Hi! Just purchased an '07 Mini Convertible S with 28,000 miles. Love the car so far.

I have a number of questions and after several hours searching am not sure I have the answers I am looking for.


1) The previous owner must have had a pop or coffee in the cupholder that spilled, and a few drops made it around the Odo reset button onto the speedo face. If I could just pull the reset button out I could dab it with a Qtip, but I'm afraid that's not the proper way to remove it. What is? Or is it easier to remove the chrome ring and get under the glass?

2) I bought a bottom adapter for my iPhone so I can plug the digital output to the AUX input in the glovebox instead of using the headphone adapter, and the sound is *much* better. However, I'd love to use the steering wheel controls. What's the best value unit for doing this? Seems like this one:

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...interface.html

is decent. Is it just as good as the factory one? Are there any that will also let me use the phone button on the dash with my iPhone?

3) Many parts websites reference the Wave or Boost radio. I have the H/K radio. Which one is that?

4) How do I clean around the outside of the flasher button / speedo ring? It's very awkward to get all the way to the dash face.

5) I'm going to need a bike rack attachment as I'm an avid cyclist. I have a hitch mount rack already, is this the best value hitch receiver?

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...l-trailer.html

6) I see many people referencing installing a different cold air intake. Does that really make a big difference on an S model?

7) Are there other websites out there for organized MINI events? I'd love it if there was a MINI club in West Michigan that did a color tour in the fall or something.

Thanks so much for your time and consideration answering these many questions!

 

Can't help with you whole shopping list, but:
For really fine interior detailing, Q-tips are just the ticket for those tight corners. A swiffer duster works great for general touch up.

Mixed feelings about CAI, maybe pick up a horse or two and it sounds different but it won't make a huge difference. For more fun in handling, I'd highly recommend KONI FSD struts and at least a 19 MM adjustable sway bar. If you think it handles like a gokart now, well... Spend some time visiting the vendors to see what's out there.

Scroll down the main page for a list of national events and club directory on the main menu.

Take real good care of the canvas. Keep it clean so dirt and etc doesn't cut the fabric. RaggTopp is about the best.

How to set your mirrors for best visibility.
http://www.cartalk.com/content/avoiding-blind-spot-5