Here's something I didn't know. Instead of a simple metal clip on the brake pads to let you know when to replace the pads, Mini utilizes a high-tech electronic sensor. However, when the dash light comes on to let you know it's time to replace the pads, it's already too late for the sensor--it now has to be replaced as well (for another $36 or so). Yet when I replaced my brake pads as well as the sensor, the warning light stayed on! The Mini dealer told me I would have to bring the car in (an hour away) and pay a service fee to have them reset the light (for only $69--which was more than I paid for the ceramic brake pads and new sensor combined!). I decided to just live with the light until I found a sensitive Mini service tech who told me that if I just turned the ignition key to the on position (without starting the car) for about 60 seconds, the light would reset itself, and voila! no more light! My car is an 03 Mini-S, but the tech told me that such a trick does not work on the newest models and the light will need to be reset by the dealer. Not sure what year constitutes the changeover, but it's worth a try before you head to the dealer for their oh-so-friendly service! Er, wait, that's oh-so-pricey service!

 

^ and the sensors are only on 2 pads (front left and rear right?) -- so if you have uneven wear for some reason (like I did with me rear left), the only way to know is the old fashioned way (visual test)

-- and I only remember the sensors being about $12-13 -- but I may be wrong.

 

Two dealers quoted me a price of $35 or $36, but when I went to a third dealer to purchase the front sensor, it was only $18. Maybe the first quotes were for the pair of sensors? But, yes, the sensors are only on the front left and right rear brakes.

 

Argh! I wish I had read this before taking the car in twice. I have since replaced the discs and pads on all four wheels! The light came on twice in between. Poo.

 

I saw a post about taking the key apart and I was curious about the spare key design.

When I got my '02 MINI last month it came with only one key and, instead of ordering a remote key I ordered one that is a manual key--it looks just like the remote key but no buttons (and over 100 bucks cheaper at $45). Pretty handy if you are out and don't want to take the remote key because it might get water damaged.

Anyhow, I popped mine open and in the top portion is the proximity chip (not a magnet; this tells the car it is the correct key). The inside is hollow and you can put a couple of folded up bills in there, a small key for a security lock, or even emergency meds.

To take it apart, insert a knife blade on the metal side in the edge and open as if it were an oyster. Then pop the top horizontally where the slot is for the key ring by twisting a blade or screwdriver in the key ring slot where the top connects. There are three small plastic pins that can be removed with no effect to the key, but I can fit a bill in there without removing them. The space is oval and about 1.25" by 1.0".

The way the key is made (just like the remote one) the two sides fit back together securely.

 

I'll say....

 

I have high blood pressure and always keep some in the car in case I forget to take it in the am. What kind of meds were you thinking of???

 

The kind that will help me forget that I'm at work.. Maybe even put me in my happy place (cruising down the Dragon with my top down ).

 

I discovered something the other day. If you're setting your radio settings (the music note button), and you want to increase the volume as you go through the settings (you can't- the volume control is doing something else now) you can use your MFSW volume control to hear the affect of change.

 

I don't know if this is posted in here, but if it is, apologies in advance, but I just discovered this.

The radio on my 2006 works without the key being inserted or the ignition in accessory mode. Discovered this when detailing the car. Had the key off, etc. and pressed the radio on button by accident. The radio turned on, much to my pleasant surprise.

Also, to prevent battery drain, when listening to the radio [or playing a CD] without the engine on [and ignition is off] the radio turns off after about 20 minutes. [My radio turned off automatically, but I don't recall the exact time to when it turned off by itself. But I think it was 30 minutes.]

That's a neat feature, to turn off the radio in the event one forgets to do so.

 

That's a nice feature. And if you're napping in your car over lunch and wake to realize the radio is off, it might be time to go back to work.

In my case, it also serves as the better stereo in the barn.

 

Discovered the exact same thing in my 02 a few years ago, in the same way. Mine goes off in exactly 22 minutes. Usually in the middle of some song I'm really gettin' into.

 

Sidereal Time?

I also like the way I can glimpse in the MINI as I walk away, and through the rear glass I can see that the parking brake is engaged (I keep the rear seats folded down). Yes, I'm OCD.

 

Most European cars have this neat feature. The radio turns off after a certain amount of time during the car's pre-programmed stepdown routine. (Cars will cycle from X number of amps at initial shut-off to 22mA or so when "sleeping" to put less drain on the battery.)

 

My MINI sometimes locks me in just for the heck of it! the unlock button does not work nor does pulling the door handles twice. It unlocks if I put the key back in the ignition or push the button on the remote and NO I swear I am not hitting the lock button on the key!

 

I love the ambient lighting feature in mine (06 MCS)!

Question I haven't seen yet, tho (speaking of dealer-altered changes): I had my daytime running lights disabled at delivery; has anyone figured out how 2 enable them? Just wondering ...

 

First time I saw the ambient lighting thing was on a youtube video. I thought it was an after market job. ahha

 

LOL ... that ahha at the end immediately conjured up Eddie Murphy's Old Jewish Guy in the Barbershop character at the end of Coming To America ... I could just see him!

*don't mind me ... I'm a Mini motorist ... go figure!*

 

haha, mine did that too at a hotel. I had to call up to my room and have someone come down and help me get out because the key or nithing worked! lol, thank god that only happened once!

 

Your dealer can easily turn them back on. They might charge you a few bucks though.

 

Hello. Where does one join the dark silver club? I think I qualify!!

 

That is a fantastic movie. I can see him now as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUY-O...eature=related

There it is. I love that too. ahah

 

I was looking at some of the other posts and my window motor has died on my passenger side door. One thing that I couldn't determine is do you have to take the window out to get to the motor? I have had the good fortune, so to speak that my window is stuck in the up position. With that being the case would I still need to take the window out? Any of you that have done this, please let me know.

Thanks

 

I had mine replaced under warranty just before the warranty ran out! I don't know how they did it. Wish I could tell you more.

 

Gentlemen and Ladies,

This thread is getting off topic from time to time. With all due respect, the "Things You Didn't Know About Your MINI" should not include kibutzing about Eddie Murphy Movies, whether you should join the Dark Silver Club or asking general questions that deserve new threads. There are other venues for them and those type of posts will just get the thread closed by the Moderators or get guys like me who subscribe to great info to bail and unsubscribe.

Thanks