Archive for April 2003

Solid Gold… Has Landed

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 24th, 2003 8 Comments

Thoughts?

John Cooper Works for the MCS… Limited Availability?

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 23rd, 2003 3 Comments

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p>UPDATE 2: Another source has now told me that a typical dealer should be able to get around a total 20 kits for 2003. Aparently many dealers are already sold out of their initial allotment.

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p>UPDATE: I just received some more info from the same source:

My info yesterday was “lite” on the numbers. Now the source says “150 kits for 75 dealers”. I am stunned! Hopefully they can gear up and get a bunch more produced.

This is an amazingly small amount. I wouldn't be surprised if this is just the initial spring production. (the original post is below)

I just received this from a very reliable source:

Don't tell anyone where you heard this….but the availability of these aforementioned kits is going to be VERY limited! Dealers will only be able to get just a few initially. It seems to me HQ has underestimated the popularity of this upgrade, and supply is extremely limited…1500 only. Parts deptartments have 'em on backorder now.”

So unless MINIUSA changes the allocation numbers all you JCW hopefuls may want to get on the phone to your dealer sooner rather than later. Pricing will be $4500 + an estimated 8-10 hours of dealer installation. No word yet on how much the JCW accessories like 18″ wheels and sport seats will cost.

Crain's Business Journal Interviews Chicago MINI Owners

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 22nd, 2003 4 Comments

Okay it sounds better than it actually is. I got an email a week ago from a Crains reporter wanting to ask me a variety of questions for a story they were writing on the MINI phenomena. So I offered a number of names of area owners that might be good to talk to. As it turns out Victoria Landau and I were the only ones that actually made the article. Nonetheless it's an interesting piece that generally retraces most of what's been written before. Here are our respective quotes:

“You really do stand out from the crowd when you drive a MINI” says Ms. Landau who owns an indie blue model with a black roof. “I get dirty looks from people in Hummers. But then, some people roll down their windows and say, 'What's that? It's so cute.'”…

…Obviously some people aren't convicted that bigger is better. MINI owner Gabriel Bridger is one of those people.

“When you get a big, flashy car, you're just flaunting your supposed testosterone.” Mr. Bridger says. “When I drive my MINI, there's no pretense there, no overbearing connotations…People actually smile at you rather than scowl.”

I swear I don't remember saying “big and flashy”. Anyway the article is online but only available to premium subscribers of Crains Chicago. The magazine is available at finer newsstands across the Chicago area.

Your MINI and your Bike.

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 20th, 2003 13 Comments

This weekend I invested in a new bike and Yakima bike rack. I was very opposed to drilling holes in my roof and didn't trust the roof racks that attached to the black plastic rain gutter. What I found was the Yakima “Mo Joe”. It fits the MINI perfectly, holds three bikes, and retails for only $130.

I'll give it 4 out or 5 stars for it's good fits and easy installations. The only downside is that it's not as secure traveling at highway speeds during windy conditions as it did tend to sway just a bit over some larger bumps with two bikes. Other than that the car doesn't seem any worse for the wear after a three hour trip.

Whoa… What's This?

Sections: Recalls/Campaigns Apr 17th, 2003 41 Comments

To all those higher mileage MINIs out there…

Have you taken a look on the bottom of your hood recently? I was cleaning out my engine on Sunday and found something fairly troubling.

The images show that the hood has been in contact with the rubber surround in front of the engine and has caused some interesting issues. It's worn through the paint and primer down to the bare metal on one side and is getting close on the other. #1 is the top right, #2 is the top left (where it's worn to bare metal), and 3 & 4 are the respective sides of the rubber molding. Has anyone seen or heard of this happening before?

My dealer is having MINI regional rep come out and take a look in the next couple weeks to determine what exactly is going on. While I have no concern that MINIUSA won't take care of the problem I'm alarmed that it happened in the first place. I suppose there's a very good chance that this is an isolated incident and there's nothing to worry about. But that being said I'd be interested to know if others with higher mileage cars out there are seeing similar symptoms

Update: Thanks to these photo (which were passed onto MINI engineers) we’ve got ourselves an official response and bulletin. Details can be found here.

MINI's marked down?

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 16th, 2003 9 Comments

This report comes courtesy of BB Mykal and an unamed Chicago radio station:

The radio spot announced that the MINI was “Retro Modern” (if that's possible).

“The car that is turning heads” A special deal of $199/mo Lease, and $16,075 for the Cooper. I guess they may have a number of Coopers in stock.

Wow – this is an interesting turn of events. I had talked with another Chicago dealer that told me things were a little slower during the colder months but that was to be expected. He assumed things would pick up once the warmer weather hit. Judging by the couple times I've been by the dealer since I would have to conclude he was correct. But this new radio ad would seem to indicate that not all dealers are seeing the same sales.

The only MINI in the Import Revolution, Chicago…

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 16th, 2003 3 Comments

From BB Mykal:

The only MINI in the Import Revolution, Chicago was MINE! Import Revolution features mainly Aisan Imports but really any import is eligible.

I had one AWESOME time! My brother (Silver 98 Beetle) and I setup our space and prepared for the what had to be 20,000 people that filed through 4-11:30 on Saturday.

At the end of the night, 10:30, they announced the winners. There were other classes but my interest was in “Street” basic modifications, and “Other” that includes imports like Kia, Hyundai, Daewoo, and imports like the MINI that are not listed normally. I did not hear my name on “Street”, but did on the “Best of Class – Other”!!!

Let me say again I had so much fun! The best part was watching people smile big as they walked by, and see their mouths go M-I-N-I cOOp-ER.

I would like to thank the Academy, oh sorry, actually MaxMINI for his support, as he did the same show in CA and helped with some support issues and general questions. :))