Archive for April 2005
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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Apr 21st, 2005
Well not quite. The first were actually used for the tunnel chase on the new Italian Job. That said this looks to be the first road-worthy electric MINI available. Here are the details:
Whistler Investments has successfully provided the British Embassy in Mexico City with the World’s first lithium-powered Embassy vehicle.
The British Embassy Mini Cooper is powered by a state-of-the-art power plant producing zero emissions whilst providing high performance. This model is of particular interest to international governments as it is a prime example of sustainable zero emission transportation. Whistler Investments will produce several models of the Mini Cooper as well as the PT Cruiser for government fleet replacement.
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Apr 20th, 2005
While it should simply be high-level recap for MotoringFile readers, Autoweek has an article out today with info on what we’ll be seeing in the next generation MINI including info on the new long-wheelbase version. Here’s an excerpt:
While the core body style will remain a three-door hatchback (with a two-seat speedster rumored), BMW is working on a longer-wheelbase version that will open the door for a wider range of Minis, including a five-door with more rear legroom and added cargo area. Could a three-door version of this herald the return of the Clubman? We can only hope.
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Apr 19th, 2005
This news comes from an anonymous MINI insider:
I was looking at orders for new cars this past weekend and noticed that some of the production dates were falling back by four weeks. I didn’t realize until later it was the cars with the Harmon Kardon Stereo option. Then I found out yesterday that there was a fire at the plant that makes the H/K components. My initial source made it seem like it was simply a small fire. However, I’ve since heard from another source that it was much more severe. My concern is that the delay could be much greater and that another four weeks could turn into much more.
We’ll have more info on this and how it effects orders as soon as we get it.
Apr 19th, 2005
Edmund’s Inside the Line website recently posted the obligatory Clubman MINI article. Nothing in the way of new info but it is a nice recap for those that might have missed the news previously on MotoringFile. Here’s an excerpt:
Several possible body varieties are under consideration for the expansion of the Mini range. However, BMW is unlikely to implement either the Mini Clubman wagon or the Mini pickup until it revises the Mini range in 2007, despite its exercises in computer-aided design imaging.
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Apr 18th, 2005
I’m happy to say that after less than a week on the market my 2002 MINI Cooper is in the process of being sold. While I had a couple of very interested parties (and three offers in total) the MINI went to the first person to actually see it in the flesh. I’m excited, the buyer is excited, everyone’s happy.
However now I need to think about my next MINI. First off I know it’ll be an MCS. I’ve had my Cooper for three years now and I’d like to try something different. I also know I need it to be as black as possible (”how much more black could it be? the answer is none. None more black“). I’d like the car to have a much different personality than my indie blue/white Cooper. I also am pretty sure I’ll need 18″ JCW wheels. I know there are downsides but I simply must have them.
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Apr 18th, 2005
Since we’ve just covered how to go about getting a spot on a MINI plant tour I thought I’d repost my account of the actual tour (originally posted 04/04):
The MINI Plant Tour is an incredible experience for anyone with an interest in MINIs. It’s absolutely a must for any owner. The tour was put on a brief hiatus as the plant retooled for the cabrio but is again open for business as of just a few weeks ago. The tour has become so popular since that I was told it’s booked solid until June! So if you’re planning a trip to the UK and want to experience it first hand I’d recommend giving a call or sending them asap. You can find out more in this recent article: MINI Plant Tours.
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Apr 18th, 2005
Someone asked about this subject the other day and I had to recomend simply using our archives or the search function since I wasn’t quite sure when the original story was posted. However, it occurred to me that there’s probably quite a few out there who are also interested in this information. So with that in mind here’s the original post about touring the MINI prodcution facilities in Oxford UK:
This information is taken directly from an internal MINI document:
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Apr 16th, 2005
For those looking for further storage in the MINI there are several key products you’ll want to take a look at. One of the first is Cargo Storage Case (also known as a saddle bag) that is installed just behind the rear seats and is attached to the cargo divider at the top of the boot. There are two different varieties of the saddle bag currently available. One is the MINI version which is made of up many small compartments. The other is the one that is the version reviewed here today that is essentially one very long compartment, ideal as a catch-all for about everything you can imagine.
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