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Archive for November 2004

JC Challenge Joins British GT/F3 Series

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Nov 30th, 2004 3 Comments

This news comes from Crash.net:

Following its elevation to 'promoted series' status by the MSA, the John Cooper Challenge has been confirmed as the primary support race series for the British GT and British F3 programme in 2005.

Next season will be the highly successful one-make MINI racing series' fourth, and will comprise six double-header race weekends selected from the GT/F3 calendar between April and October. As in 2004, the championship grid will comprise both the Cooper S and Cooper categories and, with a total of 30 starting spots available, the split is anticipated to be twelve 'works' Cooper S models and 18 'works' Coopers. Despite having only recently informed this year's competitors of the changes, 18 places have already been filled by drivers returning to the series next year.

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US MINIs (again) Speak w/Brit English

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Nov 29th, 2004 47 Comments

mini

From frequent contributor Ian Cull and gbmini.net

In the early days of the new MINI, with CD-based navigation, you could have directions spoken with a British voice which seemed to many owners to be rather appropriate. Later releases, and the DVD-based version, dispensed with British accents - supposedly because American drivers could not understand!

Today at MINI Peabody, I mentioned this to Brig and he very helpfully took me through the Navigation setup in a MINI Cooper Convertible in the showroom:

In the setup screen (above right) you'll notice we were able to select “GB” as the voice, instead of “USA”. And then the car was speaking with a female British accent - I recorded a few seconds of “her” saying “louder” and “quieter” to give you an idea!

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MINI of Manhattan

Small Cars Go Big Time in the US

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Nov 29th, 2004 41 Comments

Fox News (of all places) has a short piece on the MINI's popularity in the US. Here's are a few excerpt:

The Mini has shown carmakers that small cars can do well in the U.S., if they are properly conceived and properly marketed,” said Joe DeMatio, senior editor at Automobile Magazine. “They have to have character, personality and performance.”

…The response to the Mini has other carmakers scrambling to follow suit. In the first half of 2006, Daimler Chrysler's Mercedes-Benz will roll out a compact, 13-foot SUV version of its Smart city coupe called the Smart Formore, starting at about $20,000.

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North American Motoring 2005 Calendar

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Nov 29th, 2004 3 Comments

mini

The 2005 North American Motoring Calendar is out and available over at the NAM store. Like last year the 2005 calendar is a collection of black and white photos from MINI owners throughout the US.

Mark Ferguson, founder of NAM, was nice enough to send over a pre-production copy for a full MotoringFile review. But that got me thinking… how does one review a calendar?

The first thing you notice is the size. As you might expect from a MINI calendar, it's fairly small. Then you start flipping the pages - the photos are just fantastic. The black and white look gives a classic a feel to the whole package and the MINI related history within every month make it feel… well… very MINI.

The NAM 2005 Calendar is certainly a smart addition to any garage, den or office. Go check it out.

[ North American Motoring Store ]

M7 Tuning

The JCW Do-It-Yourself Upgrade Kit

MotoringFile Sections: DIY, JCW, R53 Nov 26th, 2004 9 Comments

For those that like to get hands on with their MINI and have the previous John Cooper Works kit for their MCS we now have the official install PDF instructions on the 2005 upgrade kit. The kit retails for $525 and typically requires an hour of dealer labor for the install. You can expect that dealer installation to increase the price by at least $100 when it's all said and done. However even if you do the work yourself the MCS will need to be reprogrammed by the dealer to “activate” the improved injectors. So don't think of this as a huge money saver… it's more of an opportunity to spend some quality time with your car. Grab the PDF below

[ JCW 2005 Upgrade PDF ]

See related stories: “JCW Upgrade

Twin-lamp Shock For New MINI

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press, R56 Nov 24th, 2004 46 Comments

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AutoExpress has some news on the next iteration of everyone's favorite small car. Mechanically speaking there's nothing really new from the article that we haven't heard on MotoringFile many times before - including the new engine range. However it's the possible new look that may surprise some. Here's an excerpt from the article:

It's a MINI invention! BMW has already started one of the toughest design jobs of the decade, and this week's magazine has got the pictures that prove it! And you're in for a shock, because gone are the single round headlamps, replaced by controversial twin lenses. Gone, too, is the clamshell bonnet, in favour of a conventionally hinged one.

But there is good news for diehard MINI traditionalists - the new grille is getting bigger and will echo more closely the look of the original Mini, introduced 45 years ago.

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MINI Magnetic Badges

Dension Introduces the Ice>Link Plus

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Nov 23rd, 2004 155 Comments

mini

Dension has made a key upgrade to its already popular Ice>Link iPod adapter (reviewed last spring). For those that don't know the Ice>Link was the first to integrate the iPod and the MINI's radio controls (including the multi-function steering wheel) in simple yet effective process.

