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What don't you like about the R56 and how did you fix it?
I have an '08 MCS on order (scheduled to start production in 4 days) and I thought it would be interesting to see what you all have found that you didn't like about your R56 and what you have done to fix it. The intention of the thread is not to provide a place for NAMers to rant (there are plenty of other threads for that), but rather to offer solutions to things that you didn't like, but have since fixed.
Again, I don't want this to turn into a MINI bashing thread, so please only post issues for which you have found a solution. The solution can be an after-market purchased product or home-made. If you feel a picture is necessary to show your solution then please include it. Also, if you've posted a how-to on NAM (or another website), or know of one, please provide a link. Thanks. |
I fixed the egg yolk turn signals with the BMW bulbs for clear turn signals. They are pretty much the same as Phillips Silvervision.
I fixed the problem of having to speak up over the BT phone kit by moving the microphone to the proper side of the passenger cabin. |
Originally Posted by COOP310
(Post 1999741)
I fixed the problem of having to speak up over the BT phone kit by moving the microphone to the proper side of the passenger cabin.
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the hood and lights, i stopped looking.
i'm just kidding with you the car is growing on me a little i just wish it had the original mini character still. i know mine isn't an original mini but the shape of the hood was more reminiscent of that design. |
I had the weather strips added at the bottom of the door. They stopped put them on the cars in 8/07.
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I didn't like the fake chrome & fake leather shift knob and replaced it with a wooden one. This was my first mod and lead to...
http://www.robincasady.com/ShiftKnobs/ Coming from a 1990 Integra, I found the visibility to be less than I liked. I sent templates off to Multivex Mirrors and had side mirrors made with a wider view. Now that they have templates for the R56, you should be able to order them without sending templates. I didn't like the distortion in the HIFI system and replaced the speakers with Infinity Kappas. I wanted more storage so I removed the rear seats and built a cabinet to separate the storage from the passenger area and house the rear speakers. Also Dynamated and sound insulated the rear. http://www.robincasady.com/MINI/Cabinet_D2X3276.jpg http://www.robincasady.com/MINI/Cabinet_D2X3279.jpg I wanted a racing stripe that was more like the ones I remembered from my teenage years and found something I thought worked well. Yes, I know the OEM stripes are supposed to be reminiscent of Cooper F1 racing stripes. I wanted a smoother ride, so I ditched the runflat tires and heavy OEM wheels and replaced them with CenterLine RPMs and Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 205/45-17. http://www.robincasady.com/MINI/MINI_Stripe_D2X2814.jpg Later I purchased a second set of wheels so I could swap between great handling, and low road noise with greater comfort. The smaller dia wheels allow more sidewall to absorb road noise (Rota RB 16x7) and the Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S are somewhat quieter than the PE2s. I wanted a coolant temp and boost readout so I purchased a ScanGuageII. I wasn't fond of the feel of the steering wheel so I bought a black leather wheelskin. The plastic ebrake handle didn't go well with a wooden shift knob, so I figured out how to make wooden ebrake handles. I ordered the Bluetooth option, but didn't like the arm rest. So, I ripped it out. Lined the door pockets and secret compartment with a grey foam mesh matting that is sold for metal workbenches. That helps reduce rattles from things bouncing around in those areas. Also got the rubber liner for the center console cubby from MiniMania.com Didn't like the yellow warning labels on the sunvisors so covered them with stickers from Aesthetic Creations. Couldn't get the factory optional glove box organizer to fit properly, so got a better one from GoMiniGo.com. Also got their third brakelight flasher to alert cel phone drivers that I was stopping. Worried about getting the headlights and foglights struck by a rock, so covered them with clear protectors from OutMotoring.com Replaced the silly-looking whip antenna with a Craven Speed stubby. Didn't want the dealer to drill the front bumper so got the "No Holes" License plate bracket from GoMiniGo. That's all I can recall at the moment. |
Originally Posted by Robin Casady
(Post 1999927)
That's all I can recall at the moment. |
I got a shift knob and ebrake handle from Robin, didn't like the black plastic EOM motif either.
Originally used a 3.5/3.5 wire for my iPod using the headphone port. Switched to a dock connector/3.5 wire and improved the sound a lot (for 8 bucks). |
Originally Posted by TheBigNewt
(Post 1999999)
I got a shift knob and ebrake handle from Robin, didn't like the black plastic EOM motif either.
