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Nope. I haven’t done anything so far. Best I can tell, best option may be to have the dealer install the bike rack bumper mods, but it’s pricey.

Were you able to find anything? I've been debating on what type of bike rack to use on my 2020 F56. Would love to hear any advice. Thanks.

Hi Andrew, welcome to DCMM, I'm sure the gearheads on here will be happy to engage with you on all things MINI repairs

Hello everyone, I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Andrew. I live in Alexandria, VA, USA. I have a MY12 Mini Countryman S ALL4 with 120k miles. I recently started working on a lot of overdue service items. I replaced the timing chain, oil pump and chain, water pump and its pulley, friction wheel, coolant pipe, and thermostat. I walnut blasted the intake valves and performed a fuel injection service through the rail. This was the first time I've done any of thise work, and I learned a lot. I'm happy to answer any questions and hope to learn from the community. Thanks

We're excited that you found us Mike. I think you're going to love your MINI, for a car guy, the JCW is the way to go, lots of power packed in that lil' MINI. The one thing that new MINI owners probably don't know about is the MINI community. We are a very active world wide community with events ranging from MINI Takes The States hosted by MINI USA themselves, down to local clubs events in every state. Please let us know if you have any questions

Hello MINIacs, I was looking for an "Introduction" section on the forum but couldn't find one. Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong spot. I just purchased my first MINI, and it's a 2017 JCW... well, you saw the details in the subject line. I have been a "car guy" since birth and am quite excited about this new driving experience. Previous notable vehicles include a 2007 Audi RS4 sedan (2 of them, actually), a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 63 S sedan, a 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser, and a couple motorcycles (Royal Enfield, Buell). So yeah, a front-wheel drive, turbocharged 4 cylinder hot hatch is definitely a different type of car than I'm used to. But I'm super pumped about it! I'm also new to DC and have already poked around a little on the forum about trustworthy shops (sounds like GT Peace is the way to go), aftermarket wheels, and group rides. I'm hoping I'll be able to join on some rides soon and get to know members of the community better in person. See you soon! Mike

I finally picked up my 03 Chili R50 with 183k from my mechanic today!!,had to replace my alternator again! I just had another Mechanic install a new alternator,head gasket, replaced cooling system parts and flush radiator in Jan, and the day I got her back I drove 9 miles and when I stopped and turned the ignition off the coolant overflow container cap blew off and was doing exactly what I just paid to have fixed,well he forgot to put the belt back on when he put her back together. So he met me in the shopping center parking lot and was scratching his head as to why it happened,and I pointed out that he didn't replace the belt!! So I went to my local Auto Zone that I have an account with and told them I needed a new serpentine belt, so they verified that I needed it for the Mini I have in my garage. And the mechanic installed it and immediately when I started it we heard a loud squeal, and I told him something isn't right, either the tension or alignment was off,he disagreed and said that some oil had gotten on the pulley,of which I disagreed with but it was Super Bowl Sunday evening, drizzling and dark so I decided that I would deal with him tomorrow. So It continues to Squeal Everytime I started it for the 1st time everyday mainly, and then he stopped returning my calls and messages (He has a garage and works on the side). I eventually gave up on him standing behind his work and learned my lesson! The car ran great,38-40 mpg no overheating didn't burn 1 drop of oil! But still squealed.I was ISO finding someone that could check it out an exactly 2 mths later,I had checked my oil &coolant before heading out that night and the oil was a smidge low for the 1st time. Didn't go into a panic,but was aware Drove 6 miles and the clock went out then the instrument panel, headlights etc,and I knew it was the alternator because I had the same thing just happen in Jan. So I had it towed to a well respected man in my area and ordered a new alternator and he installed it and after installing the belt started fraying before we even took it on the road! So Auto Zone had sold me the wrong belt to begin with. I am dealing with that issue as we chat. So today when I picked it up , everything ran great, but for some odd reason my sunroof will not work? Never had an issue with it B4, then my stock stereo displayed, DISABLE!Never have had any issues with the Hardon Kardon factory stereo either?? I have looked at my Haynes manual,Owners manual and googled both. Checked fuses,reset the ECU,tried to reset the sunroof as instructed on my Google searches. Nothing.i unhooked my battery and waited a little bit and reconnected it and now it's dead?? WTHEAVEN IS WRONG?? Any advice will be greatly appreciated and will send good vibes your way. I don't understand why the battery would have died? I stopped at a few places on my way home and didn't have any issues starting it. Got the battery last Oct. and the car was out of commission pretty much from Oct til Feb.

