Apr 29th, 2005
After reading MotoringFile’s review of the Cargo Storage Case I thought it would be a good idea to submit a review of MINI’s Rear Saddlebag.
The saddlebag adds three storage compartments to the boot by attaching underneath the removable boot shelf. Installation only takes a minute or two, as three screws are simply driven into the shelf.
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Apr 28th, 2005
(Updated) – MINI is sending the R50 and R53 out with a bang in their last year of production. While the 2006 model year won’t offer nearly as many changes as the the 2005 brought us (or what the next generation MINI will bring us), there will certainly be a few surprises.
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Apr 27th, 2005
After upping the performance of my 2005 MCS (19% Pulley/GIAC/JCW Injectors/JCW CAI/Milltek Exhaust) and installing the JCW Suspension Kit (along with an ALTA 22mm rear sway bar), I was finding that I was beginning to seriously out driving the car’s stock brakes. I tried upgrading the pads from the stock ones to EBC GreenStuff and Mintex Redbox pads, but that just didn’t seem to help any. My brakes were getting too hot and just couldn’t seem to cope with the upgraded power and handling of the car (I’m driving it much harder now without even noticing that I’m doing so and the stock brakes just can’t keep up). Since I’ve always been impressed with JCW’s part kits, I decided to give their “Sport Brake kit” a try.
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Apr 26th, 2005
We’ve got yet another MotoringFile exclusive for you today.
A few weeks ago we reported on MINI’s plans to make 2006 very special. We’ve now got a little more info. For starters there will be two special editions packages offered. At least one of those seems to partially consist of a factory installed JCW engine upgrade and special Recaro seats designed for the MINI.
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Apr 25th, 2005
Here’s another exclusive MotoringFile scoop that we have just confirmed.
According to a few sources, BMW and MINI are considering some type of plan to buy JCW and bring the entire program in house under the umbrella of BMW’s Motorsport division. For those that don’t know, the Motorsport division of BMW makes the acclaimed “M” cars for BMW. It’s a little unclear how and when this will happen but I’ve been told to “not expect anything for a few years”.
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Apr 24th, 2005
Since everyone seems to be talking about it these days, frequent contributor Rob Carver has a few thoughts on MINI specifications and specifically choosing the right color:
On the occaision of the color choice for your new MINI, let me tell you a story about how that decision can resonate over the years.
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Apr 22nd, 2005
First off a huge thanks to everyone who offered advice on this second step of the process in the initial comments. I’m happy to say that my next MINI has been ordered and I expect delivery sometime in late May. Those who kept saying to just get it all, thanks for your persistance. That’s about what I did. Here’s the quick run-down on what I ended up getting:
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