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Ok, so I've decided on swapping the wheels/tires this fall once the weather is cooler. Since I'm running the track this season I think I'm going to wear through these runflats a bit faster, and I want to have an all-season this winter since its my daily driver. So here's my question for anyone: Does it make any performance (on or off track) if a 225/40 is mounted on an 8.5 inch wheel vs an 8.0 inch wheel? From what I can tell the section width on the tire would be about .2" wider, but tread width would be maybe half that. So is .1" a difference? Or is it just fitment in the wheel well and overall look that is the deciding factor? I don't want my wheel/tire to "poke" out so I'm leaning to 18x8 ET45 but if an 8.5 is better.... Any thoughts/advice?

Thanks to Corey and David for all the set up/tear down, and running the school earlier this year. If you're new to your mini, I highly encourage you to come out, or sign up for the next autocross school. It's a great way to learn how to handle your go-kart...these cars will probably do more than you are comfortable with. So if you're thinking of running the Dragon, or pushing some twisties in the DMV area...you should run the track first. It's a fun supportive environment, just compete against yourself each run. You'll be glad you did, I am. See ya Saturday!

Something like that would be done at Mini or maybe Gt peace could do it? But it is the only way to avoid that pesky bulb out error when you switch to LED lights. And it is not cheap

Coded, who does that and I'll admit im not paying $300+ for new headlights until they die! Any one know who can do the coding?

I had a change of plans. I’m signed up for 3pm tomorrow at MINI of Montgomery County.

You could always look into replacing the entire headlight assembly with LED they do have ones that are DOT certified but unless you get them coded to the computer you will get that warning. Truth be told for me I just kept the halogen's it really just wasn't worth all the headaches, I barely drive the mini when it's dark outside lol

Our fellow MINIacs were out in force for the start of the BMW National Capital Chapter (NCC) 2025 Autocross season, with 6 competitors registered for the season and always a few additional competitors at each event. This year’s season will consist of 5 points events hosted at Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia. BMW NCC kindly offer a MINI classification allowing the MINI to compete against each other. If you would like more information on taking part in these events or what is autocross check out www.nccautocross.com or comment below. Event 1 was held May 17th, and was a quick flowing course combining large radius turns, a slalom, and several hard braking elements. Our MINIacs mastered the layout quickly and their times started dropping. With 7 MINIs competing you had to keep an eye on the leaderboard with positions swapping with each round of runs. Event 1 ended as follows with the entire class separated by less than 10 seconds : 1st Place – Corey Brown (2012 MINI JCW Coupe) 2nd Place – David Widdifield (2012 MINI Cooper S) 3rd Place – David Tracz (2005 MINI Cooper S) 4th Place – John Preston (2021 MINI Cooper GP3) 5th Place – James Wade (2013 MINI Cooper JCW) 6th Place – Don McClure (2020 MINI Cooper JCW) 7th Place – Brandy Brown (2021 MINI Cooper GP3) Congrats to everyone on a great start to the season, Event 2 will be held on June 21st and we currently have 8 MINIs registered to compete. We will keep you all updated on the season and hope to have more of you join us. 2025 Season Schedule 3/22 – Novice School 4/12 – Test and Tune #1 5/17 – Points Event #1 6/21 – Points Event #2 8/2 – Test and Tune #2 9/6 – Points Event #3 10/4 – Points Event #4 11/2 – Points Event #5 Join an event

Then what does everyone use?

I would be careful about getting HID lights as for 1 they probably will fail inspection unless they are DOT certified. Also they will cause a lot more heat which will play havoc on your wiring harness for your headlights, I had that issue when I used LED'S. Just something to think about.

So is it worth it or just get hids?

The computer uses resistance of the circuit to measure if the light has failed. LEDs have a lower resistance causing the light. you can find adapters on places like amazon but it is a crap shoot if they will work. Also the sell light with the proper resistance through mini focused suppliers like DetroitTuned.com and waymotorworks.com

I signed up for a 3:30 slot.

I put new led lights in for my running and fog lights so, I got an error light. I have heard I need to get an adaptor for the led lights that will they will not cause an error light. Is that correct and where can I get the adaptor?

I signed up for a 4:30 slot

I'm going to try and at least work from there for a few hours and then just hang out

Hard to pass up this event as it's so close to home. I'll plan on attending. What time do you think people will show up? Hope we can get a bunch of club folks out there to represent. -STEVE

Event Title: EXTERNAL EVENT: True Brit MINI event Event Date: 06/20/2025 01:00 PM to 06/20/2025 07:00 PM Event Address: 21710 Auto World Cir, Sterling, VA, 20171 RSVP on the event here:

Looking like there will be a good gap in the weather tomorrow for the run! Even if it chooses not to cooperate, I'll still be doing the run as the route is still fun even if in the rain.

The two shops used often in the area are GT Peace in Chantilly and PTuning in Manassas Online shops are Detroittuned.com, outmotoring.com, and waymotorworks.com these are businesses run by MINI people that know what they are talking about and stand by what they sell. Minimania.com has been going through some financial issues and I have hear some issue with order fulfillment so use at your own risk.

OK Sorry I have not gone through all the chats but: What is a good catalog to buy parts and mini stuff? Also a good shop in the Arlington area? Thanks

So, this Mini is a fun car that is going to be my new daily driver and I just want to customize it for me. I am looking to make it a little faster and I will be working on the suspension soon. My daily driver for the past 15 years has been my Wrangler that I also customized. I am going to be keeping my Jeep because it's also fun to drive. With the Mini the current customization: Hood scoop chrome has been painted the same color Front and rear cameras Phone mount behind the tachometer planned: K&N air filter LED bulbs for headlights and fog lights Smoked turn signal Smoked fender lights Front tow license plate holder

Adding the K&N air filter is a good start as I have one in my R 56 it does help the engine to breath a bit better. I agree with Cory on the tunning - re- mapping, if this is going to be your daily driver you may want to stay away from all that but if you want to have a mini that you take to the track or weekend back road runs, it may be a good investment then but I would have a good knowledgeable mini mechanic go over the engine, perhaps a leak down test to be sure mechanically the engine will be able to handle that extra HP no matter what stage tune you decide to do.

Welcome!! First question what do you want to do with the car, straight line speed, better handling on back roads. Is it your daily driver? Do you intend on tracking or autocrossing it? Having messed with MINI for a little bit, in my opinion, power is the last area to mod. Happy to offer tips once we have a better understand of your use goals. When it comes to chip/remapping if you have not added any of the accessories to support the increased air flow and offset temp demands it is not the best investment. These turbo engines are basically vacuums and the more air you can move the more power you can make, that being said for longevity purposes I would personally not push over 250hp without changing some internals unless you want those internals to become externals sooner rather than later.

I can't help with the chip question, but welcome to the fun world of MINIs! I hope you'll join us on one of our runs this season