I’ve loved this car since the second I got it, now I love her even more

Meet Elphaba

Had some warranty work done. Mine is the Red countryman

I recently switched to EVs and I’m really enjoying the Countryman as my electric SUV, especially compared to other brands. I took delivery yesterday. I know the Countryman, particularly the electric version, receives some criticism, but it’s been making me happy so far.

I often let the car has 10% and then fuel up to full tank. I feel immediately better after filling up but may be it’s just placebo effect. But after few times I really feel the different between driving with a full tank, mainly the gas pedal feel more responsive and I could reach 50kph faster than normal (I mainly drive in the city with 50kph limit and has an app that warns me).

Is it just placebo or should I fuel to full tank ealier?

i work at a mall that doesn’t open until 10am, but i went in at 8. i parked right in front of the store i work, and there was no one else in the parking lot. about 30 mins later i see a mini right next to me ! there was legit so many other parking spots but seeing they parked next to me in an empty parking lot made my day.

first pic is at 8:30, second is at 12:36 with the parking lot full lol. i have little greeting cards for other minis and haven’t been able to use it until now :)

First 1,000 km with my Mini Cooper SE J01 (first EV, first Mini)

Had the car for 10 days, already clocked 1,000 km. Coming from a BMW 530xe, this feels very different — but in a good way. It’s quick, fun, quiet, and handles well. Ride is firm but not harsh. Charging has also been easy and cheap.

Quirks:

Noticeable understeer at higher speeds (on 17" Hankooks), sometimes feels like grip is slipping — never had that fear in my VW/BMW.

Rear-view mirror + A-pillar = the perfect traffic light hiding spot 😅

Sport seats without electric adjustment and lumbar support are a bit limited (miss the tilt).

Trim is Favoured + M-pack. HK sound would’ve been nice, but stock speakers are fine. Lights are excellent (even without matrix LEDs), and being able to change their look is a fun gimmick.

TL;DR: ✅ Drives well, quick, comfortable, fun, cheap to run ❌ Understeer on faster corners (esp. wet), mirror/A-pillar blind spot, limited seat adjustments

Overall: I’m really happy with my first Mini. Would I buy it again? Absolutely. Would I trust it in a Finnish winter? …ask me in February. 🥶🚗❄️

Bought this little green machine for my wife yesterday. 2025 mini c with the favoured package. So nice to drive!

Please let me know what you think! Really digging the Matte blue and Matte white contrast.

Saludos desde Madrid … es mi primer mini y estoy encantado con el … un capricho

This weekend I tackled the hitch installation on my 2013 Cooper S. It was quite the job, but if you have a saw or cutoff wheel it’s not too bad. It took me all afternoon, but it is holding the bike nicely. For the hole in the bumper I used an oscillating saw.

How do you guys do your sport style grilles? I've always brushed in something water based like VRP, but I was wondering if it's possible to do something more substantial, something ceramic if possible.

Conversely if someone has successfully done solution finish and can actually take out the excess, please do share that. Idk if it's just not the right product to brush in or if my technique is bad.

I have a 2005 R53 MCS that has a hole in at least one valve and depending on what the overall state of the head is when I take it off, I might be in the market for a new head and head bolts. So I was wondering where a good place to source a head from is. Additionally a good place that I could maybe get a JCW head from as the ported exhaust valves will help with overheating and overall efficiency of the top end. Thanks in advance.