Archive for July 2003
Jul 31st, 2003
You might have noticed some subtle change to the layout of the posts on the site recently. As always I'm playing with the layout and other small design details here and there to help improve both usability and look & feel. I guess as a designer that's the sort of thing that makes me excited to get up in the mornings.
Anyway if you do see small changes over the next several days don't be alarmed – I'm just trying to make this site a bit easier to use and nicer to look at.
Cheers
Gabe
Jul 31st, 2003
Meeting Place: Patrick MINI
Meeting Time: August 13th 6:00pm
I'm pleased to announce another upcoming Chicago MINI Motoring Club event. We will meet at Patrick MINI on the 13th of August at 6:00pm where legendary MINI racing veteran Phil Wicks will discuss his Midwest Driver Track Days at Gateway International Raceway. Phil will walk through all the details of the Track Days event plus (if we’re lucky) talk about his long racing career and what it was like to drive in the original Italian Job as a stunt man. The Track Days event will take place on August 30th at Gateway International Raceway just northeast of St. Louis. Chicago MINI Club Members will be offered a discount of 20%. So the Novice Class – usually $275 – is $220 and the Intermediate and Expert classes – usually $175 – is $140. Again this discount is only available to full members of the club.
This meeting will also be a great way to come out and see some of us for the first time if you couldn’t make it to the July Rally earlier this month. All are welcome to attend and we will be accepting membership applications at the meeting. Please email me at gabe@chicagominiclub.com if you plan on attending this event.
Also a big thanks go out to Patrick MINI for letting us use their facilities for this meeting – thanks Kevin! Of course this would be a great time to take advantage of our club discount at Patrick and pick up some of that fantastic MINI.
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Jul 30th, 2003
From MINI PR:
“Woodcliff Lake, NJ, July 29, 2003 … MINI has announced that dealer-installed front and rear fog lamp kits will be available from late September.
Suitable for all existing MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S models, the kits can be bought for the rear only or front and rear as a package. The kits have an MSRP of $75 for the rear kit and $199 for the front and rear kit combined, exclusive of installation charges.
Kit pricing includes an additional toggle switch for the front console. Installation includes ancillary wiring and reprogramming of the vehicle's software.”
These are very fair prices! A big thanks to Jason Livingood for setting up the initial petition last year and getting the ball rolling on this issue. I'm proud to say I'm number 14 on the list :) Of course we should also thank MINIUSA. It's rare for an automobile company to pay so much attention to what it's customers actually want – especially something that initially goes contrary to the auto company's wishes.
Jul 30th, 2003
I've updated my Cooper Remus exhaust review to reflect a full year of ownership. I've also had an opportunity to hear other systems out there and compare them to the Remus. It might be a helpful for anyone looking into aftermarket exhausts systems for their Cooper.
Check it out: motoringfile.com/exhaust
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Jul 29th, 2003
Even if BMW Chairman Helmut Panke has personally moved back the introduction of the Four Door MINI to 2008 it hasn't stopped people from giving their interpretations of what the car might eventually look like. Granted I'd guess that by the time we see this model MINI will have launched the next general MINI platform, a new engine, and could very well have a slightly different look.
Here's Mr. Panke's original comments on the four door MINI from June's Automobile Magazine:
…”He wouldn't elaborate on what evolution [of the new 1 series] meant but we was more forthcoming about why a 5 door MINI [4 doors plus the hatch = 5] has been pushed back to 2008. “I would really like to do a second MINI model range. But I simply have not found the right approach. You see, brands need to be treated with diligence and care. There is certainly plenty of talent on the case, but we still need a little more time”.
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You can read that initial article here. This photo is courtesy of www.stern.de.
Jul 29th, 2003
Here's a very interesting update on some of the software issues that a few of us have been experiencing. It was sent in by Phobol who was lucky enough to meet with engineers at the BMW Eastern Division Research Center:
I met with engineers today again, at their work place (more about it below) and they took my MCS for a drive, came back and said that, “yes, it's there” but they can't fix it for several reasons:
1. DMI is self adjusting and adapting, and to fix this problem they would have to change the adaptation logarithms.
2. They can't change software code, only versions because the software is owned by Siemens who in turn subcontracts Recarro to develop it. Neither of these companies want to lose full control of the software, so they won't let BMW group play with it.
