Sections: DIY Feb 28th, 2005 27 Comments (From MINIUSA):
Due to a wiring change in 7/04, a new Satellite Radio Antenna was developed for 2005 or newer MINI Cooper and Cooper S Coupes. The appearance of the antenna remains the same. However, the connector for the AM/FM portion o the antenna and the power connector have changed and a new antenna mast must be used.
Sections: Site News Feb 28th, 2005 37 Comments Time to reset your cache and refresh your browsers, today is a big day at MotoringFile. We’ve added a new way to read MINI related news from around the web and refined (yet again) our look and feel.
As some of you may know MotoringFile was the first MINI website with an RSS feed and we continue to be big proponents of the technology. With increased use of these feeds by MINI related websites, many people have found a new and efficient way of reading their favorite websites with RSS news reading software. However, the vast majority of users haven’t adopted the standard. Whether it’s a case of not wanting to download yet another program or simply not knowing about RSS, there remains a large group that haven’t taken advantage of the technology.
Sections: DIY, JCW, R50 (Coupe), R53 (Coupe) Feb 26th, 2005 43 Comments 
Now that the JCW Brake Kit is readily available at dealers (and even on MINIUSA), let’s take an closer look at some of the specs (From MINIUSA):
Aftersales is pleased to announce the release of the new John Cooper Works Sport Brake Kit.
The John Cooper Works Sport Brake Kit can be installed on all MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtop and Convertible. The Brake kit was designed and developed by John Cooper Works in conjunction with the BMW Group brake specialists and has been tested and approved on the basis of the BMW/MINI requirements.
Sections: Official News Feb 25th, 2005 14 Comments 
From the Korea Times:
German auto giant BMW yesterday unveiled the premium compact Mini to Korean consumers, targeting the younger generation eager to take up the latest fad.
BMW sold 187,357 units of the Mini in more than 70 countries last year. BMW Group Korea said the car will appeal to those in their 20s and 30s who pursue distinguished lifestyles.
Sections: DIY, Official News, R50 (Coupe), R52 (Conv.), R53 (Coupe) Feb 25th, 2005 13 Comments Here’s some important information for all those with US spec MINIs built after 1/05 (from an internal MINIUSA bulletin):
The MINI Cooper and Cooper S production 01/05 and forward will have an OC3 mat in the passenger seat. Therefore the seat covers and sheepskin seat savers are not to be installed on the passenger seat of these models.
Sections: DIY Feb 24th, 2005 23 Comments MINI has finally introduced an official retrofit kit for the chrome line interior kit. Here’s all the info:
The chrome Tach-meter and the chrome Speedo/Tach-meter on the steering column (in combination with the chrono pack or the navigation system) are only available as complete units, as the chrome bezels on these items cannot be changed. They are not included in the kit and must be ordered separately.
The entire kit and individual parts should be available now at your local MINI dealer. For part numbers and pricing download the PDF below:
Sections: Events Feb 22nd, 2005 43 Comments 
If you must roll your MINI, do it into snow!
The recent Hudson Bay Or Bust road trip took MINIs north into Canada and freezing cold, and David Rose (Ducttape on MINI2), led with the top down on his convertible!
David had driven the same route before but not in such cold; Months of planning and discussion on the MINI2 thread prepared everyone for their journey, but nothing could prepare them for the accident that occurred, when Davids convertible lost traction and flipped into a snow bank!
First reports were worrying but hopeful: “Just heard some bad news. No one hurt from what I hear but David rolled his MINI. Both passengers are ok. Happened with the top down. It did a couple of 360’s. Very icy roads up there“; later we heard “There’s speculation that the cabrio may still be driveable!” (from Cape Cod Mini)
Now, David is back home and safe – with his MINI!
Copyright © 2002-2010 Gabriel Bridger
