MINI2

am0eba · Aug 6th, 2005, 12:10 AM

Hey folks! S'been a while...

I've got a couple of items to mention:

1) I'm starting to put together a little chronology about Murray, since I'm gathering so much info and taking lots of pix - I needed a way to organize things, and it's working nicely so far. Much work ahead of me, but I'm basically doing it like a Logbook, with dates of importanet events, descriptions, and photos where applicable.

Anyway, I remembered that oneof the first things that got me interested in the New MINI was a car show display that had a real MINI up on a pole on a stand, with a coinbox - like a supermarket kiddie ride. It said something like "MINI Rides, $16,805 - Quarters only". I've spent no small effort recently trying to find an image of this silly thing, and have come up empty. If anyone can point me to such an image, It would really make my day.

2) In perusing some of my old posts to gather info for my MINI log (see item 1 above) I noticed that I had posted about checking the engine oil with the funky dipstick at around 1200 miles or so... Well, Murray is almost up to 5000 miles now, and a recent oil-level check resulted in the dipstick just barely getting a little oil at the tip. So, I went to my local dealer and purchased a liter of 5W-30, and ended up putting in about half. Now the oil level on the dipstick (with the engine warmed up) is near the top end of the textured area. However, the appearance is no longer light and clear - similar to cooking oil is how I believe I described it at 1200 miles... It's still relatively light, but more smoky looking now. I'm really torn now about trying to get an additional service before the scheduled firts service, which my OBC is telling me is at least 6000 miles away... I know many people are going for an early oil change, but I've also seen arguments that the synthetic oil is really supposed to used for 10,000 miles or so to get the most benefit from it.

Still undecided, but thought I would update people on what my oil looks like now, and that it's a good idea to have a container of the genuine MINI stuff to top up partway through the first service interval.

3) T-shirts? Has the idea died? I'd love to have one... Not much time to work on it though...

4) Hope everyone in MPG05 - That's March 2005 Production Group! - is doing well, and that you're all enjoying your MINIs as much as I am.

5) Am expecting to see some great photos of MINI summer adventures from those in the Northern hemisphere soon. I'll be posting a link when I get my MINI Log online.

Take care, and Repuattion Points for everyone!

_Dave_

Pamlico · Aug 6th, 2005, 12:35 AM

Motor oil is supposed to get dark as it circulates throughout the engine. The change in color is due to small bits of stuff such as combustion byproducts, soot, etc. being held in suspension in the oil. If it didn't get dark you should be concerned. As an aside, the oil in a diesel engine is pitch black after a very short period of time due to all the byproducts of diesel combustion, but it's formulated to work that way. The color of the oil isn't a very accurate indicator of when it needs to be changed.

MINI clearly states that there is no need to change the oil at other than specified intervals. Modern synthetic oils are designed to last for extended periods between changes. Having said that, more frequent changes are certainly not going to hurt anything and may in fact be beneficial. If you can do the job yourself the cost of an oil change isn't all that much, even when using synthetics. I generally change the oil at half the recommended interval (i.e. around every 5000 miles). I may be spending a little extra $$, but there is a degree of peace of mind that goes along with the lighter wallet.

gaminicool · Aug 6th, 2005, 04:32 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba

Anyway, I remembered that oneof the first things that got me interested in the New MINI was a car show display that had a real MINI up on a pole on a stand, with a coinbox - like a supermarket kiddie ride. It said something like "MINI Rides, $16,805 - Quarters only". I've spent no small effort recently trying to find an image of this silly thing, and have come up empty. If anyone can point me to such an image, It would really make my day.

_Dave_

Dave: try here The book is cool

gaminicool · Aug 6th, 2005, 04:33 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba

2) In perusing some of my old posts to gather info for my MINI log (see item 1 above) I noticed that I had posted about checking the engine oil with the funky dipstick at around 1200 miles or so... Well, Murray is almost up to 5000 miles now, and a recent oil-level check resulted in the dipstick just barely getting a little oil at the tip. So, I went to my local dealer and purchased a liter of 5W-30, and ended up putting in about half. Now the oil level on the dipstick (with the engine warmed up) is near the top end of the textured area. However, the appearance is no longer light and clear - similar to cooking oil is how I believe I described it at 1200 miles... It's still relatively light, but more smoky looking now. I'm really torn now about trying to get an additional service before the scheduled firts service, which my OBC is telling me is at least 6000 miles away... I know many people are going for an early oil change, but I've also seen arguments that the synthetic oil is really supposed to used for 10,000 miles or so to get the most benefit from it.

