Hey R56 NAM crew!

We finally got some pictures of our new to us Mini JCW. We have this project in right now so that we can get more DIY content for the R56 model. You can see the articles that we already have here. We already have a great list going for the articles we will be doing, but we wanted to ask all of you specifically as to what types of fixes/repairs and/or performance upgrades you want to see us do that will help you with your future projects/repairs. We are listening, so please let us know what YOU would like to see us do. Looking forward to hearing what you all have in mind. And of course, some pictures of the Mini for your viewing pleasure.

 

A very common question here is lowering cars. There are multiple choices in shocks and springs. Then the next question is: I have $1000, should I do coil overs or springs?

If it was possible to evaluate a couple of different options of springs and shocks (subjective ride/handling/drop ratings), it may be useful to some readers here. Also the importance of bump stops (stock, stock trimmed, aftermarket). And also at what lowering level you require rear control arms and/or adjustable end links.

Everyone has their own opinion of what works. Most are happy with the choices that they make, but if you are unhappy it is expensive to do it over.

Just my opinion. Good looking car.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Good info, Mike! I will pass it along. If you think of any others definitely let me know.

-Luccia

 

can't see any pics, what ever service you use is not available to me , atleast at work. I would suggest photobucket or something else everyone can see.

 

Hm strange. Seems to be visible to me perfectly fine. The images are being used from dropbox here. Let me know if you can't see them now. Changed their location.

-Luccia

 

now i see

 

Fabulous! Appreciate your help. and if you have any suggestions for fixes that you would like to see us do on this R56, please let me know.

-Luccia

 

Bump, still adding to the list!

 

Here are some very basic suggestions:

- Safely jacking up the car (including instructions on how to use the stock jack successfully; mine would not lift the car and instead leaned into it damaging the rocker panel!)
- Plasti-dip for Dummies: How to black-out your headlight rings, change the color of the gas cap, etc.
- Changing the mirror covers
- Some bulletproof way to check your oil (because these cars use horrible dipsticks that are very difficult to read!!) Maybe filing grooves on the stock stick, maybe painting it white, maybe some other magic technique, maybe just advising everyone to get the Cravenspeed dipstick...

 

My 07 MCS is the same color, Dark Silver with a black roof. No doubt that it's an N14 R56, the lower grill gave it away. I think it would be great to have a DIY guide to un-installation and re-installation of struts and shocks, upgrading to a larger intercooler guide and the common fixes that are considered normal maintenance ie. the oil filter housing gasket to name a few would be useful to the Mini community.

The reason why I chose to mention un-installation and re-installation of struts and shocks is because I have been there and done that sometimes learning the hard way. This job requires very hard to find strut nut sockets that you just can't go out to your local auto parts store and buy. As for the N14 engine I believe meth injection is the best thing that ever happened to the N14 engine, enter min 1 psi boost IAT go down instead of up. A solution to burnt, broken valves.

Suggestions/Guides
1. Un-installation and re-installation of struts and shocks.
2. Intercooler installation.
3. Meth Injection.

 

Great info. I will add these as well. If you think of more just let me know.

-Luccia

 

Oil filter housing gasket is a good one! Like these suggestions as well. Thank you. If you think of more let me know!

-Luccia

 

We have begun to populate the tech articles with a lot of new content such as:

Cooper S Mass Air Flow Sensor Replacement, Crankshaft Sensor Testing, Camshaft Sensor Testing, Camshaft Sensor Replacing, Crankshaft Sensor Replacing, Cooper Throttle Housing Replacing, and more! Check out what we've added here.

-Luccia

 

It's not the guide you were looking for, but we do have an Intercooler replacement DIY here that we just uploaded and may be useful for people upgrading.

 

Damn shame how some people will abandon a perfectly good car to languish in the overgrown weeds and elements.
Good find!!

 

Bringing this over from the other thread as I know this is a popular one.

We do have this for the gen 1 MINI, but will be doing this DIY for the R56 as well. We have just the normal fog light replacement DIY here in the meantime. Will update once we get the DRL DIY up.

 

I don't have any real suggestions other than a swap to CR roof (vinyl?) and mirrors and then I'll take those white caps off of your hands. Seriously, I want those mirror caps. I hate my chrome ones and don't want to deal with painted ones. :D

 

I would start off with the big issues, but I know others have done their own DIY. However, it would be nice to have one place to look these DIY projects such as articles on your page. So at the risk of being redundant:

-Timing chain and tensioner replacement.
-Vanos solenoid replacement.
-De-coke/valve and intake cleaning.
-HPFP replacement.
-Oil pump replacement.
-Water pump replacement.
-Thermostat replacement.
-Turbo oil line replacement.
-CV/Axle replacement.
-Clutch/Flywheel replacement.

Again, I'm sure you have most, if not all, up for DIY, but in case anything is missed... As for DIY for people wanting to modify the car:

-Mechanical differential replacement (OS Giken, Cusco, Quaife, etc).
-Aftermarket turbo replacement.
-Intercooler replacement (most are straightforward, but it may help some).
-Water/Methanol kit install (I think most go with Aquamist or AEM set ups).
-Coilover install.
-Swaybar install.
-Bushing install.
-JCW Aero kit install.

There's more, I'm sure, but that's a good start I think.

 

Have you thought about doing a vinyl wrap on the chrome mirror caps?

 

Yes, there are some great DIY's out there for the issues on the R56, but we still will be covering them for our articles as well.

- I believe when we do the timing chain, we will provide some good input about the issues that have been discussed about it.
- We have a Vanos solenoid replacement DIY up already here.
-De-coke/valve and intake cleaning - good suggestion.
-HPFP replacement - will be covering this as well and provide some good input about the issues pertaining to the replacement.
-Oil pump replacement - good suggestion.
-Water pump replacement - this one is in process.
-Thermostat replacement - in process.
-Turbo oil line replacement - good suggestion.
-CV/Axle replacement - DIY here.
-Clutch/Flywheel replacement - good suggestion.
- Sway bar DIY here.

Definitely will be adding more suspension mod DIY's up soon. Really appreciate your contribution and if you think of any others please do not hesitate to let me know as we are still working on the R56.

 

I didn't even know that was an option. I figured they were too curved. I'll look into it.

That said, I'll still take your white ones.

 

Glad I could help.

 

What year and color code is it? Manual or auto? Do all JCW cars cars come with the Baer brakes or is it an optional add-on?

I'd like to see a DIY on transmission removal and clutch replacement.

 

The R56 is a JCW package. The serial number shows it as a Cooper S and has the N14 engine. It is a manual transmission. Good suggestion and I believe clutch replacement is on the list. I'll update once the DIY is populated.

 

Honestly I just want a N14b16c engine for a decent price.