"Those waiting for a 2013" Support Group
#9501
see, cr, i told you stripes are evil - look at the angst they're causing in your life!
I assume that mini's engineers believe the normal airflow in the jcw hardtop engine compartment is enough to dissipate the extreme heat, even when the car is standing still. Adding insulation may just make the problem worse, since one of the functions of insulation is preventing or slowing down heat flow. (a lot of the so-called underhood "insulation" kits in the aftermarket really are for sound deadening, not temperature control.)
a better solution may be to redirect the heat flow. M7 tuning (http://www.m7tuning.com), for example, has a heat shield designed to do that. This is not a recommendation - just another source to check. Ymmv.
I had the same concerns with my vw gti and subaru wrx, but never had a problem with the hoods or the clear bras on them.
#9502
See, CR, I told you stripes are evil - look at the angst they're causing in your life!
I assume that MINI's engineers believe the normal airflow in the JCW Hardtop engine compartment is enough to dissipate the extreme heat, even when the car is standing still. Adding insulation may just make the problem worse, since one of the functions of insulation is preventing or slowing down heat flow. (A lot of the so-called underhood "insulation" kits in the aftermarket really are for sound deadening, not temperature control.)
A better solution may be to redirect the heat flow. M7 Tuning (http://www.m7tuning.com), for example, has a heat shield designed to do that. This is not a recommendation - just another source to check. YMMV.
I had the same concerns with my VW GTI and Subaru WRX, but never had a problem with the hoods or the clear bras on them.
I assume that MINI's engineers believe the normal airflow in the JCW Hardtop engine compartment is enough to dissipate the extreme heat, even when the car is standing still. Adding insulation may just make the problem worse, since one of the functions of insulation is preventing or slowing down heat flow. (A lot of the so-called underhood "insulation" kits in the aftermarket really are for sound deadening, not temperature control.)
A better solution may be to redirect the heat flow. M7 Tuning (http://www.m7tuning.com), for example, has a heat shield designed to do that. This is not a recommendation - just another source to check. YMMV.
I had the same concerns with my VW GTI and Subaru WRX, but never had a problem with the hoods or the clear bras on them.
Your comments on the insulation and heat make a lot of sense.
LSLMINI
LSL
#9503
#9505
Thanks ! yep, finally got it... less than 7 weeks, overall not that bad. Took twice that long to get my first R50 back in 2006.
No side stripes but I did just put on some John Cooper signature decals on the sides this morning. Adds a splash of red on the side and works nicely, I think.
Yeah, took some back roads into work today... stayed off of I-70.
No side stripes but I did just put on some John Cooper signature decals on the sides this morning. Adds a splash of red on the side and works nicely, I think.
Yeah, took some back roads into work today... stayed off of I-70.
#9507
#9510
BTW, I don't believe you're OCD. The letters O-C-D aren't in alphabetical order.
#9511
#9512
#9513
Yeah... think we can have it changed to CDO ?
On the PW R50. Between the two of the, I spend plenty of time cleaning wheels.
#9514
Dammmmmmmmmmmmmm... that's some sweet roads you were driving !
#9515
#9518
You can pay little elves at your dealership to remove and paint them, or you can buy them ready to go from ECS Tuning for less than $50 and install them yourself. I believe they're also shown in one of the MINI accessory catalogs.
#9519
No, you didn't miss that option on the MINI website. I had the dealer remove, paint, and reinstall. You can also order them from some aftermarket companies and replace yours yourself.
#9522
#9523
Thanks so much for your very kinds words !
Wish you could see it in person... the photos don't do it justice and I'm not happy with how the Chili Red came out in the pics. When I get some better ones, I'll post them.
#9524
I understand completely, WB. Didn't have my first clear bra installed on my 06 R50 until it was three months old. it had a couple of stone chips by then by the installer did a nice job of touching them up before he placed the film on the car. So you should have no worries.
And about the comments you get... get used to it, your MINI is stunningly gorgeous !
And about the comments you get... get used to it, your MINI is stunningly gorgeous !
#9525
My gift to 2013 MINI Hardtop (and other?) owners
The Internet is full of complaints about the metal seat belt tongue getting stuck between the seat and the door, causing trim damage when you close the door. (The plastic slide does it too, besides being prone to always being in the wrong place.)
While fooling around with the seat belt, I discovered there's a probably unintentional but still handy (and free!) seat belt "holder" on the B pillar. When you retract the seatbelt, the tongue fits perfectly upside-down in the slot in the trim for the belt. The tension from the retractor holds the tongue in place like it was magnetized, and it's very handy to grab the belt when you want it. I leave the passenger-side seat belt tongue stowed this way whenever that seat's empty, and it hasn't rattled or fallen out (although sometimes the belt flutters a little bit) at speeds up to 70 with the windows and sunroof open. I also unsnapped the plastic slide from both belts; the one on the passenger side always rattled against the B pillar trim, no matter where it was positioned.
Someone with a body style other than an R56 should see if this works in his or her car. BTW, the MINI/BMW seat belt holder in the accessories catalog that attaches to the headrest posts is worthless.
While fooling around with the seat belt, I discovered there's a probably unintentional but still handy (and free!) seat belt "holder" on the B pillar. When you retract the seatbelt, the tongue fits perfectly upside-down in the slot in the trim for the belt. The tension from the retractor holds the tongue in place like it was magnetized, and it's very handy to grab the belt when you want it. I leave the passenger-side seat belt tongue stowed this way whenever that seat's empty, and it hasn't rattled or fallen out (although sometimes the belt flutters a little bit) at speeds up to 70 with the windows and sunroof open. I also unsnapped the plastic slide from both belts; the one on the passenger side always rattled against the B pillar trim, no matter where it was positioned.
Someone with a body style other than an R56 should see if this works in his or her car. BTW, the MINI/BMW seat belt holder in the accessories catalog that attaches to the headrest posts is worthless.
Last edited by Spa2k; 07-29-2013 at 05:01 PM.