How To: Rear Badge Removal [PICS]

In a fit of boredom inspiration, I decided to remove the rear badging from my beloved MINI (To take photos of the process was an afterthought. Sorry for the crappy cellphone quality).

The rear badge we know and love...

Step One: Tape off with Painter's Tape (optional but recommended)...

Dental Floss (The cheap kind. Don't use this.)

Step Two: Floss Gently.


Trivia: Floss goes through fingernails better than double-sided tape...

The process continues...

Badge Removed. But you're not done yet!...

The aftermath... Rear Badge, preserved for future use; and about 3 feet of (cheap) dental floss...

Back to work on the tape... Don't use this! (duh)

Plastic scraper from "goo-gone" kit. Better? (note the question mark)

Step Three: Wet & Scrape, repeat as needed...


Looking good! (but only because you can't see the scratches left behind! Grrrr!)...

Step Four: Cut & Polish... (this did not remove the scratches completely!) :(


Wax on, wax off... (Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax, not shown)

The result:




Estimated time: 15-30 minutes.

Supplies used:

• Blue Painter's Tape
• Dental Floss
• Goo-gone® kit (liquid & scraper)
• Meguiar's Speed Glaze + applicator
• Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax (not shown) + microfiber

Tips I learned: If you have all the correct supplies BEFORE you begin, you can probably crank it out in about 15 minutes.

Things I wish I knew before I started: How the heck do you remove the double-sided tape remnants without leaving scratches?

Mission Zero starring Uma Thurman

That's right folks, it's the second* Pirelli Film production, featuring Ms. Uma Thurman...
and the Pirelli PZERO, of course!

www.pirellifilm.com

*Yes, that's right- there was a first one!

Alex Roy's BMW M5... drool...

Photo courtesy of Wired.com

Long before I had any interest in cars, I was the biggest technology fan and gadget freak I know. That has only subsided a bit in favor of the occasional go-fast mod and a penchant for a spotless and shiny MINI!

Imagine my excitement this morning as I read the Wired.com article about Alex Roy (who I now classify as "some crazy Manhattan-ite"), hellbent on beating the U.S. coast to coast speed travel record. Straight out of the movies (Cannonball Run), inspired by a movie (C'était un Rendez-vous), it became a movie, "32 Hours, 7 Minutes." And now I can't wait it to own it- and a couple "road-friendly" gadgets I never knew I wanted. Until now.

If you don't agree this is the the coolest BMW M5 ever, then you're probably not a gadget freak. Enjoy the full-length article anyway, and more video clips at Wired.com and 32Hours7Minutes.com.

(How does one obtain a bumper-mounted, thermal imaging night-vision camera, anyway?)

Dead Key Fix. Best MINI Tip Ever! (so far)

A NAM* member writes:

"...my key stopped working in that the remote lock/unlock feature is not working... Can I fix this myself, or must I take the key to the dealer?"

Now of course, if you ask the dealer, he might say "...and that's $200 for the new key, $50 for re-programming, and you can pay the girl at the desk."

Thankfully we've got InterWeb®, with the power to connect like-minded people(s). And we all know by now there is never a problem someone has not already experienced and written about. And this is where "Steve" comes in (if that is his real name).

Steve responds with:

"The problem is that one of your keys lost it's association with the car. It is not a dead or defective battery. It has happened to me twice in the past year. You need to have all the keys with you when you get in the car. Step 1..."

Sure I could copy, paste, and repost the whole breakdown here, but that would be a) rude, b) stealing (sort of), and c) not giving our buddy Steve his "props" (my staff make me say that).

*Go read the 4 minute solution yourself over at NorthAmericanMotoring.com. You'll be glad you did. And when you need to use it, tell Steve "thanks"!

MOTOR-TOBER 2007!

What a novel concept- October as "National Get Out and do Something Fun with Your MINI Month?", sponsored by "your local MINI dealer"? Sheer Genius! Of course, I already knew about the Mountain Rally going on in my vicinity like, three months ago. Alas the pesky day job... :(

Oh yeah, and don't forget to sign "The Waiver"
(Click for closer view.)

Waiver and MOTOR-Tober event listing, available at your local MINI Dealer and MINIUSA.com)

Revisited... "Mutant steals Mini Cooper for Joy Ride"

Gotta love "The Paper"*...




*five points for who ever can reference that quote! :)

Der Vergleich!

You know you're waist deep in the "internet age" when you somehow stumble upon a Japanese website with German content about a car made in the UK.