But this new version has several key improvements over the previous version. The Ice>Link not only has all of the functionality inherent in the iPod (being able to choose any playlist, album, artist, etc directly from the iPod) but now also takes on the functionality that the official MINI iPod adapter delivers and more. Dual mode operation (as Dension calls it) means that you can use your radio or iPod user interface to navigate through playlists, albums and songs. The Ice>Link Plus translates your vehicle's head unit commands into iPod commands emulating a fully loaded CD changer with advanced features.

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Join the Queue for New MINI

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Nov 23rd, 2004 2 Comments

What Car? (a UK car mag) shows that the US isn't the only place that has long wait times and high residuals for the new MINI. Here's an excerpt:

Waiting times (in the UK) are already as long as six months. Convertible buyers face particularly long delays because it accounts for just 25% of Mini production.

What Car's team of mystery shoppers is still unable to find any discounts, despite the fact that the Mini has been on sale since July 2001. Residual values are excellent, with Minis retaining between 66% and 71% of their value after three years depending on the model.

You can read the entire article here.

Out Motoring

MotoringFile 2004 Holiday Gift Guide

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature Nov 22nd, 2004 26 Comments

mini

We’d like to introduce the MotoringFile 2004 Holiday Gift Guide downloadable PDF. Instead of just posting a few gift ideas like we did last year we’ve created a downloadable PDF that can be read off-line, printed, or emailed easily. Of course the best part; it’s much easier to print out and hand someone for gift ideas!

Within the guide we suggest over 30 different gifts for the MINI enthusiast from $15 to almost $800. Like last year we wanted to keep our suggestions within reason for most out there while maintaining a wide selection of gift ideas. From apparel to cold air intakes we’ve tried to include many different aspects of the accessories available for the MINI and the enthusiast.

You can download the file by clicking on the image above. Please only download the file once.

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The NY Times Reviews the MCSc

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Nov 21st, 2004 7 Comments

For those that still haven't tired of reading reviews of the new MINI Cooper S Convertible (even after we posted our own) you'll be happy to note that the New York Times has finally weighed in with their thoughts. Here's an excerpt:

EVERY once in a while, I encounter a car so fun to drive that it demands I do stupid things, as if the remote clicker unlocks not only the doors, but also my inner adolescent. Before my rational side can intervene, I am throwing the car around corners, traveling at illegal speeds and shirking responsibilities to take impromptu drives.

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Winter Driving Tips from Tirerack

MotoringFile Sections: Best of the Web Nov 19th, 2004 10 Comments

Since the start of winter is almost upon us we thought it might be time for a little winter driving recap. For those in warmer climates you might want to skip this one. This is only for those hardy souls that can do snow induced hand-brake donuts in their sleep. The Tirerack has a series of winter driving articles for those that would like to know more about the wonderful world of oversteer and understeer. Here's an excerpt of one of the better ones:

To most effectively control your car on a slippery road, you should always use only one control at a time. While cornering, for instance, you should be off the brake and off the accelerator, coasting through the turn and using all available grip for steering. The proper way to negotiate any curve or corner is to brake on the straightway before the curve to adjust your speed; then coast and steer through the turn. When you start to straighten the steering wheel as you exit the curve, gently accelerate out of the turn.

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Autocar Reveals More of the Next MINI

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press, R56 Nov 18th, 2004 37 Comments

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Never one to rest on it's laurels, British magazine Autocar has a couple new photos of a testing mule that appears to be an early version of the R56 - the next generation MINI. This just a week after the previous photo and article. There's really no new info for the well informed MotoringFile visitor but the photos do give us a glimpse (you may need to squint) of the next MINI's overall shape. Remember… evolution over revolution. Here's an excerpt from the article:

With less than two years to go before the third-generation Mini is revealed by BMW, the first engineering prototypes are testing in Germany. Last week we ran the first picture of the next-generation Mini, but these new scoops reveal even more about the car.

The current car’s exposed wipers have been recessed to sit beneath the bonnet’s trailing edge. This is partly to improve pedestrian head protection during an impact, but required a major re-design of the car’s frontal structure.

You can read and see more from Autocar here. And you can read more on the R56 (the next generation MINI) in these previous MotoringFile articles.

New MotoringFile Desktop Wallpaper

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Nov 18th, 2004 13 Comments

mini

As several have commented recently it's been a long time since we've added anything to our desktop wallpaper section. I'm happy to say the wait is over. Dave Bunting, long a fixture at North American Motoring, has generously donated a fantastic photo he recently took for use as MotoringFile desktop wallpaper. So for those that need to spruce up the desktop a bit check out our wallpaper section.

[MotoringFile Wallpaper]

Official MINI/iPod Adapter Review

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Nov 17th, 2004 76 Comments

[Update: Matthew was kind enough to substantially update his review with another day's worth of use behind him. Skip down to the end of this article for the update portion.]

