Would anyone be able to provide some help / guidance please?

[lamdacore]

Hey Guys,

Long time no logon.

Good to see some new and familiar users here...

I'm at the stage where my mini has done around 83.5k miles (R50 One), and its long overdue a service - and I think it'll need some extra bits and bobs.

I'm at a bit of a crossroad on a few things:-

1) I think the front brakes have an issue as there is a faint grinding coming from them so - should I just get std disks and pads and replace all round, or should I get aftermarket or pattern ones ?

2) I think my exhaust (don't know if centre or back) has a hole in it - again, replace with standard or aftermarket (wouldn't mind a nice sounding one, but not loud - any suggestions)

3) Thinking about replacing the air filter - again, don't know whether to fit with standard, upgraded or get induction kit?

4) Any suggestions on good tyres? I've seen continental premium contact 2's which look quite good, although I don't know if they would suit a mini or not - currently running about on cheap budgets at the moment and have no confidence in them at all.

5) I'm thinking about buying Eibach springs but not sure how these would be on standard shock absorbers ?

6) Remap? Worth it ? (Bluefin?)

7) The front drivers side speaker has blown - should I get a standard one to replace it or just replace all of the speakers at the front? (have aftermarket headunit fitted and speakers distorting a low volumes)

8) Where can I go in Glasgow to give it a good service and clear warning lights on dash? (airbag warning light always on - pretensioners have already been checked) aswell as not objecting to fitting the above mentions parts? Also being able to give an honest rundown of whats needed to put the car back to a place where it was when I first drove it?

I've checked out the southside mini centre, but was wondering if there was any where else that you guys would suggest?


OR

Should I try clear finance and sell then get a newer mini?


Basically, I think through a combination of life getting in the way, I've neglected the car a wee bit, and kind of lost my passion for it, now, I've got a chance to get the car sorted and running nicely, and hopefully put the joy back into driving it.

Any help would be much appreciated.


Thanks in advance.



Ally

[weefossy]

Think the big question is do you spend a lot of money on it, or do you hand back to the finance company and start again. As always it's probably down to what can be afforded at this point in time. It may be cheaper to re-finance.

[lamdacore]

that's true, on one hand I'm thinking I throw about £800 at it, and keep it until its ready for car heaven...

Budget wise, I'm really only willing to spend about £5500 - £6k on a replacement, and that kind of money, I'm not really getting much of an 'upgrade' or am I?

Fancy a cooper, but can essentially make mine cooper spec for the above money for improvements for my existing one?

[Gismo]

Well, to be honest you're in an ideal situation, you know the car and how it's been treated, so, for relatively low money you could repair all of the items you mentioned.
It also depends on how you drive, are you spirited, do you throw it about or are you cautious.

If you are cautious then for all of the mechanical items i would simply replace with stuff from a motor factor, but, if you want to have fairly decent stuff then i would do the following;-

1) Spiro slots from GTT, their pads re ok as well, but Mon The Fish will advise the better colour mintex pads
2) Playmini without a doubt
3) Standard is ok, but intake sounds better, no real gains from an intake
4) Tyres, i always went for Prada's, but, folks with better experience will answer, wait for Vidal Bufoon to reply
5) Eibachs are ok, but, am questioning what you want, if just lowering then ok, but, be prepared for a harsher ride, coil overs are prime, but costly
6) Remap, oh yes, Cooper power with longer gear ratios will outrun a Cooper
7) Ditch the crap speakers if you want a decent sound, look up mikeythemini, he will sort you out with a decent set of fronts
8) Sorry, cant help, i fly over Glasgow every now and then :lol:

I'm guessing that all this would cost in the region of £1k if you do it yourself

[Gismo]

that's true, on one hand I'm thinking I throw about £800 at it, and keep it until its ready for car heaven...

Budget wise, I'm really only willing to spend about £5500 - £6k on a replacement, and that kind of money, I'm not really getting much of an 'upgrade' or am I?

