R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 THE APRIL CLUB

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Old Feb 27, 2004 | 11:25 AM
  #3551  
JuanPacoLopez's Avatar
JuanPacoLopez
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If that seems to be the consensus I have no problem paying for premium; when it's available. I wouldn't have bought a Mini if I was cheap on things like that, after all :smile:

My point was more when (in the very few cases) I'm unable to locate any... there are (still) a few areas in southern GA that have nothing more than a single, regular pump. In such a case what is one to do?
 
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Old Feb 27, 2004 | 08:10 PM
  #3552  
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XAlfa
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From: Berkeley, CA
Update from XAlfa: I'm built and awaiting transport.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 07:02 AM
  #3553  
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JuanPacoLopez
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congrats XAlfa!!!

I'm out the door now to go pick up my baby...

I'll take plenty of pics and post an update w/ some action shots later on tonight :smile:

I'm so excited!!!!!
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 08:10 AM
  #3554  
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theWrkncacnter
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From: North Topsail Beach, NC
Man, didn't see this thread, now I feel like a ******* for my other one.

Do they ship these things in batches or something? how is it that everyone will be getting them in April?
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 03:11 PM
  #3555  
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kgmini
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From: Dallas
Hi theWrkncacnter welcome to the group. You can find answers to all of your questions and more if you start at the beginning of this thread and read thru the posts.

The cars are shipped in batches, but there's alot more involved. Basically, when you go to the MINI dealer you'll pick what options you want on your MINI and leave a deposit. Your MA (Motoring Advisor) will place an order for your car. Your MA will give you an estimated delivery date (approximately 8-10 weeks for a current order) and a production number. The production number is what you will use to track your MINI thru production and shipping. Once MINI has accepted your order you'll be given an estimated build week. Once the MINI has been built it is transported to wherever your dealer is. Generally, it takes one month from the the build date to the delivery date (to you).

Those of use who are expecting our MINIs to be delivered in April hang out at this thread. It's a good way to learn about the process, share experiences, and get to know some really great people! Which is what motoring is all about.

If you have any specific questions about the ordering process including what MINI dealers we've had good experiences with just ask away.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 03:21 PM
  #3556  
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kgmini
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From: Dallas
I have an update on my MINI status.

We'll the bug bite me the other day. I started to have second thoughts about my color choice and options. My MCS changed states the other day. Currently I'm at step 112 scheduled for PROD in week 12. Here is what is on my MCS now.

'04 MCS
Chili Red/White/White Bonnet Stripes
3 spoke MFSW
16" Silver Y-spoke
Xenons
H/K w/AUX input
F/R fogs
Auto wipers/dipping mirror
Leatherette
Alloy Patina
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 03:35 PM
  #3557  
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theWrkncacnter
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From: North Topsail Beach, NC
Thanks for the info, I don't really have a desire to read through 143 pages to find all the answers to my questions :smile: . What I mean about batches is why is everyone expecting in April? Do they only like ship them twice a year or something? Or does it just so happen that there's a lot of people expecting in April?

Like I've said in some other threads, I've already ordered mine, the specs are:

Mini Cooper S
British Racing Green, black roof/bonnet stripes
Sport Package
HK Stereo with aux port
Space Cloth (too cheap for leather and don't like fake leather)
Anthacite Dash
Silver 17 inch S lite wheels
Multi Function Steering Wheel

I got the production number, I'm just waiting for it to show up in the system, right now its showing a silver MCS.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 04:00 PM
  #3558  
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JuanPacoLopez
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Hey everyone...


So I am no with MINI :smile: :smile: :smile:

I can't over emphasize the smile factor. So I guess technically I'm a Feb grad... am I still welcome here if I keep this list? :smile:
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 04:04 PM
  #3559  
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kgmini
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From: Dallas
"Or does it just so happen that there's a lot of people expecting in April?"

This thread goes waaay back. The first post was Jan 2003. So alot of the messages were for last year's (April) deliveries. I like to read thru them because those people have already gone thru the entire experience. Lot of good information contained within. There are several of us expecting a MINI in April. Maybe a dozen or so active within the past couple of weeks. What did your MA say was your estimated delivery date?