3. It may have something to do with the “anti-jerk” feature designed specifically for front wheel cars, that adjusts the throttle to avoid the yank of the wheel. It kicks in just when you accelerate. What apparently happened is that Recarro only tested the software in England and Germany and figured that if it's good enough fo London and Munich, it's good for the rest of the world. WRONG!!! The heat factor plays a big role in when that “anti-jerk” kicks in and how much.
4. This is why the two engineers are going to Arizona next week. They will collect all the data they can and then relay it to Recarro who in turn is supposed to make changes to software.
This is a lot of info to absorb in half an hour, so I MAY be wrong about exact details (i.e. company names)
I was very impressed and surprised by the hospitality. Wonderful people making wonderful products. MINI is just one of them, and I am positive that all of the problems will be fixed soon, because they are aware of them and are working hard to get the fixes out to us.”
Great info – thanks!
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Jul 28th, 2003
From Andy:
“Just been on a factory tour at Oxford today and all the MINIs being built had the shark fin antenna – looked good, but my Cooper S which I picked up last week doesn't have it!!”
“Also saw an all white Cooper S being driven around the plant.”
I've heard this but hadn't seen it substantiated until now. Thanks Andy! BTW that photo offers us more proof as it's an '04 MINI ONE D that does not have navigation.
Jul 28th, 2003
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If you live in northern California or are willing to travel you might be interested in the MINI Challenge:
“Mini Challenge is a gathering of street and race Classic Minis and New MINIs to be held at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, as part of the US Sports Car Invitational Weekend. The Ultimate Mini Challenge pits Classic Minis against New MINIs for the first time in the largest all-Mini/MINI grid ever!
The event will also host a MINI Corral for all non-track MINIs & Minis.
“Participants will get exclusive access to tour the track during the Parade Laps, on Sunday at noon. It's behind a pace car … no passing each other … keep it under control … but the Corkscrew is still a thrill you should not miss.”
Of course if would like to simple come and watch all events are open to the public:
“The Ultimate Mini Challenge and the Mini Corral are part of Mazda Raceway's US Sports Car Invitational, and draws many thousands of spectators throughout the weekend (official estimates are about 10,000). The Mini Corral is adjacent to the Vendor Village, so that spectators can come admire our splendid Minis.”
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p>You can find out more about the Ultimate Mini Challenge at the online FAQ here.
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Jul 28th, 2003
There has been some question as to whether JCW would ever be selling their Works Kit accessories in the US that go on sale this fall. With the Works Kit itself proving to be more popular than originally anticipated I would one would think that MINIUSA would be interested in getting all things JCW over to the US market as soon as possible. Recently I posed that question to the JCW headquarter directly:
“The wheels and seats are due to be launched here in the UK in September it will purely be a decision from MINIUSA as to whether they will market them (in the US).”
There you go – a pretty straight answer. I imagine we'll know soon enough what they plan on doing. I would imagine that the seats will be the hot commodity as they are the only aftermarket seats designed to accept the standard side airbag. Of course it helps that they look fantastic.
Jul 28th, 2003
Paul over at MINI2 has posted some additional changes for the '04 model year that weren't on the original bulletin I first received on the 15th of July. Many of these I had heard rumors of before but never had been able to get them confirmed:
- New key on all MINIs (not confirmed for '04)
- Cooper not coming with leather wheel as standard (11/03, for USA) (not confirmed)
- MP3 Compatible CD Player (not confirmed)
- Harmon Kardon loses Radio/Cassette.
- Indicators flash once when MINI unlocked, twice when locked.
- Doors relock after 2 minutes if not physically opened before that time.
- Shark Fin Antenna standard (from Andy) (not confirmed)
I had heard talk of replacing the key as far back as before the introduction of the MINI in the US in March of 02 so it will be interesting to see what they finally come up with and when they bring it out. I would imagine it might look a little more like the current BMW key.
The MP3 compatible CD player simply makes a lot of sense in this day in age as well as the loss of the cassette player for the HK option. Both these changes seem like no brainers to me.
Again these changes haven't been officially confirmed but Paul's track record with info like this is pretty good.
Jul 24th, 2003
Bridger.us/MINI is going to be taking a little break over the coming weekend so I though I'd like offer you another look at some of the stories this past month in case you missed them:
For a full list of recent posts simply check the Archives.