Still undecided, but thought I would update people on what my oil looks like now, and that it's a good idea to have a container of the genuine MINI stuff to top up partway through the first service interval.
_Dave_

I changed the oil after the break-in period 1250 miles as a preaution. I agree with Pamlico that It can't hurt.

am0eba · Aug 6th, 2005, 05:39 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool

Dave: try here The book is cool

DOH!

I actully own this book, and I agree it is very worthwhile!

Thanks for the tip... I hadn't looked at that book in such a long time that I forgot about the pic there!

Thanks for the reality check!

_Dave_

gaminicool · Aug 16th, 2005, 09:52 PM

Hi March 05ers! Took Coolcab in for service to repair a loud metallic rattling noise underneath the car. She was at the dealer for a week

I went into pick her up and guess what - the noise is still there

So there master tech finally looks at it and in five minutes finds out that a rod on the brake calipers was missing

He put the rod back in and - now the noise is gone

It took him five minues to do what other techs could not do in a week. So it begs the question: how many Mini techs does it take to fix a rattle underneath the car?

Despite that - I still love this car

BTW - is this thread officially dead or what?

AprilWhine · Aug 16th, 2005, 11:57 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool

Hi March 05ers! Took Coolcab in for service to repair a loud metallic rattling noise underneath the car. She was at the dealer for a week

I went into pick her up and guess what - the noise is still there

So there master tech finally looks at it and in five minutes finds out that a rod on the brake calipers was missing

He put the rod back in and - now the noise is gone

It took him five minues to do what other techs could not do in a week. So it begs the question: how many Mini techs does it take to fix a rattle underneath the car?

Despite that - I still love this car

BTW - is this thread officially dead or what?

Getting there.

dpacker · Aug 17th, 2005, 03:51 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool

Hi March 05ers! Took Coolcab in for service to repair a loud metallic rattling noise underneath the car. She was at the dealer for a week

I went into pick her up and guess what - the noise is still there

So there master tech finally looks at it and in five minutes finds out that a rod on the brake calipers was missing

He put the rod back in and - now the noise is gone

It took him five minues to do what other techs could not do in a week. So it begs the question: how many Mini techs does it take to fix a rattle underneath the car?

Despite that - I still love this car

BTW - is this thread officially dead or what?

No! No! Our thread can't die!

That's amazing that your car was there for a week and some guy figured it out in five minutes. I suppose the good side to that is that they got it fixed. That doesn't sound good that you had a rod missing from your brake calipers!

I know what you mean about loving the car. It's hard to be upset with a car like this. I'm still trying to solve my spot problem. It's almost time to wash the cars clean at the same time and inspect for spots again. I think I'm about to prove my point...at least to my husband. I guess the hard part comes with proving it to the dealership. Maybe I'll run into one of those master techs too!

I'm getting ready to take my MINI home to VA in a couple of weeks (after I get my cool wheels back!). I'm anxious to take my dad for a ride. He's pretty excited to see it to. He had a really bad stroke almost two years ago, and he's just now getting training to start driving a little bit again. He has always lived for his cars, so it's been hard on him. I'm going to take him for a good ride in my MINI! I know that he will love it.

Anyone taken any cool trips lately?

Debbie

Kellzir · Aug 17th, 2005, 09:43 PM

No the thread must not die. I would still like the March shirt. *hint*

The MINI is good. Except for the occasional SES light that goes on and off and the ticking noise from the webspokes. Other than that, I am still overly happy that I have a MINI. At times I find myself thinking in shock that I own a MINI. ahah

gaminicool · Aug 17th, 2005, 11:18 PM

Good to hear from Debbie and Kellzir. This thread is very much alive

Debbie, I've been to Savannah and I'm planning another mountain trip soon

Motor on.

AprilWhine · Aug 18th, 2005, 09:58 AM

My hubby had to have his own MCSa, we picked it up yesterday.

AprilWhine · Aug 18th, 2005, 10:01 AM

About tshirt,

the guy who did my sig also designs and makes tshirts and name buttons. There is a 12 shirt minimum. I'm ordering some for my local club and will order a batch for us if enough of you want one? Send me a PM with amount and size?

AprilWhine · Aug 18th, 2005, 10:03 AM

Here's an example of his name buttons:

no minimum on these since each is unique. Again, send me a PM if you want one of these.