Incidentally, "Vergleich" means "comparison". But you probably figured that out already! Of course, if I were on my Macintosh, I'd have pasted in the Japanese text as well.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Blog Plug: MINIs on MotorkultTV!

Is it a Blog? A podcast? A TV show? MotorkultTV crosses boundaries to present a new take on the "car culture" scene. Why do we care?

Shot on location at the "Big So Cal Euro Gathering IV", episode 3 of MotorkultTV features some MINI owners and their "rrrrrriiiiiiidddddddeeeee" (said in thick german accent)

MotorkultTV.com
SoCalEuro.com

Photo Break

I found some "fairly recent" photos! Finally!




plus de photographies pour votre divertissement
mehr Fotographien für Ihre Unterhaltung
più fotografie per il vostro intrattenimento
más fotografías para su hospitalidad
너의 오락을 위해 사진 더

How to fit 20 MINIs in one parking spot.

Saw this one over on the M|U*...


*Motoringunderground.com

Be nice to your MINI Dealer whenever possible! Reason #32:

Everyday we hear yet another story about another dealership or Service Dept. that screwed someone over or has the compassion of a railroad spike.

The coolest thing a car dealership has ever done for me was replace a fuel tank filter free of charge- but only because although I was 6 months out of warranty, the mileage on the vehicle was far below the warranty limit and way to soon to be having any fuel filter issues. (What I get for driving a Chevy?, perhaps?)

However, that pales in comparision to the email that landed in my InBox this morning!

(Yet) A(nother) friend of mine ordered an R56 a few weeks back and is expecting to take delivery any day now.*

The following is an excellent story and illustrates "Reason #32" of why you should try to be nice to your Dealership Staff whenever possible:

(Lightly edited for privacy concerns):
"Yesterday I stopped by (MINI dealer) and spoke to (Sales Manager). He looked at what the computer said about when my MINI would actually arrive. It looked bad because the schedule had already slipped one day. According to the schedule, it wouldn’t arrive until Saturday. Of course I was bummed and told (Sales Manager), “I guess we won’t be having a birthday party Saturday after all.”

He said, “Give me some credit!”

He jumped on the phone and called the guy at Port Hueneme Vehicle Distribution Center who is in charge of the entire schedule. I heard him say, “I need a favor. You just received a car for a special guy who helps me out a lot. We have 200 people coming here Saturday to welcome his car. Can you do anything for me?” After checking, the VDC Manager said, “I’ll get it through and on a truck tomorrow.”

*That means my MINI will reach (MINI dealer) tomorrow. Whoo Hoo! The party’s on!"

===

This may be THE coolest thing I've ever heard a car dealership do for anyone! Of course, this is the same dealership that put up streamers, balloons, and a disco ball- to celebrate the delivery of another friend's MINI!


So- What's the coolest thing a dealership/service dept. has ever done for you?

OctaneGuy's "2-Bucket Technique" Video is baaack!

After disappearing from the my known world for, oh, 18 months or so, Richard Lin, a.k.a. "Octane Guy" re-posts the (link to the) inspiring "2-Bucket Wash Technique" video. Why do I care? Why do *you* care? Well let's just say, before this video, I was using Dawn and a sponge. And only one bucket? *gasp!* If you think there's nothing wrong with that, you certainly need to watch this video!

"You will never wash your car the same way again"
-- fictitious car magazine reviewer guy

Basically this is the video that got me started down the OCDetailer path to which those who know me, can now laugh at. Yeah, so what if Richard isn't in it, his then partner-in-crime (Mike Phillips) is certainly an expert in his own right, and brakes down the best car-washing technique I've ever heard of!

Don't forget to visit Richard's community forum, ShowcarDetailing.com for more pro tips you could ever wish for. And if you're ever in "sunny Southern California" stop by his actual, physical (IRL even!) workshop and store in beautiful Orange County, California!

2-Bucket Wash Technique (Google Video)
showcardetailing.com

(Not a shill, but certainly a fan!)

Trucks are highy over-rated

A post on my favorite MINI-related Forum sheds more light on the MINI Cooper's utilitarian prowess:

^^^ 61" TV ^^^

^^^the TV stand that goes with it. ^^^

Lucky for them no one sneezed, or it might have been all over!!

Enjoy the thread and resulting comments on NorthAmericanMotoring.com

This just in! MTTS in 2008!

For those who foolishly opted out of MINIUSA emails...

Here is the full text of the MINI Takes the States (MTTS) email, followed by what you will see once you log onto the Owners' Lounge (This probably violates several copyright laws, so enjoy it while it lasts!)