Event Title: Cider Donut Run to the Farm Event Date: 11/02/2024 09:45 PM Event Address: Join us on a run from Dumfries, VA to Miller’s Farm on the last weekend of their Fall Festival, buy your tickets in advance if you want to explore the corn maze. The baked goods shop should be open to all, for donuts, pie, bread pudding and other delights. Driver’s Meeting at 9:45AM Drive starts at 10AM. We hope to have everyone there by 1:30PM. https://www.millerfarmsclinton.com/fall-hayrides RSVP on the event here:

Hey all, I just purchased a Craven Speed phone mount and wasn't super happy with where it puts my phone. I have an iPhone 11 Pro Max, so the phone is pretty big, and in order to make it work I just didn't like the way it sits. If you think you might want to give it shot let me know, not looking to get cost just don't need it sitting around. I have an F56 with analog gauges and the phone holder is a scissor. Here is a link for more info. https://www.cravenspeed.com/the-gemini-phone-mount-1/

Event Title: MINIs BO_ Feeder Event Date: 10/06/2024 10:45 AM to 10/06/2024 04:00 PM Event Address: Susan "MINIfied" is hosting an OPEN event: "This is a "re-do" of an event I hosted for MTTS '20 when we came through Frederick". There's a limit of 25 calf-feeding tickets Please purchase your tickets ($7.50) from the link and then RSVP. If the calf-feeding tickets are Sold Out, you are welcome to join us for the drive, the covered bridges, Catoctin Mountain (Camp David) as a calf-feeding observer This is a "best of" combo of the Bojangles run, the Oddities of Frederick County run, and the Ice Cream Run. Back roads, covered bridges, mountain passes and well, lotsa "feeding" - join for all or part! All reaction MINIs BO_Feeder Sunday, BOctober 6, 2024 Feed Your MINI Meet at 10:45am: Little BO Sheetz: 6050 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick BOogie time 11am Feed the MINIacs: BOJANGLES: 1312 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21703 Feed the Need to Act like a Kid: BOunce on your BOttom down the slide at Mount Tabor Park 13616 Motters Station Rd, Rocky Ridge Feed Baby BOvines: *MUST BOok a TICKET ($7.50 link below, max 25 tickets available) BOttle Feeding time 3:30pm South Mountain Creamery: 8305 Bolivar Rd, Middletown BOnus: Feed your sweet tooth here, too! BOok Ticket Link: https://southmountaincreamery.com/visit/calf-feeding RSVP on the event here:

Posting on behalf of Corey Fellow MINIacs, Corey here, I wanted to reach out to you with an update about the status of MINIs take the Beltway. This event has been a staple of the DC Metro MINIs calendar for 15 years, with Brandy and I organizing the event since 2017. MTTB has raised over $20,000 for Veterans’ charities, with $15,000 of that coming post COVID. With our growth, and with ongoing changes post pandemic, it has become more difficult to retain the principle I believe most in, that 100% of your registrations/donations go directly to the Charity, Operation Second Chance. The event spaces, prizes, and registration gifts have always been donated by vendors and other supporters of the event, our vendors have also experienced change so this model is not currently sustainable, and we will unfortunately be taking a year off to assess the way forward. We want to honor the intent of MTTB, to support our Veterans, while also putting on a high-quality event that will meet the expectations of our fellow MINIacs. To do this, we will be holding a virtual town hall in January to present information on how MTTB has previously operated, share lessons learned, and receive community feedback. We are also looking for volunteers willing to join in the planning process to continue this wonderful event into the future. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to post them as a comment on our social media platforms, in the club forum, or emailing us at: board@dcmetrominis.org Happy Motoring, Corey

As long as the battery charger has a float mode you can leave the battery hooked up. You do not want to overcharge the battery.

