Wizzer

Hey all, Just picked up a nifty new toy, ordered off amazon. Mostly bought it because I started using the Android App aLapRecorder to take data and such when I am out on a drive. I ordered the GoPro Hero2 Motorsport edition and decided to grab this while I was surfing. It was only 20$ and so far it works great with my Android Phone. I downloaded the Torque App (Like suggested) and everything seems to be working. And it works with aLap as well. I will try and throw together some videos of what it pulls soon (still working out the kinks) Anyone else used one? Cons: Because of where the data port is, this kind of sticks down a bit lower than I would like, but I was only planning on using it for info during runs) ----------------------Amazon Info---------------------- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS/ref=oh_o03_s00_i00_details BAFX Products - ELM 327 Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool - For check engine light and other diagnostics - Android compatible Works with all 1996 and newer cars & trucks that are OBD II compliant Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database). Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL ("Check Engine" light), Compatible with Android phones Menu system on CD makes installation easy with dedicated buttons for driver and program installation. Wireless Bluetooth connection to your computer. No More Wires! Product Description DO NOT BE FOOLED BY COMPETITORS! THIS SCAN TOOL WILL WORK ON ALL 1996 AND NEWER 0BD2 COMPLIANT VEHICLES! UNLIKE SOME OTHER VERSIONS! Bluetooth scan tool for easy and informative engine scanning! Retrieve trouble codes, reset engine light and read MANY statistics not available with other scanning tools! Connects to your laptop or Android pone with Torque app! (Fee applies for app) Works on all makes and models! Package includes (1) Bluetooth OBD2 adapter and (1) CD with basic scan software - (full versions of software purchased anywhere on-line) Vehicle Coverage Works on all OBD2 Vehicles (1996 onwards in USA) and EOBD vehicles ( Petrol cars from 2001 and diesel cars from 2003/2004 in Europe) CE Certified

Unfortunately I don't have the equipment or the room (or the know how) to do it myself. When I bought the Pod, it was at 62k miles. I am now pushing 66k. I feel like I should be due. Any suggestions on a good place to go?

Well, I was probably due to do this soon, I figured I was due for an oil change so I went in to my regular mechanic. 1 he mentioned that because the MINIs use synthetic that I wasn't due for around 15k miles, and that to do it at their shop would be MUCH mo than normal because of the difficult. Same when I asked about doing the brakes. So it looks like I will be going to be switching. I know Mach V is a good go to place. Any others in the Manassas area? Is that true about the Oil change?

Here is the link to my photo set. I may be adding more as I tweak some of the other shots, but I wanted to get the portrait ones up quick. Had an awesome time and hope to see everyone again soon!

Not sure about that area. With my soft top I just caved and bought the car wash stuff I needed and started doing it myself. Are you in an Apartment area that has a car wash spot?

The gang is hanging out in the Panara on the main floor!

So, I registered, but I only did base, since I am not sure about my timeframe yet. Hopefully I can register for some of the other events at a later date.

This is so tempting because I want to swap out for Black Rims, but I have 17s on the Pod now and don't want to drop down. ):

A friend of mine posted this one on my wall on Facebook. It just made me that much more excited about the trip!

My Son said he saw another Convertible Gray with Black Bonnet stripes roaming our neighborhood. Said he thought I was following him! I haven't seen it yet though.

My only dealings with PMoA was when I just bought the POD and went there to kind of check in and see what they could help me with. I asked about buying some floor mats and the salesman actually tried to sell me some mats out of the trunk of his car for $150! I bought brand new mats off amazon for $60. Likewise, when I went to MINI of Sterling and mentioned my Alarm issue they said they would be happy to go in and check out the electrical system but needed to charge labor. I wasn't keen on paying dealership rates for something that may not even be an issue. It's not just them either, the Chevy dealership where I bought the POD was kind of shifty too and when I mentioned the rust I discovered on the undercarriage only 3 days after buying they just shrugged and said "oh well". Like I said, some dealerships are great and some aren't, I just have never had a good experience with them. I would love to learn more about the inner workings but I am not as good with engines as I am with computers.

I have to admit that I am knd of the same way. I have never had a good experience from a dealership. I know there are things that you are kind of tied to with a dealer, but for everything else I will always go to a local shop. I have been going to the Fair Lakes Auto shop for the last 7 years now and they have been amazing. Now, since getting the MINI I am not sure how they are with more performance vehicles but I would much rather a local shop. Average oil change with them...$30 for the best stuff too. Local shops care about you as a person too, dealerships you are just a number.

