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World's biggest M... dunno about that... lived in Moreno Valley for 4 or 5 years and their M is pretty big, too! Used to be a race track in MoVal that James Dean raced in his Porsche. Now it's a f'ing shopping mall.
World's biggest M... dunno about that... lived in Moreno Valley for 4 or 5 years and their M is pretty big, too! Used to be a race track in MoVal that James Dean raced in his Porsche. Now it's a f'ing shopping mall.
How dare you question my internet-obtained knowledge of obscenely large decorative lettering.
The Moreno Valley M is 150ft tall, while the Platteville M is 241ft tall. No contest!
Thermostat and temp sensor (BMW OEM, ouch) were delivered Friday morning. Wrapped up with work early so I figured I'd see if I could do water pump, thermostat, and temp sensor in the two hours I had before the kid needed to be picked up from daycare.
Short version: yes.
Long version: I could have, but things went so well that we took a break halfway through to pick up the kid and go to the neighborhood beer garden instead.
In less than an hour I had all 3 components replaced, and the car was ready for reassembly. It was back on the road in just over two hours. Dang. I did lose my headlamp in the process, by sweating far, far too much. RIP
Found the source of my coolant leak. maybe 6k miles on this UroParts water pump.
Test drive to work this morning rid me of all trouble codes and temp was back to normal. Good thing, as I'll be hitting the road before dawn Friday morning for NC.
Wow - 6k is crap for a gear or belt-driven pump. That's a bit more than the 2-3k miles I got out of a metal-bodied Davies Craig POS EWP. Did you get it from fcpEuro by any chance? I'm starting to buy most of my 'will-probably-need-one-again-sometime' things from them - just for the lifetime warranty. Glad to hear you got it sorted!
Did you get it from fcpEuro by any chance? I'm starting to buy most of my 'will-probably-need-one-again-sometime' things from them - just for the lifetime warranty.
No....but I am starting to order more from them. I order all my gaskets there, because they're by far the best and cheapest; however other parts must go through a complicated mental algorithm to determine the ideal supplier. If its something I expect to replace during my ownership and the price is no more than ~25% more I'll go with FCP. In some areas they are competitive (especially when buying in bulk), and in others....they're definitely not.
While also trying to prep for a 2000 mile roadtrip, we're trying to finish up the 06 slicktop before I leave. Claybar Saturday, paint correction and headlight restoration Sunday/Monday, Sealant this morning, and trim/interior/glass tonight. Exhausting.
Finally getting to the 'finishing touches' point with the '06 slicktop. Paint correction yesterday, applied sealant this morning. Removal and unveiling tonight!
Black slicktop turned out great, despite some visible sins from previous owners. It was a mad rush to finish the paint correction before departing for NC. It's a fantastic 10 foot car, and easy a 5 foot car for anyone who isn't **** about paint like me. It drives great, but the power difference between a 210JCW w/17% pulley and an unmodified R53 is staggering. Only two minor issues remain, sagging headliner in the back corner, and an SRS code that is going to take quite a bit of troubleshooting to identify. Getting a code 55 with a creator scanner and code 85 with INPA. Neither are any help whatsoever.
Panther leather seats look fantastic but not as comfortable as normal sport seats. Dream garage. I've always preferred black cars. I've always wanted a black R53 (or purple) but I'm too in love with the BRG JCW to switch now.
After grabbing photos of the slicktop, I tucked it away and began packing for NC (talk about last minute, T minus 9 hours to departure). The front windshield got a claybar and RainX to ensure optimum visibility during the drive.
Now that the kid is almost completely out of diapers, I ditched my emergency stash in the left side cargo nook and replaced with with a tire plug kit. Potty training was a breeze (but long) so I don't think the stash ever got used. I keep a spare serpentine belt in the right side.
Didn't notice the potato quality until just now.
I've heard horror stories about belt life with the 17% pulley. 10k and going strong so far.
I used to carry what I called a 'doctor bag' that saved more than a few vehicles. Just a 14" crafstman tool bag. It was great for quantity but terrible for organization. On my christmas list this year was a 'bucket boss' type organizer that seems to do a great job but hasn't seen action yet: 6 compartments store a surprising amount of stuff. Everything wraps up into roughly an 8" diameter. It sits perfectly in the passenger side footwell.
