Thursday, May 21, 2015

MINI Cooper Interior Water Leak (2007-2014)


MINI Cooper Interior Water Leak

#1 - Control Module (Foot Well)

Vehicles Affected:

MINI Cooper & Cooper "S" all models 2007-2014

If you have wet carpet on the passenger floor, or have a damp mildew smell in your vehicle. Check the passenger floor board or carpet for water saturation.

The carpet pad on the generation 2 Mini Cooper is almost 2 inches thick. So a lot of water will hide under the carpet before you will notice a problem.

During this rainy weather we are having in Texas we have had several cars brought to us with unusual electric problems ranging from head light, wiper, or headlight malfunctions,  to complete battery drain issues.

What we have discovered is water migrating into the vehicle, under the carpet, and then flooding various expensive electronic control modules.  (See photo 1)

#2 - Battery Cover Leak
These control modules are located under the passenger seat, and drivers and passenger side foot well. Unfortunately water and electronic components don't get along. And the water seem to win the battle every time.

To properly dry the carper we recommend removing seats and pulling up the carpet on the passenger floor.

Mini Cooper passenger floor board water leak causes:

  1. Passenger side wind shield cowl cover seal deteriorated and not properly sealing to the windshield.
  2. Battery cover plastic hatch cover broken or missing.
  3. Sunroof drain tubes clogged with debris
  4. Improper windshield installation ( not enough adhesive on glass to seal out water.

#3 - Window Seal Leak
Most of this you can inspect yourself, and it will all make sense. If the battery cover hing is broker and the cover is missing during a 3 inch rain you can bet that 3 inches of water will end up in your car. (See photo 2)

The windshield cowl seal is the soft rubber seal that is part of the cowl cover. Any water that gets behind the cowl seal will enter the passenger compartment once water level raises.

The actual drain tube will handle some water entering the compartment but not the volume of water when the battery cover is missing, or the seal is broken or cracked. (See photo 3)





Other Areas That Can Leak:  Mini Cooper clogged sunroof drains: 
It very important the keep sunroof drain tubes clear and capable of flowing there maximum water capacity. 

#4 - Damaged Window Seal
The sunroof seals are only designed to repel large volumes of water. Any excess water that enters this area around the sunroof opening is channeled into the drain tubes to be dumped out under the vehicle. Any over flow will end up inside the vehicle.

Consider Where You Park:
Parking your Mini Cooper under tress that shed leave and pine needles are the primary cause of clogged sunroof drains, and windshield cowl drain tubes.
(See Photo 4)















Friday, February 20, 2015

Get under the hood of your MINI this year! MINI Cooper Aftermarket & Performance 'Must-Haves' for 2015.


Mini Cooper Performance Products


The MINI Performance Handbook


The MINI Cooper Performance Handbook Since its introduction to the U.S. market in 2002, the MINI Cooper and Cooper S have been among the hottest-selling subcompact hatchbacks on the market. Popular in road rally and autocross, as well as on the street, the new MINI has developed an intense following among driving and automotive design enthusiasts.
  • Softbound
  • 8.5 x 11"
  • 144 pages
  • 350 color photos

This book is designed to take the reader through the possibilities for performance upgrades, including step-by-step procedures for common upgrades including shocks and springs, brakes, clutch and flywheel, turbo replacement, supercharger pulley replacement, intake, exhaust, and even installing a limited slip differential.
Additionally, example cars are presented that show how many performance modifications come together to make a car that is well-balanced and fun to drive. Whether you are prepping your MINI for the street or for competition, this book covers everything by using real-world examples and detailed instruction with color photography throughout. For more info click here.


Supercharger Pulley


The MINI Cooper Supercharger Pulley
(15% Taper Bore Pulley) The RPM of the supercharger is what determines the boost created in the MINI Cooper S. Reducing the size of the supercharger pulley, increases the blower RPM which increases the boost. The reduction size on the pulley increases the blower RPM by the same amount.
For more info click here

 

High Flow Air Intake Filter System


High Flow Air Intake Filter System
replaces the large bulky factory assembly. The increased flow capacity offers a crisper throttle response and better top end performance. Note: All Heat shields now come Powder-coated Black, the chrome version in this picture is so that you may easily see the heat shield.
For more info click here



 

PROMINI High Performance Plug Wires


The MINI Cooper High Performance Plug Wires
are manufactured by one of Germany's leading O.E. plug wire builders. All connectors are O.E. using a high quality, silicone wrapped wire for added cross fire protection. Each set is a direct fit with cylinder number indicators.
For more info click here.



MINI Rear Sway Bar by H&R - 18mm (R50, R52, R53)


The 18mm MINI Cooper Rear Sway Bar by H&R
is designed to reduce body roll, increase lateral stiffness and improve handling as a whole, H&R Sway Bars are made using a proprietary alloy that is both stronger and more resilient than competitive sway bars. All Sway Bar kits have precision forged ends and include bushings made from an exclusive urethane/Teflon composite that eliminates squeaks, and doesn't require lubrication, Ever. That means no mess, no maintenance, just bolt in H&R Sway Bars and go!
For more info click here.

MINI Cooper Rear Sway Bar by H&R - 19mm (R50, R53)


The 19mm MINI Cooper Rear Sway Bar by H&R
is made using a proprietary alloy that is both stronger and more resilient than competitive sway bars. All Sway Bar kits have precision forged ends and include bushings made from an exclusive urethane/Teflon composite that eliminates squeaks, and doesn't require lubrication, Ever. That means no mess, no maintenance, just bolt in H&R Sway Bars and go!
For more info click here.

PROMINI Stress Bar


The MINI Cooper Shock Tower Stress Bar
is a great addition to your Cooper S. The bar is manufactured from light weight, aircraft polished aluminum and offers maximum stiffness derived from the direct tower-to-tower design. The E.P.L. (Eccentric Pre-Loader) allows you to slightly pre-load the bar after installation. Requires the installation of our High Performance Air Intake Kit (part number 155527) to provide the required clearance over the factory air filter housing.
For more info click here.

PROMINI Short Shift Kit for MINI Cooper S (R53)


The MINI Cooper 'S' Short Shift Kit
is a great addition to your Cooper S. The bar is manufactured from light weight, aircraft polished aluminum and offers maximum stiffness derived from the direct tower-to-tower design. The E.P.L. (Eccentric Pre-Loader) allows you to slightly pre-load the bar after installation. Requires the installation of our High Performance Air Intake Kit (part number 155527) to provide the required clearance over the factory air filter housing.
For more info click here.

PROMINI Big Brake Kit by Tar-ox


The MINI Cooper Big Brake Kit
The Tar-ox, ProMini racing brake kit is available in a 10 piston configuration. The front rotors are 318mm in diameter. (Rears sold separately.)
For more info click here.