Fancy a cooper, but can essentially make mine cooper spec for the above money for improvements for my existing one?You'll get a decent spec Cooper S for that money, but, it'll likely have high miles.
If the body work was ok and you only really want to have the Cooper performance then i would stick with your One and replace the parts as needed, the insurance would be cheaper too

[lamdacore]

Well, to be honest you're in an ideal situation, you know the car and how it's been treated, so, for relatively low money you could repair all of the items you mentioned.
It also depends on how you drive, are you spirited, do you throw it about or are you cautious.

If you are cautious then for all of the mechanical items i would simply replace with stuff from a motor factor, but, if you want to have fairly decent stuff then i would do the following;-

1) Spiro slots from GTT, their pads re ok as well, but Mon The Fish will advise the better colour mintex pads
2) Playmini without a doubt
3) Standard is ok, but intake sounds better, no real gains from an intake
4) Tyres, i always went for Prada's, but, folks with better experience will answer, wait for Vidal Bufoon to reply
5) Eibachs are ok, but, am questioning what you want, if just lowering then ok, but, be prepared for a harsher ride, coil overs are prime, but costly
6) Remap, oh yes, Cooper power with longer gear ratios will outrun a Cooper
7) Ditch the crap speakers if you want a decent sound, look up mikeythemini, he will sort you out with a decent set of fronts
8) Sorry, cant help, i fly over Glasgow every now and then :lol:

I'm guessing that all this would cost in the region of £1k if you do it yourself

I mainly drive quite cautiously, but I don't mind opening up the taps from time to time - but don't usually at the moment as no faith in the tyres / outstanding issues.

1) Cool, will look into
2) Read about them, look good, but don't know as yet if full system or just back that needs sorted
3) Fair enough :)
4) I was also thinking Prada's aswell, but don't know if they're any good on a mini.
5) Looking for better handling and chuckability
6) Bluefin the best?
7) Thinking that, tempted to amp them too.




"You'll get a decent spec Cooper S for that money, but, it'll likely have high miles.
If the body work was ok and you only really want to have the Cooper performance then i would stick with your One and replace the parts as needed, the insurance would be cheaper too"

As much as I would love a Cooper S, I don't think its most sensible choice for me in terms of running costs etc.


I'll see what the others have to say aswell, but that's awesome advice Gismo :) Thank you.

[Gismo]

Tyres, well again it's personal choice, if you are like me and kept the same ones on all year round then that's what you need, but many others swear by winter tyres and change them over when the cold snap hits, which is usually about August to May :lol:

Bluefin i believe is the best, plus it can be reverted back to standard if needed.

Better handling, not so sure you'll get that by using lowering springs on their own, again, coil overs is the way to go

If only back box then Playmini defo, but, if a full system i'd still say the same :thumbs up:

If you are going the amp route then be prepared to replace all the speakers or you'll be disappointed with the sound balance

[lamdacore]

Tyres, well again it's personal choice, if you are like me and kept the same ones on all year round then that's what you need, but many others swear by winter tyres and change them over when the cold snap hits, which is usually about August to May :lol:

Bluefin i believe is the best, plus it can be reverted back to standard if needed.

Better handling, not so sure you'll get that by using lowering springs on their own, again, coil overs is the way to go

If only back box then Playmini defo, but, if a full system i'd still say the same :thumbs up:

If you are going the amp route then be prepared to replace all the speakers or you'll be disappointed with the sound balance



I'm looking at BlackCircles.com for tyres, but can't find prada's for my size of wheel, and I'm not sure if wider tyres will fit standard wheels or not - not bothered about fitting "winter tyres " though. Current tyres iirc are 175/65/r16 (i think)


seems like standard suspension and good tyres should make a difference untill coilovers can be purchased?

Yeah was thinking that, I used to have replacement speakers in my previous car, so all 4 amped will be nice.

