Potential MCS Owner - Noob

[bhp addict]

Hi guys and girls.

New to the forum. Must say its a great place for info. Still not looked at everything .

Thought I'd say hi and introduce myself to the madness

Im Matt, 22 from Birmingham.

Over the next 2 weeks I will be in the market for a MCS, spec as follows:

Dark Silver (grey) (would love to have the dark union jack roof but slim chance TBH)
02 or 52 registered due to budget of around £8.5k-£9k
Give or take 40K-50K miles
MOT and TAX (obviously)
FSH

First Mods to include:

Aero Grill (seen the PDF file and Thread and you guys make it look easy )
Front spot lights ( 2 or 4 not sure yet )
Lowered suspension (will be asking for advice come this time)
Tints
and if possible some body coloured side skirts (not on all specs AFAIK)
Then stage 1 (pully and belt swap, remap, CAI, Exhaust etc....

Well, thats it folks , looking forward to a long and healthy relationship

[KPKalle]

Hi and welcome Matt Sounds like you've already got some plans worked out

[Richard Crofts]

Hi Matt

I'm from Worcestershire but work in Brum and in some local MINI clubs.

I got a 2002 52 MCS in Dark Silver and Black with all the trimmings, and some extras

I did the aero grill on mine, it look the dogs! Infact I still have the kit on my old bumper as I went to a full aero front and sides. Let me know when your in the market and I can sell it to you for a nominal fee (far less than buying it new)

Don't get BMW to do your spots ... They will only do 2 (some rubbish about blocking airflow to the engine, which is poo as the intake is not blocked, the intercooler uses a hood scoop and the radiators etc are in the lower grill not the bonnet section). PM me and I can give you some numbers of good people to talk to local to you about spots either genuine BMW or better quality aftermarket ones.

My car is lowered and I have 35mm KW springs. TBH I find them a little harsh and the drop makes the car scrape speed humps. I advise most road users to go for the eibach springs not KW 25-30mm drop and a fraction less harsh than the KW ones. I'd also say to get Koni FSD shocks to further help firm it in the corners but to make the ride softer up and down in a straight line.

Theres a great tinting company in Kidderminster that myself and several MINI owners can recomend. PM for details

Fit the aero skirts yourself...takes 1 hour max and a lot cheaper than someone else doing it! I'd also avoid paying BMW prices for them...try M Style Mini - Body Styling Kits and Accessories I got mine through them

As for stage 1. I'd recomend 1320autos, Lohen or GTT for this work. I would say though to not bother with the remap, unless its found after the changes that it needed. I run all the gear you want and more with no map change and know several 230-260bhp drivers with stock maps.

17% pulley, reduced belt, colder sparkplugs, and JCW injectors, KN panel filter, Milltek manifold. Is a good start with cold air induction, intercoolers and various other stuff being the next step.

Good luck and hope to see you around.

R

[bards]

Quote: Originally Posted by bhp addict (original)

Hi guys and girls.

New to the forum. Must say its a great place for info. Still not looked at everything .

Thought I'd say hi and introduce myself to the madness

Im Matt, 22 from Birmingham.

Over the next 2 weeks I will be in the market for a MCS, spec as follows:

Dark Silver (grey) (would love to have the dark union jack roof but slim chance TBH)
02 or 52 registered due to budget of around £8.5k-£9k
Give or take 40K-50K miles
MOT and TAX (obviously)
FSH

First Mods to include:

Aero Grill (seen the PDF file and Thread and you guys make it look easy )
Front spot lights ( 2 or 4 not sure yet )
Lowered suspension (will be asking for advice come this time)
Tints
and if possible some body coloured side skirts (not on all specs AFAIK)
Then stage 1 (pully and belt swap, remap, CAI, Exhaust etc....

Well, thats it folks , looking forward to a long and healthy relationship

I have a Larini Club Sport exhaust system for sale, its only been on the car for a few weeks, but im selling the car now so it has to go l

Sounds a nice car!

[bhp addict]

Thanks for the help guys, really appreciate it.

Theres alot of info the Rich, thanks mate. Hope to see you round. I'll be calling on you in the future I think - oh and the grill sounds spot on, I'll be in touch.

So first things first - buying my MCS

Going to look at/test drive a couple tomorrow - is there anything that i need to look/listen out for??

Any 'common' flaws? i heard of a few recalls too - any info helpful

[wibbly]

Quote: Originally Posted by bards (original)

I have a Larini Club Sport exhaust system for sale, its only been on the car for a few weeks, but im selling the car now so it has to go l

Poor Guy aint got his car yet, and you're spamming him Sounds nice Nick.... Larini is the mutz, now if only I hadn't got 3 kids, unless you want a part ex on a couple of them

Welcome aboard Matt, and good hunting, I think Mr Crofts has steered you in the right direction very well already by the sound of it