Event Title: Luray VA Run Event Date: 09/29/2024 10:00 AM to 09/29/2024 12:00 PM Event Address: Walmart – 6530 Trading Sq, Haymarket, VA Please join us for a Sunday run to Luray and back through Virginia’s rolling countryside. Our drive will begin at the Walmart in Haymarket where we will head west through the rolling countryside of Virginia. We will make a quick bio-break in Front Royal before heading to one of the finest twisty roads in the Shenandoah Valley. Nicknamed the Valley within a Valley, Fort Valley Road will wind us along Passage Creek before rising to Edith’s Gap Lookout where you will see a stunning view of the valley towards Luray. A quick 90 degree turn at the base of the mountain, over the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, and we will arrive in Luray, Virginia. At this point, we will have a bite to eat in Luray before beginning our drive back to Haymarket. We will wind our way over the mountain and under Skyline Drive before cruising through the quaint town of Washington. We will continue traveling on some twisties until we reach our destination of The Farm Brewery at Broad Run. If you would like to head to Luray Caverns and break away from the main group, just let me know when we stop for our bite to eat, and I will give you directions to the Caverns. So, if you like quick twisties, beautiful scenery and relaxing old town charm, you won’t want to miss this Little Virginia Journey. Start Point: Walmart – 6530 Trading Sq, Haymarket, VA End Point: The Farm Brewery at Broad Run – 16015 John Marshall Hwy, Broad Run, VA (Really Haymarket) Schedule of events: 10:00: Driver’s meeting 10:15: Run Starts TBD RSVP on the event here:

Clubman is "on my list" -- I've got a '13 S, but when I get a new MINI, one of these days, I am sticking with the Clubman model. BB2 will both lead to questions ("what does that mean?") but also to conversations ""what does that mean?" which is fun! Have fun!

That's a good looking MINI! So glad we got to spend so much time with you and Khalil during MTTS

After having such a great time at MTTS, I have added a Clubman to our driveway! Rule #37 says"Always be ready to Rally" don't think that's what it meant, but it sounded good when I mentioned it to my husband!!! I have not settled on a name as of yet, Sully and BB2 (Big Brother to Blueberry) are the leading contenders.

I second the recommendation for GT Peace! The whole crew there is awesome and the customer service is top notch. I've been taking my car there for years and they do an excellent job! -STEVE

I'd only go to Sterling if it was absolutely necessary. GTPeace has been fantastic and the only place I know a few of us go because they are honest and do fantastic work. I don't believe we have any other GP1s in the club. Welcome!

Hi DC-Metro MINI folks! Greetings from Loudoun County. Just acquired a 2006 MINI Cooper S JCW "GP1", this is my 5th or 6th MINI. It was essentially a barn-find in southern New York, but <40k miles and in quite good condition minus a couple small dings that I'll have PDR'd and a paint correction detail. I've also got a scheduled maintenance scheduled at GT Peace in a couple weeks. (Recharge AC and a low-mileage Oil Change... and to get other recommendations from tech to do before fall.) What is the opinion of GT Peace as a shop; should I just go to the dealer in Sterling? I started my career with MINI in 2003 and have since worked with a few automakers and within the automotive world for 20+ years now... I, of course, had a boatload of rare R53 JCW parts that I let go of years ago, but now I'll be on the hunt for stuff again --- would love to see if any local members have any R53 items they would like to sell, specifically JCW and/or GP1 related. Let me know! Happy to be in the group. Any other GP1 owners in the area?!