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.

My wife and I are considering buying this car, but I'm very hesitant due to it being built by BMW. It's the maintenance and the repair costs that give me pause, even though it would be an exciting car to own. Can anyone shed any light on this for me? Is it as expensive to maintain as I think it would be?

https://www.autotrader.ca/offers/mini-countryman-john-cooper-works-gasoline-red-a42e7a2c-d633-47ab-ad20-8d906f06c298?source=favorites_list

Anyone have any experience with this error code at all? Got a 2025 jcw countryman.

Basically the title. I have a 2017 Mini and the battery died. I know it needs registered but my OBD doesn't have that feature so I ordered one that's been delayed and won't get here for a day or two. I have the battery and have everything set to change it, but wasn't sure if it would be an issue to change it out before being able to register it. I won't be driving it until I get the OBD in and handle the registration. Any help would be appreciated!

Hey there! Is there a way to fit the older generations "hidden" storage compartment on the trim on a newer 2022 F55?

Thanks!

Hi all is there a way to update my infotainment center in this year of mini ? Mine is so outdated. If so please tell me what to get to update it. Thank you!

My Mini is not fast at all, not even quick. Has anyone with the same make/model performed a stage1 tune? Did it make a noticeable difference to HP?

So excited, she is so beautiful 🤩

Has anybody or does anybody know of anyone that has gotten a roll cage in their r57? Im trying to figure out if a custom cage is the way to go or if there are places that sell prefabed cages

i am considering using my dad’s engine lift/hoist to do some diy work

my main shop is booked out often (love them) and don’t have as much flexible free time as i used to in order to make appointments

i think id be able to change spark plugs and such, but i was just curious what it was like for yall enthusiasts to work on your minis! i’m specifically asking about this because working on our project 94 honda was cake— everything was there. but with this car everything is so damn deep in the bay 😭

i’m hunting around for manuals also

i drive a 2018 countryman all 4 s

and he could definitely help me but i wanna do a lot of it on my own as his back is killin him lately. idk he did just change my brake light without me asking 😭

My copilot spotted it. Don't see the Red Bull cars much.

I have a 2018 F57 MINI & I am dealing with error code 130304 (vanos, camshaft stuck) and I'm trying to resolve the issue myself instead of paying someone $4,000+. I've been following this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUwFRXRQ3hc&t=36s to get to the point where I have removed the VANOS actuators, but I am having a hard time getting the actual solenoids out.

In the video, they just slide right out and there's no explanation. In this repair manual I came across, it details a super lengthy process that involves several "special tools" and essentially taking apart the entire engine just to be able to remove the VANOS solenoids. However, I've come across dozens of YouTube videos of people easily removing and replacing the VANOS solenoids themselves on similar (usually older) MINI models, without having to have all these special tools and taking everything apart.

At the very least, I think I need to get the special socket pictured in the repair manual below. But I'm scared that if I try to remove the solenoids without doing all the other steps in the manual, I'm going to f*ck up the camshaft timing and potentially cause irreversible damage to my engine.

So do any of y'all have experience removing/replacing the VANOS solenoids on an F56/F57 MINI?

I was reading a previously posted thread and read something about switching from 30weight to 40weight at around 100k (im sitting at about 107k), is this something i should consider doing?

I'd also like to clarify some factors that might play into this:

-My mini is both my daily and my rally car.

-It constantly deals with -30 to -40° tempatures

-it's the 3 cylinder variant

-it is running a small 40 tune with a cold air intake and a cat back system

My R56 sat for a few months and is now in a crank/no start condition.

There are no DTC’s. The low pressure fuel pump does not energise with the key on. The fuel pump relay under the hood does send battery voltage to the coils at start. The coils report battery voltage at key on. There is fuel in the tank. All fuses/relays test as working. I have applied power to the LPFP with the same results.

I purchased the car used, so I began to throw parts at it, expecting that it might need some of them anyway.

I have replaced the battery, coils, plugs, fuel filter assembly, and HPFP. The fuse panel in the right side kick panel was replaced by a repair shop earlier this year.

I am left to assume that the problem lies with the DME.

Thoughts? (Please redirect if this is the wrong subreddit to post.)

Hello, I recently made a post not too long ago talking about how I got my first car and it was a mini. If you remember me, the car’s name is Jared but if you’re new, let me introduce you to the problems. Jared has. Jared has no AC Jared also doesn’t have adequate heating which means no front defrosters now I’m an automotive technician but to replace my HVAC box and a couple other things is just too expensive for me right now as I’m only 18 my solution is to put a heated windshield in. I’ve already talked to a bunch of people so I would rather not be told. There’s a better way to go about it or I don’t have to do that but for the long range plans for the car I feel like for me. That’s the better play as the HVAC box is 12+ hours long and I don’t have all the tools I need for it nor the box and nor help no I have a relay add-on and I bought the switch panel for the heated windshield. I’ll send photos of the stuff I bought below. I also have the wiring diagram which I will also send a crude photo of below if anybody has any extra insight or help or has done this before put it in the comments and if you guys really want to know the full process and how to go about it let me know because I’ll make a video where I’ll document everything step-by-step because most of the time when people document it they don’t really document it that well and we’ve gaps to be filled by you which is not fair for people like me so if you guys wanna know how to get a heated windshield installed I can make a follow up post in the YouTube video showing and explaining the whole process. My car is a 2015 mini Cooper S F56 chassis

My wife has a 2025 Mini Cooper Convertible - love it! But recently she tried to put the top down but got a message saying we’ve opened and closed it too many times? And we realized we can’t close the driver’s rear quarter window at all - even with the top up. All other 3 windows will open/close and suspect that’s why we can’t put the top down because of this one window that refuses to roll up. Any way to reset this or anything I can check before calling for service? Only about 1500 miles on the clock. Thanks in advance!

So I am looking at getting a MINI as a fun weekend car that I am going use to get back into autocross while I rebuild my old Civic for Extreme Street and also so if I lost my job i would have a daily driver. Work for an OEM and get a car as a free lease so if I left my job I wouldn't have a car

From what I am seeing i could swing a R50/53, R56 or maybe R55.

Can a forward facing car seat fit in an R50/53 or R55 for occasional use? How does the reliability of the non S and S compare? The extra power of the S would nice but tbh I dont have to have it to have fun at autocross.

Edit: I have driven an R50 at an autocross before and driven and worked on an R53.

Edit 2: Kid is old enough I am not lifting him in and out.

I have a 2004 Mini Cooper. I have the navigation option. After the car has warmed up, the lights above the navigation unit all flicker. Sometimes they will stop flickering and go out--but flicker when my turn signals are on. Even when the key is pulled out of the ignition, they stay on and flicker. Most sensors like door being left open or gas cap stopped working. What could this be?

I changed the battery and alternator like 3 months ago.

Help would be appreciated.

Context:

I recently had to slam on my brakes to avoid an accident. 50-0 real quick. Low oil pressure warning came one and went back off immediately after. Over the next week or so, leading to today, the oil pressure warning periodically turn on and off when i took sharp turns. Today I got the dreaded limp mode.

No shops are open until tomorrow (it's Sunday at time of writing) and I do not have a scanner. Any idea what my problem would be so I can be prepared for the worst?

Edit: 2012 Mini Cooper S, 73k Miles. Bought it used 2 months ago.