Originally used a 3.5/3.5 wire for my iPod using the headphone port. Switched to a dock connector/3.5 wire and improved the sound a lot (for 8 bucks). |
Originally Posted by TheBigNewt
(Post 1999999)
I got a shift knob and ebrake handle from Robin, didn't like the black plastic EOM motif either.
Originally used a 3.5/3.5 wire for my iPod using the headphone port. Switched to a dock connector/3.5 wire and improved the sound a lot (for 8 bucks).
Originally Posted by COOP310
(Post 2000120)
Where did you pick up the line out wire?
Cables To Go - 35508 - 4ft iPod Dock Connector to 3.5mm Cable |
I dislike the lack of a temp gauge (having fried an engine once--long story), but I haven't done anything yet. Not sure what I CAN do.
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I have filled the tank with gasoline several times. :thumbsup:
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i didn't like all the white lights and changed all but the map lights to blue leds from fastmini.net was my first mod to the car besides the window tinting.
also didn't like the long radio antenna so i ordered the 4" antenna from alta.com. now i'm starting to get rid of all the chrome on the outside (besides the MINI and cooper s badges) with pieces from outmotoring, aesthetic creation and lyle's vinyl styles |
First, I ditched the runflats and added new rims.
Then, I installed the JCW aero kit to make the exterior more aesthetically pleasing. Third, installed a whalen shift knob. Fourth, blacked out all the chrome. |
quick question, those of you with halogens and fogs (and I guess the rally lights), what's the fix for matching up the color again? I know I read it on these forums, but I can't find it. Someone makes a bulb (for at least the fogs) and it's supposedly a quick fix.
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I still don't like that obscenely large speedo on the R56, but then I never bother to look at it anyway. I would have replaced it with the touch screen GPS if it wasn't so damn expensive!
I'm wishing that the doors were a bit smaller as well. They hit the wall of my garage when I open them all the way. I'd love to hear some solutions for that! |
I didn't like the factory antennae, so I swapped it with a 2" stubby from ALTA before I even drove it off the lot.
I didn't like the 4x4 factory ride height, so I dropped it with H&R springs. Everything else I've done wasn't because I didn't like the car, but just wanted to improve it's looks or performance! Those 2 things above are truly the only things I didn't like. |
Originally Posted by ultimatebob
(Post 2000379)
I'm wishing that the doors were a bit smaller as well. They hit the wall of my garage when I open them all the way. I'd love to hear some solutions for that!
as for the OP: I don't like the "SUV look" the R56 has from behind, by which I mean the way you can see the lower control arms, and they are silver so it makes it totally obvious: pic taken from this thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=118973 http://xs321.xs.to/xs321/07451/TheProblem.jpg So I bought a can of flat black rustoleum and here is how it turned out, pics taken from page 7 of same thread, and can be found in my gallery: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...0_2072copy.jpg and if you're wondering YES i did finish painting the ends of the arms, i just dont have a pic of it. |
Originally Posted by VicSkimmr
(Post 2000324)
First, I ditched the runflats and added new rims.
. Just weighing the options.... |
I don't like that I have to work and can't drive my Mini as much as I would like. Hmmm
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Originally Posted by WetNoseRanch
(Post 2000457)
Question for those that have ditched the run-flats, since there is no spare are you just faced with a tow (flat bed) if you get a flat?
Just weighing the options.... Dynaplug |
I painted the control arms and the exhaust tip with dark grey.
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Originally Posted by WetNoseRanch
(Post 2000457)
Question for those that have ditched the run-flats, since there is no spare are you just faced with a tow (flat bed) if you get a flat?
Just weighing the options.... http://www.dynaplug.com/ air compressor http://www.slime.com/product_111_Power_Sport_Tire_Inflator_(40001).html ha ha, looks like Robin beat me to the answer. |
Originally Posted by exile
(Post 2000340)
quick question, those of you with halogens and fogs (and I guess the rally lights), what's the fix for matching up the color again? I know I read it on these forums, but I can't find it. Someone makes a bulb (for at least the fogs) and it's supposedly a quick fix.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=103198 |
Originally Posted by locogringo
(Post 2000488)
I don't like that I have to work and can't drive my Mini as much as I would like. Hmmm
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