MINIs ONLY Driving Skills School 7.15.07

[snek]

I just got an e-mail on how to register. One question though: Those of us going to NHIS less than a month before this event will already have Tech Inspections. Do we still need another one?

[snid]

Yeah, that tech inspection thing is lame. It says "A vehicle Tech Inspection is required to be completed prior to the track event by the Dealership. This will generally cost one hour of labor plus (in most cases) a brake fluid flush. Tech forms will be completed and signed by the dealer and must be brought with you to the event".

Do I really have to pay MoP an hour of labor?

No discount over a normal HPDE event, and a requirement to pay an hour of labor at the dealership? Bad move. Any other HPDE event, you can take your car to any qualified technician... many of which have much lower labor rates.

Paul T, have any input? If I really have to pay an hour labor at MoP on top of the full HPDE fee, I may skip this event.

[ravioliworld]

Still no email in my inbox about this

[DDon670]

I received an on track invite, but like others will decline. I know their will be plenty of other activities that will be interesting. How about a dealer demo in a Lamborghini? I know this will never happen, but that would definitely be a highlight.

[GBMINI]

There's supposed to be a way to buy a ride as a passenger in some high end cars, like Lambo ...

[NHRef]

I never received an email from MOP even though I've been with them since the first call to get on their list in January 2002!

I've tried reaching PaulT and then called MOP. The receptionist told me to call the BMW dealership, which I did. I've left a message there, too.

Does anyone know if the event is sold out? The cost? The start/end times?

[snid]

There's info on the MINI of Peabody site:

Events MINI of Peabody Peabody MA

There's an email address to contact to get the sign up process started.

Cost for the track thing is $190. We're still waiting for more info on if we really need to get a tech inspection done by the dealer or not. If so, it sounds like a few of us are going to skip this as it seems like a shady move to not give a discount on the entry fee, force us to give Lyon Waugh more money for an (overpriced) tech inspection, and there's no mention of the "value add" that might make the more money worth it.

If the tech inspection can be done anyplace, like any other HPDE event, I'll be there.

[jwardell]

Speaking of tech inspections, good thing I'm not going to the track any time soon... 50,500 mi and some weird steering issue pops up yesterday. Steering gets tough midway through a turn. OK for highway curves but noticeable on most 90-degree turns. And if I turn right, it will feel normal turning right again for about a half turn, but any small amount left or any more than a half turn right, and it will be tough. I noticed it as soon as I left the campsite yesterday morning, but it was all highway for the trip back, and it was very noticeable for my commute this morning which has a lot more hard turns. Steering fluid is OK. I would suspect the nearly worn tires except it seems to have come on overnight. I would suspect the uneven short dirt road or where I parked in the grass but I never heard anything bottom out. I wish mini would hurry up and offer that extended warranty. Any ideas from you guys?

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell (original)

Any ideas from you guys?

Sounds like time for a new power steering pump. They don't last forever.

[jwardell]

500 mi after warranty though? I'll have to chat with gary.
Wouldn't the pump make some weird sounds if that was the case?
I'll have to investigate more this week.

[JR9907]

New steering pump.Mine did the same thing.

[jwardell]

That's the last thing I need right now.. zero money and zero time in my schedule for the next month. Assuming I don't mind the workout, should it be OK to put off?

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell (original)

500 mi after warranty though?

Sure, why not?

Quote:

Wouldn't the pump make some weird sounds if that was the case?

Nope. Mine didn't. It's an electric motor. At some point, it stops working. No strange noises, just no more power assist.

Quote:

I'll have to investigate more this week.

Mine came and went a few times before just deciding to be done.

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell (original)

That's the last thing I need right now.. zero money and zero time in my schedule for the next month. Assuming I don't mind the workout, should it be OK to put off?

You really should get it done ASAP. Mine went out on my way back north... somewhere around Rick & Laurie's neck of NH. I did make it all the way back to Burlington, and then all the way from Burlington to Peabody. But, I wouldn't recommend it. Normal driving was sketchy enough. Boston driving? eek. Pray you don't have to take evasive action, cause you won't really be able to. I almost went off the road a couple of times on just highway exit ramps.

Be nice to the MoP service folks, and maybe they'll be nice to you.

But don't "put it off".

[JR9907]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell (original)

That's the last thing I need right now.. zero money and zero time in my schedule for the next month. Assuming I don't mind the workout, should it be OK to put off?

Try steering your car with the key on and engine off,that should answer your question....