[Craig]

Check www.camskill.co.uk for tyres - cheaper than most, great service and choice ;)

[Gismo]

I was looking for Vidal Buffoon's tyre comparison thread as well, can't find it :idunno:

[lamdacore]

Check www.camskill.co.uk for tyres - cheaper than most, great service and choice ;)


cool, have them book marked - they look good :)

- - - Updated - - -

anyone know where the best place to go to get this stuff fitted / car serviced / once over?

[Craig]

cool, have them book marked - they look good :)

- - - Updated - - -

anyone know where the best place to go to get this stuff fitted / car serviced / once over?

I have a garage that I use (and have used for over 20 years) and trust 100% but they are not in Glasgow. They are in Let me know if you want details if your gonna travel.

[lamdacore]

I have a garage that I use (and have used for over 20 years) and trust 100% but they are not in Glasgow. They are in Let me know if you want details if your gonna travel.


Where are they?

[Mon the fish]

Has your gearbox or power steering packed in yet? If not, I'd sell.

Don't put springs on tired old dampers - the ride and handling will be horrific. If you don't want to stretch to coils, then just leave them as they are. Replace the front lower rear wishbone bushes though

Try and get hold of some R56S/R53 JCW brakes, a better investment than pads on the stock ones.

Find a BMW specialist in Glasgow, they should all be up to speed on Minis by now.

I run Parada's, always liked them, but they do need a bit of front camber to give their best I find

[lamdacore]

Has your gearbox or power steering packed in yet? If not, I'd sell.

Don't put springs on tired old dampers - the ride and handling will be horrific. If you don't want to stretch to coils, then just leave them as they are. Replace the front lower rear wishbone bushes though

Try and get hold of some R56S/R53 JCW brakes, a better investment than pads on the stock ones.

Find a BMW specialist in Glasgow, they should all be up to speed on Minis by now.

I run Parada's, always liked them, but they do need a bit of front camber to give their best I find

touch wood - nothing has packed in at all. rocking about 83.5k on the clock too..

will those fit straight on?

there are a few bmw specialists (dealers?) in Glasgow, is that what you mean?

[Craig]

Where are they?

Ha ha !! Blooming iPad decided to delete the place name !! Classic :lol:

They are in Longcroft - 15/20 min drive from Glasgow

[lamdacore]

Ha ha !! Blooming iPad decided to delete the place name !! Classic :lol:

They are in Longcroft - 15/20 min drive from Glasgow


thats manageable :) they mini / bmw specialists or general?

[Alex from NM]

I'm looking at BlackCircles.com for tyres, but can't find prada's for my size of wheel, and I'm not sure if wider tyres will fit standard wheels or not - not bothered about fitting "winter tyres " though. Current tyres iirc are 175/65/r16 (i think)


I thought most 16" alloys came with 195 55's. Try widening your search for that size.

[Burple]

Ok.. from My old One..

1 - GTT Spiroslots are pretty damn good if you don't want to mess about with the brakes too much, not much more cash than standard either..
2 - Playmini Single box (slash cut end) is amazing, not too expensive, lasts forever and sounds luvverly.. ** See shameless plug Below
3 - Replacement K&N (or equivalent) panel filter would be spot on..
4 - Hankook v12 Evo's seem to be handling my JCW just fine for now :cool: (Try http://www.camskill.co.uk/ )
5 - dunno sorry...
6 - For an R50 Mini One? HELL YES. Best mod you can make to a One. More than Cooper Power for not a lot of cash.
7 - Dunno.. any aftermarket ones will sound better with an aftermarket HU.. ;)
8 - No idea sorry...

** My old One With induction kit and Playmini.. this was before the Bluefin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmkmLPJfjLE
Hope that helps some! :thumbs up:

[Craig]

thats manageable :) they mini / bmw specialists or general?

