Jun 24th, 2003
From MINIUSA:
“Forget burning a CD to hold your data. Now come a pair of new watches that are the latest word in personal data storage. BMW and MINI jointly announce their own versions of a Memory Watch that features an integrated USB port and holds up to 128 megabytes (MB) of data via an internal memory card. By directly connecting to any computer, business presentations, photos, music, passwords and more can be stored on both the BMW Memory Watch ($128) and the MINI Memory Watch ($128). Of course, they also tell time.
Both watches are ideal for business trips. Instead of fiddling with discs and CDs, simply download presentations and business files into your wristwatch and go. The watches can be put to use for business or pleasure and they are great to store those favorite photos or tunes. Downloading Data is almost as fun as wearing the watch itself.
Both models can connect to an MP3 for data transfer, and both are Macintosh and PC compatible. The Memory Watches feature standard USB interfaces, a USB extension cord and an integrated USB plug. No external power supply is needed. A plug, play and easy operations start-up CD disc is included, and both models are shock proof, anti-static and water resistant.
The MINI Memory Watch is part of the MINI MotoringGear collection, and is sold at MINI dealerships at www.minimotoringgear.com or by calling 866-467-MINI (6464).”
Jun 23rd, 2003
There's a great installation write-up and photo collection over at MCO regarding the new MINI AUX Input (available for '03s on). You can check it out here.
Jun 22nd, 2003
From Newsweek:
So far, summer's best product placement the too-cute Mini Coopers in The Italian Job didn't cost the car company a penny. BMW just turned over the keys to 32 of its British bulldogs, and agreed to let the studio demolish them during the elaborate chase scenes. The criminals are trying to steal gold, but the Mini hijacks the movie running down stairs, sneaking onto subway tracks, outmaneuvering helicopters. (Charlize Theron is considerably less active.) Just three weeks after the movie's premiere, Mini folks estimate that sales have spiked more than 20 percent. What aspiring baddie wouldn't pay $20,000 for the ultimate getaway car. “We like to think they're fleeing from everyday life,” says a spokesman.
Jun 21st, 2003
So you want equal power out of both wheels? You want maximum traction and stability without DSC? You're going to want to check Team MCO's latest addition to their MCS:
Tuesday morning came and I took the TEAM MCO COOPER S over to BimmerHaus Performance for our long awaited limited slip differential install. To get to this point I spent a lot of time on the phone with our friends at Helix13 getting a guideline how-to together for the installation along with a list of all the parts that were needed. The parts list is actually pretty short:
Quaife Limited Slip Differential
Two bearings
Some formable gasket
2 qts of transmission fluid
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p>You can read the entire experience and see tons of photos here. If you get a chance you'll also want to check out Team MCO's brake upgrade they made a couple weeks back.
Jun 20th, 2003
From the iPodlounge.com:
An anonymous reader has sent us the contents of a reply email from Blitzsafe:
“We did start a basic interface for the iPod, I do not think before September or October, We are working with Apple now. We do have the Aux interface available at this time, you will use the iPod to control function, or you may wait. Stay tuned.”
Wanted to let the iPodophiles know that Blitzsafe, the makers of the auxillary input adapters, is working directly with Apple (according to Blitzsafe, blitzsafe@blitzsafe.com) to create an adapter (for cd changer ready headunits) that will not only provide the audio input but also allow the headunit's controls to control the iPod. I've not gotten confirmation on providing a power source for the iPod via this adapter, but headunits normally send 12v to the changer. The adapter probably won't be ready before September/October time frame for general release.
Great news, especially since my iPod continually tries to kill me when I'm driving (distracting me while I should be braking, turning or just paying attention in general).
Editor's note: Blitzsafe has confirmed this to be true in an email to iPodlounge with a simple 'yes.' No other information was provided.
Very cool. Being able to control my iPod from the multi-function steering wheel sounds fantastic. Hopefully it's not too outragously expensive. Currently Blitzsafe makes the only RCA AUX input device that works with '02 MINIs.
Jun 20th, 2003
For those out there that either want to install their own JCW kit (gasp) or are just really interested to see what the dealer charges $1000 for you can now check out the official instructions youself. Enjoy!
The John Cooper Works Kit Instructions
Jun 19th, 2003
From MINIUSA:
About your MINI's ECVT Transmission.
I'm with MINI USA. The ECVT transmission continuously varies the gear ratios, by means of a primary and secondary pulley connected by a drive belt, to provide optimum performance under a wide variety of conditions. Depending on road speed and driver demand, the circumference of the pulleys adjusts, changing the ratios. Electronic controls optimize performance and detect any faults.
As a result of the singular design of the ECVT, the transmission has characteristics different from a regular automatic transmission. These are, however, normal and do not indicate a problem with your transmission.
This technology is part of what makes the MINI Cooper so remarkable. It provides the convenience of automatic shift, while enabling the more spirited motorer to manually shift through 6 speeds, enhancing that famous go-kart handling of your MINI.
If you have any questions or if we can help out in any way, you can always call us at (866)ASK.MINI.
You can read some of the issues people have had with the CVT in this post from a couple months back.