The Email:
The first time we pulled this thing off in 2006, MINI Owners had so much fun that we swore we would do it again. So now we're starting to gear up for an even bigger and better MINI Takes the States in 2008.

But here's the best part: this time around we want YOU to decide where we're going. This event is all about bringing as many of our incredible MINI Owners together as possible. So we figured it would only make sense if it was MINI Owners like you who actually decided what the event was going to be. Now is your chance to weigh in and help make MINI Takes the States 2008 as Motortastic as possible.


In the Owners' Lounge:
MINI TAKES THE STATES 2008. MINI is taking the states again in 2008. But this time around we want YOU to help decide what we’re doing. So don’t be shy. Cast your vote (only once per Owner) and then let us know if you have any big ideas or little suggestions for making the event even better.

OPTION
#1: THE ROAD TRIP TO END ALL ROAD TRIPS.
If you’re an “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” kind of person then this option is for you. It would basically be a similar concept as last time. A roving herd of MINI Owners would motor along a pre-determined, nationwide route, stopping in different locations along the way. This approach lets participating MINI Owners join up for the entire journey or just a few legs.

OPTION #2: THE BIG BANG.
In June, MINI United 2007 gathered MINI Owners from around the world for one giant party weekend in the Netherlands. So maybe we try something similar for Owners here in the U.S.? We would hold one spectacular festival over a long weekend in the summer, giving MINI owners the opportunity to motor from all across the country to one central location.

OPTION #3: CLOSER TO HOME.
Even though all our MINIs would jump at the chance to stretch their cross-country legs, we’d love as many MINI Owners as possible to make it. So maybe we arrange for 4 smaller events to take place in different regions of the country? Maybe we even stagger the events so that the hardcore Motorers could make it to more than one event next summer?

COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS: Was there an element from the first MINI Takes the States that you loved and would want to keep even if we change formats? Do you have a brilliant idea for how to get even more MINI Owners to come? Here’s the place to suggest any and all ways to make the next MINI Takes the States even better.

###

now get out there and vote people!

Lily Allen rows with her neighbour

"Lily Allen had a furious row* with one of her new neighbours last week.

The 'Smile' singer has been parking her car in a private bay which does not belong to her, over the past two weeks.

A few days ago, the bay's owner spotted Lily parking her Mini Cooper S in his space, which led to a confrontation outside her home in Hackney, East London..."

Read the rest at: digitalspy.com
###

Note: I don't think Lily Allen would like what would happen if she parked her MINI in someone else's spot here in Left Coast, USA. Also, who the heck is Lily Allen? :)

*row [rou]
–noun
1. a noisy dispute or quarrel; commotion.
2. noise or clamor
–verb (used without object)
3. to quarrel noisily.
–verb (used with object)

4. Chiefly British. to upbraid severely; scold.
[Origin: 1740–50; orig. uncert.]

—Synonyms 1. spat, tiff, scrap, scrape, set-to.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source

Neither Rain Nor Sleet Nor Dead Of Night...

...would dissuade me from keeping my car in showroom condition.

However, string together a week of 100+ temps, and you've got a different story!

Mini Mania Inc. Announces La Carrera Panamericana 2007 Race Entry - The First Late Model MINI to Race in Event

I certainly thought this was interesting:

Mini Mania Inc. Announces La Carrera Panamericana 2007 Race Entry - The First Late Model MINI to Race in Event

Mini Mania Inc. announces the entry of the first BMW MINI Cooper S entry to the La Carrera Panamericana Mexican road race driven by Colin and Eric Herrick.

Nevada City, CA (PRWEB) August 30, 2007 -- Mini Mania Inc. (www.MiniMania.com) announces the entry of a 2005 MINI Cooper S entry to the La Carrera Panamericana 2007 Mexican road race held between October 26, 2007 to November 1. Driven by the son and father team of Colin and Eric Herrick, Mini Mania expects their entry loaded with Mini Mania performance products will be the first late model MINI Cooper S to start and finish this prestigious race.

The La Carrera Panamericana is a 50 year-old vintage car race with over 100 entries for this year's event. For only the second year, the Unlimited category will allow late model cars such as the Mini Mania 2005 MINI Cooper S to participate. The course is a grueling seven day, 1935 mile route that starts from Oaxaca in the tropical Southern Mexico and travels north through altitudes rising from sea level to almost 10,000 ft. with temperatures ranging from near freezing into the 90's. The race finishes in Nuevo Laredo at the Texas Border. The changing environment is an added technical challenge to the already difficult route.

