What did you do to your mini today?
- Warm the can of PD in a bowl of hot water (maximum tap water heat, not boiled water) for 5-10 minutes before spraying, and in between coats. PD gives a much cleaner and smooth spray pattern when it's warm. Cold PD gives a chunky hammered look.
- For easy cleanup, mask off areas that you don't want sprayed. PD peels off, but masking makes cleanup even quicker as you don't have to struggle with the finer overspray.
- Be patient and make sure that you put at least 4-6 coats to make a lasting shell.
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
That's literally it... It's the easiest thing in the world. A few pointers tho:
- Warm the can of PD in a bowl of hot water (maximum tap water heat, not boiled water) for 5-10 minutes before spraying, and in between coats. PD gives a much cleaner and smooth spray pattern when it's warm. Cold PD gives a chunky hammered look.
- For easy cleanup, mask off areas that you don't want sprayed. PD peels off, but masking makes cleanup even quicker as you don't have to struggle with the finer overspray.
- Be patient and make sure that you put at least 4-6 coats to make a lasting shell.![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
- Warm the can of PD in a bowl of hot water (maximum tap water heat, not boiled water) for 5-10 minutes before spraying, and in between coats. PD gives a much cleaner and smooth spray pattern when it's warm. Cold PD gives a chunky hammered look.
- For easy cleanup, mask off areas that you don't want sprayed. PD peels off, but masking makes cleanup even quicker as you don't have to struggle with the finer overspray.
- Be patient and make sure that you put at least 4-6 coats to make a lasting shell.
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
![No](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/no.gif)
R&R Supercharger and waterpump
Removed the supercharger and water pump. Sending the supercharger to Dustin at autoxcooper for rebuild. I need to know what water pump would be the best bet for my 2005 mini s. Trying to shop online and there are hundreds... $89 to $189!!! Is there really a decision on what will last the longest and which one is the toughest. Please give me a brand name!!!
Here is the fuel filter for the R50 R52 R53 MINI Gen 1.
Fuel Filter Kit. Part number 16146757196
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/16146757196/
![](http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/13757_x600.jpg)
![](http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/y/j/196.png)
The ring can be removed with constantly tapping it out. Flat head screw driver works pretty good.
Here is your DIY thread for the fuel filter for Gen 1 MINIs.
Click here for a great how to thread.
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MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
![](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic130940_6.gif)
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
Ah, you are beating me by 100,000 miles . ![Wink](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
Congrats.
![Wink](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
Congrats.
__________________
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MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
![](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic130940_6.gif)
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
Think you are talking about the fuel filter gasket, if so there is a great DIY linked below.
Here is the fuel filter for the R50 R52 R53 MINI Gen 1.
Fuel Filter Kit. Part number 16146757196
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/16146757196/
![](http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/13757_x600.jpg)
![](http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/y/j/196.png)
The ring can be removed with constantly tapping it out. Flat head screw driver works pretty good.
Here is your DIY thread for the fuel filter for Gen 1 MINIs.
Click here for a great how to thread.
Here is the fuel filter for the R50 R52 R53 MINI Gen 1.
Fuel Filter Kit. Part number 16146757196
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/16146757196/
![](http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/13757_x600.jpg)
![](http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/y/j/196.png)
The ring can be removed with constantly tapping it out. Flat head screw driver works pretty good.
Here is your DIY thread for the fuel filter for Gen 1 MINIs.
Click here for a great how to thread.
I was so upset today I was blacking out the chrome on my r53 and noticed quite a few chips in the side paint.
![Mad](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/mad.gif)
That's literally it... It's the easiest thing in the world. A few pointers tho:
- Warm the can of PD in a bowl of hot water (maximum tap water heat, not boiled water) for 5-10 minutes before spraying, and in between coats. PD gives a much cleaner and smooth spray pattern when it's warm. Cold PD gives a chunky hammered look.
- For easy cleanup, mask off areas that you don't want sprayed. PD peels off, but masking makes cleanup even quicker as you don't have to struggle with the finer overspray.
- Be patient and make sure that you put at least 4-6 coats to make a lasting shell.![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
- Warm the can of PD in a bowl of hot water (maximum tap water heat, not boiled water) for 5-10 minutes before spraying, and in between coats. PD gives a much cleaner and smooth spray pattern when it's warm. Cold PD gives a chunky hammered look.
- For easy cleanup, mask off areas that you don't want sprayed. PD peels off, but masking makes cleanup even quicker as you don't have to struggle with the finer overspray.
- Be patient and make sure that you put at least 4-6 coats to make a lasting shell.
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
The lowest price I've seen online for genuine paint sticks is $19 which of course is only really "saving" if you're going to combine it with other stuff you're ordering anyway to defray shipping. Having said that, I'm a little standoffish about even getting one because I'm horrible at touching up paint chips! They turn out to be similarly colored raised drops of paint filling tiny holes in the factory paint.
Mine is more of a "What did you do to your mini during the past few weeks" edition.
As much as my dealership has bummed me out with my battery fiasco, I will admit I'm pretty happy with the new mods (much more to come
):
Sorry, photos aren't all that great - was in a hurry.
Apecs R112 replicas with Cont. Extreme Contact DW 215/45/17. Really diggin' the look. Haven't pushed the tires yet:
![What did you do to your mini today?-qclvd0u.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194839d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-qclvd0u.jpg)
![What did you do to your mini today?-abemi9h.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194840d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-abemi9h.jpg)
JCW Exhaust. Nice deep, yet subtle tone. Not much louder than stock S, but a pleasant and noticeable difference. Doubt there's any power gains, but that wasn't the point:
![What did you do to your mini today?-mfetlr3.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194841d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-mfetlr3.jpg)
![What did you do to your mini today?-eloqesm.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194842d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-eloqesm.jpg)
NM Engineering Strut bar. Is there supposed to be a small gap on the edge between the plates and tower? I mean, it's just not 100% flush.
![What did you do to your mini today?-zhgbbdx.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194843d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-zhgbbdx.jpg)
New battery:
![What did you do to your mini today?-o7uj9up.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194844d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-o7uj9up.jpg)
And more to come!
As much as my dealership has bummed me out with my battery fiasco, I will admit I'm pretty happy with the new mods (much more to come
![Nod](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/nod.gif)
Sorry, photos aren't all that great - was in a hurry.
Apecs R112 replicas with Cont. Extreme Contact DW 215/45/17. Really diggin' the look. Haven't pushed the tires yet:
![What did you do to your mini today?-qclvd0u.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194839d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-qclvd0u.jpg)
![What did you do to your mini today?-abemi9h.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194840d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-abemi9h.jpg)
JCW Exhaust. Nice deep, yet subtle tone. Not much louder than stock S, but a pleasant and noticeable difference. Doubt there's any power gains, but that wasn't the point:
![What did you do to your mini today?-mfetlr3.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194841d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-mfetlr3.jpg)
![What did you do to your mini today?-eloqesm.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194842d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-eloqesm.jpg)
NM Engineering Strut bar. Is there supposed to be a small gap on the edge between the plates and tower? I mean, it's just not 100% flush.
![What did you do to your mini today?-zhgbbdx.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194843d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-zhgbbdx.jpg)
New battery:
![What did you do to your mini today?-o7uj9up.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/194844d1683124943t-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-o7uj9up.jpg)
And more to come!
Mine is more of a "What did you do to your mini during the past few weeks" edition.
As much as my dealership has bummed me out with my battery fiasco, I will admit I'm pretty happy with the new mods (much more to come
):
Sorry, photos aren't all that great - was in a hurry.
Apecs R112 replicas with Cont. Extreme Contact DW 215/45/17. Really diggin' the look. Haven't pushed the tires yet:
![](https://i.imgur.com/qCLVD0u.jpg)
![](https://i.imgur.com/AbeMI9h.jpg)
JCW Exhaust. Nice deep, yet subtle tone. Not much louder than stock S, but a pleasant and noticeable difference. Doubt there's any power gains, but that wasn't the point:
![](https://i.imgur.com/mFEtLR3.jpg)
![](https://i.imgur.com/eLOQEsm.jpg)
NM Engineering Strut bar. Is there supposed to be a small gap on the edge between the plates and tower? I mean, it's just not 100% flush.
![](https://i.imgur.com/zHgbbdx.jpg)
New battery:
![](https://i.imgur.com/O7uJ9UP.jpg)
And more to come!