They are a general garage, but have worked on my MINI's and others. Top service ;). D & D Bell, Croft Estate, Longcroft. Tel 01324 841477. They are also part of the good garage scheme. Tell them I sent you :thumbs up:

[lamdacore]

Cool, thanks for all the advice guys...

the project starts on the 16th... found a garage through blackcircles - they're called HydroEco and based in rutherglen. Called and spoke to them, quite reasonable rates. Background in motorsport...

So, I've priced up the following:

GTT Front & Rear Brake Kit - gtt tuning.
Bluefin - straight from superchips
K&N Panel Filter - minisport2
Goodridge Brake Stainless Brake Lines - Minisport2
Playmini Exhaust - Minisport2
Playmini Front Pipe - Minisport 2
Dunlop Sport BluResponse Tyres - BlackCircles.

Have I missed anything ?


Tyres are first, along with a service me thinks, then will work out best route / priorities afterwards :)

[Craig]

Be careful with Minisport2. They have horrific customer service.....

[Gismo]

Be careful with Minisport2. They have horrific customer service.....Personally would never buy anything from them

[lamdacore]

Be careful with Minisport2. They have horrific customer service.....

Ok, any suggestions to alternatives?

I've looked at Lohen, but they seem pricey?

thanks for the heads up :)

[Craig]

Lohen are a bit more expensive but have great service and Andrey and Emma are great. I know you won't have any issues with them.

[Mon the fish]

Front lower rear wishbone bushes! And just get hold of a set of R56S brakes from the classifieds somewhere

[john]

You can buy direct from Playmini, they can also supply your other parts too

[lamdacore]

cools :) cheers guys. first stage is on saturday - new tyres ordered - Dunlop Sport Bluresponse... Then going over the car and building a project list :)

[The Dogfather]

Bugger too late now but I should have said that for 16s the best tyre size is 205/50

[lamdacore]

Ill see if I can change the order, if not, no biggy. :)

[lamdacore]

I know this sounds stupid - but whats the difference? I mean, I've ordered 195/55 and I can get the tyres I want in the spec you've suggested, but I don't know what the difference is? Sorry, I'm a noob when it comes to cars...

[Mon the fish]

Take 205/55 as an example. 205 means the tyre is 205mm wide, 55 means the sidewall is 55% of 205mm tall. So 205 is 10mm wider than 195

[ELFMAN]

Mon, you said 'wider' (tread width?) - doesn't that mean the 205/55 is also 'taller' (rolling radius) than the 195/55? 55% of 195 is less than 55% of 205, so the 'sidewall height' will presumably be greater on the 205/55 - or is it too early in the morning and I'm talking rubbish? When does this sort of thing start to affect gearing etc - or would it be negligible in this case?

Apologies in advance for being a tw@t :smilewinkgrin:

BTW I had 195/55's on my R53, which was the O.E. fitment.

[Gismo]

Brief explanation here (http://www.driverstechnology.co.uk/Tyre-size-coding.htm)

[ELFMAN]

Brief explanation here (http://www.driverstechnology.co.uk/Tyre-size-coding.htm)

It's OK Alan, I understand pants only too well :blush:

[lamdacore]

cool :)

thanks guys, I tihnk I'll stick with OE just now, and get everything else sorted.

Debating on a project log, what you think?

[Gismo]

cool :)Debating on a project log, what you think?Absolutely, exactly what the gallery section is for, create your own thread for you and your car and then just keep adding to it as your project grows and grows :thumbs up:

[Mon the fish]

Mon, you said 'wider' (tread width?) - doesn't that mean the 205/55 is also 'taller' (rolling radius) than the 195/55? 55% of 195 is less than 55% of 205, so the 'sidewall height' will presumably be greater on the 205/55

This is correct

[ELFMAN]

This is correct
Ahhhhhhhhhh! So this is what it feels like!!!!! YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! :whoohoo: :dance: :clap: :bow:
First time for everything folks! :smilewinkgrin: