North American Motoring

North American Motoring http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/ MINI COOPER news, forums, FAQs, and reviews for enthusiasts and owners of North American MINIs en Wed, 16 May 2012 23:00:06 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg North American Motoring http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/ Love for Base Countryman Non-S http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r60-countryman-talk/230252-love-for-base-countryman-non-s-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 22:21:21 GMT Hello! This is my first posting on here. I appreciate all the postings and threads on the CM. Very informative, I've been reading up in this forum a lot before I bought my CM 2012. I just picked mine up yesterday and I love it! I agree it does not have the pick up but hey, has all the styling that I am looking for at a fair price.

There should be a forum for base CM's! I noticed majority of the members here have either an S or a All4 (I can't blame you) and rarely anyone has mentioned about the base model! I guess us base people just hide and ashamed or we are just a different breed. haha.:nod: Anyways, hope that everyone still has love for the base CM!

Thanks again, Cheers, ]]> R60 :: Countryman Talk boomerwang http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r60-countryman-talk/230252-love-for-base-countryman-non-s.html DefendersofSpeed.com (finally accepts plastic! http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/vendor-announcements/230251-defendersofspeed-com-finally-accepts-plastic-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 22:18:48 GMT Greetings NAM Community! I wanted to send a quick update about the new defendersofspeed.com (http://defendersofspeed.com) . Our credit card gateway is (finally) up and running. You no longer need to give PayPal your personal info in order to buy things from our online store. Thanks to everyone for your compliments and constructive comments about the site, we really appreciate it. :thumbsup: Best, Greetings NAM Community!

I wanted to send a quick update about the new defendersofspeed.com .

Our credit card gateway is (finally) up and running. You no longer need to give PayPal your personal info in order to buy things from our online store.

Thanks to everyone for your compliments and constructive comments about the site, we really appreciate it. :thumbsup:

Best,

-Clint ]]> Vendor Announcements http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/vendor-announcements/230251-defendersofspeed-com-finally-accepts-plastic.html She stalled!!!! http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/general-mini-talk/230250-she-stalled-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 22:01:30 GMT :eek2: the last few months she has been threatening to stall in exactly the SAME SPOT, today she made good on that threat. It is literally only two minutes after I leave work and at the stop sign where there is always traffic waiting as it's 5:00pm. The threat to stall would occur, then be fine for a week or so. She did this about three times. Today....STALL...slapped her into park, as folks waited patiently behind me, and she started right up and continued on with nary a problem. She has 24,660 miles, AT, non S. What is going on?!? Calling the dealership in the am. Anyone have any ideas? Also, no codes were thrown, no lights came on, no chimes, nada....:no:

Just returned from The Dragon where I experienced not one issue...:confused: ]]> General MINI Talk GigglesMcMini http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/general-mini-talk/230250-she-stalled.html $575 for Inspection II on my Gen1 R53... http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r50-r53-hatch-talk-2002-2006/230249-575-for-inspection-ii-on-my-gen1-r53-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 21:28:23 GMT Hi guys,

I'm planning to take my '03 MCS in for an Inspection II that includes an oil change, brake and coolant flush, and drive belt replacement. I'm taking it to a very reputable independent shop here in San Francisco and they said it'll cost $575. The Mini dealer here does the Inspection II and oil change (no flushing) for $400, so I'm wondering if both of these are a rip-off or just the dealer's price. I'm not great at doing things myself, but I am wondering if the coolant and brake flush is necessary... I don't think either one has ever been done before. My car has just under 65,000 miles.

Thanks for any and all advice.

-B ]]> R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) bstahley http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r50-r53-hatch-talk-2002-2006/230249-575-for-inspection-ii-on-my-gen1-r53.html grill mesh supplier http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/interior-exterior/230248-grill-mesh-supplier-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 21:16:12 GMT I used this company for the mesh http://www.customcargrills.com/ I used this company for the mesh http://www.customcargrills.com/ ]]> Interior/Exterior Rallymini370 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/interior-exterior/230248-grill-mesh-supplier.html Should I replace my 8 year old battery? http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r50-r53-hatch-talk-2002-2006/230247-should-i-replace-my-8-year-old-battery-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 21:12:31 GMT It is working just fine. Replace anyway because of age? It is working just fine. Replace anyway because of age? ]]> R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) shmini http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r50-r53-hatch-talk-2002-2006/230247-should-i-replace-my-8-year-old-battery.html Polished or black http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/tires-wheels-and-brakes/230246-polished-or-black-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 20:16:06 GMT Asking for your help do i stay with Polished wheels or do Black Wheels look better.. Image: http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af290/aitch1/blkwheels005.jpg Image: http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af290/aitch1/blkwheels001.jpg Image: http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af290/aitch1/2282012015-2.jpg *Thanks* Asking for your help do i stay with Polished wheels or do Black Wheels look better..

Thanks ]]> aytch1 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/tires-wheels-and-brakes/230246-polished-or-black.html <![CDATA[FS:: 17" Type 98 wheels]]> http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-parts-for-sale/230245-17-type-98-wheels-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 20:10:50 GMT Takes offs with about 3k miles on them and they are in perfect condition located at Valley Motorwerks. Price is for 4 wheels with center caps, located in the Sacramento area Image: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lyJOagz-iHk/T7QGkCwIaXI/AAAAAAAAGR4/1oLDWCmskZw/s800/IMAG0087.jpg call 916-636-9526 for further informaiton Takes offs with about 3k miles on them and they are in perfect condition located at Valley Motorwerks. Price is for 4 wheels with center caps, located in the Sacramento area

call 916-636-9526 for further informaiton ]]> Mini Parts for Sale Norcal_Cyclist http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-parts-for-sale/230245-17-type-98-wheels.html Help coilovers or not http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/suspension/230244-help-coilovers-or-not-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 19:21:20 GMT Thinking of having KW1 fitted to my R55 JCW. Anyone have a picture of there car (side on) with these fitted with minimum amount of drop? I'm not keen on the current gap around the front tyre but at least it's even if I drop it 30mm will that leave a slightly slammed look ar an uneven gap around wheel?

Thanks ]]> Suspension Dazzpowder http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/suspension/230244-help-coilovers-or-not.html Doing caliper rebuild need dust boot HELP! http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/tires-wheels-and-brakes/230243-doing-caliper-rebuild-need-dust-boot-help-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 18:55:12 GMT Hello, I am trying to complete a caliper rebuild on my r53 OEM brakes. I am now in the unfortunate situation of being stuck at the step of putting my dust boots back on. I have scoured the boards and no one seems to have had any trouble but there must be someone out there that has run into a similar situation. We can not get the metal ring under the rubber to seat against the caliper at all. I called two dealers and a local BMW/Mini shop and they all laughed and asked why I ever would... Hello,
I am trying to complete a caliper rebuild on my r53 OEM brakes. I am now in the unfortunate situation of being stuck at the step of putting my dust boots back on. I have scoured the boards and no one seems to have had any trouble but there must be someone out there that has run into a similar situation.

We can not get the metal ring under the rubber to seat against the caliper at all.

I called two dealers and a local BMW/Mini shop and they all laughed and asked why I ever would have done it, no help!

Please please help me be able to put my brakes back on and get on the road again. ]]> http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/tires-wheels-and-brakes/230243-doing-caliper-rebuild-need-dust-boot-help.html 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop Spy Shots http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/general-mini-talk/230242-2014-mini-cooper-hardtop-spy-shots-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 18:31:35 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/2...low-in-yellow/

Courtesy of Autoblog.

Moderator, if this has been previously posted, please delete. I searched for it and didn't find it. :thumbsup:

Let the discussion begin! ]]> General MINI Talk eddyjoe http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/general-mini-talk/230242-2014-mini-cooper-hardtop-spy-shots.html FS:: 2005 MINI Cooper S - JCW http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/minis-for-sale/230241-2005-mini-cooper-s-jcw-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 18:30:10 GMT Hi All -

I am selling my 2005 MCS JCW after purchasing a 2011 BMW 135i. Below are some words describing the car. I've included three pictures but have many more. Please let me know if you'd like to see any others!

2005 MINI Cooper S - 2 door Hatchback - 64,500 miles - $14K

Features:

Dealer-Installed John Cooper Works Package, including: Engine Tune, JCW Exhaust, and Aerodynamic Kit (Front/Rear Bumpers and Side Skirts)
Factory Options/Packages: Sport Package, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package and Convenience Package
17" MINI Performance Wheels

The car is absolutely loaded - JCW kit is a fun feature, adding horsepower and a striking appearance. HID Xenon headlamps and fog lights are great looking and extraordinarily helpful in snow/rain storms. Top-of-the-line brakes and tires (all-season Continentals DWs) are all brand new. Every single option from the factory and at the dealer have been installed: cruise control, stability control, custom red/black interior, sliding sunroof (with Union Jack atop).

Issues:

Dime-sized door ding on passenger side
Two-inch peel/tear in side of driver seat

Thanks for taking a look. I will be sad to see her go, but the new ride isn't so bad :wink:

Attached Images

	MCS_DriverFront_sm.jpg (51.5 KB)
	MCS_PassRear_sm.jpg (50.0 KB)
	MCS_DriverEntry_sm.jpg (47.2 KB)

]]> Minis for Sale JMetfordN55 http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/minis-for-sale/230241-2005-mini-cooper-s-jcw.html oil http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r60-countryman-talk/230240-oil-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 18:29:05 GMT so nearing 1000 miles on my countryman S. hi i'm new here.

first scheduled oil change is at 15K miles...lol i don't think so!

talked to mechanic at the dealer he recommended 6-7k to do the first one.

some mechanically inclined friends of mine recommended a 1k oil change to clear out the "break in" oil. thoughts? ]]> R60 :: Countryman Talk drdrew http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r60-countryman-talk/230240-oil.html Sent in the J.D. Power survey form today http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r60-countryman-talk/230239-sent-in-the-j-d-power-survey-form-today-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 18:25:12 GMT The Countryman is two months old and has 3200 miles on it. Last week we received a survey form from J.D. Power and Associates, which I think is a big, legitimate automotive marketing survey firm. Returned it today and kept the crisp $1 bill than came with the mailing. Overall, we reported being very happy. Only two complaints. The radio is more complicated than it needs to me. And visibility changing lanes is poor. The Countryman is two months old and has 3200 miles on it. Last week we received a survey form from J.D. Power and Associates, which I think is a big, legitimate automotive marketing survey firm. Returned it today and kept the crisp $1 bill than came with the mailing.

Overall, we reported being very happy. Only two complaints. The radio is more complicated than it needs to me. And visibility changing lanes is poor. ]]> R60 :: Countryman Talk medwards http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r60-countryman-talk/230239-sent-in-the-j-d-power-survey-form-today.html 2 Clubs, 1 Drive, Kettle Moraine Drive 6/2/2012!!! http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/new-minis/230238-2-clubs-1-drive-kettle-moraine-drive-6-2-2012-a-new-post.html Wed, 16 May 2012 18:01:41 GMT Hello N.E.W. MINIs!

So the driving season is finally in full swing and what better way to keep the "wheels rolling" than to have our sister club (Fox Cities British Car Club) join the N.E.W. MINIs on a drive through the Kettle Moraine area of course! The F.C.B.C.C. has been around for more than a decade, and many of the N.E.W. MINI Club members also belong to the Fox Brits. This drive to the Kettle Moraine area has sweeping countrysides carved out by the glaciers and their sediments that came through over 10,000 years ago will make for a fun drive- The area is really known for it's winding roads and many lakes that pocket the area.

On Saturday June 2 we will all meet at MINI of the Fox Valley departing at 10:00am sharp! During the drive we will be making a stop for lunch at a neat little bar and grill near Crystal Lake- They have awesome sandwiches and wraps that don't cost and arm and a leg. We will also be making stops for restrooms as well as a cool stop for a group photo at the Fond Du Lac Light house. So if your up for a fun spirited drive through the countryside with motoring enthusiasts like yourself; come join us!

See you on the roads, and always...Safe Motoring Everyone!:thumbsup:

Matson ]]> NEW MINIs Zeppie http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/new-minis/230238-2-clubs-1-drive-kettle-moraine-drive-6-2-2012-a.html