"This will be a true test of Mini Mania products on this extremely challenging and technical event," said Don Racine, president of Mini Mania Inc. "Despite the high attrition rate for the Pan Am, our goal is to finish the race in the top 10 for our category."

About Mini Mania, Inc.
Established in 1974, Mini Mania Inc., is the leading supplier of aftermarket performance and accessory products for the BMW MINI and Classic Mini. Mini Mania products are available from dealers throughout the U.S. and abroad and on the company's extensive web site. MiniMania.com is an information portal for Mini Cooper enthusiasts containing over 50,000 pages of unique content augmented with 1000's of part numbers, technical articles and community forums.

Mini Mania is headquartered in a 16,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in Nevada City which is nestled in the Northern California foothills outside of Sacramento, California.

###

source: PRWeb.com

Motor[er] dies after car hits tree

From The Beeb. (Ed. note: A moment of silence please.)

Motorist dies after car hits tree
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/humber/6963639.stm

A 22-year-old man was killed when his car left the road and crashed into a tree in East Yorkshire.

The man, who has not been named, was driving a silver Mini Cooper S on Sunk Island Road in Ottringham when he apparently lost control on Friday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. One of his two passengers suffered a fractured arm and the second is being treated for serious internal injuries.

Police have urged witnesses to the crash, at 1600 BST, to come forward.

Courteous Interruptus?

I'm washing my car the other day as I do quite often- and the new maintenance guy walks over and tells me "joo cain wash jour car here man". (hey- that's how he said it!) I said okay and kept washing anyway. I saw him a couple days later and I took the initiative to let him know I wasn't "dissing" him the other day, but was in a hurry.

He said everything was cool but he had to say something because he's been telling everyone else too. I let him know it was cool on my end too, but that, although I know the complex was sold (again) and they changed out the management company (again) and fired the other maintenance guy for no reason (again), "i've lived here 10 years- and you are the first person to ever say anything [about me washing my car in the spot i wash my in]". He laughs.

I politely let him know that the next time he sees me washing my car in that same spot, it's not that i'm disrepecting him, i just don't care-- no wait- I *thought* that! What I actually said was something like "if anyone asks, I'll let them know you told me I couldn't wash my car here. You know- so you don't get in trouble".

Reason #89 why I seriously need to move from this place. :(

MINI Adventure! SoCal Euro Gathering IV

I usually don't have the foresight to post upcoming adventures. I happened to remember this time (yeah, less than 24 hours away, i know).

Be there or... watch the video afterword!?

For Funsies: Payoff vs. Kelly Blue Book (KBB)

There was once a time where the Kelly Blue Book was a super secret resource only available to car dealers and used car salesmen. With the coming of the internets, finally consumers have access to the "industry standard" information used (or abused) for so many years.

I don't know if I ever mentioned that when I sold my 2003 Cooper, I MADE MONEY on that deal. Around $3,800. I was doing similar research for a friend this morning and on a whim decided to check how my current investment is doing (lol). You know, for funsies!





As you can plainly see, based on KBB estimates (and we all know KBB estimates are on the high-end compared to others) if I sold my MINI today, I would make about $3,499. Which is about how much I put down on it. Eeeenteresting!

BMW 1-series, or a MINI?

While the MINI universe all abuzz about the 2008 MINI Clubman, BMW managed to sneak in a 1-series coupe/hatch into production for the US Market for 2008 as well.

image borrowed from autospies.com

It's getting nice ink on Motoringfile.com and other websites but I thought I'd give my personal take on what will be the "entry-level BMW", replacing the MINI, which only BMW owners consider an entry into the BMW brand. (That's my opinion, anyway.)

I don't necessarily like or dislike BMWs. They look nice. I hear they drive well but I've never been in one. I'd likely drive one if it were given to me for free. Alas, BMWs are the opposite of free. Current speculation is that a reasonably spec'd 1-series will come in somewhere near $40,000. Forty grand people! You know what I could do with forty grand? I'll tell you what:

A friend of mine has ordered his 2007 (R56) MINI Cooper S. It's got basically everything you can put on a MINI. (before aftermarket mods, that is). That's a whopping $38k. So, which would you rather have? An entry-level, no frills BMW, or a topped out MINI? I know what I'd take! :)

What car would you get with $40,000?

The BMW 1-series on:

• motoringfile.com
• autospies.com
• jalopnik.com
• bmwusa.com

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way Home...

