New R50 as of today and a hundred questions

[Boleigh]

Hello everyone.

This looks like a very well informed forum!

I have picked up my 2001 R50 in Racing Green with 50k on the clock today. I love it but have lots of questions! Like

Is that whistling wind noise at 70mph normal?

Also, I don't appear to have a spare tyre? I've never, ever (in 29 years) had to change a tyre, but don't you get nervous?

Boleigh

[gus6]

Mines a mini one and the spare tyre is under the car at the rear

[Boleigh]

Quote: Originally Posted by gus6 (original)

Mines a mini one and the spare tyre is under the car at the rear

I don't think I have one, I will check tomorrow. I have a can of sealant instead!

That is one pretty car!

[mab01uk]

If you don't have the optional spacesaver spare here is a link on how to fit one:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/wheels-ty...are-wheel.html

If you have a whistling noise check the black plastic front windscreen pillar trims are securely fitted.......sometimes windscreen fitters break the plastic clips and they become loose.

First job on early (2001-2004) Mini's out of warranty is to have the gearbox oil changed, 2 litres of MTF94, this protects the gearbox bearings from damage that is often caused by BMW's 'filled for life' service policy.

[slvrsoho]

Cars without a spare came with run flats which you can drive on usually for about 100 miles or 160 Kilometers these cars also usually come with a air compressor and tire sealant under the trunk floor

[Boleigh]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

First job on early (2001-2004) Mini's out of warranty is to have the gearbox oil changed, 2 litres of MTF94, this protects the gearbox bearings from damage that is often caused by BMW's 'filled for life' service policy.

Firstly thank you very much. I have booked in for this, but MTF94 is not the BMW recommended stuff? Is this better/superior? I'm sorry because I'm sure you've discussed this all before..

Many thanks

Boleigh

[goonerij]

Quote: Originally Posted by slvrsoho (original)

Cars without a spare came with run flats which you can drive on usually for about 100 miles or 160 Kilometers these cars also usually come with a air compressor and tire sealant under the trunk floor

In the Uk, not 100% .... The 'air compressor and tire sealant' is know as the MINI Mobility Kit and came with any MINI without a spare or spacesaver, regardless of runflats or not

[mab01uk]

MTF94 is usually recommended for the Rover Midland gearbox fitted to earlier Mini's (2001-04).....what alternative oil/manual transmission fluid have you been told?

[gus6]

Thanks Boleigh

[Boleigh]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

MTF94 is usually recommended for the Rover Midland gearbox fitted to earlier Mini's (2001-04).....what alternative oil/manual transmission fluid have you been told?

Ok, total newbie exposed! TBF he said that he would check once the car was there rather than recommending anything else. So would you recommend Molyslip?

Also booked in for brake fluid and coolant change - I think I can do the oil/filters myself - is it worth changing plugs also?

Many thanks for advice.

[mab01uk]

If you have not got any service history any MINI Dealer will be able to access history of whats been done via their computer system if you phone them or call in with the registration or VIN number.
If in doubt change any service items not shown......air filters are often neglected with the long service intervals.

MTF94 is definitely recommended for the Midland gearbox.
Heres how to change it:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-gen...-mtf-94-a.html

[Boleigh]

Fantastic. I'm going to get someone to do it this time around - I just don't have the time, but I like the idea of changing it every service and it doesn't look too hard.

I've already changed the air filter, which was pretty mucky.

Have to say it's a hoot to drive - I'll have to save up for the re-map!

[slvrsoho]

Quote: Originally Posted by goonerij (original)

In the Uk, not 100% .... The 'air compressor and tire sealant' is know as the MINI Mobility Kit and came with any MINI without a spare or spacesaver, regardless of runflats or not

Oh okay didn't know that I live in Canada and I've never seen a North American mini with a spare that wasn't a retrofit not sure if they even offered that here?

[Caveman]

Quote: Originally Posted by slvrsoho (original)

Oh okay didn't know that I live in Canada and I've never seen a North American mini with a spare that wasn't a retrofit not sure if they even offered that here?

A space saver spare was standard equipment on early US Cooper models ... for a time even on those with 16" runflats.

In Canada, the spare was optional and only available for Cooper models with 15" wheels.

[Boleigh]

I forgot that I have no spare, but can't afford one this month!