Here's a bit of an update on Red Sonja. She has been running well so far, have had the Check Engine light come and go a couple of times. Once due to my fault, and the other time/s it was that pesky P0296 Code or something like that.

So far, I have been taking apart the 2006 Yellow Wasp Donor car. Got the exhaust off last week. Decided I won't be keeping that remote valve bit.... not needed, not keen on it. Haven't gotten to the engine just yet, that will be the last bit and when I will transfer over engine bits and such.

Recently, Red Sonja had to go to the shop for some body and repair work. It was parked in the city overnight, and next morning while driving to work, I heard the rear tires squealing. I couldn't see anything and thought maybe a coilover strut had failed or the car had settle too low. While on the freeway though, I noticed the car was literally crabbing. The rear was trying to go off in it's own direction.

At work, I noticed that the Rear Left (Driver's Side) wheel looked like it was bent inwards, like toeing in at a pretty decent angle. I then noticed a slight dent on the rear panel and bumper. All I could guess is she received a love tap overnight. There wasn't any visible significant damage for me to see though.

Anyway, I sent her in after calling insurance. At the body shop, the owner told me a similar thing had happened to his Wife's car. They concluded my car got hit and it bent the trailing arm on that side. Apparently, this is a common issue with the MINI, at least the R53. The rear bumper support bar does not extend laterally beyond the trunk latch line, thus when hit from the rear, often the rear wheel and the rear suspension assembly takes the brunt of the impact. WOW!

We had to replace the trailing arm, fix the rear quarter panel and while the car was in there, we took care of a couple of other things like the hood, mirrors, etc. The shop I sent it to is a place I had used before and referred many people to due to their work and professionalism. Also, the owner is a car enthusiast and all round good guy. I don't plug or promote businesses ***** nilly, however I do have to give mention to DOMPORT AUTOBODY in San Francisco. They are on Fell Street, in Hays Valley area. Tell em I sent ya if you ever need body work repairs done.

I got the car back the other day and I like to think she came back nicer than before and this worked out well in the end. Pics below.



Part Number 4 got bent from the hit

You might be able to see the toe in on the rear wheel

Same here... the rear wheel is angle in towards the car's center

Off she goes... seeing her on a two truck reminds of life as a BMW Owner... LOL! Oh wait!

Work getting done to Sonja at DOMPORT

Hood is off... time to put some colour on this ole gal

Hood, mirror caps and intake getting ready for paint

Getting there.

Back Together! YAY!


Ready to go home! Me Likey!

 

Wow, looks way better!

 

Thank You!

 

Looks great!

did they paint the whole thing or just wet sand and buff the parts they didn’t paint?

 

Thank You! They buffed and wet sanded parts that were not painted and also did a couple of touch ups here and there.

 

So, I was lucky to get a mid-week break from work and all that, so I decided to get Red Sonja re-acquainted with the coast in her new coat. Dropped by Pescadero for lunch and even had an old friend come by to say hi



Strike a Pose Sonja!

Her other side at the beach

Getting my seating ready for lunch

I have no complaints about this seating arrangement - also get perfect social distancing! LOL

This old friend stopped by to say hi.... and of course ask for a snack or two.

 

Here is a nice BEFORE and AFTER comparison of the car.:



BEFORE

AFTER

 

Nice looking refreshed! The rims seem to be a perfect fitment

 

Thank You! Thank You!

 

So..... me needed something to keep my busy this weekend while waiting on something. I decided to put the modified DINAN Exhaust on Red Sonja. Of course, I find out after removing the exhaust and getting ready to install the DINAN one that MINI/BMW changed things between 2004 and 2006 Models. The inner hangers at the mufflers were updated - UGH!

The exhaust needed a little creativity and persuasion (Jeremy Clarkson like) to fit and mount properly, but it seemed to work out well. The car is LOUDER! On Boy... it is louder, particularly at cold start (of course) and up to and through 2500 RPMs. Once you are at freeway speeds, it's pretty much tame. Of course there is the juvenile joy when slowing down using gear braking.... HAH! Pop Pop! Barp Barp! It doesn't even have a tune on it. I do have to admit, I removed that electric valve on the secondary pipe. It was broken anyway, so off with it.

I will likely be tinkering a bit more with the exhaust in time, so we will see how it goes. Anyone need a stock 2006 Exhaust from a MINI Cooper S? LOL!



Out with the Old (Right), in with the Kinda New (Left)! They are upside down by the way in case you noticed.

Zee Old, quiet and tame exhaust. Anyone need it?

The modified DINAN exhaust. The valve was removed from the pipe added to it. She pops, crackles and barps now! LOL!

 

I dont believe you, we desperately need videos

 

Yes videos 🤤

 

Well..... I hope this works.

 

So it’s open exhaust on one side? Does it drone on the highway or at certain rpms?

 

We need moreeeeee :D

 

No drone, and to be honest the sound is almost negligible on the highway / freeway. I can barely hear it at cruising speed. It seems once I cross around 3500 RPMs, it kind of just pans out in a muffled, slightly high toned roar - if I can call it that.

HA HA! What more may I provide Sire?

Just checked out your build thread too by the way - epic! Love it and well done with all the work man! Your exhaust sounds much more "civilized" than mine... HAH!

 

Haha something like this, but with more sound Your Mini will scream way harder than mine hehe


Thanks for the kudos! Still have lots of work to do, but I am in no rush. Stay tuned!

 

A not so great update on the car....

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hat-to-do.html

 

Thanks for all the responses, tips and encouragement. Sadly, based on the way things are at the moment, I won't be moving forward with the repairs on this car.... unfortunately. My current situation and my instincts tell me it's time to end this project. I was looking into the possibility of finding it a new home, doesn't seem that is going to pan out. I will likely be parting it out soon.

Hopefully I will find another one in the near future and be able to use my knowledge to build a nice example of an MCS. They are fun little cars, even if a bit of a PITA to work on and maintain.

 

Are you selling the donor R53? Any rust or dings other than hood? Looking for project.

 

Unfortunately, the donor is already taken apart.

 

Bitter Sweet story. The car has gone to a new and great home. I got the chance to meet with and interact with a fellow member and car guy and his brother and they have taken the car to be restored. Hopefully, we will get to see it on here. While I don't have a MINI right now, I will stay active as much as possible on the forum and hopefully find ways to give back. Most importantly, I did not part her out and she gets a new lease on life.

I truly appreciate all the feedback and posts and support. I will build another MCS one day when I have the time to do it right - just got too many things happening at the moment.

By the way, while I was pretty much a n00b when it comes to these cars, I have been working on cars for a few years. I am also a DINAN Partner and work with companies like Race Chip in case I can be of assistance to anyone at anytime.