RichSperry

Jan, (RMW) can use both the Accessport and the older DIMSPORT flash loaders. With either you can revert to stock before taking it to the dealer. With ANY flashing, the dealer, or MINI can eventually tell if you have altered the programming if they want to dig deep enough. (IIRC there is a counter in the ECU memory that tells tham how many times it has been flashed.) The real question is if the person/company doing the warranty work will care if it's modified?

Update Got it installed in under 20 mins. Start to finish. Works as advertised.

Should be no more illegal than tapping the brakes. Ok, wow, that just didn't come out right.... Anyway, it's getting installed and I'll find out later...lol

I'll be calling today. Dibs.

Like I said before, a box of doughnuts, some Cokes, and $20... (maybe just buy me lunch..)

I really was serious...

Heck, doughnuts and coca-cola +$20 I'll do it... If you don't mind a nice drive to the Maryland countryside...

Just a quick couple of things. Yes changing BRAKE pads is pretty easy, but you do need a couple of tools. You can rent the rear brake compressor from some autoparts stores. (AutoZone is one). Basically you pay a deposit that equals the cost of the tool, you get the deposit back when you return the tool. You need a big "C" clamp or I use a big "C" visegrip on the front pistons. If you have the brake pad warning, you need new sensors. And the rotors are probably going to need to be replaced. BMW/MINI really does design them to be consumable and intend that they be replaced. They can last through about 2 sets of pads, but I've found that if you can feel a significant lip, they are probably done for. You can't turn them on a brake lathe and have them be above minimum thickness. You just replace them. As for brake pads, everybody has an opinion. The stock brake pads work really well, have very good initial bite, (start stopping the car right when you start pushing the pedal), but dust a lot. They aren't good for very long on a track. Autocross ISN"T anything like a track, any brakes will last... Most brake pads will accommodate the wear sensors. Hake HP ceramic, Porterfield R4s, Akabono, Axxis Ultimate, Cool Willys, EBC green .. all will work, it will come down to personal preference.

Oh go ahead and get the Rennline pedal covers. I did...lol http://www.rennline.com/Rennline-Aluminum-Pedal-Set-3-piece-Rubber-Grip-Mini/productinfo/P71...60/SILVER/

Thanks, got it, ordered it...

Anybody know where I can find a C3M grill badge?

Akrapovic or bust...

lol, you need better peddles... http://www.rennline.com/Manual/products/711/ or http://www.rennline.com/Rennline-Aluminum-Pedal-Set-3-piece-TIP-Rubber-Grip-Mini/productinfo/P71.62.96/

In the summer I drive barefoot... I kick off the flip flops and stow them under the seat adjuster...

Because the Weathertech mats won't fit right. Even with the stock mats, it raises the Tech mats up and they will catch the pedals. So all mats have got to go...

Install snow tires/wheels, take out the Coco mats, and put in the Weathertech mats. Done!

The JCW strut tower brace doesn't do much, but it's nice eye candy...(I've got one on my car..lol) You can always add it later after you find someone sell it used....(and save some money...)

My turn... Hi and welcome... Get the xenon headlights. (ADAPTIVE are even better) Worth every penny or pfennig, or pence it cost to design and install... people that say they're too bright or suggest the cut off is limiting, probably haven't used them at night. I will NEVER EVER have a car without them. (and again, adaptive are even better.) Skip the sports suspension. There are much better aftermarket options. If you need to keep the costs down skip the leather. The cloth seats are great. Skip the automatic. Unless you have to have one due to prosthetics... I love my heated cloth seats... Do they even have sunroofs? if they do skip that too...lol Unless you really like solar ovens... Get the HK. It's not great, but it's way better than the non HK, and installing an aftermarket stereo is almost impossible. So you really have no other options. 17 vs 16's? They both work, I like the 17's. (but I have a set of 16" wheels with snow tires, the best of both worlds) Auto AC vote here...Along with rain sensing wipers, and dimming mirrors. Order the smartphone prep. You can't get it later. Ok, you all confused now...lol No matter what you get, you'll probably be really happy with it. Welcome and motor on!

It was good to see both old and new friends, and finally meet Way. Opinionated is a slight understatement... Ali. how did the butt tightening go? One more thing... Just great.. Now I have to find the money for an Akrapovic exhaust... And no I'm not raspberry... It's Rich Sperry...lol

Just a quick note... A few of us are meeting at Columbia mall on the top of the parking garage near the movie theater at 11AM. Then heading over.

Me too. Do I really need to email Way if I just want to come and hang out? lol I kid...

Yep, it's really small...

Hell, if I wanted to have to do a preflight check list, I'd fly... Yet another thing I really hate... Having to push the random button on the radio every time I go somewhere. Back to the autosport... It also lets you automatically turn off the traction and stibility controls. That's just one less thing you have to remomber at the autocross or track. Nothing ruins an autocross run faster than having the traction control kill your start. How hard would it have been for the engineers to program it so the car remembers what state a couple of buttons were in?

Well it's been a while. Autosport= not having to remember to press the freaking sport button every time you get in the car. Intakes. Alta, Defenders of Speed, M7, K&N, DDM, JCW, and maybe Helix...

If any of you are in the Eldersburg Md area Saturday 10-8, in the AM, I'm installing a set of Bilsteins on a friends Justa. You all are free to come by and hang out and watch... Rich