Left to right tool inventory: Diagnostic tools: Gloves, inspection mirror, flashlight, magnet, wireless endoscope, leatherman, Fastener tools: Set of 3/8" sockets, extensions w/wobble, ujoint, torx bits, mini ratchet, screwdriver, spark plug socket (lifesaver during 2018 NC trip that featured the spark plug blowout and subsequent successful repair) Screwdrivers (long pointy tools): Long phillips and flathead screwdrivers, normal flathead and phillips screwdrivers, retractable snap-off blades Hooks and such (long and pointier i guess): Big beefy hook, small delicate hooks, 10mm box wrench i once found on a run (for good luck), Grippy tools: Adjustable wrenches, long needlenose pliers (straight and 90*), skinny vice grips, short needlenose pliers Repair hardware: Self sealing silicone wrap, zip ties (metal and plastic), 18" of rubber 3/8" fuel hose, 12" of silicone vacuum hose Included in roll but no room in pockets: Extendable 3/8+1/4" combo ratchet wrench with 17mm socket, full set of ratcheting flex-head box wrenches Also included in the hatch: Serpentine belt tool, Ryobi 18v inflator.
I try to plan for 'nearly' any roadside repair potential without going too crazy. I crank the tire pressure to ~42 for the drive down to optimize MPG and drop it to ~29 during the time here to optimize grip. Plus, if I get a flat (heaven forbid) I'll be totally self reliant. Catastrophes have been few, but it helps to be prepared when driving spiritedly in an old car 800 miles from home.
Dog hammock
The dogs get the backseat to themselves. We've got a 'hammock' style nylon/kevlar type tarp that clips around all 4 headrests to keep the dogs contained and comfortable. When I stop for gas we have short leads that plug into the seatbelts in back and prevent them from jumping around.
We hit the road at 4am, and made it to Indiana just after 6am and encountered almost no issues during the entire drive. First tank 27.9mpg (averaging 75mph), second tank 28.3 (averaging 69mph). All told it was 753 miles in 11:33 including stops. Not bad. Stark difference from the trip last November that saw 21mpg with the roof rack and 25mpg without. The last hour is a beautiful drive through the Pisgah national forest. Its a scenic, twisty drive with lots of pulloffs for slower traffic. And every time I get stuck behind the one car that refuses to yield. Ugh. Oh well, can't wait to hit the road some more!
Awesome job on the '06 black slicktop!
I've always owned (or painted), been partial to black cars. (despite Gino Vanelli's claim that "black cars look better in the shade").
Your black slicktop is my favorite of your stable.
I really do need to look into getting one of those bucket boss organizers. I understand many Mini enthusiasts look to reduce weight - weighing at only135lbs (thanks Lupus), I am not one of those guys....
I carry 60lbs of tools in my Mini, including a 22lb 2ton floor jack with me all the time. With that "bucket boss wrap" it could really save me some much needed space.
BTW: If you don't mind me asking - What do you use for a jack while on the road?
The supplied scissors jack have always scared me.
I really do need to look into getting one of those bucket boss organizers. I understand many Mini enthusiasts look to reduce weight - weighing at only135lbs (thanks Lupus), I am not one of those guys....
I carry 60lbs of tools in my Mini, including a 22lb 2ton floor jack with me all the time. With that "bucket boss wrap" it could really save me some much needed space.
BTW: If you don't mind me asking - What do you use for a jack while on the road?
The supplied scissors jack have always scared me.
Have a great and safe journey!
Thankfully none of my emergency repairs have required a jack. When we came down with a group of 5 a few years back we had one in our arsenal, but I plan on using the untested OEM widowmaker in a pinch. I'd likely place the wheel or a log under the car to ensure I don't get crushed. I keep the bucket boss in the Z for drives of any distance, but don't keep emergency tools in the Mini unless I'm on a road trip. I've got enough faith that it will get me to work and back to go light on tools. But now that you mention it....I do have a few of those 'auto parts store' jacks that probably only weigh about 10 pounds but are slightly safer than the windowmaker. Maybe I'll work that into my pack list on the next trip. Good idea!!
Sunday mornings are always quiet, so I hit the road at 6am to try and get some fun miles in while the rest of the family slept. What an excellent decision. I cruised down the diamondback without seeing another vehicle, and took the long way home on the blue ridge parkway. As soon as I pulled on, I saw a modified Liquid Yellow R53...and then no more than 5 cars for the next 20 miles. Beautiful!
Killer 50 mile loop
Always a good sign
The only stop I made
There's a big group of us at the house, including a new baby so field trips are few this year and I'm already getting cabin fever. The warm weather brings lots of visitors so the roads can be busy during the day. With the 4th being on a Tuesday, I'm sure it will feel just like a Sunday so I'm going to try and get out again. It only takes one oblivious driver to ruin a drive (even if we're just heading to a brewery).....like the one we encountered yesterday riding their brakes at 15mph down the mountain, with a mile of cars behind them. Maddening.
Re airbag codes, bmw scanner 1.4 with cable amd disc is about $20… and it can read those codes no problem.
the donor car has SRS on, this was the result of a scan.
hmm. Is that any better than INPA? I show DTC 055 and 085 if memory serves....but INPA didn't match the BMW Creator 310. 55 was "Emergency Call Function" and 085 was something unintelligible.
Inpa also gave unintelligible results on that car…
At least this one gave me some idea of what items were faulty.
just another relatively inexpensive tool in the arsenal, and thought it might be of help to you.
Placed an order on ebay for $9! Let's see if it works. Thanks for the suggestion.
I'm doing my best to balance out being cooped up in the house with fun drives or long trips to destination activities. Yesterday we drove to the tallest peak east of the Mississippi: Mount Mitchell @6600 feet or so. Did some waterfall hiking, and got out to see the sunrise over the Lynn Cove Viaduct at 5am today. Photo bomb below. The mini has been performing spectacularly. The ride is sublime and silent. I love it.
The wife has been great. She's not an automotive nut but she understands and tolerates my obsessions. She tends to get motion sick without Dramamine but there really aren't any straight (read:non fun) roads around here. Yesterday our route had us traversing through a few tunnels. It was pretty clear she was having a good time when she demanded "windows down" when we entered each tunnel. It wasn't for the kid, as she had her nose buried in a game. Naturally, I obliged. See attached :D
I just found this thread and read through it. Thanks for all the tips.
What Bluetooth module do you use?
Dang, can't believe I didn't share this earlier.
Sorta cheap ebay unit. Has SD, USB, aux, and bluetooth all built in. It installs just like the OEM aux style piggyback at the back of the headunit. Link to a similar option below, can't find the exact link I purchased from, and you may be able to find cheaper.
FYI, you may need a usb to printer (usbA?) style cable for bmw scanner 1.4. I do not recall if mine came with just the diagnostic head amd install disc, or with the cable to plug into the diag head as well. I’ve had mine since my e46 so it’s been a decade or more.
After 100 miles on the blue ridge parkway, and then another 100 driving around later that day with the family, my back needed a break so I didn't get any more solo fun drives in.
We did get down to Asheville on Friday for some brewery visiting goodness, but it just wasn't the same without the whole group. Still spent way too much money @ Burial Beer to add to my basement barrel aged hoard.
The drive home was uneventful. Left just after 4am EST and was home before 3PM CST. If I didn't drive with such a leadfoot on the first tank, I could have made the whole trip in just one stop. I got 29.5mpg and 387 miles on tank number two. I got within 20 miles of home. Darn.
2235 miles of driving in 10 days. 27.5mpg for the trip. 0 issues. 6 months of brake wear in those 10 days. Woah. Totally worth it. Note the finger wipe I did at the top of the wheel to show how it SHOULD look.
Sorta cheap ebay unit. Has SD, USB, aux, and bluetooth all built in. It installs just like the OEM aux style piggyback at the back of the headunit. Link to a similar option below, can't find the exact link I purchased from, and you may be able to find cheaper.
Cool!
Looks to be just what I was hoping for.
Radio stations around here suck. I no longer play CDs. I have the AUX adapter installed,connetor to my phone which has 32+ Gigs of FLAC quality music stored on a 64gig SD card.
It would be nice just to swap in my card directly into this unit and never have to plug in my phone again just to listen to my favorite music.
Cool!
Looks to be just what I was hoping for.
Radio stations around here suck. I no longer play CDs. I have the AUX adapter installed,connetor to my phone which has 32+ Gigs of FLAC quality music stored on a 64gig SD card.
It would be nice just to swap in my card directly into this unit and never have to plug in my phone again just to listen to my favorite music.
Thanks for that
Great news. If I remember correctly it also plays .flac files. I keep a USB stick plugged into the unit for when I'm not in the mood to stream from my phone. I need to verify this as I've been messing with two headunits lately.
