Section: Ask MotoringFile
Mar 13th, 2008
Well, it’s that time of year again. Winter’s winding down and Spring is right around the corner. Or, at least that’s what I’m telling myself as once again I’m watching flurries fall in Southern New Hampshire. Anyway, with the impending arrival of Spring, it’s time to start thinking about removing my winter boots and strapping on some fresh new summer sneakers. I’ve been doing a fair bit of research on The Tire Rack and have come up with a few options, but there are so many variables in the tire-buying process that it makes it difficult to come up with an informed decision. continued →
Feb 21st, 2008
Based on the reader comments from our recent Clubman review, it looks as if quite a few of you have questions. Lots of questions. And since we’ve driven the Clubman extensively range and learned just about everything there is to know about the car from the recent MINI press event, we’re here to answer them. We’ll start by answering a few of the questions posed in the comment section of our recent review. If you have any further questions not answered here, be sure to ask them in the comment section below. We’ll plan on posting answers next week.
Q: Was the split in the window that noticeable/distracting? I’m sure that is another area of conern for many readers.
A: Honestly I completely forgot about it after ten minutes of driving. continued →
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Jan 30th, 2008
Motoringfile reader Kim asks this week.
Is there a quick & easy way to find out all recalls and service bulletins for my 2003 Mini Automatic? (not an “S”)
You could do a quick Google search or even search here at MF. But those won’t give you a complete list like you might be looking for. continued →
Jan 24th, 2008
After last week’s Ask MotoringFile marathon, we realized we still have a couple more that needed to be answered. However for today’s edition, we’ve got some professional help. The question comes courtesy of Dustin:
Is the R53 JCW kit a good idea to refresh your higher milage stock MCS? Providing that the R53 JCW engine kit still available at dealers (which I don’t know if it is or not, or how long MINI plans on producing them if they are) It would seem that the new head and SC fitted to a MINI at say the 100K mark would make the mechanicals sound for the next 100k (since the expected life of the SC is only 150k), plus the new HP would breathe new life into a car for a loyal owner.
Great question Dustin. While we like the JCW upgrade for the R53 quite a bit (and the R56 for that matter) we’re not sure if it’s the best solution if the car isn’t under the factory warranty at this point. Especially considering the cost. So in order to give you a good picture of your aftermarket options, we’d like to turn over this question to Eric Savage, owner of the renowned MINI tuner Helix and longtime friend and supporter of MF. He also knows a thing or two about brewing beer, but that’s a story from another time. Anyway, to the Eric’s answer…
The John Cooper Works package has always been a popular option for new MINI buyers for a couple of reasons: it has the prestige of a factory tuned car, and it carries the factory warranty. As far as I know, retrofitting the JCW kit on an high-mileage car does not extend the warranty on the car (or the new parts, for that matter) which makes it less attractive for the high-mileage MINI owner. The big knock on the JCW package has been its nearly $6000 price tag once installed. It is for that reason that companies such as Helix Minisports has made a living tuning our favorite cars. We can do what the JCW package does–and much more–for substantially less money. continued →
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Jan 18th, 2008
This edition final of the week’s “Ask MotoringFile” comes from Dave M:
I have a 2008 MCS on order and am relatively new to the MINI world. I couldn’t help but notice everyone using these code names for different models of MINIs. What does it all mean?
MINI models follow a similar system to the (seemingly ancient) BMW model internal naming convention. Since we often talk about different models (sometimes in the same story, paragraph or even sentence), using the internal model code-names is often the easiest way to quickly identify what model of MINI we’re referring to.
The first generation of BMW MINI’s started with the R50 which was meant to be the coupe version of the car. However once that model number was established BMW decided to produced a higher power version called the Cooper S. Because the development work was started later it was given a different code-name - the R53. The R52 was actually conceived before the Cooper S and thus has the code-name R52. And for those wondering, the R51 was a concept that never made it past the conception stages.
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Jan 17th, 2008
This next edition of Ask MotoringFile comes from Chris:
I’m considering r56 s with the JCW engine upgrade. Would like to know about ride/comfort? I don’t plan to track the car and it will be  an everyday driver (combination of local roads/interstate). How does it compare to WRX/VW GTI ?? Not looking for “cush” ride but also don’t want a ride that is track hard and requires dodging every pothole or pavement irregularity I see.
By June of this year there will be two ways to get the JCW treatment under your bonnet. The current option is the dealer installed JCW Engine Tuning Kit. We won’t go into all the details here (you can read a review and see details here) but suffice to say the kit adds power and torque along with improved power delivery. It’s priced just over $2000. However the upgrades are to the engine only and thus you can get any of the three available suspensions depending on your ride preference. The standard being more comfort based, the sport being… well sporty and the JCW suspension being meant for spirited and track driving. continued →
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Jan 16th, 2008
“Ask MotoringFile” week continues with this question from Brian:
R57, not hearing much. Will the JCW Kits for the R56 be avaiable in 09 when the R57 is released?