The Sun came out!!! Here is the Platypus installed with the chrome frame and deflector shield: Shot from the back with the new plate installed The dash with the Flexpod and new stereo. The Sony had two color options, I had to go with the red lights to match everything. If you look close you can see my, very old, XM receiver velcro mounted in the cubby behind the shifter. The power for both the XM and the Cell (you can just see the cord coming from behind the steering gauges) is hidden in the space below the steering wheel. The XM would not lay flat because it was just too long to sit behind the Power jack. Driving a lot in the Manassas/Chantilly/Herndon area, So if you see me toolin around! Give a honk!

Well the weather the last few days was outstanding (not today of course) so there was lots of top down time taking the family all over the place! I got my batch of stuff from CravenSpeed. New Flexpod installed for the smartphone, and the platypus for the front plate. Even got a nice chrome frame and it looks sweet! With the new Stereo installed I was encouraged to move the XM reciever over from the truck. Installed a power spliter and managed to hide all the cords up in the dash. Full power now for the XM, it's mounted in the cubby down below, and a charger up through the dash for the cell mounted next to the Tach. It's taken a bit but I am finally to the point where all the stuff I like is in and working and I am so happy with the results. As soon as the rain stops I'll get out for a good wash and then grab some pictures of all the latest mods. Now I just need some good snarky stickers for the back (: :top:

Latest new stuff to the POD: Got my plates! Will try and get some pics when the weather s better and when the front plate mount comes in. Still waiting on my CravenSpeed stuff. They had a delay and were nice enough to refund my shipping costs while I wait. Also had the stock stereo head unit replaced with a Sony with BlueTooth. Not having the phone hook up in the MINI was driving me batty. I have to head back to the audio place (Electronics Plus in Manassas) to finish up the steering wheel controls but overall it sounds great on the HK system. The down side was that the wiring harness didn't match up so they had to hard wire a bypass to the amp and then back out to the speakers. That took 4 hours of waiting. But I did get a lot of reading done on the kindle (Just finished Ready Player One last night) This weekend a bunch of family coming in, I am sure the MINI will see a lot of attention. Have a good Turkey day all!

Guess I am not going to be a rule breaker any more. I bought the Platypus License plate holder from Craven speed: http://www.cravenspeed.com/the-platypus/ That and the Cell Phone holder. http://www.cravenspeed.com/products/MINI-Smart-Phone-Mounting-Kit.html I was avoiding getting the front plate because I didn't want any holes drilled in the bumper, the Craven one works out great for that. Anyone else have it?

At least you will have her home soon. I hate being without my own car for too long.

Great ride everyone! Was the best way to attend my first event! Here are some of the pics I took:

As one of the Manassas folks I plan on being at the st stop at around 7-7:15 to catch the convoy. Haven't got my new plates yet so the Pod will still be sporting the dealer tags.

Fun experience last night racing a friend of mine in the game. I was coming up fast on him and he slammed on his breaks:

Dear Red Cooper driving north on 28 this morning, The giant gash in the side of your MINI, combined with the food mash you were cramming in your face while eating and smoking your cigarette in your car makes me very sad. Please take better care of your MINI. Hugs, A Concerned driver. p.s. I really feel that way about any car/drivers I see doing that, but this one made me extra sad.

Super stoked that my work travel fell through and I am now free for both the Beltway and the brunch! It will be awesome to show of the new guy for the first time at something like this.

Anyone on the Xbox side of the house pick up Forza 4? I was initially going to wait because I heard that the MINI was just DLC but later found that the 2003 Cooper S and the 2011 Cooper JCW were included on disk. Picked up the game on Sunday and have been having a blast. 3 races in and I had enough cash to get the Cooper S and have been racing with it ever since. Nice perk of the game is the Photo Mode where you have full control of the camera including all of the standard Photo settings. And of course, there are more cars than just the MINI: My son's comment was "So it's not just a racing game for you, it's a photo game too." Yeah, kinda.

New battery installed and good to go. $107 from pep boys. That with my mini brand all weather floor mats for $60 and a $20 FM transmitter for the Droid...... I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot more...

Dragon is on my list of things to do actually. Especially if my friend from Vegas brings his up. I have another bud in Franklin TN that would come over to Co-Pilot. He wants to get a MINI but is strapped right now so Co-Pilot would be the next best thing. Debating trying to get a Cabin/Room or just Camp it.