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Archive for January 2003

The MINI Cooper RS?

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 31st, 2003 No Comments

There's been several people recently that claim to have heard information on the new Cooper RS. The rumor is that it'll be a car that MINI produces in house and will have 200hp. Suspiciously it sounds a lot like the John Cooper Works MINI that was suppose to be sold through dealerships starting sometime later this year. That car also has 200hp.

Here are some of the latest threads (via minicooperonline.com):
2004 MINI RS

MINI Cooper RS

New MINI Options Coming Soon?

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 29th, 2003 3 Comments

The buzz over at mini2.com is that there will be a couple new options and add-ons in the UK available in late February and March. Whether or not these will be factory options in the US is yet to be determined. I imagine at the very least one could order them through a US dealer much like you can now with parts like the driver side shelf. Here's the list:

  • Chrome mirrors (ordered from factory with the car as opposed to bought from the dealer)
  • A chrome grill for the MCS (MINIUSA has initially said this won't be a US option but at the very least there will now be a Chrome grill that fits an MCS correctly)
  • A new console with armrest available in black or silver (with/without a phone holder for various mobile phones)

While I can't promise that this info is correct I'm guessing that it's probably pretty close.

Knauz MINI

Extra Brakelight Modification Instructions

MotoringFile Sections: DIY Jan 28th, 2003 6 Comments

By popular demand a couple of us have created extra brake light mod instructions. They detail how you can turn your unused rear fog lights into two new rear brake lights. It’s by far the cheapest mod you can make to your MINI (and one that greatly improves your visibility to others).

Some background: In Europe there are what is called rear fog lights. The idea is that they try to prevent the multi car pile-ups you see on highways when the fog is very thick. As many of you know the empty slot in the toggle switch row is filled with the rear fog light switch everywhere in the world but the US. For some reason it’s been determined that we don’t need rear fog lights. In fact there is an online petition for them to offer the lights as a retro fit kit on all MINIs.

Regardless a enterprising US MINI owner realized that the two rear fog light bulbs we’re actually still in the US MINI. So he decided to make an electrical jumper and turn those unused bulbs into extra brake lights. Both bulbs are the exact same wattage so they light up at essentially the same brightness. What has been found out since is that this change can be made simply with a paperclip and electrical tape. It’s a good solution for those that don’t want to do something permanent to their car. Of course soldering the connection with a real jumper is the best solution if you have the time and know how.

You can download the instructional PDF here. Thanks to Steve for doing the work and Michael for donating the MCS.

Legal stuff: You are solely responsible for any actions you undertake as a result of the information you obtain on this site. By downloading this PDF, you hereby release this site and its publishers from all claims, damages, or personal injury that result from your use of any information contained on this site and the PDF.

The January Drive Photos

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 27th, 2003 9 Comments




You can see the rest here. Thanks everyone for such a great drive. I can’t wait for the temp to hit double digits for our next one!

Enjoy.

MINI of Manhattan

The New MINI designer speaks

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 26th, 2003 6 Comments

New MINI designer (now Ferrari/Maserati head designer) Frank Stephenson has an interview in this weeks Autoweek. Among the things he touched on was the process for the design conception of the new MINI:

AutoWeek: The transition from the world of Mini and BMW to Ferrari and northern Italy. It’s a fairly drastic difference.

Frank Stephenson: From the outside, it may seem like an awesome jump, but in this world of design, moving from BMW Mini to Ferrari-Maserati isn’t so hard. The one thing I’ve always wanted to do was be involved with an emotional product because I think to work on a normal, boring product is like prison. Working on the new Mini was my first real chance to let myself go.

AW: The period of development of the new Mini was an interesting time. We were all still unwilling to trust Germans running famous British companies.

FS: I got so many negative responses. I wasn’t worried about it. I could see the end product already in 1997. No matter what anyone said on the outside, inside we were all confident. The Mini stayed basically the same car from 1959 until 2000. We actually created an evolutionary process for the Mini, since it had never had one. We tried to imagine what it would have looked like as a new version for 1969, in 1979, 1989 and finally 1999. And that ‘99 sketch that I did was my starting point. My brief was to make that model a reality. To pay attention to the past, but make it decidedly modern. The word retro is very negative in design-speak. It’s a sin.(AutoWeek)

This is a fascinating glimpse into the creation of the new MINI. I’d love to see a longer more MINI focused interview with Mr. Stephenson at some point. Anyone know where I could reach him :-)

Chicago Drive Update

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 24th, 2003 6 Comments

While it looks as if there might be a slight dusting of snow tonight by no means will that keep us from the drive. We’ll still be meeting at 8 and plan to leave around 8:30. Don’t forget to bring any FRS radios you might have so we can all communicate with each other. I’ll be in the Indie Blue/White Cooper and will have name tags and Sharpie’s if anyone is interested in wearing one (not the sharpie) Steve will be in the Red/White and will have the maps for everyone.

The forcast for Sunday calls for Mostly Sunny skies with a balmy high of 18°F.

Hope to see all you Chicago folks there!

M7 Tuning

New Mini Car Market Set to Emerge in U.S.

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 23rd, 2003 2 Comments

Could Detroit be on the verge of falling behind the curve in another hot new market segment? The answer should come in short order, as offshore-based auto makers begin to bring some of their tiniest vehicles to the U.S.

Long-held conventional wisdom is that Americans won?t buy anything smaller than a Chevrolet Cavalier and that they equate tiny with cheap and unsafe.

But the reception of BMW?s high-styled Mini Cooper seems to have convinced some that times are changing. ?The U.S. is the second biggest market for the Mini?the smallest car offered,? points out BMW Chairman Helmut Panke, appearing a bit surprised, himself, at the success of the award-winning car, which sold out its nearly 25,000-unit allotment here last year.”(Wardauto.com)

With the introduction of Toyotas Scion division and Mercedes Smart Roadster being imported to the US in the coming years it would seem that the premium small catagory is about to be the next big thing (no pun intended). I think that BMW deserves tons of credit for paving the way with the MINI and risking a lot with the rollout of a car that many thought could never be sold on these shores. It would seem that once again they've set the benchmark for others to follow.

The MINI Cooper Wooden Dash:

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 22nd, 2003 7 Comments




I’ve heard this is going to be an option on the EU MINI soon and possibly the US. In my mind it seems that the curve of the dash makes the wood look overly fake. Thoughts?

MINI Magnetic Badges

The New New MINI (rumors)

MotoringFile Sections: R56 Jan 20th, 2003 2 Comments

If you’ve seen the photo section to the right you’ll know that there is a MINI Cabrio in the works for 2004.

What is new to me is the rumor that there will be a 2 seat speedster in 2005 based off of the upcoming cabrio. Rumor has it that this new 2-seater will be taking on the Miata and other small sport convertibles. It’ll have a different roof than the convertible with roll-over hoops, minimalist interior and will tentatively start around 20k.

In even more interesting news is that the plans for the next MINI are increasingly becoming clearer.

This next version will go on sale in 2006/2007 and will be longer, wider & taller in a bid to give it more cabin room & a better boot.

It may also get more doors too - but with a twist. BMW designers are toying with the idea of rear sliding doors like those on the forthcoming Peugeot 107. Access to the boot could be via two individual doors opening outwards like the old Mini Traveller. Power will come from all-new four cylinder petrol engines, the result of a joint venture between BMW & Peugeot-Citroen. The move will ensure that BMW can ditch the current 1.6litre Chrysler engine now supplied by arch-rival Mercedes-Benz. (bmw2002.co.uk)

It will be very interesting to see how much they actually change the look of the car since it’s such an iconic design.

8 MINI sightings in one day around Chicago

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 20th, 2003 6 Comments

How much is too much? Obviously the MINI will always be somewhat rare compared to the VW Beetles of the world but our exclusivity as owners is slowly diminishing.

Obviously this is only a problem in areas of the country where there are MINI dealerships. I assume in much of the US the sight of a Cooper driving down main street would be met with dropped jaws.

Nonetheless I have mixed feelings about this new found popularity. For one I always enjoyed the attention and the look on someone’s face when they see it for the first time. It’s a great way to meet people and get a smile out of a stranger.

In the end I suppose we should all get used to seeing ourselves coming and going. The US is projected to have over 100k in 4 years!

Announcing The Chicago January MINI Drive!

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 17th, 2003 13 Comments

When: Next Sunday the 26th of January at 8:00 am

Where: The Highland House (located in Highland Park at the northeast side of Route 22 and Route 41). There is an entrance heading north on 41 or you can exit at 22 and enter through the Mobil gas station. You will need to exit 41 at 22 and make a left (north) if you are heading southbound. Let’s plan on meeting in the northern parking lot (closest to the Acura dealer).

The address is:
2635 Skokie Valley Rd,
Highland Park, IL 60035

Who: Anyone is welcome to join us. If you have a new MINI, a Classic Mini, or are patiently awaiting your MINI that is currently on some ship crossing the Atlantic you’re welcome to come out.

The Plan: Meet early and take the long slow way up to Millies Pancake house in Delavan Wisconsin for b-fast. Most of the ride is quiet back roads and 2 lane highways, speeds from 35 to highway speeds. There are a few twisty bits and Hunt Club road has some horse fields.

The Map: http://www.motoringfile.com/pictures/jan_drive.jpg (warning; this is a fairly large jpg - you may want to right click and save it to your desktop to view it)

The Details: This drive is a fairly long one. We should expect to take over an hour to get up there. We’ll plan on taking a more direct route back. Our initial meeting place (Highland House) is a good place to gather as Sunday mornings usually brings bikes and north shore biker people. Needless to say they’re used to groups meeting there often (of course the owners would love more people to eat there, but lots of people just hang outside or order coffee to go). Here is the info on Millie’s…
Millie’s Restaurant & Shopping Village
Cty. O & S. Shore Dr
Delavan, Wi
262-728-2434

If you want more information about the town of Delavan check out their website: http://www.cityofdelavan.org/

Things to Bring: FRS Radios, a full tank of gas, all your best Mini apparel, and a smile.

What do you guys think? Feel free let us know below if you can make it or not by commenting below.

Photo of the Week (1.13.03)

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 14th, 2003 2 Comments

This was taken during out December MINI drive as we were heading through Chicago (via Lakeshore Drive) on our way to the western suburbs. The fog was just lifting from the lake and the sun had just began to finally shine through.

bridger.us/mini :::: new design launched

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 13th, 2003 1 Comment

I officially launched the site last week but I can now say that the design and layout has been finally been finalized. Thanks for bearing with me during the changes.

Many thanks for feedback as well!

Loaners at MINI Dealers…Coming Soon?

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 13th, 2003 9 Comments

I’ve recently heard that Knauz MINI (of Lake Bluff, IL) will start offering actual MINI loaners in the coming months to owners with cars in the shop. Has anyone else heard of similiar programs starting elsewhere?

This would be a fantastic upgrade in service and would eliminate my only complaint in regards to MINI ownership.

Chicago Area Drive? Anyone Have Thoughts on Where and When?

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jan 8th, 2003 34 Comments

Should we get together for a winter drive somewhere? Maybe we should plan something for the Chicago auto show in Mid-Febuary. Just a suggestion.

I’d also like to discuss with everyone the idea of a Chicago Chapter of the MINICCA the next time we all meet.

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Previous Select MF Features

2007
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2007 JCW Kit Officially Announced
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2006
MF Design Analysis: 2007 MINI
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2007 MINI Official Photos (Part 2 / Part 3)
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2005
Behind the Wheel of the 2007 MINI
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2004
Details on the MCS Limited Slip Dif
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MINI USA's JCW GP Delivery Program
2005 MINI Changes
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Hood Rub Service Bulletin
2004 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery

2003
MINI Accessory Additions for 2004
CVT Paddles Retrofit
2005 MINI Spotted
Rear Fogs Almost Here
New Prince Engine Caught Testing
MINI Releases Hood Rub Bulletin
MINI_Motion Launched
MINI Conquers Snow and Ice
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Black Wow
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MotoringFile Reviews

Auto Reviews:
'08 MINI Clubman
Comparison: '08 BMW 135i
'06 R53 MCS vs '07 R56 MCS
'07 R56 JCW (Stage 1)
'07 MINI Cooper S Long Term
'07 BMW Z4 M Coupe
'07 MINI Cooper & Cooper S
Audio: '07 MC/MCS at the Track
'06 JCW GP Long term
Reader Review: JCW GP
'06 JCW Cooper S Long Term
Comparison: '06 Lotus Elise
Comparison: '06 Mazda MX5
Comparison: '06 UK Focus ST
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Comparison: '04 TVR T350
Comparison: '06 Nissan 350z
Comparison: '06 VW GTI w/DSG
Podcast: Cooper S Auto
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'04 JCW MINI Cooper Tuning Kit
'05 MCS: One Month Review
'05 MCS Auto
'05 JCW S 1st Drive
'05 MINI Cooper
'05 MCS Conv. Long Term
'05 MINI Cooper S
'05 MCS Cabrio 1st Drive
'04 JCW MCS First Drive
'04 MC w/JCW Tuning Kit
BMW M3 SMG Vs. MCS
'04 MINI Cooper CVT
'02 MCS 3 year Review
Autocrossing the MINI Range

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Performance Accessories:
R56 JCW Suspension (Track)
R56 JCW Suspension (Street)
R53 Craven Speed Short Shifter
R53 M7 Understrut System
Kumho Ecsta SPT Tires
R53 M7 Strut Tower Plates
R53 JCW Alcantara Wheel
R53 JCW Brake Kit
R53 Webb 15% Pulley
R53 Helix MCSa 15% Pulley
R53 H-Sport 19mm Sway Bar
R53 MCS Supersprint Exhaust
Podcast: R53 MCS SS Exhaust
R53 JCW Cold Air Intake
Reader Rev.: R53 JCW Brakes
R50 Supersprint Exhaust
R50 Remus Exhaust
R50 Promini Intake
R50 Remus Dual Exhaust
Schroth Harness System
R50 CVT Steering Wheel Paddles

Exterior Accessories:
Miniature's Receiver Hitch
OEM White Tail Lights

Lifestyle Accessories:
MINI_Motion Watch
MINI_Motion Driving Shoe

Audio:
MINI Digital SoundModul
ICE-Link Plus iPod Adapter
Official BMW/iPod adapter
ICE-Link iPod Adapter
Kenwood iPod Interface
Alpine iPod Interface
Harman Kardon Stereo

Interior Accessories:
JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Leather Dash
MCAW Auto Up Circuit
MINI Rear Camera
MINI Rear Saddle (official)
MINI Rear Cargo Storage Case
Official MINI Rear Saddle Bag
2004 MINI Armrest Reviewed
Mymini Knee Pad
MINI Bluetooth Kit
MINI Video Input
Aftermarket Bluetooth Integration
Ian Cull Auto-up Circuit
Universal Mobile Phone Holder

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MINI Model Number Cheat Sheet:

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Coupe
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Coupe
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe
R57: One/MC/MCS Convt.
R60: MINI SUV