Kellzir · Aug 18th, 2005, 07:30 PM

April - Congrats on the new addition to the family. Your husband's MINI looks good. Now you both get the best of both worlds, a convertible and non-convertible. Will you and your husband drive seperatly to meets now?

Cute button, btw.

gaminicool · Aug 18th, 2005, 09:47 PM

April - great looking Mini

You also have PM. Come on March 05ers - order some shirts.

I recommend white for the color so us who drive topless can stay cool

AprilWhine · Aug 18th, 2005, 10:00 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Kellzir

April - Congrats on the new addition to the family. Your husband's MINI looks good. Now you both get the best of both worlds, a convertible and non-convertible. Will you and your husband drive seperatly to meets now?

Cute button, btw.

Yes Kellzir, that was the idea.

We both wanted to drive, so this seemed like the best solution.

AprilWhine · Aug 18th, 2005, 10:01 PM

Four tshirts so far...

erickvonzipper · Aug 19th, 2005, 12:07 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine

Four tshirts so far...

I'll take a shirt in a Large if they're 100% cotton.

Zip

AprilWhine · Aug 19th, 2005, 12:24 AM

Yes, 100% cotton, that makes 5!

Price is going to be around $10 for each shirt, and another $5 for USPS priority mail.

erickvonzipper · Aug 19th, 2005, 12:32 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine

Yes, 100% cotton, that makes 5!

Price is going to be around $10 for each shirt, and another $5 for USPS priority mail.

Okay then tell me when and where to send payment (paypal, please). If there's a choice I'd like a light color like white or gray.

Zip

Aug 6th, 2005, 12:10 AM	#2361
am0eba the ZERO is silent! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Pedro, CA Local Time: 12:49 PM Posts: 256 Offline	Hey folks! S'been a while... I've got a couple of items to mention: 1) I'm starting to put together a little chronology about Murray, since I'm gathering so much info and taking lots of pix - I needed a way to organize things, and it's working nicely so far. Much work ahead of me, but I'm basically doing it like a Logbook, with dates of importanet events, descriptions, and photos where applicable. Anyway, I remembered that oneof the first things that got me interested in the New MINI was a car show display that had a real MINI up on a pole on a stand, with a coinbox - like a supermarket kiddie ride. It said something like "MINI Rides, $16,805 - Quarters only". I've spent no small effort recently trying to find an image of this silly thing, and have come up empty. If anyone can point me to such an image, It would really make my day. 2) In perusing some of my old posts to gather info for my MINI log (see item 1 above) I noticed that I had posted about checking the engine oil with the funky dipstick at around 1200 miles or so... Well, Murray is almost up to 5000 miles now, and a recent oil-level check resulted in the dipstick just barely getting a little oil at the tip. So, I went to my local dealer and purchased a liter of 5W-30, and ended up putting in about half. Now the oil level on the dipstick (with the engine warmed up) is near the top end of the textured area. However, the appearance is no longer light and clear - similar to cooking oil is how I believe I described it at 1200 miles... It's still relatively light, but more smoky looking now. I'm really torn now about trying to get an additional service before the scheduled firts service, which my OBC is telling me is at least 6000 miles away... I know many people are going for an early oil change, but I've also seen arguments that the synthetic oil is really supposed to used for 10,000 miles or so to get the most benefit from it. Still undecided, but thought I would update people on what my oil looks like now, and that it's a good idea to have a container of the genuine MINI stuff to top up partway through the first service interval. 3) T-shirts? Has the idea died? I'd love to have one... Not much time to work on it though... 4) Hope everyone in MPG05 - That's March 2005 Production Group! - is doing well, and that you're all enjoying your MINIs as much as I am. 5) Am expecting to see some great photos of MINI summer adventures from those in the Northern hemisphere soon. I'll be posting a link when I get my MINI Log online. Take care, and Repuattion Points for everyone! _Dave_ "Murray" 2005 MCSC (click here for more) "F" the ineffable!

Aug 6th, 2005, 05:39 AM	#2365 (permalink)
am0eba the ZERO is silent! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Pedro, CA Local Time: 12:49 PM Posts: 256 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool Dave: try here The book is cool DOH! I actully own this book, and I agree it is very worthwhile! Thanks for the tip... I hadn't looked at that book in such a long time that I forgot about the pic there! Thanks for the reality check! _Dave_ "Murray" 2005 MCSC (click here for more) "F" the ineffable!

