R56 Update #3

We may have finally gotten to the end of the electrical gremlins after many attempts to fix them. The awesome thing is to do it, I had to install a kick ass sound system. #winning

1) Removed the factory boost head unit

2) Bypassed the HiFi amp

3) Installed a Kenwood  KDC-BT752HD head unit, two 6×9 Kicker CS 3-ways in the rear and two 6.5” Kicker CS 2-ways in the doors for a total of 10 speakers (4 highs, 2 mids, and 4 lows just like OEM). We used all Metra/Axxess Interfaces products to rewire and house these changes.

4) Added some Glowshift gauges to patrol how the engine is doing post thermostat replacement. We added boost, coolant temp, and oil pressure from the black 7 color line.

5) We went back to Cravenspeed for  all the necessary adapters to get the gauges functioning.

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R56 Update #2

So after a few months, and a few more repairs/mods, the car is really coming together.

1) Installed factory mud guards all around to help with the overspray from the oversized wheels.

2) Fitted both the Way Motor Works noise maker delete and the resonator delete in the boost lines.

3) Added a Cravenspeed dipstick and coolant temp adapter to the vehicle to make services easier. (We used the adapter in the bottom coolant hose as a drain plug instead of needing to pop a hose in the future.)

4) Replaced the thermostat after it failed.

5) As recommended, we have introduced PCV caps on the intake side to protect the valves and added a BSH oil catch can to the turbo side to reduce crud going into the turbo.

6) Gathered up all the missing covers, seals, and trim from the vehicle to get it back to factory fresh.

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R56 Update #1

So since the R56 came home, a few repairs and mods have taken place to make it more reliable aka, no more warning lights on the dash after fixing some electrical gremlins.

1) New Battery from Oreilly’s to See if that was the cause of the power failures.

2) New 16×8 (-15) Avid1 AV-12 Wheels Paired with Pirelli P7 Cinturato (205/50/R16) at 36psi

3) Plastidip’d the side mirrors and truck hatch white.

4) Installed a tow hook license plate bracket so no more zip-ties.

5) Replaced the broken antenna base to get rid of the blue painters tape.

6) Installed a bootless shifter cover since the old shift boot’s base was destroyed.

7) Fitted a dual USB cigarette lighter w/ volt reader to keep an eye on the battery levels.

 

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2009 (R56) Mini Cooper S

It may not be the classic mini, but I figured I might as well post it up since it’s the new baby in the garage.

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