I live in Italy and have an Italian 2005 Mini One. I just want to say a quick thank you to the forum and the members who have added useful tips and help.

On my car the drivers door window failed closed. This was the first fault and I found the answer on the forum. A quick thump between the speakers. I didn't believe it would work. I sat there laughing my socks off as the window went up and down. My Italian wife who already thinks I am crazy just shook her head.

The self levelling lights developed a squint but a quick technical thump to the head light while I twiddled with the switch fixed it.

My mini suffered the steering pump failure, no shock there. Through links on the site I managed to get a recon unit for 320 euros. The garage wanted 820.00 euros.

I have changed the pads following advice on this site, the front were easy. They were so easy I just knew the rear would be difficult, and they are. An engineer who works with me is jerry making me a tool to wind back the pistons. Pads 80 euros front 70 euros back. Uffa!!!

The plastic that is on the off side A pillar of my car is cracked I will follow the instructions found here to change it. Plus the bit of rubber that sits above it is missing..:(

I love my Mini, it is great fun. I drive it from Northern Italy to Sicily every summer. But I am not sure I would buy another.

Anyway many many thanks to you all.