I was reading an interesting post on NAM this morning (IB4TL!). I had a similar incident recently but I didn't think much of until I read the post. Borrowing from the OP's text:

"I am sitting at a stop light (on an abandoned airstrip with no current traffic laws ) and a brand new (looking) Nissan 350z pulls up next to me. Funky goldish color, dealer/paper plates, big shiny rims, aero kit, Nismo stickers, the works.

...The dude driving quickly looks over at me and then turns to say something funny to the cute girl sitting in the passenger seat who starts laughing a little...

While he is running his pie hole, I am casually and non chalantly pretending I don't see what's coming up on my right, about 1/4 mile behind us.

....As soon as the traffic light turns yellow for the crossing traffic (uh... old abandon airport equipment ), he starts reving his big V8. "I knew it" I yelled to myself in my MINI. The Meat Head in the Nissan wants to show off for his chick and pick on the little guy...

I politely turn down my stereo and increased my revs, acknowleding the invite to an unsanctioned contest of speed.

The light goes green; he punches it through the intersection, I pause for a moment before letting the clutch out and ease through the intersection "granny style". A police cruiser "appears out of nowhere" (), lights up the red and blues, weaves through a few cars, and pulls over the Nissan before he reaches the next light.

I *really really* wanted to roll down my window and give him a thumbs up as I passed. I mean, really! Alas, my faith in karmic justice would not allow it. (Does posting it on my blog count?)

I love my MINI, and my MINI knows his place. (It may have been a different story had I not satisfied my need for speed earlier that day, on the twisty backroads of North San Diego County.)

See you on the twisties!

1-888-DONOTCLOSE

Aw c'mon- call it! (you know you want too!)



fun readin': northamericanmotoring.com

Dealer Visit: A Brief Recap

I know no one cares, but I gotta tell someone!

Mr. Bigglesworth went in for his 12-month checkup yesterday at ASSAEL MINI. He's got ~11,500 miles on him so far. A couple interesting snippets I thought I'd share:

- I pull up @ 0745, the super-hot greeter girl says hello to me- by my first name!? She talks up the "cool little 'Spy Car'"...

- My file now has "NO WASH PLEASE" on it permanently! :)

- Mr. Service Writer and I do "the walk" (you know- where they note current dings, etc). He sees my Limited Edition Tow Hook License Plate Holder: "Heeeey-- That's pretty nice! In fact... [goes in for a closer look] that's the nicest one i've seen- where'd you pick it up? (I pimp Blair's machining skills!) He spends 5 minutes talking about how his FELL OFF ON THE FREEWAY and inquires how he might get his hands on one (go Blair!)...

- We walk around the back and he says, "Wow your car is really clean!" I smile...

- Waiting for my rental (grr!) I tried to get the skinny on the rumor of the dealership getting bought out. Mum's the word over there! The two folks I talked to acted like they didn't know what I was talking about but I could see in their eyes that they know something. Brecht, here I come, maybe?

- I went to the parts counter and inquired about a few OEM, interior shiny bits. Man, OEM parts from the dealer are ludicriously priced! ($78 for one door sill?)

- As requested, they didn't wash the car. They did however, put on an unknown (probably BMW/MINI branded) tire treatment though. It only splashed up a little bit onto my paint and arches. *shrug*

- I picked up my car and before I headed onto the HMS Gridlock, I went over to MINI Sales to say hello to my MA. (Ed. note: I picked up my MINI exactly 370 days prior and haven't seen him since. ) I walk in and before I could even say hello he calls me by name too! We chat for a moment and he says, "Oh by the way, thank you for the letter you wrote about me. I can use it if I ever need another job." Sheesh! Even *I* don't remember writing a letter! Damn, he's good. (MA="Nick Armstrong" by the way if you ever have to send anyone to ASSAEL)

- The "12-month checkup" included the 10k mile oil change. I also had an intermittent SES light. The SES light was caused by the 02 sensor (I lost a bet with my friend). I don't know what they did to it, but my MINI is noticeably faster now than when I handed the keys over! Did they reset the ECU and it adjusted itself for my pulley and cold air intake? (That's just me guessing- I have no understanding of the technology!).

Since my first MINI in 2003, I've had both very good and very bad days dealing with the service folks at Assael. Today, was definately a good day! Yeah, a short, boring recap with no pictures. But true!

Speed Limit: 65mph MINIMUM (Picture Post)

I love it when you see something out of context.

Now I'm feeling You-i-fied! "MODS GONE WILD". The Complete List*

*I couldn't settle on a title for this post, so you get all three!