Aug 16th, 2005, 09:52 PM	#2366 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:49 PM Posts: 326 Offline	Hi March 05ers! Took Coolcab in for service to repair a loud metallic rattling noise underneath the car. She was at the dealer for a week I went into pick her up and guess what - the noise is still there So there master tech finally looks at it and in five minutes finds out that a rod on the brake calipers was missing He put the rod back in and - now the noise is gone It took him five minues to do what other techs could not do in a week. So it begs the question: how many Mini techs does it take to fix a rattle underneath the car? Despite that - I still love this car BTW - is this thread officially dead or what? Last edited by gaminicool : Aug 16th, 2005 at 10:18 PM.

Aug 16th, 2005, 11:57 PM	#2367 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:49 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool Hi March 05ers! Took Coolcab in for service to repair a loud metallic rattling noise underneath the car. She was at the dealer for a week I went into pick her up and guess what - the noise is still there So there master tech finally looks at it and in five minutes finds out that a rod on the brake calipers was missing He put the rod back in and - now the noise is gone It took him five minues to do what other techs could not do in a week. So it begs the question: how many Mini techs does it take to fix a rattle underneath the car? Despite that - I still love this car BTW - is this thread officially dead or what? Getting there. Global Moderator

Aug 18th, 2005, 09:58 AM	#2371 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:49 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	My hubby had to have his own MCSa, we picked it up yesterday. Global Moderator

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Aug 6th, 2005, 12:35 AM	#2362 (permalink)
Pamlico Dead Man's Curve? Feh. Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rochester, NY Local Time: 03:49 PM Posts: 1,176 Offline	Motor oil is supposed to get dark as it circulates throughout the engine. The change in color is due to small bits of stuff such as combustion byproducts, soot, etc. being held in suspension in the oil. If it didn't get dark you should be concerned. As an aside, the oil in a diesel engine is pitch black after a very short period of time due to all the byproducts of diesel combustion, but it's formulated to work that way. The color of the oil isn't a very accurate indicator of when it needs to be changed. MINI clearly states that there is no need to change the oil at other than specified intervals. Modern synthetic oils are designed to last for extended periods between changes. Having said that, more frequent changes are certainly not going to hurt anything and may in fact be beneficial. If you can do the job yourself the cost of an oil change isn't all that much, even when using synthetics. I generally change the oil at half the recommended interval (i.e. around every 5000 miles). I may be spending a little extra $$, but there is a degree of peace of mind that goes along with the lighter wallet.

Aug 6th, 2005, 04:32 AM	#2363 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:49 PM Posts: 326 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba Anyway, I remembered that oneof the first things that got me interested in the New MINI was a car show display that had a real MINI up on a pole on a stand, with a coinbox - like a supermarket kiddie ride. It said something like "MINI Rides, $16,805 - Quarters only". I've spent no small effort recently trying to find an image of this silly thing, and have come up empty. If anyone can point me to such an image, It would really make my day. _Dave_ Dave: try here The book is cool

Aug 6th, 2005, 04:33 AM	#2364 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:49 PM Posts: 326 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba 2) In perusing some of my old posts to gather info for my MINI log (see item 1 above) I noticed that I had posted about checking the engine oil with the funky dipstick at around 1200 miles or so... Well, Murray is almost up to 5000 miles now, and a recent oil-level check resulted in the dipstick just barely getting a little oil at the tip. So, I went to my local dealer and purchased a liter of 5W-30, and ended up putting in about half. Now the oil level on the dipstick (with the engine warmed up) is near the top end of the textured area. However, the appearance is no longer light and clear - similar to cooking oil is how I believe I described it at 1200 miles... It's still relatively light, but more smoky looking now. I'm really torn now about trying to get an additional service before the scheduled firts service, which my OBC is telling me is at least 6000 miles away... I know many people are going for an early oil change, but I've also seen arguments that the synthetic oil is really supposed to used for 10,000 miles or so to get the most benefit from it. Still undecided, but thought I would update people on what my oil looks like now, and that it's a good idea to have a container of the genuine MINI stuff to top up partway through the first service interval. _Dave_ I changed the oil after the break-in period 1250 miles as a preaution. I agree with Pamlico that It can't hurt.