MINI will not miss a chance to sell JCW accessories and engine kits to those who want a soft-top over a hardtop. Thus the R57 (aka the redesigned 2009 MINI convertible) will indeed be available with the dealer installed JCW Tuning Kit. We don’t have any information yet as to the factory JCW package availability on the convertible but we would be shocked to see it kept off the car considering it will be available on both the Coupe and the Clubman on the first days of its launch this June. continued →
Jan 15th, 2008
It’s “Ask MF Week” here at MotoringFile. We’re clearing out some of the better questions we’ve gotten recently from the queue and bringing them to you every day this week. First up, Mike asks:
I wanted to get your thoughts on something. Â I’m torn between a R56 with the JCW suspension and engine kit and a GP. Â Obviously the R56 has a back seat along with probably being more civil but I just can’t seem to get my old R53 out of my head with its seductive supercharger whine and the burble from the Remus exhaust I had on it. Â From a fun to drive perspective and also a speed perspective which one has the edge?
Great question Mike. In the R56 (dealer installed) JCW kit you have a newer, faster car with arguably more speed, equal cornering ability (w/the highly recommended JCW suspension) and countless refinements that make it hands down a better car in most situations. On the other hand you have the GP, a car with no back seat, half the sound deadening material and a rear wing that might as well be giving passing police the finger (all good things in our book) continued →
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Jan 2nd, 2008
MotoringFile reader Cynthia S writes:
I have been considering buying my daughter a MINI Cooper but I’m concerned about how it handles in the snow. What experience do you have with this?
I can’t speak for DB (since I don’t believe he’s ever seen snow) but I’ve driven all my MINIs over the years in snow and never had an issue. While I personally prefer RWD in low traction situations (call me old-fashioned), I’d say the majority of drivers out there will do better with a fwd car like the MINI - provided it isn’t equipped with the optional high performance tires. As long as you have all-seasons (or better yet) winter tires, the MINI can be a little bulldog in the snow. But I’m sure our readers can share their experiences as well…
Dec 22nd, 2007
MotoringFile reader Robert K. writes:
Test drove a R56 Auto with the JCW tuning kit. The car is the Sales Managers demo & I was quite impressed. This is the third Auto they have installed the kit on with no issues at all. The Service Manager says that Mini Canada does not specify the JCW kit is for manuals only. Your thoughts?
It is our understanding that the air intake and the exhaust from the dealer installed JCW (manual) kit can bolt right up to an Auto MCS. However it’s also our understanding that the ECU tuning currently available for the manual (according to the folks at MINI we’ve spoken with about this) does not work on the automatic Cooper S. Therefore the majority of power gains that the car gets is not available to those who have installed the manual kit on an auto MCS. So the short answer is, make sure you’re getting the MINI approved auto kit (which will be released soon) when ordering the JCW upgrade for your automatic Cooper S continued →
Nov 14th, 2007
Todd talked about this during Woofcast #186 and we have been getting more than a few emails asking about it. For those of you R53 owners with the JCW kit, you may not be aware that you are supposed to get new spark plugs at each service visit. Here’s the official word straight from MINI:
NGK BKR 7 EQUP spark plugs are used and should be fitted at each subsequent service and maintenance interval.
The plugs are fairly special too. You can get more information about them here.
And, if you want to hear Todd discuss this again, use the player below and scoot ahead to the 14:00 mark. The entire piece is about 5 minutes long.
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Nov 5th, 2007
Here’s a question I’ve personally received from a couple readers:
Hi guys, I have a quick question for Gabe. I notice when looking at photos of your R56 JCW Cooper S that your headlights are completely ‘clear’. By this I mean that when you purchase ‘white signals’ from Mini as an option you still see an orange bulb when looking at the headlights head on. Now for the obvious question, what have you done to make it completely clear? Did you change the bulb out and if so would you mind letting me know where I can purchase it and the part # etc. Thanks so much.
Great question with an easy answer. I’m using bulbs you can actually buy from your local BMW dealer. They’re made for BMWs but fit in your MINI perfectly (any model). The BMW USA part number is: 63 21 7 160 897. If that doesn’t work, just ask for “Silvervision” bulbs.
And yes, these bulbs should fit in all other MINIs as well.
Oct 30th, 2007
Motoringfile Reader Clayton writes in with a great question concerning the Aisin automatic transmission.
I have a 2006 MCSA and I am considering adding some serious power to it, but I am worried that the transmission wont be able to handle the power. do you know of any company out there making after market parts to stengthen it?
As far as we know, there aren’t any companies that build any kind of kits to make that transmission stronger. It was never intended to be in any high power, high performance application. continued →
Sep 20th, 2007
Nate writes:
With all the extra room in the rear, should we expect the Clubman to carry a spare tire and do without runflats?
As with the coupe, the MINI Clubman Cooper and One will be getting a spare under the rear of the car. And as with the MCS coupe, the Clubman S will not. Why? Simple answer: the front brake rotor on the MCS and MCS Clubman (or MCScm if you will) is too large to fit the space-saver spare. However the Cooper and One models have a slightly smaller brake set-up and thus the spare in the rear. continued →
Sep 3rd, 2007
To continue on the track theme from yesterday, this question was sent in by MF reader Fred:
When testing a car, driving autocross, or racing, do you leave the DSC engaged, turn it halfway off, or turn it completely off? People say that they want to be in control, not leave it to the computer. Does a competent driver really have better control in competition without the DSC assist?
That’s a great question Fred and one that I actually spent some time coming to grips with a few days ago. I spent quite a few laps doing back to back comparisons with DSC on and off at Putnam Park and I found the results potentially surprising. With DSC on I found that I carried no less speed out of corners. In fact I found that, as long as I kept my lines tidy exiting corners, the DSC was rarely even activated. continued →
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