Hello everyone, just wanted to introduce myself to the forum. I'm the proud owner of 111/1000 of the Monte Carlo 40th year edition Mini (it’s a 2004). The previous owner added a JCW package to the car which truly made it a rarified car that I couldn't pass up.

So far I'm impressed with the handling/speed of the car, totally loving the getrag 6speed (why aren’t other bmw’s shifters built like this?). However the ride is far from compliment. I understand good handling = ride quality sacrifice but I think this is a bit excessive. From the looks of it, the suspension is stock. The front control arm bushing are worn so I’m replacing them this weekend. I was thinking of the powerflex bushing but I fear this would only add to the already harsh ride. The same though process applied when I declined on idea of getting semi-solid engine mounts (just replacing it with the oem hydraulic filled). Anyone know what are the factory spring rates or what I can do to soften the ride up without losing handling ability? I’m no stranger to stiff suspensions (previous car was 950/1150lbs on 5” springs) but I want this mini to be a fun DD. I will change out the bridgestone RFT to conventional tires once they are worn, hopefully that will soften things up a little.

As for other maintenance items that I haven’t mentioned, I have already ordered a new coolant expansion tank (who engineered a plastic bottle that leaks at the seams?!), a new valve cover gasket and spark plug rings, and drive belt. Anyone know the billable hours an independent mechanic would charge to 1) replace an engine mount 2) replace the drive belt 3) replace valve gasket? I’m decent with the wrench but if it’s too time consuming, I rather outsource it. Anything else I need to watch out for with the first gen mini s with the jcw package?

The car is missing the front lower cover that protects the power steering fan (not sure if it was done intentionally to allow better airflow). I have seen members putting wire mesh to cover/protect the power steering fan or retrofit the newer covers with the steering fan ducting. Are these worth wild investments/preventive measures?

Ok, I think this introduction is long enough. I look forward to the feedback! Cheers

 

B4 someone says this thread is worthless w/o pictures, here is a couple:

 

Welcome MC40 is a pretty good car, we've parted out 3 wrecked MC40s so they are getting more rare

 

Oil pan gaskets tend to weep alot, keep an eye on belt tensioner bushings as well as all controll arm bushings,crank position sensor o-ring known to weep as well. Do you know which JCW kit was installed ? the 200 or 210 ? the 210 I think cam out in 05 which was the addition of JCW CAI and an upgrade of the injectors from 340cc to 380cc. You also might consider putting a 15% or 17% supercharger pulley on for a little more power, the JCW pulley is pretty mild its only a slight bump from stock approx. 13%.

 

Welcome aboard, great looking Mini!

 

Is there a physical way to inspect which one is installed? I noticed it does not have a JCW intake box nor the upgraded brakes. But it does have the jcw serial number and exhaust. So I assume its the 200? Would the new pulley's put substantial strain on the engine and/or worsen the fuel economy? I dont need the car to be fast, I have other cars for that. I just need it reliable and frugal on gas.