donemcclure

I was thinking of going to Barrel Oak winery and brewery for the April HSB. It looks like there are some previous runs that ended there. I'm looking at the weekend after Easter, either Saturday 26th or Sunday 27th. Does it matter Sat/Sun, is there a club preference?

That's good to know, thanks for posting. I've used Passport a couple times and they have been really good to work with, knowing that they at least offer some DCMM discounts is even better.

I could try a HSB in April. I haven't led a run, but willing to give it a shot. Also, Monica and I are heading to MOTM (Mini's on the Mack) July/August. Our plan is to hit all the Great Lakes on the way...could certainly make it a run if a few folks wanna tag along.

I didn't realize there was a 3mph difference, I guess I figured it was closer than that. Before this car I drove a 2017 Jeep Wrangler with 35s...so speed was not really a consideration. I really like the looks of either the 215s or the 225s. I also didn't realize the overall size of the tire (diameter) can even vary based on the manufacturer despite being the same width, some I've seen are an inch or so different. My wife and I are heading to MOTM in July, so I need to decide if I'm going to swap the tires before we spend 6hrs a day in the car for a week. Thanks again for the advice.

Thanks! I found a site that has a gallery of wheel and tire options : https://www.fitmentindustries.com/wheel-offset-gallery I do like the look of both 215s and 225s...so I think it will come down to cost and availability once I'm ready. Ok, so last question: Can you calibrate the speedometer for the new tire, or do you just best guess your speed?

Thanks guys! I think I may switch to a regular tire once these are done and look at a compact spare for long trips. I've generally had good luck with tires, so hopefully that will continue. What tire set ups are you running? I've looked at some 215/40R18s which looked pretty nice, but I also don't mind the look of the 205s. As of right now I don't plan to lower the suspension but I for sure have no desire to start shaving or modifying the wheel wells.

Thanks! I'm 50/50 on going to a set of all-season 215/40R18 tires (not runflats)...but I do like to get out and drive on the weekends when the weather is good. We also have a big trip (~2k miles) to MOTM this summer so I just wonder what my options are so that I don't get stuck someplace along the way. I did see some F56 with 225/40R18s (which I could get in a runflat) on fitmentindustries.com without any need to modify the wheel trim...so maybe that's an option? @SneakyBaron How/where do you jack the mini to put on the spare?

Hey all! So as the weather has turned its got me thinking more about tires. To start out the conversation, I am driving a 2020 F56 JCW as my "daily" driver...really I metro most days and drive it to the store and errands on the weekends, but its my only vehicle. I live in an apartment in DC with only a parking spot, no garage or storage space. I've read the debates on runflats vs standard tires for performance reasons, and I get that. But I like the idea that if I needed to, I could drive the car to a shop if I had a flat. Here's my dilemma and a couple questions for everyone. I would like to run all-season tires since the mini is my only car and there will be times I will drive it when the temperatures are below 40 degrees (which is the line most summer tires seem to draw). However, I can't find a runflat all-season tire below a 225 for a 18" wheel. 1.) Is it really a problem to run summer tires below the temperature ratings? Has anyone had issues with this? Technically from what I understand the summer tires really shouldn't be put under any load, even sitting on the car in the garage, if its that cold because it could damage the tire. 2.) If I were to switch away from runflats, what do you do when you get a flat? Does anyone carry a plug kit and pump? Do you just have the car towed to a shop? This is my first mini and first time not having a spare tire...so I'm a bit nervous about how it works. Appreciate any advice

Since I'm in an apartment in DC, and can't find a base with an open auto hobby shop, I will most likely have to pay for all my work. Which makes timing things to save on labor as much a factor as anything. Is there anything else worth doing along with the rear sway bar while they have it pulled apart?

Thanks for the advice. I haven't ever felt like I didn't have enough stopping power with the stock rotors/pads, but I do understand that sometimes its not about lacking a capability but adding to capability you already have. Most of my driving is around DC and club rides, but if there are some opportunities to get on the track next year I would love to give it a shot without having to spend a ton of money the next day to fix parts. Assuming that my stock rotors are decent (only 24k mi) and they don't need replacing until the next pad change, than I would rather just replace the pads and invest in a rear sway bar and links. So I'm really just trying to figure out where it makes the most sense to invest dollars to get the best performance gains based on my driving. Much to learn. If you have advice on things to read/watch to learn more please let me know. Appreciate the assist.

Hey all. I have my first mini, 2020 F56 JCW, with just over 23k miles. My brake pad replacement notification came on driving home from Luray after the club ride. I reached out to a local shop to ask about replacing pads and rotors, as I have heard/read that is usually a good time to upgrade. However the shop (not a dealership) doesn't recommend slotted/drilled rotors and the cost to swap all rotors and pads is $1500 for OEM style rotors and EBC yellow stuff pads. So my question is: What's the advantage/disadvantage of slotted/drilled rotors and should I "upgrade" if they aren't recommended? Will the yellow stuff and stock rotors give me improved braking? Any advice would be great as I will need to get the work done in the next week. Thanks!

Thanks to @PlaidSneakers for the great run this weekend! Looking forward to catching a few more before the weather turns.

I'm debating on adding some graphics to my Mini (bonnet/boot) but living in an Apartment building makes it a bit more difficult to do myself. Are there any shops that will de-wax the car and apply graphics that I purchase separately? Or any shops that can make/apply Mini or custom graphics? Especially any with club connections would be great. Thanks!

I did consider it, but I'm not really wanting to put a receiver on my JCW. Especially since I don't haul my bike very often.