Some question about my new to me R53.

Images 001-004: The hood (bonnet). Is it just me or does this hood not line up properly?

Image 005: The roof antenna - appears to not be completely sitting on the roof. Would this cause leaks? How do I fix it?

Image 006-007: These are on the roof - what are these? I know what the lamps are but what are the things with the 'vents'?

Image 008-009: No idea what this thing is - it was in the right rear access panel in the trunk. There is a wire running from around the E-brake area, across the back floor, under the back seat into the trunk area and into that box.

 

Hood doesn't look very straight to me either.... The last two pics look like a speaker amplifier. ( looked up the numbers on Google) I figured that is what it is because that is where the stock Harmon/Kardon amplifier goes if the vehicle is equipped with the H/K speaker system like mine. Mine has the vents as well but I'm not sure what they are...

 

That is a tiny *** amplifier if that's what it is. The radio reception sucks. I may replace it with something else. Maybe there's an antenna issue? Also, there is no bluetooth or hands free controls.

 

Correction on my part... I looked a little more carefully and it looks like it is an iPod hookup for ur radio. Supposed to be able to sync ur songs from ur iPod or iPhone to ur radio.... Not sure how it works, just what I read online.

 

I dont have an iphone. :(

 

I've seen those vents in every r53 I've been in, no idea what they're for, kinda like the button in the middle of the dash.

 

This might sound silly - but how would I 'align' the hood?

 

Your bonnet looks OK at the top where it meets the cowl. Mine is like yours too, but mine has been in contact with things unknown by the PO. The wheel arches have a little adjustment to them so you could try that. There may be a little adjustment possible where the hood meets the rubber rests at the front and you may be able to move the hinges a little.

The little vents may be where the microphone goes for the factory bluetooth kit.

 

Your bonnet looks exactly like mine with all the gaps. Like Aspen mentioned, the vents above the rear view mirror is for the factory bluetooth kit, and the ones above the rear seats are for the motion detector( if car is equipped with the Alarm option).

 

Your bonnet looks like mine also. It's been that way since delivery nearly ten years ago. It appears as normal as all the others. I do however keep the bonnet latching mechanisms clean and dry lubed to prevent binding and assuring proper closing. Recently I noticed water in the boot battery compartment after a heavy rain. Having read that the antenna mast and third brake may be the source of the leak, I sealed both externally with a clear latex caulk and sofar no problems. A simple fix. Congrats on your R53. I plan to keep ours until they take my keys away.

 

The vent in the back and the roof is for the OEM alarm... All cars got it, installed it not...
The cover in the front was for the Bluetooth mic...same story.
Alignment of the bumper...EVERYTIME you take it off to put the car into service mode, you can adjust it....
The antenna... Normal.

 

The antenna won't leak...beaver heard of one leaking...the gasket on the 3rd brake light usually fails or the drains on the sunroof do.
I would not muck it up with sealant....

 

Define mucked up?

 

Great to hear. Where are the adjustments in the arches? Would it help .. or should I leave it alone.

Bluetooth - even though the car doesn't have it. Smh. What would be the easiest way to add bluetooth functionality (hands free driving)?

Great to hear that yours is like mine too. Cool about the bluetooth - even though it doesn't have it. Not sure if there's an alarm, but that will be something I look into. If there is none, how do I get one? Can I get a 'factory' one - is it there but just not turned on (I know Toyota does this)? Anyone have suggestions?

Great x3 to hear about the hood. I will review the latch and clean up if needed - although it's really clean already. I have been watching the battery are in the boot - and no moisture yet. Thanks for the congrats. . If it works out, I'll have him til they take my keys too.

Any way to activate the alarm or bluetooth? or know if its there? From what I could find, bluetooth is there if the buttons are on the steering wheel - correct? If so, I don't have it - and I don't know what it would take to have it. Might be easier going aftermarket.

No sunroof, so that's not it. No moisture in the trunk/boot either. There is an interesting stain on the left rear roof headliner - but it's 'up' - where the headliner goes up - so I think it would be hard for a leaking seal to cause stains up there. Maybe if the antenna is leaking - but maybe it isn't and someone opened a soda and it went everywhere? Anyone know how to change the antenna? My radio reception sucks.

 

Bluetooth is a way expensive factory option, some hardware required. There used to be some aftermarket items but I can't say if there is currently. Blitzsafe used to have a reasonable option, but not anymore.
You are likely better off to just get some sort of handsfree add on that doesn't use the steering wheel. Maybe one that plugs into the Aux on the radio and links to your phone via bluetooth. Of course, you would need the Aux add on, but it is pretty easy and inexpensive.
The arches attach to the bonnet. There are some fasteners that you can see when you open the hood. I think there is a little movement available there. If not enough you could oval out the holes to get the correct amount.

 

All cars got buttons for Bluetooth....very few got it...it was late and $$$$....and now it is dated...
A aux input jack and a $15 dongle does more now....
The wiring is in place for the alarm...but it needs extra parts and programing....
The car is also wired for a CD changer...wiring is in the passangerside trunk cover side...

 

I didn't realize mine had an alarm until I locked the car with the windows down and I'm pretty sure that you have to hit the lock button a second time on the remote. Anyway, I reached into my floorboard with the windows down and the car locked and the alarm went off.... Maybe you could try that..... I'm pretty sure the front sensor is on the dash in the middle up near the windshield. Almost looks like a button. It sounds almost like a police siren and is very high pitched and very loud. Lol

 

Also you could lock it with the windows down and the open the door from the inside...

 

Agree about the bluetooth. Probably not worth it at this point. I will look for the CD changer (which is where I found the 'Peripheral' iPhone box) - although that probably doesn't matter at this point either.

What all do I need to do for the alarm (if it's not turned on)?

 

Not sure how to program the alarm as mine was already on.... Maybe someone else can help you there..

 

Is the alarm just a noisemaker - or does it actually do stuff - like disable the ignition?

 

Not sure about that because I have never tried to do anything but get it shut off when it goes off! Lol It will just about give you a headache.

 

Ignition is already disabled without the key...it has a chip in it...these cars are pretty much impossible to steal unless the owner has disabled the ews system ( remote car starters sometimes have this done at install, or you tow it)...the alalm is there to give mini something extra too sell....makes some noise!
IMO retrofitting parts to a 15 year old desgin is a waste...most are do outdated, and the knowledge base is gone, even from the dealers.

 

There is an adjustment for the bumper. I saw it in a Youtube video of guys putting the mini in service mode

 

Adjustment for - to do what?

Do you have the link?