February 2007

The AutoChannel Reviews the 2007 MINI

And they managed to get MINI USA VP Jim McDowel and MINI USA Product Manager Jeff Stracco to basically do it for them on video. Nevermind the terrible on-screen graphics and that...

200BHP JCW Engine Kit Install Guide

A classic from the MotoringFile archives, this official PDF details the full parts list and install process for the original 03-04 JCW engine kit. This is the kit without the JCW intake...

Wood Steering Wheel Delayed for the US

MINI USA will be delaying the introduction of the new wood steering wheel for the foreseeable future. Apparently the issue is that the Wood wheel has not performed US crash tests the...

South Coast Today Reviews the 2007 MINI

Southcoasttoday.com got to spend some time with the R56 and produced another favorable review. >It’s easy to admire the modern Mini Cooper. It’s solidly constructed, cozy on the inside, corners like a...

Official MINI Front Parking Distance Retrofit

We’ve got a fairly rare MINI accessory for this week’s MotoringFile DIY Friday. Most of us know about the optional (standard on the Convertible) rear Parking Distance system. However very few out...

Centenarian is Nation’s Oldest MINI Buyer

Here is one you don’t see everyday. >SOMERSET — Ernest Trent always has been fascinated by fast planes and trendy cars — even when the hot wheels were Model Ts. >The 100-year-old...

SCCA Classes the GP

Each month the SCCA issues a monthly newsletter, called the Fastrack, with rules updates that have been accepted.  Included in the March Fastrack was notice of the acceptance of a petition to include the...

Ask MF: Does the R56 Have a Real Key?

Here’s our first Ask MF regarding the new R56 (from reader JB): >I’ve got an R56 on order and have had one pesky question that my MA hasn’t been able to answer....

Potential Paint Rub Issue on R56 Bonnet

While going over the new R56 I noticed a potential paint rubbing issue under the bonnet. This doesn’t seem like it will be a huge deal to fix like the last time...