[Tires and gas mileage]

That makes sense Haemish

 

I miss my Rota's, I'm on the Web spokes now.

 

I also agree with Edge that the weights of the wheels are a factor. Don't know which Rotas you had but they're around 17-19lbs each, whereas your web spokes (looks like R98?) are around 22lbs each. Add the runflats' weight (around 21-22lbs each and probably a bit more than non-RFs) and that's higher unsprung weight at each wheel than the Rotas/non-RFs, and perhaps that's why your mileage is lower.

[Strut Tower Mushrooming]

Hi folks. I'd like to hear your experience with any strut tower mushrooming and/or torn upper strut mounts, and what steps you've taken to address them (strut tower plates, braces, or camber plates, etc.).

 

If you don't mind sharing your experience by replying with the information below I'd be grateful. To start, I've provided my information below as well. I'm not doing any scientific research or survey, but just want to know what may work or not on DC Metro roads.

 

1. Vehicle type:

2. Mushrooming, torn strut mounts, or both:

3. Wheels/tires (e.g., 17" run flats):

4. Any preventive measures (e.g., strut tower plates, braces, or camber plates - please describe make/model):

5. Have your preventive measures been successful in preventing mushrooming or damaged towers?

 

For me:

1. Vehicle type: R53

2. Mushrooming, torn strut mounts, or both: Both

3. Wheels/tires (e.g., 17" run flats): 18" non-run flats

4. Any preventive measures (e.g., strut tower plates, braces, or camber plates - please describe make/model): JCW Strut Brace

5. Have your preventive measures been successful in preventing mushrooming or damaged towers? No. The passenger side has mushroomed/had torn strut mounts twice

 

Thanks!

Mark

[FS: OEM Car Cover for 1st Gen MINIs]

***SOLD***

 

For sale: NEW MINI Cooper / Cooper S (R50/53) OEM Outdoor Car Cover (gray with black trim) for $150 (MSRP $190).

 

 

MINI Part No. 82110300266.

Will fit Cooper/Cooper S from 2002-2006 with or without rear spoiler.

Made of moisture-resistant nylon tailored for the MINI Cooper.

Has clear panel to show license plate.

 

 

I got this cover as a gift, and it was taken out of the box but never used (will be sold in original box). I can ship anywhere in the Continental US, or make other arrangements for pickup or delivery. Payment by PayPal is preferred.

Thanks!

[Rear Bumper Chip Repair]

Thanks. But yeah, that's a bit out of the way for me.

[Rear Bumper Chip Repair]

Good evening folks. I need to repair some chips and scratches on my R53 rear bumper and I'm wondering if you can recommend a shop or person. I thought about taking it to a dealer but I'm sure that'll be very expensive. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

[Tire Recommendations]

Well, I'm thinking about ordering a new set of tires soon. I've been sticking with the standard 17" Dunlop SP9000 Sport Runflats but now am considering switching to something different. For two reasons:

 

1) Lower cost if possible

2) Might try running 215/45/17 instead of 205/45/17

 

Tirerack's cheapest Runflat in the 215 size is the Kumho Ecsta SPT XRP (Ultra High Performance Summer).

 

I definitely want to stick with Runflats. If these Kumho's have decent wear, traction (wet/dry) and performance then I'll be happy. I'm just not sure how they'll compare to the Dunlops since they're half the price!!

 

So, any suggestions?

 

I replaced Dunlop runflats (205s) with non-runflat Kumho Ecsta SPTs (215ZR4018). I really like the non-runflats because they're not as harsh as the Dunlop runflats for my 2002 MCS. The Ecsta SPTs are not good in the snow (but they're not supposed to be) but are fine otherwise. I haven't driven them aggressively yet so I don't know how sticky they are. They were $98 each from tirerack.com, so I'm very happy with them for now. I don't think you'll have a problem with 215s over 205s. Good luck.

[Extended warranty]

Just for comparison, in 2006 when my 2002 R53's factory warranty was due to expire I got an extended warranty from MINI of Towson for $2615 for 7 years/75,000 miles. I wish I had researched and negotiated it more, but since then the warranty has covered more than $6000 in repairs (too many to mention), so I think it was a good investment.

 

If you want to keep your R52 for a while and you can negotiate a good deal, I would definitely get the extended warranty. But you should make sure that any warranty you do get covers all components of the convertible because there are many different policies and coverage.

 

Finally, I recently was told by a MINI of Sterling SA that my extended warranty company, Warrantech Companies dba Car Care Connection, have been difficult to deal with. He also said that MoS deals with (or sells contracts for) Fidelity, which I've heard is generally good for BMWs and MINIs. Good luck.

[R53 Oil Leak]

The leak appears to be from the center-front area of the engine.

[R53 Oil Leak]

If you have had recent experience with oil leaks for R50/R52/R53, please share. I just noticed that my 2002 R53 has an oil leak. It's not bad, but I noticed drops on the ground after leaving it parked. If you have recent experience with oil leaks I'd like to know where the leak was, where you diagnosed/fixed it, and how much it cost to fix. I think my leak may be related to the leak issues recently posted in MotoringFile, but obviously I need to get it checked out. Previously my R53 had an oil leak from the valve cover gasket, which was not noticed because no oil leaked to the ground. Fortunately it was covered under extended warranty. Thanks in advance.