Where can one buy a pair of the modular front end extensions
BMW part # 11 8 400?

 

Long bolts will work just as well. I forget the size, but you could take one of the smaller bolts from the MFE to the hardware store to find the right thread size.

 

M8 by 100mm.

Jeremy

 

Thanks

 

Looks like the actual full MINI part number is 90-88-6-118-400 ($148!!),
and when I put it in as a BMW part number, it says it's been replaced by
BMW part number 83-30-0-494-045 ($184!!!). I looked via bmwmotorwerks
online parts catalog.

Boy, that's nuts for a couple modified bolts.
Hardware store, here I come.

 

Kudos to those who have made a work-around.

I use the BMW tool(s) on a regular bases and enjoy some of the unique features: unequal length extensions, one side allows full extension and the other shorter to accommodate the refrigerant lines, hitch pins to secure the radiator support at extension, uses threaded stud mount locations to provide flexibility if top or bottom requires increased access, whereas a threaded bolt can only be used in one spot and lacks the robust build of the BMW tool(s). Contact Morristown MINI for better prices on BMW tools.

 

I've made two versions of these extensions. The first set was when I went, "oh crap... I need these NOW" and quickly fabbed up 4 of them out of a hardwood dowel from the local Ace, drilled and tapped for the threaded studs on the body. These worked for one use but had started to crack by the time I was done. Still not wanting to spend the money on the BMW tool, the next set I made from steel rod, cut to length (a bit longer than the BMW version), drilled and tapped (never underestimate the usefulness of a good tap & die set). This set works very well... and won't crack. Cost: about $10 and maybe an hour or so of my time and I still have more than half the rod left over. Tools required: drill press with some type of vice that will hold the stock firm and square; drill bits (even on the slowest speed and using cutting oil, I used three bits); good T&D set (I have a Craftsman set - not the best, but works, unlike the H-F set that I threw into the trash years ago).

I also added a fender washer on the end of the top two extensions to make sure the MFE doesn't slip off the end of the extensions.

 

I just noticed that MiniMania sells a similar pair for $100.
However, they don't keep them in stock and can take 2 to 4 weeks to ship.

ENGINE SERVICE PINS

and the Pelicanparts price for 11 8 400 (83 30 0 494 045) is only $132.50.
Apparently, 11 8 400 is the pair, and the two pieces are also listed indiviually as
11 8 401 (80 30 0 494 117) and
11 8 402 (80 30 0 494 118).

I got the part numbers for the tools about 2/3 of the way down on this page
http://minifans.info/accessories/mg-83/ill-83_0302/

 

You don't happen to have link to the Pelicanparts item do you? I couldn't find it there after looking at every stinking MINI related page I could find . Geeze... what a PITA that site is

 

Pelican parts is meant to be searched by part number, it's easier that way.

 

...so when nothing even similar came up, I started looking at everything MINI.

 

Good freakin' lord! $100 for two stinkin' pieces of steel rod with some threads cut in them? I'm all for "what the market will bear" pricing and what not, but that's just crazy... it's not like a lot of development effort has to go into making these... ... maybe I'll use up the last of that steel stock and make a few more...

 

here's the page
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...4045&x=35&y=20

 

Thanks Cristo, there might be a typo in post #8?
I know, but I don't have a drill press, appropriate vise or an 8mm tap. Then there's the 3 or 4 drill bits, bar stock... The M8x100 bolts are sounding pretty good all of a sudden. I wouldn't mind having the drill press, but I don't enough space in the garage as it is.

So you say you'll take $50 for the DIY set? Got any pics?

 

Maybe... let me see what I can do... It's a long story, but my tool access is a bit limited at the moment...

If there's one arguement against using 100x8mm bolts, it's the MFE panel is reinforced where the MINI tool supports it. I don't recall the same reinforcement where the 8mm bolts go through.

 

IanF,
I would like to duplicate what you made.
What diameter rod did use?
What length are the rods?
Is there any problem using aluminum rod so it will drill and tap easier?
What is the diameter (I believe 8mm) and pitch of the threads to tap?

 

Doh! Wish I had seen this before I left work on Friday... The thread is 8mm, I don't remember the pitch off the top of my head. Sorry. I'll look at it when I get home tonight and post tomorrow.

I used 7/16" steel rod. I would have used aluminum if I could have found it, but all I found was 1/2, which I felt was too big.

I cut the lengths to between 4.5 and 5".

Anyway... I was industrious yesterday and managed to make 4 sets (pairs) of the extensions. They basically look like the ones on minimania's site (the only camera I have right now is my phone). I even added the hair pins to hold the MFE in place (wish I'd had those when I used them). I will say they are not 'perfect' in the sense that the 8mm hole isn't quite centered in the rod. It seems that consistantly getting a hole drilled centered in a dowel requries a tool I don't have... yet... However, these holes weren't centered in the original sets I made either and it didn't seem to affect the function.

Special price for NAM members here for a couple of weeks... then the remainder will go on Ebay for more. PM if interested. (...I'm trying to stay within NAM vendor policy, but I'm not trying to make a living doing this... )

 

Ianf,
Thanks for the info you already provided.
Did you happen to find out the pitch for the 8mm threads?

 

The course thread pitch is 1.25, which is the default when not specified. The fine pitch is 1.0.

 

Ahh, these should work... Thanks Ian!

 

Corrected to 83 30 0 494 045 in post 8. Thanks.

 

I am reviving this thread and hope someone can post pictures of these in actual use. TIA

 

You could do what I did and tie it up with some heavy electrical wiring

 

Can someone explain to me what these modular front end extensions are?

 

They thread in and allow you to slide the MFE (black plastic radiator surround with radiator and attached goodies) forward a few inches but still leave it "attached" to the car so you don't have to pull all the hoses and such. Puts the front end in "service mode" so you get a few inches to get you hands in for servicing the stuff that's between the engine and the radiator (supercharger, water pump, etc.)