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A little more than 15 years and 8 months ago, a sheet of metal was placed in a press. Several thousand pounds of pressure later, the side panel of a car came out. Hmmm, no roof. Ah, a convertible. The rest of the pieces came together, and robots and humans worked to assemble them. Then, the body was finished. No hood scoop, so no Type S. Soon after, a dip in the primer bath, then off to the paint shop. Horizon Blue, a nice choice. Next came the rest of the choices that were boxes checked on the order form. The “standard” 5 spoke 16” alloy wheels. Black non-leather interior. Harmon Kardon 10 speaker sound system, an excellent choice for a convertible. Cold weather package, heated seats are always a plus. Bi-Xeon Headlamps, all the better to see the road ahead with. Chrome grill, headlight surrounds, tail light surrounds, mirror caps, jeez, so much chrome. And here comes the top. Uh oh….it’s the brown top. Yikes, not good. But it’s time for the marriage. When the powertrain and the body come together. And yes, whew! It’s the proper 6 speed MANUAL transmission. And so, on 2/25/10, the final result rolled off the assembly line. Only then would her journey begin. First a long boat ride, then a short truck ride to the Maryland dealership. Her protective coverings were removed, everything tidied up, and placed on the lot. Now all she needed was……well, a home. However, that was not to be. For see, she was to most, an ugly duckling. So, she sat, and sat, and sat. Many months went by, however no one wanted her. Then, over half a year later, someone inquired. You see, it was the end of the model year, and dealers wanted to clear their inventory. One dealer in Virginia offered $6300 off of each of the two manual transmission convertibles on their lot. Would the dealership in Maryland do the same? Yes, they said they would. A picture was emailed: Hmmm, could the brown top be dyed? The chrome should be able to be covered or replaced. There were possibilities…..hopefully. Could this ugly duckling be transformed? Well, after the initial $6300 off, plus a $2000 coupon for attending a local event, suddenly the $27,700 MSRP turned into $19,400. Yep, for that, let’s roll the dice and see what we can do. At the end of October, paperwork was signed, and she was driven to her new home. Slowly over time, things began to happen. With a VERY lucky warranty swap, we suddenly had a black top in place of the brown one. Black mirror caps, plastidip for the rest of the chrome, black boot and bonnet stripes, and a find of someone selling their 17” wheels to replace the 16” silver ones. Yes, things were coming together, and the ugly duckling was now……a beautiful swan. But, much more importantly during this time, something also happened. I cannot tell you when or where it did. Most likely some curvy back road. The love affair started. Driving was something to look forward to. Excuses were made to take the “back way” instead of the interstate or such other major road. With each curve, each shift of the stick, the relationship grew and grew. You were there in the good times. You were there in the bad times, especially when the (now ex) wife purposefully dragged my son’s battery powered car across your hood, you still kept my other possessions securely locked in your boot as that was the only safe place in the house during the bitter 2 yearlong divorce. Now that we’re both free, we can go anywhere, at any time. You’re there for me when I need a pick me up, a night time drive with the top down after a long day. Carving up a twisty road, with both of us getting a good workout. Or just running to the grocery store. So, to you, my love of the past 15 years………. Happy Anniversary! I’ve enjoyed all of our adventures, and can’t wait for the next ones. Speaking of which…….look, our favorite sign is up ahead Left foot at the ready, hand on the stick, and smile….well, that’s been there the whole time.

Last time I was in at Passport for my free state inspection, they lied to me and said I needed new front struts (they were torn). After I quested them, the picture link they sent mysteriously disappeared. Took my car to my Mini Doctor and he laughed and said they were just fine. Won't darken their doorstep again. Oh, and they wanted over $1365 for new tires. $775 at Costco.

Sounds good. Will this be on I-95 or via back roads?

Many many thanks to everyone and especially to our fearless leader for a great run!!

Is this more a leisurely cruise (set the cruise control and watch the world go by) type of drive, or a sit down and hold on type of drive? Thx!

HID Headlamp assemblies for sale. You'll need the ballast and bulbs. Right light is in great condition. Left has a scratch that may or may not buff out. make offer.

I should be able to attend

I'm interested as well. Would need a helmet

Don't have proof of the BBQ grill, however here's a Dishwasher in my 2010 R57 in Jan of this year (hence snow on the ground). And yes, I was able to put the top up.

Still available?

Is it $100 for the event AND $58 to join the club?

If it's as windy and cold tomorrow as it was today, is there an alternative lunch spot? Thx!

"Look out" ?? I will sleep outside before my Mini does. All ribbing aside, enjoy your new ride!!

I have 46,000 on my 2010 R57 Mini and my windshield is quite pitted. Mini dealer wanted $1350 to replace.....er, nope.

Was a GREAT run! Could not have asked for better weather. Thanks to all!!!

2 for the winery. Is there a GXP file for this run for that map software that's listed here for runs?

Perfect mid-life crisis car! As mine was one too! :-)

I had seen some places/dealers on NAM (North American Motoring) quoted for much less.

Do you have to register to attend the car show, or just show up? Thx!

Nice!!! If I may ask, how much was it to do that?

Absolutely. She is "Black & Blue" like her owner.

A while ago, I signed my name (ok, maybe several signatures). It seemed so simple at the time. Then I drove home, and that’s when it started……the beginning of a 10 year love affair. She, like most of her brand, was a project. First was getting the fugly brown top replaced with a black one (thank you timely warranty swap). Then black rims, followed by black mirror caps and then black boot and bonnet stripes. Plasti-Dipping the grill, headlight and taillight surrounds was next, and very last, black headlight housings. Then she was done. She only has 118 horses under the bonnet, yet I haven’t wanted for more. However, she can be moody. I forgot her birthday and she rewarded me by completely erasing the programming on one of her computer modules. Yet, you treat her with respect and she’ll happily reward you with a grin that stretches from ear to ear. And she can even make me look halfway decent just by standing next to her. I love her a little more today than I did yesterday, and whether it’s rowing thru the gears, or taking a corner at speeds that would tip over a minivan, I’ll love her yet a little more tomorrow. Here’s to the last 10, and to the next 10. The 2010 Mini Cooper Convertible by BMW Midlife Crisis handled! Many Many thanks to Ali and her wonderful pictures!

What year Mini did these come from? They changed TPMS sensors during the Gen 2's Thx

Ok, my Mini and my 10 year anniversary is coming up (10/31). I wasn't paying attention and missed her birthday (Feb) and she rewarded me by completely erasing all programming from her footwell module. So, I don't want to disrespect her again. I thought of a full detail as a b-day gift (which she really needs) but that's the usual "goto" gift. Anyone have any suggestions? No real mods that I need done. Just trying to think of something nice. 10 years is a biggie Thx!

Welcome! Please remember we drive on the RIGHT side of the road