One of the best aspects of MINI ownership is the idea that you can make it your own. Youification if you will. And between of huge MINI owning readership we’re sure you have experience with most of them. So we want to hear the single best accessory you’ve added to your MINI. OEM, non-OEM. Pulley, 18″ wheels, iPod integration, vinyl stickers… sound off below…
One of the most viewed parts of our sites has to be the R50/R53 buyers guide we launched back in 2008. And while we felt it was a good introduction to the cars for those looking to buy used, we new it would need to be updated periodically. Our latest updates have focused around the additional oil leak issues that have cropped up over the last year or so.
But we also need you. We’d like to hear what issues you’re having with your R50 or R53 so we can help build out our buyers guide even further. Sound off in the comments section below.
In my first article for Motoringfile, I bring you (From Ireland) the R56 Art Car commissioned by MINI Ireland. This vehicle was created by Graham Knuttel, and was given to the various Dealerships in Ireland at the launch of the R56 in 2007.  Currently, it’s on display at the only racetrack here – Mondello – with a 1968 Mini next to it in order to commemerate the 50th anniversary of the original Mini.  Read on for the full press release from MINI Ireland continued →
A long show for you guys and gals this time around. Todd, Chad and I spend about an hour talking about news from MotoringFile.com like we like to do before moving on to some interesting stats about the Cars for Clunkers program and ending with Chad’s recap of the 24 Hours of LeMons race.
In case you missed it, the WRR Facebook page is back! We will be announcing the photo winner during Woofcast 311 next week, so you still have some time to upload a pics to enter! Winner gets a free badge from Motoringbadges.com.
Woofcast 310:
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This week’s Ask MF comes from Matt Bentley and deals with an issue we’ve heard quite lot about from a few readers:
I was wondering if you could shine some light on the current state of the iPod/iPhone integration for R56 vehicles. I own a 3g iPhone. My phone will only charge intermittently, and additionally, there’s no way (other than simply unplugging the USB cable from the vehicle) to enable the use of the iPhone’s iPod app screen, as it’s locked out by default by the ‘Accessory Connected’ screen. continued →
After much customer inquires, MINI has introduced an official Bluetooth retrofit kit for the R55, R56, R57 produced after 03/07. The retrofit kit enables you to connect most bluetooth devices. Additionally the kit also includes a USB/audio interface. Here’s the full list of functionality:
Functions of the hands-free kit
Voice output via the car’s loudspeakers
Control via voice commands (only with multifunction steering wheel)
Telephone book display and selection, top 8 list and last numbers called
Wireless connection of the mobile phone to the car via Bluetooth
Usage of the telephone’s own aerial
Storage of the telephone in an storage tray or in a jacket pocket
Up to four mobile phones can be connected continued →
The following is an excerpt from a larger BMW press release showing off some of the latest technology from the BMW Group’s innovation labs. While the MINI Connected is still in concept form, we do expect to see something like it in the near future. The likelyhood of the MINI Music Map on the other hand is unknown.
MINI Gets Connected – the New World of In-Car Entertainment.
Official Release: A very special vision has been in the process of becoming reality at MINI ever since the year 2001 – the vision to intensify the interaction of man and machine, to allow mutual communication of car and driver, and therefore to make the time you spend in your car as pleasant as possible. So how can information from the car be converted into exciting experiences and new functions for the occupants? The problem back then in 2001 was the lack of technologies required to implement the project. continued →
1st Gen MINI R50: One & MC Hatch R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt. R53: MCS Hatch 2nd Gen MINI R55: Clubman R56: Hatch R57: Convertible R58: Coupe R59: Roadster R60: MINI Crossover R61: MINI Crossover Coupe 3rd Gen MINI F55: Clubman F56: Hatch F57: Convertible F60: MINI Crossover F62: Traveller
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Sections: MF Poll Oct 16th, 2009 103 Comments 
