This could read like an obituary, but it's finally come to the point that I can no longer support the endless financial drain for Lil'Black Wow... I am parting out my highly modded 2005 MCS, and returning it to stock to trade in for a Clubman. I'm keeping my custom wheels, Cross Coilovers, Wilwood BBKs, and headrest DVD screens, lol. Anyone in Orange County, CA have some old struts to trade parts for or to sell for cheap? I will post a full list of what I have for sale/trade soon. Just remember, I need stock pieces for most things to go back to stock. These very lightly used wheels are available for trade for any stock wheels + $$ (haven't figured out amounts yet...still in shock about having to do this) I've also got a perfect spare tranny with a bad OBX diff that I just took off my MINI two weeks ago. Full list will be posted soon. My prices will be more than reasonable and I'm sure will go fast. Richard
I know. It is what it is. I could have bought 2 MINIs in the past 3 years of maintaining this MINI. I actually have had a second and a third and today a fourth opinion. It's history. After the coolant hose replacements happening today, it should be running fine for a bit and honestly, everytime it breaks, it costs me thousands to get it running and I can't get rid of it until I've paid to fix it. Obviously the wrong time to get rid of it is when it's having problems because then it's not worth anything. So with this last wave of repairs, it'll be running well enough to trade it in before something else happens. The fun is gone when everytime you drive your car, you wonder when it's going to break next. The next time you're driving on the 91 Fast Trak late at night with no emergency lane, you think to yourself, this would be a REALLY BAD place to break down. Every little noise, creak, squeak, rattle, vibration..is that a sign of something bad happening? I love my MINI, but the ride on this one is over, and it's time to begin a new MINI chapter for the third time.
A neighbor went back to a stock suspension... we found it for him by posting a WTB add on NAM. Got about 3 hits in a week. I think you'll really like the Clubbie, we have one and it's very, very nice. Matt
Thanks Matt. Yeah actually one of my MINI friends called me this morning to tell me he's got a complete set of struts, but I'll probably need springs. Thanks for the heads up. Richard
I've got an extra set of front springs... but no rears. Anyway, if you need them they're yours for a bottle of Black Wow! Just let me know..... Matt
Over on the NAM marketplace there was a complete set of springs for about $50.... It may take a bit to find all the stock parts, but it shouldn't be too hard. I've got some more stuff in my garage, so let me know what you're looking for. Matt
Heh heh thanks! It's at the dealer body shop getting a chip fixed that happened during delivery...but soon as it comes back on Monday..got a few more mods and new pix to take! Will be taking another major step forward..I hope, lol. Richard
Thanks! Naw, couldn't afford both the JCW Aero Kit & desired options and a real JCW, but then again, I wanted an auto too and don't think JCW comes in auto. My first MC in 2003 was spec'd the way I wanted it but I wasn't really that familiar with MINIs yet. My second MINI in 2006 was purchased broken and I had to rebuild/fabricate it the way I wanted it...so with this 2010...I had the chance to build it with every option I knew I wanted...well I still messed up a bit...ordered the Sport suspension, and then immediately changed the struts, wheels, and sway bar, lol. So now once again, I'm tweaking and personalizing it. lol Richard