Jul 23rd, 2003
So you have an iPod and are looking to integrate it with your MINI. You've got the AUX input or the Blitzsafe adapter and now you just need to figure out how to mount the iPod in the MINI. Then you turn the TV on and see the Pods Unite VW commercial. You get depressed. You begin to think that the marketing people at MINI were asleep at the wheel, missed a great opportunity and worst of all caused you to miss out on total iPod integration. Well think again – the MINI and the iPod are now able to unite in the same mutual bliss that was once soley reserved for the Beetle. Enter The Belkin TuneDok Car Holder for iPod:
Belkin has posted information about a new car holder called the TuneDok. This is the same iPod holder as being sold in the VW iPod connectivity kit for the
'Pods Unite' promotion. The TuneDok features 'AirGrip'
technology (suction cup) for secure placement, a large
and small rubber base plus adapter cup for exact fit
in a cup holder, cable management system, and comes
with a 3 year warranty. The TuneDok fits all iPod
models and retails for $29.99, but is not yet
available. No anticipated shipping date has been
announced. (ipodlounge.com)
Best of all you can one-up the Beetle and it's lowly cassette tape adapter with the MINI AUX input! You can read more about it here According to the ipodlounge.com it should ship in the middle of September.
[update] for some reason it's been removed from Belkin's website entirely. Perhaps the release has been pushed back a bit?
Jul 23rd, 2003
As many of you know some owners out there have had issues with both the Cooper and the Cooper S stalling and or stumbling off the line. While most CVT issues seemed to be solved with the 33.1 update at this time (as far as I know) the other issues with the manual MC and the MCS have yet to be addressed. This thread and more specifically this post are good resources to take a look at if you think you may have this issue.
Personally I've had an occasional stall or near stall when the call is cold or while the air in on. Has anyone here had similar issues with their MINI?
Jul 22nd, 2003
Sean Bartnik has a great write-up over at his site about the trials and tribulations of the MINI Auxiliary Audio Adapter including installation instructions:
“When the 2003 MINI model specifications were announced, new on the list was an auxiliary input on the stereo so that the owner can attach a device such as an mp3 player or a satellite radio tuner and play it through the stock stereo system. Central to this concept was the MINI auxiliary adapter, which was said to be coming “soon” and perhaps even by the end of 2002. Many a MINI owner looked fondly to the day when he or she could connect his or her iPod and play it through the car stereo. Imagine — no more carrying around stacks of CDs! I myself eagerly looked forward to the no doubt soon to arrive day when I could connect the iPod I got for Christmas.
I finally got my hands on an adapter today and promptly installed it. If you wish to purchase this adapter, you can get it from your local MINI dealer. In case the parts counter guy doesn't know what you are talking about, the part number is 82 11 0 153 367 and it should run you about $40.00. NOTE: This adapter will only work with 2003 model MINIs. The 2002 model stereos do not have the programming required (and may or may not have the input on the back) to recognize the adapter. The instructions that came with the adapter specifically state that this will work with MINIs from September 2002 production and later.
What you get for your $40 is a cable that plugs into the back of the stereo head unit on one end and provides a 1/8″ headphone jack style input on the other. The cable is approximately 3 feet long, providing plenty of length to mount it wherever your heart desires. You also receive a mounting faceplate as well as two screws and washers to attach the faceplate. You get a set of instructions and you even get 3 nice big plastic wire ties, a nice touch”…
You can read the entire review including the installation instructions here. Thanks Sean for the write-up. I think it helps many of the questions that some of us have had.
Even though '02 cars can't have this input installed interestingly I have heard reports that '02 cars will accept '03 stereos very easily.
Jul 22nd, 2003
For the Midwest area readers and dedicated baseball fans willing to travel I've been informed that the Chicago MINI Motoring Club, due to demand, now has an extra 20 tickets available for purchase to this event.
Again we have reserved a block of seats for the game, and we'll be tailgating together as well. To reserve your tickets email ron@chicagominiclub.com. The Baseball game tickets are $12.00 each and the cost of parking will be $6.00 Even with this new allotment tickets are going quickly so please place your orders as soon as possible.
For much more information about this event visit this page.
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