Yesterday was my MINI's first birthday.

While not really a major milestone, it did cause me to reflect back on the fun and excitement we've shared so far. Then I remembered: That is the main purpose of the "BUSHFINGER MINI" blog in the first place! I decided to create this little "modifications timeline" for posterity's sake (and a little time-killin' too). This also serves as a tribute of sorts, to all of the wonderful dealers and vendors out there that make owning and "you-i-fying" a MINI Cooper, so damn fun! And so it begins:

Thursday, July 13, 2006
I picked up "Mr. Biggleworth" from the dealer. It had 11 miles on it. And chrome side view mirrors. I specifically said black, yo! (Two week later, I went back to the dealer and swapped them out from a new MINI straight across. Does that count as a mod?)

What came with the car:
MINI Aux Input
MINI Chrome Exhaust Tips
MINI Grill Badge Holder
MINI Outdoor Car Cover
That little scuff-guard thing for the boot

Installed within the first week:
Alta Stubby Antenna (from my previous MINI)
MINI Magnetic Stone Guards (from my previous MINI)
LoJack (ordered with the car, installed a week later)
Tinted Windows from The Tint Factory (Loma Linda, Ca.)

July 06:
DIY MCS Intake Screen/Air Scoop Grill
Mini-Mania Ultrik Cold Air Intake. Who puts in a CAI at ~700 miles? Well, it was free.


Aug 06:
(Finally took the MINI Outdoor Car Cover out of the box.)
A slew of Grill Badges by MotoringBadges.com
MINIEyes by Rouge Minis
Spy Toggle Cover from MINIUSA.COM (the first hint of the "Spy Car")


Oct. 06:
TomTom GO300 GPS Navigation Device
New Wheels/Tires (sort of): I already had a set of Toyo Proxies TPT 205/50R16 and ICW Racing Wheels from my previous MINI. It just took 4 months to put them on.


Nov. 06:
Unplanned mod: The infamous "curb incident"


Dec. 06:
Limited Edition Front License Plate Holder by Blair Butler (yo- you cain't even git dis yo!)


Feb. 07:
Leather Knee Pad by MyMINIparts (now minspeed.com)
Sylvania SilverStar Turn Signal Bulbs
H-Sport 19mm "Sport" Rear Swaybar
Honeycomb supercharger scoop insert by ImagoX


March 07:
Chrome Expressions 808 Titanium Silver with Machined Lip
Alta 15% Version 2.0 Supercharger Pulley (Installed at AMVIV!)


April 07:
Escort Passort 8500 x50
Pirelli P6 205/50R16


May 07:
M7 Strut Brace (originally Purchased at AMVIV, just now installed!)




June 07: MINI hits it's first 10,000 miles. (Not a mod, but an interesting milestone nonetheless!)

And that's just the first year!
Geepers, what's left?! I'm sure I've forgotten something. I'll update this entry as these come to mind.

:bmp:

Today is my MINI's birthday!

Exactly one year ago today, I took delivery of my 2006 MINI Cooper S, a.k.a. "Mr. Bigglesworth". It was about this hot too, a blazing 100-degree , SoCal summer day.

I remember being frustrated that his "maiden voyage" was on the HMS Gridlock. A brand new MINI, and I'm going 20 mph in clutch killer traffic for the next two hours trying to get home.

I remember stalling it three times in three different intersections. Pesky traffic signals! (I don't think I've mastered it's tiny-but-mighty transmission yet!) I got home and had to take a nap because I was tired from baking in the heat. I couldn't sleep w/ a brand new MINI in my parking spot.

Later that evening I was able to get some "First Day" photos, even though it was at night. Less than a month later the mod-bug creeped in and bit me in the ass. Since then, I've attempted to chronicle its on-going transformation. (Note to self: Get photo morphing program)

then:
now:

(not necc. the best recent pic, but hey...)

One year and a 11,000 (s)miles later, I love my MINI as much as the day I brought it home. More actually, thanks to those darn kids!

:)

Puppies!

Cute dogs on their way to AMVIV '06.





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Blog Plug: Confessions of a MINIac

When I wasn't even looking, I chanced upon this awesome MINI blog, "Confessions of a MINIac".
Blog owner "Christina" writes, "I drive Stella: a pinked-up 2006 R53 MINI Cooper S".

Enjoy her pink MINI, recounts of MINI United, trips to Europe, photos, and... (record scratch) working for MINI.ca?!?! Okay now I'm really jealous. You can be too!

Confessions of a MINIac
www.lilcoopr.com