FYI, if you want the most up to date information on you MINI status call 866-ASK-MINI and speak to someone in customer service. They are more than happy to clue you in as to the expected production date. It's also good to have them go over what options you have to make sure everything is OK.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 04:08 PM
  #3560  
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kgmini
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From: Dallas


Congrats JPL!!! Awesome MINI. Have fun motoring just try to relax your face muscles every 20-30 minutes or the SEG will become permanant! I said a prayer for your Honda...it gave its all for ya.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 04:14 PM
  #3561  
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SynapticFire
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Hey JPL,
Congrats on the new mini and being the first of the next gen CWFAC to graduate!
Very cool that everything worked out so well for you. I'm wicked jealous.
Mine's on the docks in Southampton, having missed the boat, so to speak. So I guess my status is 193, received at terminal.
KG,
I'm having second thoughts about my color too, however, I'm sort of commited at this point.
I've come to the realization that I actually need about three different MINI's of varying color and packages to trully satiate my newfound obsession.
As it stands, I'm trying to talk the missus into trading in the jeep for a MINI so we can have a little MINI variety in the household.
-SF
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 04:22 PM
  #3562  
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asodestrom
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From: Santa Rosa, CA
Congrats JPL, Geat pics. And yes, you get to stay in the April Club.

I finally got the pan out of my mustang. Had to move the steering gear assembly.

Then a wash and polish of Pyro. Tomorrow, clean parts, and put the stang back together.

Andy
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 04:27 PM
  #3563  
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chefrichie
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From: Austin, Texas
Great looking car JPL...now the fun begins!

I spent a great afternoon with Burnie out in the blustery chill installing his new PS fan cover, FINALLY installing the black grill slats (looks great w/ an estimated 12HP gain ), repairing 3 chips and having a bath and wheel wash.

I will send pics soon so you can check out Burnie's "evil grin" but right now the sun is hiding and the digital camera's at work.

Best to all...

cheffie


 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 04:31 PM
  #3564  
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theWrkncacnter
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From: North Topsail Beach, NC
>>"Or does it just so happen that there's a lot of people expecting in April?"
>>
>>This thread goes waaay back. The first post was Jan 2003. So alot of the messages were for last year's (April) deliveries. I like to read thru them because those people have already gone thru the entire experience. Lot of good information contained within. There are several of us expecting a MINI in April. Maybe a dozen or so active within the past couple of weeks. What did your MA say was your estimated delivery date?
>>
>>FYI, if you want the most up to date information on you MINI status call 866-ASK-MINI and speak to someone in customer service. They are more than happy to clue you in as to the expected production date. It's also good to have them go over what options you have to make sure everything is OK.

Maybe I'll have to find some time to read through that (Trying to devide my time between finishing school, and a bunch of other stuff). The dealer said it would be 7-10 weeks to get my MINI, so that'd be sometime between the end of April or the middle of May.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 05:02 PM
  #3565  
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MINI_Dreamer
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From: D.C.

>>Welcome to our new members... I'll get you added just as soon as I do some more motoring :smile:

Wow!!! I am so jealous of you -- you look so happy with your new MINI!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe someday that will be me!!! CONGRATS
 
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Old Feb 28, 2004 | 08:45 PM
  #3566  
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Ryephile
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From: Metro-Detroit
Congrats JPL! :evil:

Cheers,
Ryan
 
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Old Feb 29, 2004 | 02:22 PM
  #3567  
theWrkncacnter's Avatar
theWrkncacnter
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From: North Topsail Beach, NC
Wow! I went to the owner's loung on the mini website just on a whim and my mini was in the system! The dealer said it would take a week to show up, but its up there now! I know for sure because I tried it the day I got it and it said the Production number was for a mini of the wrong color, but now its the correct color with all my options. This is pretty sweet, I hope this means that it'll be closer to 7 weeks that 10 weeks for it to get here.
 
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Old Feb 29, 2004 | 08:42 PM
  #3568  
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Red
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Congrats JPL! Not April. Not March. February!

The Honda gave it's life for a good cause!

Regards,
Red
 
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Old Mar 1, 2004 | 06:29 AM
  #3569  
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JuanPacoLopez
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Everyone is right, the Honda DID give a great term of service. It's actually sad to see it go, but every time I get behind the wheel of the MINI the pain is washed away instantly :smile:

On the brake subject... are there any pads I can put on to reduce dust, but retain the GLASS smooth braking present currently? If that quality of braking is associated with much dust, I'll gladly keep the dust... I've considered the green pads as others have used, but I'm worried I'll loose the incredibly smooth feel?
 
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Old Mar 1, 2004 | 10:02 AM
  #3570  
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rfath
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From: Boston
You've got two options with the brakes - get anthracite wheels (did that!) or switch pads. I'm currently running and in LOVE with the Ferodo 2500's in the front. Great pads and they actually improve the braking feel - much more linear deceleration. The downside is that they're not *cheap* and that they tend to glaze over easily if you're not using them hard enough to keep the glazing off (they're dual track/street pads). So you may find you need to re-bed them periodically. I recommend doing it in heavy Boston traffic. Often. When there's an irritating SUV behind you.


 
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Old Mar 1, 2004 | 08:25 PM
  #3571  
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Ryephile
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From: Metro-Detroit
Rachel - do you mean to say your doors are sagging?

About the brake dust: Yes, the stock pads (BMW and MINI) are notoriously horrendous for brake dust. Rachel and I run Ferodo 2500 pads front and back, however we drive [track] our cars much harder than the average Joe. Since these pads are Track-and-some-street pads, they will squeal like a pig if they're not hot-n-used like a race pad likes it. A better mostly-street alternative is the EBC Green Stuff. Keep in mind this is still a performance pad; it will have a firmer and more linear pedal feel versus stock. It will dust the least of any aftermarket pad currently available. These pads to not need to be driven like the Ferodo's, and will not squeal [much, if at all]. I had these on my 1st MINI, and they were superior to stock in every way I could perceive. They are not, however, any good for road course tracks, and will degrade quickly if used in such manner. This is because they're designed for the relatively low temps of street driving.

Summary:
Street: EBC Green Stuff
Auto-cross: Stock, actually
Track and The Dragon: Ferodo 2500

I hope that helps, and that concludes Braking 210 for the evening
Cheers,
Ryan
 
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Old Mar 1, 2004 | 08:45 PM
  #3572  
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Grimace
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From: SoCal
Well, just got word from the MA that my MCS has been built. I can't seem to stop smiling. Apparently I'm about 6-7 weeks away, which puts me in this April thread.

IB/B, Combo #1, Anthracite, Leatherette, HK, Xenons, fogs, that's it. Stock 16s will be immediately for sale (aftermarket 17s with Yoko EVS100s will be waiting for the car).

Maybe when the car gets here I won't have to hit this website 15 times a bloody day. :smile:
 
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Old Mar 1, 2004 | 09:05 PM
  #3573  
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asodestrom
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From: Santa Rosa, CA
Welcome to the club Grimace. What kind of name is that with a MINI on the way?

Your daily hits will most likely increase while you wait, but is't well worth it.

Andy
 
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Old Mar 2, 2004 | 11:12 AM
  #3574  
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rfath
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From: Boston
>>Rachel - do you mean to say your doors are sagging?
>>

they're SO sagging.. I'll just have to take them to another track and see if doing high-g turns in the other direction straightens them out! Next event is in the middle of April. The big decision is whether I get the wheels or the suspension on first....

Seriously, it really IS a tiny thing to fix, but the dealership's service center isn't open on the weekends (I swear they used to be!) and while it's fun to go there and talk to people, it a) takes forever for even the smallest thing and b) they fired my favorite mechanic for some lame political reasons.

Chefie, what can I do with a crapload of dried whole mung beans?
 
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Old Mar 2, 2004 | 05:20 PM
  #3575  
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chefrichie
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From: Austin, Texas
At long last Burnie's black grille is in place and I have the pics to prove it...enjoy! :smile: :smile: :smile:

-->Rachel...Mung beans???? I'll have to give that one some thought (errrr, how much is a crap-load, exactly?)

Hope all are well, enjoying rookie (or veteran) MINIs or at least enduring the painful wait as well as possible!

chef
 
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