Thanks to @Onizukachan , I picked up yet another cable and BMW Scanner 1.4 (cannot be used with INPA cable). It provides a little more detail than INPA in some areas, and makes reprogramming modules much easier to get started with than NCS expert. Unfortunately, it still hasn't helped solve my mystery airbag light issue. Lots of research has yielded no results on the 55(hex) 085(dec) DTC. Emergency call function seems to be an accident trigger system in BMW lingo. This car does have the OEM BMW alarm but I haven't seen this code referenced a single time on the internet and I don't believe mini ever had an on-star like emergency call ability. Maybe its somehow incorporated into the call/mute button system on the steering wheel?
It looks like my last course of action is to get a copy of ISTA+D, as my understanding is this is dealer level diagnostic software that will tell me specifically how to troubleshoot this (and other) code. Has anyone had experience with mystery SRS codes?
No more JCW updates, but have some mildly entertaining automotive related updates.
My dad has always been what I would call a 'mild' automotive enthusiast. I helped him with super simple projects when I was younger; but we never had what I would consider fun cars. He's joined a few Cars & Coffee trips we've done, but that's about it. When he saw my BRG JCW he was super impressed with it, and is always amazed by what it is capable of. He wanted to ditch a car payment, but also wanted something practical that could carry his road bike. He took one test drive in the Astro Black slicktop and was hooked. We came back home, I got out and my mom got in. I was pretty sure she would veto the plan, but now she also wants a R52. So last week he took delivery, and I pray to god surprises are minimal. He's only an hour away, so if (when?) anything 'mini' does happen, I'm close enough to help without feeling too guilty.
We made Nationals again in the Masters open division, as did my wife's Women's team. We couldn't find a family member willing to watch our child for 5 days, so she came with us to Denver. We had an awesome time despite achieving subpar tournament results. One of the highlights of the trip was a drive out to Mt Evans on our 2nd day there (only full free day). We spent the morning at the Museum, and planned on taking a drive to allow the toddler to nap. On a whim I searched for "scenic overlooks" near Denver and Mt Evans was one of the first results. As soon as I saw "highest paved road in North America" I knew we had to check it out.
We had a relatively small choice of vehicles for the weekend, and elected for a Charger GT thinking it would be fun. It was huge, uncomfortable, and slow. My wife has a much lower bar for what 'fun' is, and she didn't like it either. At least it was bad on gas. /s
Entry to the park is via reservation only, and must be booked online. Tickets were only ~$12 a vehicle. Weather was about 80F and sunny at the start of our journey, and we encountered heavy fog, rain, sleet, 40F and 30+mph winds during our drive to the top. The road was bumpy in places, but overall much nicer than what I've experienced in and around Milwaukee and Cleveland. The drive culminated about 50ft shy of the summit (needed to be made on foot), at 14,130 feet. All told, about 7000 feet of elevation gain in approximately 28 miles.
The scenery was very similar to what we encountered on our trip around Iceland, especially once we got above the treeline. There were a few beautiful lakes up above 10,000ft and we even caught a glimpse of a bald eagle. We didn't get to do any hiking because of the toddler and the weather, but the drive alone was worth it. If you're ever in the Denver area with a few hours to kill, I'd highly suggest this detour.
Ugh. No good news here. A few weeks ago I found a small puddle of coolant under the front bumper again. I've already started removing the motor from my V70 project so the desire to dig into the mini has been non-existent. I'm still driving it to work as I have no alternative, and checking coolant levels regularly. Looks to be water pump (again?!) based on what little coolant residue I can see on the hoses and the location of the puddle. Ordered a replacement from FCP euro so at least I don't have to continue shelling out as they continue to go bad. Should show up tomorrow and I'll try and do a hotswap in one evening despite not having a workshop or quickjack at my disposal. Really, REALLY frustrated. Thankfully it's nothing catastrophic.
Just kidding, some good news. @wmcoons and I took an adventure with our kids Monday evening and brought home an 05 Electric Blue Mini Cooper S.
From the ad
Bad news: New engine needed. It runs, but one piston had been consumed. It's low on options, and has rust just starting in the usual areas.
Good news: It has the important option. LSD and X-lite wheels. Generally clean inside and out, but some TLC is needed.
We've both got projects at the moment, so we haven't dug in far enough to determine if this is a part-out or a rebuild.