For all of you patiently awaiting the official iPod adapter here is the first review of the actual MINI version of the product.

Installation:
The entire process was very painless at about 2 hours. (Bare in mind that this was their very first official 'consumer' install they have ever done aside from the demo MINI so they did spend time to make sure it was just right.) My guess is that it could be done in less than an hour if the glovebox & centre console area are already cleared. Wanted to do the install myself, but there isn't an install manual with the kit like many other oem parts.

The cable is just a bit over 62 cm from the interior glovebox gasket to the beginning of the dock module. Sadly, this isn't long enough to put my ipod in it's usual resting place below the e-brake.

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MINIUSA To Finally Release iPod Adapter

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Nov 17th, 2004 8 Comments

Reports from a couple of people in the know indicate that the official iPod Adapter has just been released today and will slowly be making it's way out to dealers in large numbers by the end of November.

You can read the MotoringFile review of the BMW kit (which is identical to the MINI version) here.

We should have a review of the MINI kit very shortly.

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Previous Select MF Features

2007
MINI Officially Updates Line-up for 2008
New Models & Production Locations Confirmed
MotoringFile's MINI United Coverage
2007 JCW Kit Officially Announced
MINI's Top Secret Colorado Project
2009 Factory JCW MCS (Stage II)
More MINI Variants Officially Confirmed
MINI Clubman Official Photos and Specs
R56 Pedestrian Crash Analysis
Future JCW Vehicles Revealed
MINI USA's Motorby Pilot Program
MINI Clubman Update & Sketch
BMW To Re-Brand JCW
2007 MINI MotoringFile Q&A
MINI One and MINI Cooper D Now Official
2007 MINI Reader Reviews
2007 MINI USA Pricing and Options
MINI Unveils the Sidewalk

2006
MF Design Analysis: 2007 MINI
2007 JCW Accessories Revealed
MINI Names the R55: The Clubman 2007 MINI In Detail (Part 2 / Part 3)
2007 MINI Official Photos (Part 2 / Part 3)
2007 MINI Drops Weight
Official 2007 MINI UK PDFs
2007 Nav Includes iDrive-Like Controller
2007 US Market Options Packages
Hey Stracco: The Interview
Let's Plan: MINI Clubs & MTTS
MINI's Official R56 Preview Photos
MINI's Official R56 Preview
Next Generation MINI Revealed (#2)
'07 MC & MCS Spotted in Death Valley
2007 MINI Color List (US Market)
'07 MINI Gets More Power/Less Weight
MF Review: MINIs on the Dragon
MINI USA Releases JCW GP Pricing
JCW Cooper S Long Term Review
Seven New Colors for 2007
MINI Release Info on Next Gen Engines
Chicago Autoshow Gallery
JCW GP at Geneva (final release info)
2006 JCW Product Info
MINI Concept Detroit - In Detail
MINI Sourced Triump Still Years Away
US Connection for MINI's new Roadster
First MINI Now Triumph?
More News on the MINI Triumph Concept

2005
Behind the Wheel of the 2007 MINI
MINI Concept Tokyo - In Detail
MINI Concept Frankfurt - In Detail
Driven: The Nürburgring Nordschleife
MINI Wins at Targe Newfoundland
2006 JCW Accessories
US Market Color Changes for 2006
Getrag's All Wheel Drive MINI In Depth
BMW/MINI to Buy JCW?
Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing
Special Editions/Package for 2006
Checkmate Options Package (USA)
JCW Direct From to the Factory in '06
Tips on How to Sell Your MINI
2006 Model Year Timeline
MINI's 2006 Color Changes
Next Generation MINI Revealed
Official MINI Armrest Revealed
MotoringFile Review: MCS Auto

2004
Details on the MCS Limited Slip Dif
MotoringFile 2004 Holiday Gift Guide
Getrag Tests All-Wheel Drive MINI
Q&A on the OutMotoring ARC Armrest
2005 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery
MINI USA's JCW GP Delivery Program
2005 MINI Changes
The Cabrio In Depth / Gallery
Special Edition MC40 / Gallery
MINI Plant Tour Review
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
MINI One D Announced
MINI Named North American Car of the Year
Helix Minisports
Otto's MINI

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MF Club Mappr mini
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MotoringFile Buyers Guides

R50 ('02-'06 MC) Buyers Guide
R53 ('02-'06 MCS) Buyers Guide

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
Comparison: '06 Civic Si
Comparison: '04 TVR T350
Comparison: '06 Nissan 350z
Comparison: '06 VW GTI w/DSG
Podcast: Cooper S Auto
Podcast: BMW 325i
Podcast: JCW MC Soundkit
'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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> Gift ideas for $50 or more in The Tire Rack's Automotive Gift Guide.
> Shop for KUMHO tires at The Tire Rack.

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