The serpentine belt on your R53 MCS is a critical component in the engine. It passes power from the motor to the air conditioning compressor to keep you comfortable, the alternator to keep your electrics running and to the supercharger, to give...
Super simple DIY. This guy isn't the most exciting mechanic to watch but he get's the job done. I didn't use any of the products he used/showed. Drained old fluid into an oil pan, filled with a hand pump till it ran out the fill hole. I had...
Another episode was sent out this morning of EricTheCarGuy's MINI Series. You'll be happy to know that I've been exchanging emails with him since he first got the car and that Detroit Tuned oil feed line suggestion was from yours truly. He...
“Return of the CAI” is a confident and remarkable name for a relative newcomer to a densely packed segment in R53 engine performance modifications. The first Cold-Air Intakes [or CAI for short] splashed into the MINI aftermarket soon after the...
A complete list of the ECU Codes that your 1st Generation MINI may throw. Use these to help troubleshoot error codes and issues.
Illustration/photos of the windshield wiper arms and wiper blades for your MINI Cooper. Match the image to the wipers on your MINI and voila. Easy Peasy. Then read how to change and replace. Great wiper removal and installation guide for the blades in your MINI.
Ok guys, I see the same questions asked over and over about spark plug selection and fitment, so I hope this information below helps.
There is no question that Water/Alcohol Injection (WAI) is a valuable tool in the tuner’s arsenal for obtaining more power from an engine. The main benefit of these systems is knock suppression and reduced intake air temperatures (IATs). The combination of these items can result in more power...
MINI uses R Codes for the internal designation of the different designs. "R" is a hold over from the Rover days. In 2011 MINI added F codes as used by the parent company BMW for models after the R60 and beyond.
This article provides information about official US safety recalls for the modern MINI. We intend to keep it up to date over time
It's that time of year! Here are a few techniques and advice we've all needed and used, hope it's helpful, I've culled these from a bunch of other threads & knowledge, not trying to come off as a know-it-all, but passing along knowledge from all over.
This article describes three ways to program the remote control portion of a MINI Cooper key without any software.
The R53 has a couple of parts in the timing chain system that can be easily serviced. The tensioner can become stuck in the closed position, causing timing chain rattle (and I'd assume, premature wear). The guides can break over time as well, causing rattle (and premature wear). Here's a...
I am a proud first generation Cooper (non-S) owner and I’ve spent a lot of time and energy looking for a replacement exhaust system I could be happy with. Six systems, a handful of custom modifications and far too many dollars later I’m finally satisfied...nearly. Hey, I’m picky...and a little...
Having recently moved the wife and I found ourselves burdened with a daily routine of opening two garage doors with two separate controllers. This routine consisted of reaching into the armrest and fumbling for the right garage door controller and then finding the correct button to press. As you...
When asked if I’d like to test the TSW product, I jumped at the chance. I’ve had other chassis stiffeners on the car before, and with 40,000 miles on the clock, a couple of things have happened. One, the car, an R52(convertible) has lost a little of it’s edge and smoothness with the accumulation...
“Return of the CAI” is a confident and remarkable name for a relative newcomer to a densely packed segment in R53 engine performance modifications. The first Cold-Air Intakes [or CAI for short] splashed into the MINI aftermarket soon after the cars launch back in 2002. Some early models ranged...
How-to guide for an oil service for an R50 or R53 MINI. It’s always best to do an oil change on a hot engine as the hot oil will drain better and give you a more complete oil change. Caution must be used to prevent burns from hot fluids. Rubber gloves, work gloves, and safety glasses are all...
The 1st generation MINI had two different gear ratios for manual transmissions. The split is with the June 2004 build cars. Those built up and including June 2004 are in the first Gear Ratio column, July 2004 to the end of 1st generation MINIs are in the second Gear Ratio column.
You will find this useful if you do your own oil changes. Keep in mind you should wait until your factory service expires, since resetting the indicator may lead the dealer to deny oil changes since the indicator does not indicate an oil change is due.
How To: Car Electronic Device Hard Wire (radar detector) by Molly "pi" Smith (aka Mol) Images by the Author (formerly Molly Bunton, soon to be Molly Notle) I am a real gizmo geek and I have a few how-tos on my blog. I hope to add more as time permits. I hope some of you find this useful: Car...
The R53 MINI did a lot of things very well, however music connectivity was not one of them. Solutions like the Dension ICE:Link and later the DICE or OEM iPod adapter filled this void, but were aesthetically disappointing. This led me to try and build an iPod integration that was both functional...
Another episode was sent out this morning of EricTheCarGuy's MINI Series. You'll be happy to know that I've been exchanging emails with him...
In this video EricTheCarGuy shows a front end disassembly. Headlight removal, windshield washer fluid tank removal, front bumper removal, wheel...
This video is a How-To on battery replacement for an R56. NOTE-You may or may not need to register your battery after re-installation. I...
I've followed this guy for years and he's helped me out countless times. He recently bought an 07 R56 S and has started The MINI Series. These...
Tools Needed: -Flat head screw driver -Pliers -Star bit for the fastener, most of these cars have a hex head bolt -If you don't have a fluid...
Super simple DIY. This guy isn't the most exciting mechanic to watch but he get's the job done. I didn't use any of the products he used/showed....
Not really a how to, more so an FYI and it seems VERY simple. Came across this whilst perusing the DT website the other day and thought it'd be a...
If you have access to one, get out a compressor and blow out around the valve cover and those 2 bolt holes in the middle of the valve cover. This...
I have yet to drive a car that was absolutely brilliant and completely perfect in every sense. No, of course I haven’t. Perfection is just an...
The first question to ask when discussing leather care is whether or not you have leather. This may seem like an obvious answer but it isn’t...
