Ordered a new key fob under warranty. Next on the list, next wheel hub/bearing on my next pay day. Well, cheeseburger before that for sure, but that's for me, the Mini can watch from outside.
Actually, yesterday: turned over 30,000 miles (since delivery on 3/27/12), visited MINI STL for service and got an oil/filter change (computer now says 16,000 miles till the next one [!])*, new front brake pads, and new spark plugs (due to the JCW Tuning Kit wanting plugs at 30k intervals). No issues to report, just smooth motoring, 35-37 mpg on my normal commute. Look forward to the next road trip (to the Mac Bridge event on 8/3/13)! *Just noting that, on or about 3/1/12 MINI started recommending and programming for 10,000 mile oil change intervals. Apparently that *is not* retroactive for other 2012 production, like mine that was produced on 2/27/12. This was its second "maintenance-included" visit to a MINI service computer, and nope: they're not using the 10k interval on mine. Is ok, I change mine in-between times anyhow.
Today had a VA appointment at JC in St. Louis, well after dealing with those buttheads decided I needed a break and lunch. So me and the wife went to Fuzzy Taco on Watson and then I tricked her into going to MINI STL. Test drove her next car a new All4 S, as I was told during the test drive in between some other choice wording.
Just ordered a carbon fiber stub antenna so I can use the car cover I ordered yesterday. Now looking at an article about the belt tensioner issue. The day is still young.
Scooter passed smog yesterday, good for 2 more years in Colorado. I think today we will motor up to Schlotsky's in Longmont and celebrate the 4th in style. I was thinking about a new Paceman, but after thinking about it for a few weeks, decided I will keep Scooter for another year or so. What do you folks think of this notion? I am going to bite the bullet and have our great MINI dealer walnut blast the intake valves, replace the timing chain tensioner and the timing chain with the OEM parts. I have never had a new timing chain installed, sitting on 48700 miles. My logic, MINI warrants the parts on this work for 2 years, I can get all this done for under $2K, cheap engine insurance to me, since I am keeping Scooter. Now if anything else goes, it is on me. Such is life! Don
Was thinking since it will be open, I will have them install the Detroit Tuned new/improved oiler lines, etc...... Senior Techs at RSM do most of my mods on the 07, good folks, since they know I like to put the MINI on the track for some fast laps. Happy 4th Everyone!
I don't know about the timing chain etc on your dime. I keep hearing more and more about MINI doing a recall on this. I woud have a heart to heart with the dealer first. Will the reimburse you for expenses if you paid up front etc? Now, walnut blasting is a good idea. While they are doing that pay a little more to have them measure the timing chain slack. That will tell you how close to needing a replacement you are. They just remove the tensioner, insert a tool and measure. Easy Peasy.
Working on replacing the Crank pulley with an Alta 0% and replacing the Serpentine belt with a Gates Fleet k060539HD belt. :fingerscrossed:
:cornut: Certain opinionated people might give you guff about Alta parts, just blow them off. I've got Alta parts on my Margi (08 R56 BRG MCS/JCWm) and they're still on Margi and working fine. Jason
Went of a member of a local MINI club's place to pick up my belt tensioner tool which he borrowed and then took it to a local ice hockey centre (where I play sometimes) and lent it out to another local MINI club member to borrow. It seems the tool is in high demand now.
Ordered more parts... After much consideration I decided to replace the catalytic converter as well. Going cat less 3 " down pipe to go with the larger turbo. Original had 100k miles and my turbo was leaking oil on the exhaust side as well as the compressor side. Don't want to kill the new turbo because of a clogged cat.
^^^^^ I see your problem, you have a turbo. :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: I blew out my original clutch slave cylinder this week :mad2: and had it replaced today along with the clutch master cylinder. Cost a couple $$ but worth it. 85K is not bad since both OEM parts are plastic. :lol:
Just a word of advice, all quality crack pulleys have dampers in them and for a very good reason. They absorb the harmonics of the motor so you don't ruin other expensive internal parts.
Well, I took an out-a-town buddy of mine to lunch at a fine local pub in the MINI. Then afterwards, we took a short, spirited spin in the Classic Mini. What a great afternoon! :beer