Who here owns a Mini?

nas · 16 Aug 2017 at 22:41

thewanted said:
I could almost understand that logic if the absurb premium applied only to the JCW models, but since they don't have a special engine like the M cars (the M2 doesn't really have a special engine either), then why should the cost be so high?

I'd bet my left nut that BMW will increase their premiums quite dramatically before long.

Mines was £600 for the year with a £250 excess and I own a JCW; its come in handy thats for sure.

[TW]Fox · 16 Aug 2017 at 22:43

The £250 excess is fairly ridiculous though, it's only cheaper than the £100 if you don't make any claims.

DAIR · 18 Aug 2017 at 08:27

Thinking about going for the GP1 (done the 2 already). Problem is. I've never owned a car which is more than 3 years old before.

How reliable is the MK1 GP? Have any of you MK1 owners experienced any major issues?

BenjiSayers · 18 Aug 2017 at 11:57

I had a GP1 and on the whole it generally OK.

I had the following mods on mine:

Janspeed Manifold & de-cat pipe
17% Alta SC Pulley
Uprated coil pack & ignition leads
Eibach Springs (10mm drop over my stock ride height)

All the work was done by Lohen.

I had an issue with a crack in the rocker cover which caused it to leak oil over the exhaust manifold. The the other issue which caused a lot of hassle and eventually caused me to fall out of love for the car and get rid of it was an issue with the sensors on the inlet manifold. Took 4/5 months to diagnose and was due to them being dirty apparently. What was happening was when driving the car hard it was causing the car to go in to limp home mode and on a few occasions it caused the car to refuse to start . I eventually found the cause of the problem from a random post on Minitorque and showed it to the Dealer who then were able to fix it. By then though all love was lost.

Mine was number 1016 in case you want to steer clear of it... lol. I think I have pictures of it somewhere on this thread.

nas · 18 Aug 2017 at 14:27

[TW]Fox said:
The £250 excess is fairly ridiculous though, it's only cheaper than the £100 if you don't make any claims.

Right, best we just agree to disagree on that one.

[TW]Fox · 18 Aug 2017 at 15:27

nas said:
Right, best we just agree to disagree on that one.

Just look at the relative pricing, the £250 option is only cheaper if no claims are made. As soon as you make a claim the extra excess wipes the savings on premium out. The 250 option also discourages claims for smaller items.

Biz.Kid09 · 18 Aug 2017 at 20:55

Just passed my test, parents have passed on an 02 Mini Cooper. Looking for a phone mount, my options are either windscreen or one of those weird CD player mounts I think. The air vent ones aren't compatiable with the mini are they?

Zeebedy · 27 Aug 2017 at 21:04

Looking to get a Bluetooth unit for my Mini. What I want to know is if its a standard fit or if there will be any complications for installing???

Think im going to Halfords and get them to install it, just wanted to make sure that I wont run into any issues and get charged even more!! (I know its a ripoff but would rather have a comeback if the unit or install was problematic..)

Vanquish-Storm · 27 Aug 2017 at 21:40

Another question sorry, does Mini Recovery come with the warranty or is it part of the TLC package.

The sales guy was not to interested in selling the TLC he said you can get that at any time.

[TW]Fox · 28 Aug 2017 at 08:26

It's part of the warranty.

Hard to justify TLC since they made it 3 years.

Vanquish-Storm · 28 Aug 2017 at 17:29

[TW]Fox said:
It's part of the warranty.

Hard to justify TLC since they made it 3 years.

So TLC is just 3 services now? I'll ask how much they charge for a service when we pick up

[TW]Fox · 28 Aug 2017 at 17:36

Vanquish-Storm said:
So TLC is just 3 services now? I'll ask how much they charge for a service when we pick up

If only, it's about 1 service. Servicing is mileage based or 2 years, whichever comes first. So if you do average mileage it's likely all you'll get is 1 service as they even exclude the first brake fluid change now.

I've no idea why they have done this - TLC (and BMW Service Inclusive) were excellent products.

FishFluff · 28 Aug 2017 at 18:36

Biz.Kid09 said:
Just passed my test, parents have passed on an 02 Mini Cooper. Looking for a phone mount, my options are either windscreen or one of those weird CD player mounts I think. The air vent ones aren't compatiable with the mini are they?

Correct. I ended up getting a Mpow windscreen one off of Amazon.

Vanquish-Storm · 28 Aug 2017 at 19:46

[TW]Fox said:
If only, it's about 1 service. Servicing is mileage based or 2 years, whichever comes first. So if you do average mileage it's likely all you'll get is 1 service as they even exclude the first brake fluid change now.

I've no idea why they have done this - TLC (and BMW Service Inclusive) were excellent products.

Haha yeah there is no point in that then.

DAIR · 8 Nov 2017 at 10:37

Anyone here have experience with a company called Lohen?

--Mike-- · 8 Nov 2017 at 10:46

Have purchased some bits from them in the past and have a good reputation. I believe they don't let you into the workshop though whilst they're working unlike some other garages.
What are you thinking of doing?

DAIR · 8 Nov 2017 at 10:52

Just wanting a health check carried out. And a little advice on track session prep.

DAIR · 8 Nov 2017 at 10:53

[TW]Fox said:
It's part of the warranty.

Hard to justify TLC since they made it 3 years.

Didn't it use to be 5 years?

I just received a quote 3 year quote from them. Think I'll give it a miss.

--Mike-- · 8 Nov 2017 at 11:21

DAIR said:
Just wanting a health check carried out. And a little advice on track session prep.

Then they'll be perfect. Think they run their own track cars, so they will offer good advice.

Heard good things about Coastal Racing too, not sure if that's more convenient for you...

DAIR · 8 Nov 2017 at 11:26

Good. Will book an appointment with them.

I've not heard of Coastal Racing.