Section: DIY
Oct 1st, 2008
If you have 18″ OEM MINI wheels on your car put on by the dealer, odds are you have the steering stop installed on your car. The reason? Apparently under extreme circumstances MINI found that the tires with this set up will rub the inner fenders slightly. Their solution? To restrict the steering angle enough to prevent it from happening. The downside? Increased turning radius. continued →
Sep 1st, 2008
Based on our story last Friday detailing the parts associated with the new JCW brake kit, we had a few questions about a potential official retrofit kit. As we reported last year MINI has been planning on selling the brakes set as an accessory in itself. And yes, that means there is an official PDF detailing the kit, the parts, special installation instructions, and the OEM wheels that will fit the kit. You can download it all below:
+ JCW Sport Brake Kit / Official MINI PDF
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May 12th, 2008
This one sent in by MF regular Nathaniel Salzman. It’s a great way to get iPhone integration in your MINI without breaking the bank!
MINI iPhone integration: The Shure Music Phone Adaptor
The topic of iPod integration in the MINI is nothing new on MotoringFile. Options abound for getting your music through the speakers of your MINI’s stereo. With everything from integrated factory and ICE-LINK adaptors, to factory AUX port adaptors, to head-unit replacement. Each option has its inherent advantages of function and integration, and disadvantages of sound quality, chord management, or price.
Another common topic is that of mobile phone integration, particularly BlueTooth solutions both OEM and after market. Like with iPod integration, the available solutions vary in cost, compatibility, and function.
continued →
Apr 25th, 2008
DIY Friday is back with one of the most interfaced parts of a manual transmission equipped MINI; the shift lever. And as you would expect it’s also one of the most upgraded parts of a MINI as well. One of our favorites we’ve found is the JCW Shift lever. While we were initially skeptical of the design, it didn’t take more than a couple of miles of driving with one before we were won over. continued →
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Feb 8th, 2008
Recently I got some quiet time with the new MINI Clubman and immediately started studying some of the more interesting aspects of the vehicle. The first thing I spent time on was the rear barn doors.
Since the Clubman debuts on MotoringFile last August people have been asking the question - do I really have to get the black or silver trim on the back? While the official answer is yes, we found that it’s surprisingly easy to remove each piece of trim. As you can see in the photo above, the plastic tail-light trim is simply held on by a couple of screws. This opens up a world of possibilities, one of which is to buy an unpainted version and simply have it painted body color at your local dealer. 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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Dec 28th, 2007
After posting the R56 instructions yesterday, it occurred to us that we had never officially offered the first generation MINI’s grille badge instructions on the site. So if you have an R50, R52 or R53 and a few favorite magnetic MotoringBadge’s in mind, here’s your official DIY PDF straight from MINI.
[ R50/R52/R53 Grille Badge Holder ] Official MINI PDF
Dec 27th, 2007
So you just bought an R56 and want to get a few of MotoringBadge’s magnetic badges for the grille. Up until today you’d have to buy aftermarket holder or modify the previous version that fit the first generation MINI. Finally after what seemed like an enternal wait for some owners, MINI has released an badge holder for the R56 and (as you guessed it) we have the official PDF instructions.
[ R56 Grille Badge Holder ] Official MINI PDF
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Dec 24th, 2007
One of our favorite upgrades to the R56 is the JCW Aerokit. And not only does it give the car a more aggressive look, but it’s actually somewhat functional in helping keep the car planted at very high speeds.
But it can also be a bit costly. So to give MotoringFile readers a helping DIY hand, we present you the official install guide PDF. While you’ll still need to order it and have it painted at a MINI dealer, the install is possible in the confines of your own garage.
[ JCW Aerokit ] Official MINI PDF (for Euro and US models)
Dec 21st, 2007
You’ve heard the rumors, seen the photos, and read the reviews and even our recent comparison test. Now (as is tradition on MotoringFile) it’s time to pour over the official PDF installation instructions.
[ Dealer Installed JCW Engine Kit ] Official MINI PDF (for Euro and US models)
Dec 7th, 2007
Babies and MINIs are indeed compatible. For years now a good number of young families have found that the standard MINI Coupe works just fine with a baby seat in the back. But did you know MINI has one of it’s own? We’re guessing it’s a little pricier than the competition (that pesky Dollar vs Euro probably doesn’t help) but it may be worth a look.
[ MINI Baby Seat Install Guide ] Official MINI PDF
Not available for the US market.
Nov 30th, 2007
Want to turn your brand new MINI Clubman into a dump truck? No worries, MINI has an official accessory to help. The Cargo Cover (or Laderaum-Schutzdecke in German) is a large three piece insert that covers the entire rear of the Clubman making perfect for that household chore that you probably shouldn’t have even started.
[ Clubman Cargo Cover ] Official MINI Install PDF
Nov 22nd, 2007
Don’t check your calendars. DIY Friday is a day earlier this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the US. We’ll be back to the normal schedule next week.
One of the more improved accessories with the R56 has to be the JCW Shift Indicator lights. Where the previous version was big, bulky and rather out of place on the R53, it’s now subtle and integrated on the R56. It also makes a bit more sense on the R56 (rather than the R53) due to the quick revving nature of the engine. continued →
Nov 16th, 2007
Let’s say you missed the boat on ordering park distance control or bought your MINI used without it and suddenly realize it’s a must have. While it can be retro-fitted, it’s not easy. Luckily MINI has a solution. It’s the new license plate based PDC. And as you can guess, installation is a little simpler.
[ Rear Plate PDC ] Official MINI PDF continued →
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.
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