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.





Download/Play
00:13sec
1MB
320x320
mov

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

Big Bear Jam

Wow! A video post I can legitimately post on all of my blogs!

This past weekend I was uber bored and made a spontaneous drive to the lake.

420 MINI

found at: www.dynamicminicollective.org/gallery

Who's Buying This Car?

Some how I ended up on the JD Power website today. Always good readin'!

(click for the zoom!)

"When BMW purchased Britain’s Rover Group, it also acquired the rights to the Mini Cooper brand, which many enthusiasts consider one of the most legendary cars of all time. BMW subsequently put the Mini back into production, preserving many of the exterior styling cues and the efficient packaging, but adding modern mechanicals and a modern interior. BMW also developed an unconventional convertible version of the car, wherein the front section of the convertible top slides back, providing a roof-width sunroof, but not a completely exposed passenger cabin."

(images and words, borrowed w/o consent from JDPower at: www.jdpower.com/autos/mini/cooper/2006
go and click an ad or something. it's good for my karma.)

"Runaway Cavalier" Update

THIS JUST IN!
Through an unsolicited update, I have received more info on the Runaway Cavalier! As it turns out, our frazzled gentleman was teaching his daughter to drive.

In a crowded, apartment complex, even. Niiiiiice!

Father: "This is the brake. It makes the car stop. This is the gas. It makes the car go."
Daughter: "Which one is this again?"

Tales of the Weird But True #2: The Runaway Cavalier

Last night as I was writing up my previous "Tales of the Weird But True" post, an equally odd event occurred. Namely...

I'm sitting @ the computer typing away about the strange event that had occurred just hours prior, when, from outside I hear a crashing sound. It sounded a lot like someone plowing into the wooden cabinetry that makes up the back wall of the car port. "How on earth could someone manage to do that?" I thought. I soon forgot about it so I could get my epic tome posted at a normal hour, since I had to get up at 5am the next day.

A few minutes later I hear the rumble and chain-drag of what sounded like a tow-truck. "Tow-truck?" I thought. Alas my curiousity had been piqued! I got up and peeked out my curtain like nosey Mrs. Kravitz. "WHAT THE?!" I thought! It wasn't a two truck at all!

It turns out- someone did manage to plow into the car port! What I saw from my awkward vantage point: A broken windshield, deployed front airbags, a flat tire, and a variety of leaking fluids. There was an older gentleman looking confused and holding his eye. And many many on-lookers. And no tow truck. I'm guessing that the dragging sound was from them trying to back the car out a bit to assess the damage.

So, how bizarre is that?! I have no idea how you manage to floor it into a stationary object while driving in straight line! I'm no expert but from the amount of damage, the driver had to be going at least 15-20 miles per hour directly into a solid, stationary object! Fortunately the whole thing occurred 2 carports away from mine and all the glass and liquids and onlookers- went the opposite way.

And no photos. :(

Tales of the Weird But True #1: The Case of the Missing Plates

Today I went to the gym. As I walked through the parking lot I noticed a guy sitting in the passenger seat of a Red Honda Civic, messing around with his T-Mobile Sidekick. I thought that was kind of interesting. I continued walking up toward the gym and in the next row, I saw another guy, crouched in front of a blue, Ford Mustang GT. I was on the opposite end of the car so I couldn't see what he was doing. Still, I thought to myself, "Hmmph. Someone's getting their plate jacked".

As I continued walking up to the gym facility I pondered if I should mention that to someone. My internal reply, "What? You see two black guys in a parking lot and automatically think 'they must be stealing something'? That's called "profiling"." I felt guilty that I automatically type-cast two black guys with white tank tops and black doo-rags as "suspicious", and proceeded with my workout.

Ninety minutes later I was leaving the gym. I walked past the same Blue Mustang GT. Guess what? NO PLATES!!! "Sunuva..." I screamed. "Damn!!... black!!...". Talk about a quandry! On the one-hand, you've got damn, thievin' ass bastards! And I knew it! On the other hand, man was I tired. I Alas, my previous shrug meant I was now morally obligated to report it.

I flag down the ever-present Parking Gestapo and tell him the short version. He calls it in to the real police. A few minutes later, not one, but two cruisers roll up. Meanwhile, everyone inside the gym (built with an entire wall of plate glass facing the parking lot, btw) is watching the drama unfold. I tell my story to Officer A. Officer B shouts from his cruiser, "where's the blue car?" I point, he goes. Officer A takes a statement, funky little spiral-bound notepad in hand (I didn't know anyone still uses those). Officer B finds the car and lights up the ol' red-and-blues. The crowd goes wild!

I continued to give Officer A as many details as I can:
What'd the car look like?
Red, older Honda Civic. Fading paint job.

Anything special about it? Wheels? Anything?
Not really.

What'd the first guy look like?
He was crouched down on the other side of the car so I don't know his exact height. But, kinda like me. Black, same height, same build.

What was he wearing?
White tank top on and a black doo-rag.

What's the second guy look like?
He was sitting inside the car so I don't know his exact height either, but... well... kinda like me. Same height, same build. Black guy.

What was he wearing?
A white tank top on and a black doo-rag.

Twins, huh?
Yeah basically.

(And then, the clincher...)

Why didn't you tell someone earlier?
Well, you know- you can't just assume that two black guys loitering in the parking lot are stealing stuff.

Officer A laughs and says, "yes, I certainly know what you mean".

So, like many police stories, it ended with an unknown victim, a clean getaway, and me- with a business card. In case I think of anything else.

