Showing posts with label MINI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MINI. Show all posts

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.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

MINI Cooper S (R56) Performance Exhaust by Sound Speed with video





TECH TIP: MINI Cooper S (R56) 

Performance Exhaust by Sound Speed

Overview:


The MINI Cooper S performance exhaust system by Sound Speed is a direct replacement to the factory exhaust system with upgraded tubing diameter and muffler design resulting in more horsepower to the wheels.

The system is constructed of 100% 304 stainless steel, and it is made with 63.5mm diameter tubing which is about 10mm more than the MINI Cooper S factory exhaust tubing. The longer stainless steel resonator removes some of the drone sound from the engine, and the rear muffler is fully welded, not crimped seams making it more desirable for performance applications. This Sound Speed exhaust system is hand-made in Italy, and designed specifically for the MINI Cooper S R56. (Read more info about each individual component below.)


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Sound Speed Performance Exhaust Products for MINI Cooper (R56)


Down Pipe (with cat) by Sound Speed Part Number: 122 063 212
The Sound Speed turbo down pipe is 304 stainless steel with mandrel bent tubing. Each pipe is 65mm diameter giving a very low back pressure which enables turbo spool up for high horsepower & torque gains. Installing a complete performance exhaust system achieve +26 hp with +20 lb/fts of torque.

In place of the factory quad cat design, soundspeed uses high volume and flow 200 cell count metallic race cats. These are placed further away from the engine for the lowest restriction and the best results.
Fits models:
2007-2012 MINI Cooper S R56


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 Resonated Center Pipe by Sound Speed Part Number: 170062
Sound Speed alternative Center pipes with resonator replace the metallic race catalytic converters. After the turbo down pipe flange, the diameter down-sizes from 65mm to 60mm. This is still larger than the factory 57mm diameter. This diameter is this size all the way to the tail tips.

Our Center Pipes are mandrel bent for maximum flow and performance, and are manufactured from 100% 304 stainless steel. There are no crushed places in the tubing like the factory exhaust pipe.
Fits models:
2007-2012 MINI Cooper S R56


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 Performance Muffler by Sound Speed Part Number: 122 063 224
The Sound Speed rear performance mufflers are a resonated flow through design, rather than the factory baffled chamber design. The internal tubing size creates performance while the internal wool provides the best possible sound deadening.
Fits models:
2007-2012 MINI Cooper S R56



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MINI Cooper Repair Help

Tech Tips & Install Instructions for your MINI Cooper

http://www.promini.com/technical/index.php

The Promini tech shop will help you save hundreds of dollars in maintenance and repairs on your Mini Cooper or Cooper "S".

Besides offering you the best parts available at the cheapest price possible. The Promini How To / DIY videos and instruction sheets will show you how easy it is to do many of these projects at home in your garage. Most Mini Cooper projects in this listing include written instructions, in addition to a very comprehensive youtube video. If there is a Mini repair project that you don't see listed, please let us know, suggestions are always welcome.
Click here to send us a request or suggestion.

Friday, December 21, 2012

MINI Cooper Strut and Shock Installation Socket



Over time, the ride and handling of your vehicle degrades from normal wear and tear on your struts and shocks. Our local service shop regularly replaces several struts and rear shocks on R50, R52, R53 MINI Coopers from this type of wear. Routine replacement of these parts is the only way to keep your MINI at its original performance level, and is an excellent way to upgrade your suspension if you are looking for a sportier feel. MINI struts and shocks are simple to replace, but require a proper torque and tightening procedure for the lock nut to avoid damaging or breaking the delicate mounting stud.

Past practice has typically been to use a high speed impact gun to lock down shock center nuts, unfortunately spinning the internal shock components or applying an uneven weight could cause damage to the piston inside the shock.  Improper tightening of the lock nut may also result in breaking of the fragile upper shock center stud. Neither of these conditions would be covered by any manufacturers warranty.

Promini is proud to announce a new tool that makes strut and shock replacement easy and safe with no additional special tools required.  Any 1/2" drive socket wrench and appropriate allen wrench will work with our new Strut Removal Socket.  The factory upper front strut nut is typically 21mm, while most replacement struts or performance struts use a 22mm nut size.  We recommend the 2 piece kit for proper removal and installation of any replacement shock or strut on your model MINI.



We recommend replacing strut tower mounts at the time of strut replacement as they wear out with the struts.