just bought a 2004 MCS and having a great time with it to so far

First impressions /thoughts

• HK Bass needs to be turned down ALOT
• Not having an AUX plug sucks
• lined up with a lotus elise and it beat me :(
• handling on this car rules
• squeaky rear brakes but the pads / rotors look new WTF
• Getting alot of love from other minis
• bottoming out alot easier then i thought i would
• MPG is not terrible

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lotus elise? exige S maybe, unless the elise has had some work. could be down to the driver =P

AUX plug does suck, you can get one fairly cheap tho and install it

brakes could be squeeky from not having brake grease on the pad

handling is the reason why we are cllaed street legal go karts

i have yet to bottom out

and welcome to the team!

do some basic mods and youll crush the elise

 

You can definitely add an AUX port; my '06 has one, and it came with the H/K stereo. I bought this car recently and the AUX port had already been added. Search the forums, as it's pretty easy; I remember seeing lots of ways to do it back with my first Mini, but never did it at the time.

I also have to turn down the bass a lot with the H/K stereo; holy cow.

Enjoy the car and welcome!

 

AUX plug is real easy, the kit costs about $32.00 and it plugs into the back of the radio, just run the mini stereo plug where you want it (Factory install put it in the glove box) and... a few screws and presto.

Bottoming out? Car may have been lowered... lots of aftermarket suspension packages out there. Also look at your wheel size and tire size e.g., 17s with 205 x 45 can make the front end a little close to the pavement. Take a look at the suspension, maybe you have some nice adjustable coilovers and you might be able to adjust them a bit. But also look to see if your struts are shot (empty, blown, etc.) that too could cause for some heavy thumping.

Rear Brakes... little know trick... while driving at highway speed hold your hand brake release button and pull up on the hand brake, let the pads ride a bit and return to lowered position, do this a few times to clean your pads and rear rotors. This is a highly likely fix for your squeaky rear brakes. (Caution, remember to hold the release button so you don't accidentally engage your hand brake).

If that doesn't fix it a little copper grease or anti seize paste on the backs of the pads and the pad slide rails should sort it out.

Happy Motoring!