I bought my 2005 R52 S at the end of April. It spent a majority of it's life in a garage in Key Largo. While the car runs like new, the heat and humidity has taken its toll on the rubber parts. The seal at the top of the radiator is toast and must be replaced. Is it possible to replace this foam seal without taking everything apart?

Is the idiot oil pressure light supposed to be on when the key is turned to position 1?

Would an oil catch can be beneficial?

What can be done to increase low end torque? I have a 15% pulley and CAI installed and plan on pulling a light trailer.

Some of the vinyl is 'sticky', especially the trim plates on the steering column and the inside of the glove box. Suggestion on cleaning?

Thanks for any help or advice...that's why I love this forum.

 

Have to love the elements and what they do to our cars!

In this image, the black foam piece on the top of the radiator, is that what you're referring to?


If so, this DIY here goes over radiator replacement, but you can see how to access it without removing everything from the vehicle. Catch cans are great. I actually run an AOS (air oil separator). Have you done an exhaust? That would definitely help open up your MINI a bit. Can view what we offer here.

Adam's Polishes In & Out Spray is magical and works on everything! I literally use it on everything for my car, haha. Just use that and a rag and put in some elbow grease to really scrub off the sticky parts. We sell this spray, just don't see it in our catalog so let me know if you're interested.

Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll do my best to further assist you.

-Luccia

 

Talk about great customer service . Thanks Luccia for all your help. I think we got disconnected, but you answered ALL my questions. Thanks again...

 

It was my pleasure! Yes, I think we did. I sent you a PM and will send you that other part number once I acquire it. Thank you for giving me a call. It was great to chat with you on the phone.

-Luccia

 

Here you go:

"I bought my 2005 R52 S at the end of April. It spent a majority of it's life in a garage in Key Largo. While the car runs like new, the heat and humidity has taken its toll on the rubber parts. The seal at the top of the radiator is toast and must be replaced. Is it possible to replace this foam seal without taking everything apart?"

Yes , Its easy to do right here: 51717057397 Peal and stick application , we linked the other ones also.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...placement.html



http://www.realoem.com/bmw/us/showpa...diagId=51_4364


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"Is the idiot oil pressure light supposed to be on when the key is turned to position 1?"


Yes, and others come one in position 1 before you start.


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"Would an oil catch can be beneficial?"

Some people like them as they reduce the amount of moisture in the system but the debate has been out for a while. Good read here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...catch-can.html


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"What can be done to increase low end torque? I have a 15% pulley and CAI installed and plan on pulling a light trailer.

Other then a CAI and a pulley make sure you ave changed your plugs / wires / coil and done basic maintenance on the ignition side. "

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-Cooper-R52-S-Convertible-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Engine/Ignition/



Other then major changes , like an exhaust or a tune ?


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"Some of the vinyl is 'sticky', especially the trim plates on the steering column and the inside of the glove box. Suggestion on cleaning? "

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-Cooper-R52-S-Convertible-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Car_Care/Interior/3

Some good interior cleaners here, the chemical guys stuff is good and smell great, MINI stuff works and has a clean sent. Apply with a soft towel and wipe .




BTW that my R52 MINI Convertible in the pics , with 245,000+ miles so i think I know the interior pretty well.