Aug 17th, 2005, 03:51 AM	#2368 (permalink)
dpacker MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: East Coast - SC Local Time: 03:49 PM Posts: 227 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool Hi March 05ers! Took Coolcab in for service to repair a loud metallic rattling noise underneath the car. She was at the dealer for a week I went into pick her up and guess what - the noise is still there So there master tech finally looks at it and in five minutes finds out that a rod on the brake calipers was missing He put the rod back in and - now the noise is gone It took him five minues to do what other techs could not do in a week. So it begs the question: how many Mini techs does it take to fix a rattle underneath the car? Despite that - I still love this car BTW - is this thread officially dead or what? No! No! Our thread can't die! That's amazing that your car was there for a week and some guy figured it out in five minutes. I suppose the good side to that is that they got it fixed. That doesn't sound good that you had a rod missing from your brake calipers! I know what you mean about loving the car. It's hard to be upset with a car like this. I'm still trying to solve my spot problem. It's almost time to wash the cars clean at the same time and inspect for spots again. I think I'm about to prove my point...at least to my husband. I guess the hard part comes with proving it to the dealership. Maybe I'll run into one of those master techs too! I'm getting ready to take my MINI home to VA in a couple of weeks (after I get my cool wheels back!). I'm anxious to take my dad for a ride. He's pretty excited to see it to. He had a really bad stroke almost two years ago, and he's just now getting training to start driving a little bit again. He has always lived for his cars, so it's been hard on him. I'm going to take him for a good ride in my MINI! I know that he will love it. Anyone taken any cool trips lately? Debbie

Aug 17th, 2005, 09:43 PM	#2369 (permalink)
Kellzir MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bay Area, CA Local Time: 11:49 AM Posts: 256 Offline	No the thread must not die. I would still like the March shirt. hint The MINI is good. Except for the occasional SES light that goes on and off and the ticking noise from the webspokes. Other than that, I am still overly happy that I have a MINI. At times I find myself thinking in shock that I own a MINI. ahah

Aug 17th, 2005, 11:18 PM	#2370 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:49 PM Posts: 326 Offline	Good to hear from Debbie and Kellzir. This thread is very much alive Debbie, I've been to Savannah and I'm planning another mountain trip soon Motor on.

Aug 18th, 2005, 10:01 AM	#2372 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:49 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	About tshirt, the guy who did my sig also designs and makes tshirts and name buttons. There is a 12 shirt minimum. I'm ordering some for my local club and will order a batch for us if enough of you want one? Send me a PM with amount and size? Global Moderator

Aug 18th, 2005, 10:03 AM	#2373 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:49 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Here's an example of his name buttons: no minimum on these since each is unique. Again, send me a PM if you want one of these. Global Moderator

Aug 18th, 2005, 07:30 PM	#2374 (permalink)
Kellzir MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bay Area, CA Local Time: 11:49 AM Posts: 256 Offline	April - Congrats on the new addition to the family. Your husband's MINI looks good. Now you both get the best of both worlds, a convertible and non-convertible. Will you and your husband drive seperatly to meets now? Cute button, btw.

Aug 18th, 2005, 09:47 PM	#2375 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:49 PM Posts: 326 Offline	April - great looking Mini You also have PM. Come on March 05ers - order some shirts. I recommend white for the color so us who drive topless can stay cool

Aug 18th, 2005, 10:00 PM	#2376 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:49 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Kellzir April - Congrats on the new addition to the family. Your husband's MINI looks good. Now you both get the best of both worlds, a convertible and non-convertible. Will you and your husband drive seperatly to meets now? Cute button, btw. Yes Kellzir, that was the idea. We both wanted to drive, so this seemed like the best solution. Global Moderator

Aug 18th, 2005, 10:01 PM	#2377 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:49 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Four tshirts so far... Global Moderator

Aug 19th, 2005, 12:07 AM	#2378 (permalink)
erickvonzipper MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Local Time: 02:49 PM Posts: 137 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine Four tshirts so far... I'll take a shirt in a Large if they're 100% cotton. Zip

Aug 19th, 2005, 12:24 AM	#2379 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:49 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Yes, 100% cotton, that makes 5! Price is going to be around $10 for each shirt, and another $5 for USPS priority mail. Global Moderator

Aug 19th, 2005, 12:32 AM	#2380 (permalink)
erickvonzipper MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Local Time: 02:49 PM Posts: 137 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine Yes, 100% cotton, that makes 5! Price is going to be around $10 for each shirt, and another $5 for USPS priority mail. Okay then tell me when and where to send payment (paypal, please). If there's a choice I'd like a light color like white or gray. Zip