Of course, it could have been one of those guys' car and they just went to, um.... wash the plates? Couldn't it?

Lookie What I Got! M7 Strut Tower Brace

Way back at AMVIV, (wow- that seems soo long ago!) I acquired the ever popular M7 Strut Tower Brace. I didn't get it installed at the time because our good friends from Detroit Tuned were astute enough to point out a cracked strut mount thingy! A quick replacement (and a few sledge-wacks later) and... voila!

(Q: How do you get a good, clear shot of a Strut Bar?)

Yes- I know my engine bay needs a detailing day

I like that when you get the M7 Strut Brace you automatically get the Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates too!

M7 Strut Brace (MSRP): $199.00
(Strut Tower "Caps" compliments of "Monty")

"

M7Tuning.com | DetroitTuned.com

Spy Car

A more recent photo of the Spy Car :)

An even more "artsy" version.

An even more "artsy" version, suitable for framing and desktop wallpapers.

BLOG | SPECS | GALLERY I | GALLERY II (flickr) | NAM

Lookie What I Got! MINI Motion Watch

Acquired through a game of chance...

Seriously though, not being one to typically wear a watch, I still cannot explain exactly how a few months back I awoke one day- with a watch fetish? So of course I need a "Saturday/Motoring Watch" to round out the collection. What better candidate than the (now) classic MINI Motion Watch.

From the MotoringFile review: "One of the main principles that the watch's design is centered on is the ability for clear and easy reading in every circumstance, even while motoring. The digital readout of the watch actually turns 90 degrees to give you a more straightforward view while your hands are on the wheels..."

Now, I'm no expert, but coming in as the most expensive watch I have ever owned, frankly, the watch doesn't leave as much of an impression as the dent in my wallet. Honestly, I thought the width on the numbers would be a lot bigger. I thought the numbers would rotate automatically. It's not that "clear and easy" to read. I'd prefer black over "charcoal"- (it's a lot more green in these photos and sometimes when the light hits it at a funky angle).

It's got three display modes for the time, stopwatch, and alarm. Frequent flyers and schizophrenics can set times for two different timezones. I'm sure I forgot something cool. Fortunately I located an old yet highly detailed Motoring File review of this very product so I'll spare you the rest of the details since I couldn't do any better. (damn you- Gabe!)

Nevertheless, a nice addition to my MINI schwag collection and watch managerie. And now, the pics!

Gotta love cool packaging...

a closer look...

the back (MINI logo, "water resistant up to 30 meters; All stainless steel; Made in China.")...

one must admit- it's a really unique design...

here it is with the time in "horizontal mode"...

here it is with the time in "vertical mode"...

here it is with the time in "small horizontal mode"...

here it is with the stopwatch in "vertical mode"...
MINI Motion Watch - $165 @ outmotoring.com

Oh yeah- and a big shout out to Aaron at outmotoring.com for being the only e-tailer with this item in stock!

MINImotionUSA.com (discontinued products other than the watch)
Outmotoring.com (Part No. 99 00 0 005 329)

Feliz Cinco de MINI!!

Brecht MINI in Escondido had a neat little event for the area MINIacs, "Cinco de MINI @ Brecht". It was a full-on Cinco De Mayo Fest! (I got some great video footage, but too bad I left my still-camera in the car, so you'll have to use your imagination!)

The on-site taqueria dude broke it down with good ol fashioned downtown street-cart style chicken, carne asada, and bean tacos! Yuummm!! (my friend said, "I never heard of bean tacos" to which I had to reply, "you need to get out more!")...

I discovered that mock-margaritas are no fun- even w/o the Tequila I still don't like them!...

What's a Cinco de Mayo with out Ballet Folklorico and Mariachis?!...

The parts desk had all their MINI schwag on the counters for everyone to drool on (yes, I did get another hat)...

Time to play.... Beat The Pinata!!...

The Brecht SCCA car was prominently displayed...

They had several 2006s on the lot and even a few 2007s too! Well, they've got one less because the neighbor of one of the WCMers bought one that day (which, of course, makes Mr. Brecht very pleased!)...

After the food and festivities, WCM lead a short run through some twisties... It was so much fun, most of the group of 43 MINIs headed back to Brecht via the switchbacks. Me? I had to head off to the freeway and get back home...

Overall it was very much fun and I am glad Brecht sponsored such a great event! I should write them a letter and thank them! (Yeah- I think I'll do just that!).

Whenever get the video edited I'll try and post it back on this entry!

Ouch! Cracked Strut Mount!

While at AMVIV it was discovered that my poor MINI has fallen victim to the much discussed "Cracked Strut Mount and Strut Tower Mushroom". No- not a delectible Mediterranean dish fried over an open-flame, but a plague like design "issue" in the front-end suspension. (You can read the never ending thread on NAM here, here, and here- yeah- i told you!)

One thing I noticed in my research however, is a lack of photos of the fairly obvious symptoms. Fortunately, I have a digital camera!*

Here is (not a very good shot of) a non-mushrooming strut tower. Note it's "flatness"

Here is my other (passenger-side) strut tower, with mushroom syndrome. Note where the VIN is- that should be flat. But it is not.


Here is where the plot thickens- a severe example of a cracked strut mount ("shock mount"/"bearing something or other").
Here is that same shot with the crack marked off. Ouch!

*(super hi-res versions available here (strut mount) and here (strut tower).)


The MINI is in the shop as I write this- getting the strut mount issues repaired. Now, how do I convince them to take a 4x4 and a sledge hammer to pound the mushroom'd tower, flat? more news as it develops- now back to you in the studio!