Sections: Awards, In the Press Jun 30th, 2005 83 Comments The JD Power results are in for the long term reliability of 2002 US cars and trucks and the results for MINI, aren’t good. MINI finished 3rd from the bottom with 383 problems per 100 cars. Interestingly they finished right next to Volkswagen who unlike MINI, had no first model year excuses.
Sections: DIY, R50, R52, R53, Reviews Jun 30th, 2005 66 Comments 
As many of you who follow Motoringfile closely already know, I happen to have an OEM backup camera installed in my MINI (see: MINI Rear Camera Review). The rear-view camera produces such a nice image on the navigation display that it started me thinking about if it would be possible to use the backup camera as a video input for other video sources. It would be really cool to be able to play DVD movies (and possibly even play PS2 games) on the built-in navigation screen in my MINI. Well, after exploring the wiring diagram for the backup camera installation kit, it appears that there are indeed a couple of video inputs that can easily be tapped into (see: MINI Rear Camera Retrofit Kit Installation Instructions).
Sections: MF Feature Jun 29th, 2005 78 Comments 
Last year Getrag showed off it’s all-wheel drive MINI prototype at several industry only events throughout the world. There they not only demonstrated the car first hand, but delivered test data that demonstrated the benefits of the Getrag AWD system known as Twinster. The system has been designed for use on a number of different platforms and theoretically for a number of different automotive manufacturers. These presentations were mainly meant to sell the system to OEM manufacturers. However what makes this so fascinating for MINI owners is the fact that Getrag exclusively used a MINI Cooper S for all of their drivetrain testing.
MotoringFile has recently obtained this test data (in the form of a PDF presentation) that was passed out at one of these events. While the presentation uses industry jargon that may be a bit over the head of some of our readers, it does give us an overall impression of the performance that the AWD Twinster MINI is capable of. Interestingly they not only compare the Twinster to the normal front wheel drive MINI but to several other AWD configurations as well. There’s even a rear wheel drive version that is referenced!
Sections: In the Press, Rumor Jun 28th, 2005 33 Comments MINI2 is at it again with more rumors of a lightweight factory based JCW laden MCS. Here’s an excerpt from their latest article published just today:
In terms of specifics, we believe you can expect an increased engine output that will at least match the output with the current JCW Cooper S tuning package. As stated in our earlier article, the car will feature unique carbon fibre panels to reduce weight, however it seems things will be even more drastic with unique interior AND exterior parts, including replacing glass with perspex in suitable panels, and lighter door casings, side panels and dash panels.
Sections: Recalls/Campaigns Jun 28th, 2005 66 Comments One of the many of items that was revised for 2005 model year was the exhaust sound on the Cooper S. MINI not only altered the physical design slightly but also re-tuned the engine management software creating a few entirely new exhaust sounds that hadn’t been heard from a stock MCS or even JCW before. This has caused quite a few owners not aware of the change to ask the now familiar question, “what’s that popping?” MINIUSA relased a official service measure earlier this year on the subject which should, once and for all, answer this question:
Sections: DIY, Reviews Jun 27th, 2005 28 Comments My wife and I have always been big fans of having navigation units installed in our cars as they really help when trying to get around in unfamiliar territory. However, my wife’s new 2005 MINI Cooper S was ordered without a factory navigation system in order to save us some money. For our navigation needs, we opted to go with a (much cheaper) Garmin Quest portable navigation system instead. The Quest portable navigation unit works great for our needs and its super small size fits nicely with the whole “MINI” theme.
Sections: In the Press Jun 26th, 2005 13 Comments 
The MINI One D (not sold in the US) is getting a healthy increase in power for 2006 from it’s Toyota based Diesel (from Channel4.com):
The Mini One D will receive a thoroughly-revised new diesel engine from September, enabling it to meet the Euro IV emissions standards and also increasing power and improving performance. The revised engine management system and new exhaust gas re-circulation with catalytic converter has helped boost power output by 13bhp and torque by 10Nm, and acceleration 0-60mph has improved by nearly two seconds. It returns 58.9mpg.
[ More Power for cleaner diesel MINI ] Channel 4
Sections: Best of the Web Jun 26th, 2005 31 Comments 
The Versace MINI that got very mixed reviews by MotoringFile readers a week ago has attracted a 125,049 Euro bid just 40 hours after bidding started at 1 Euro. The bid is a record for eBay. Versace is selling the eBay to raise money for AIDS projects around the world.
The auction will run until the 30th of June.
Sections: Motorsports, Official News Jun 24th, 2005 8 Comments 
From MINIUSA Press:
MINI USA has awarded Nuzzo Motor Sports for its participation and hard-won podium finish at Watkins Glen, Saturday, June 11th with a $6,000 contingency payout. The private team of Nuzzo Motor Sports, who campaigned two MINI Cooper S’ in Grand Am took full benefit of MINI’s contingency program, notably with a 3rd place win in the ST class.
Sections: MF Feature Jun 24th, 2005 17 Comments Ah, the mixtape.
To the untrained ear, a seemingly random low-tech recording of various songs from the radio, records, or other tapes, with plenty of false starts, accidental DJ voice-overs, and tape hiss.
Sections: MF Feature Jun 24th, 2005 9 Comments Sent in by Peter:
Another special limited edition, this time done by a Italian premium winemaker to look like a bottle of their 1985 wine from the top. It comes with one bottle of Sassicaia wine (not necessarily the ‘85 vintage).
It’s interesting to know that a bottle of ‘85 Sassicaia goes for about $1000 at auction $1400 retail… however they’re trying to sell these MINIs with a markup as if they were including a FULL case of wine. But the wheels and interior sure look special!
(Links after the jump)
Sections: Events, MINI United, Official News Jun 23rd, 2005 6 Comments The mother of all world MINI events is getting closer. MINI United’s website has been updated with a ton of new info on the event, the surrounding area, and how to get there. The weekend will take place in northern Italy at the Misano racetrack on October 28th - 30th. There’s also a rumor going around that MINI United will be the world debut of something “special” from MINI. My money is on MINI showing off the newly released special edition lighweight.
[ MINI United Homepage ] MINI
[ MINI United FAQ ] MINI
Sections: JCW, Official News, R50, R53 Jun 22nd, 2005 22 Comments All those with older MINIs looking to upgrade to the JCW suspension can rejoice. Dealers should have recieved a parts bulletin from MINIUSA in the last couple of days stating that a new version of the JCW suspension is now available for ordering. This new version has been designed to fit all pre’05 MINIs.
You can read more on the JCW suspension below:
Sections: Official News, R56 Jun 22nd, 2005 7 Comments From BMW/MINI Press:
PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW Group presented today the industrial plan for their cooperation in the production of a new family of small 4-cylinder petrol engines that will be used in both partners’ vehicles (Peugeot, Citroen and MINI).
Sections: DIY, R50, R52, R53, Reviews Jun 22nd, 2005 45 Comments 
It has been six long months since MINI first started putting the new phone buttons on the 3-Spoke Multi Function Steering Wheel (MFSW) and there’s still no Bluetooth kit available from MINI to make the new buttons function. Unbelievable! I’ve grown so tired of waiting for MINI to release an updated version of their Bluetooth phone kit that works with the new phone buttons that I decided to go ahead and explore other options that might be available. Much to my amazement it turns out that Mike Wildman of Formby Car Electrical Services LTD (A.K.A. “MikeyTheMini” on the NAM & MINI2 forums) has recently released two hands free phone kits that work with the new phone buttons on the 3-Spoke MFSW.
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