Dash (witch I think looks the classiest out of all the choices) and the gray/black space cloth seats, which look very sporty IMO and are great quality.
Sport Package: Worth it, the seats rule, the 17s are nice (though a bit rough) and the Xenons lights and the rest of the stuff that comes with it is great.
Harman Kardon Stereo: For only 550 bucks this stero is TOP NOTCH. I have a friend with simply a nice Apline deck and it cost 400 bucks, just for the deck.
Multi Function Steering Wheel (2 spoke): Best radio controls on the streering wheel I've come across, and cruise control is a must IMO.
I also opted for the Anthracite Dash (witch I think looks the classiest out of all the choices) and the gray/black space cloth seats, which look very sporty IMO and are great quality.
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Welcome to the NAM Forum. There is lots of info on here... take advantage of the search feature. That will give you info on things that have already been posted... everything you can imagine.
as for break in proccess... I followed the "rules" in the manual, but many people have told me to break it in the way you drive it. As for me, I didn't want to damage anything as I plan to keep my MINI forever.... So I took precautionary steps to insure I take the best care of this vehicle the best that I can.
As for options... H/K is a waste of money. If you get the HK system you can only replace or upgrade parts that are supplied from BMW. If you plan or think you may want to do any upgrades aftermarket be aware the BMW HK system is only compatiable with BMW HK system parts.
Oil changes- I had the dealer do the first one... from this point on I will be doing my own and running the Mobil 1 synthetic... Thats the best motor oil out on the market.
Color- I love the chill red, but I ordered Dark Silver/Black (DS/B).. Order the cooper and enjoy it when it comes. Again, welcome to the forum.
as for break in proccess... I followed the "rules" in the manual, but many people have told me to break it in the way you drive it. As for me, I didn't want to damage anything as I plan to keep my MINI forever.... So I took precautionary steps to insure I take the best care of this vehicle the best that I can.
As for options... H/K is a waste of money. If you get the HK system you can only replace or upgrade parts that are supplied from BMW. If you plan or think you may want to do any upgrades aftermarket be aware the BMW HK system is only compatiable with BMW HK system parts.
Oil changes- I had the dealer do the first one... from this point on I will be doing my own and running the Mobil 1 synthetic... Thats the best motor oil out on the market.
Color- I love the chill red, but I ordered Dark Silver/Black (DS/B).. Order the cooper and enjoy it when it comes. Again, welcome to the forum.
Options I really enjoy on my MCS. Zenon Headlights, they are self leveling and of course bright. Rain sensing windshield wipers are probably my favorite option.
I would not get the HK stereo system, it is OK for some, but if you have specific stereo desires, it is a waste. Definately bring some CD's you are familiar with to try it and to make your own final decision.
DSC is annoying, especially if you have added modified HP, I basically turn it off every time I start the car. It is a good-safe option for drivers (not driving enthusiasts) in adverse conditions (snow, rain, ice).
Wheels, 17" s-lites look good, but there are cheaper, lighter, and more options for the money out there to make it more personalized.
Performance add ons, there are many threads about them. IMHO, pully, intake, and software upgrade are going to make the most improvements in performance for the money. 16" lite wheels would help also, but not look as nice, a trade-off.
I would not get the HK stereo system, it is OK for some, but if you have specific stereo desires, it is a waste. Definately bring some CD's you are familiar with to try it and to make your own final decision.
DSC is annoying, especially if you have added modified HP, I basically turn it off every time I start the car. It is a good-safe option for drivers (not driving enthusiasts) in adverse conditions (snow, rain, ice).
Wheels, 17" s-lites look good, but there are cheaper, lighter, and more options for the money out there to make it more personalized.
Performance add ons, there are many threads about them. IMHO, pully, intake, and software upgrade are going to make the most improvements in performance for the money. 16" lite wheels would help also, but not look as nice, a trade-off.
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