As much as my dealership has bummed me out with my battery fiasco, I will admit I'm pretty happy with the new mods (much more to come
![Nod](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/nod.gif)
Sorry, photos aren't all that great - was in a hurry.
Apecs R112 replicas with Cont. Extreme Contact DW 215/45/17. Really diggin' the look. Haven't pushed the tires yet:
![](https://i.imgur.com/qCLVD0u.jpg)
![](https://i.imgur.com/AbeMI9h.jpg)
JCW Exhaust. Nice deep, yet subtle tone. Not much louder than stock S, but a pleasant and noticeable difference. Doubt there's any power gains, but that wasn't the point:
![](https://i.imgur.com/mFEtLR3.jpg)
![](https://i.imgur.com/eLOQEsm.jpg)
NM Engineering Strut bar. Is there supposed to be a small gap on the edge between the plates and tower? I mean, it's just not 100% flush.
![](https://i.imgur.com/zHgbbdx.jpg)
New battery:
![](https://i.imgur.com/O7uJ9UP.jpg)
And more to come!
Mine is more of a "What did you do to your mini during the past few weeks" edition.
As much as my dealership has bummed me out with my battery fiasco, I will admit I'm pretty happy with the new mods (much more to come
):
Sorry, photos aren't all that great - was in a hurry.
Apecs R112 replicas with Cont. Extreme Contact DW 215/45/17. Really diggin' the look. Haven't pushed the tires yet:
![](https://i.imgur.com/qCLVD0u.jpg)
![](https://i.imgur.com/AbeMI9h.jpg)
JCW Exhaust. Nice deep, yet subtle tone. Not much louder than stock S, but a pleasant and noticeable difference. Doubt there's any power gains, but that wasn't the point:
![](https://i.imgur.com/mFEtLR3.jpg)
![](https://i.imgur.com/eLOQEsm.jpg)
NM Engineering Strut bar. Is there supposed to be a small gap on the edge between the plates and tower? I mean, it's just not 100% flush.
![](https://i.imgur.com/zHgbbdx.jpg)
New battery:
![](https://i.imgur.com/O7uJ9UP.jpg)
And more to come!
As much as my dealership has bummed me out with my battery fiasco, I will admit I'm pretty happy with the new mods (much more to come
![Nod](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/nod.gif)
Sorry, photos aren't all that great - was in a hurry.
Apecs R112 replicas with Cont. Extreme Contact DW 215/45/17. Really diggin' the look. Haven't pushed the tires yet:
![](https://i.imgur.com/qCLVD0u.jpg)
![](https://i.imgur.com/AbeMI9h.jpg)
JCW Exhaust. Nice deep, yet subtle tone. Not much louder than stock S, but a pleasant and noticeable difference. Doubt there's any power gains, but that wasn't the point:
![](https://i.imgur.com/mFEtLR3.jpg)
![](https://i.imgur.com/eLOQEsm.jpg)
NM Engineering Strut bar. Is there supposed to be a small gap on the edge between the plates and tower? I mean, it's just not 100% flush.
![](https://i.imgur.com/zHgbbdx.jpg)
New battery:
![](https://i.imgur.com/O7uJ9UP.jpg)
And more to come!
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
![Nod](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/nod.gif)
I had a little free time to mess around in the garage today and went operation "blackout" crazy. Blacked out the mirror covers, front and rear emblems, and front grille. All I have left for this weekend is the side scuttles and the taillight mod. Barnaby is coming along pretty well! ![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
![Wink](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/general-mini-talk/107290d1426027663-what-did-you-do-to-your-mini-today-mini-1.jpg)
__________________
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MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
![](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic130940_6.gif)
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
HAHA Thanks ECS just noticed that, sorry! Still learning this whole picture from iPhone thing!
I just ordered some cabrio braces from you guys! CANT WAIT to install and finish off my engine compartment this upcoming week!
(famous last words) hahah
I just ordered some cabrio braces from you guys! CANT WAIT to install and finish off my engine compartment this upcoming week!
![LOL](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/lol.gif)
Diagonal Rod Support Kit 5161712351 KT ( Braces )
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51617123516KT/
![](http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/641332_x600.jpg)
We have them in stock Black, they have the OEM part number, but you could always get them powder coated or painted yourself afterwards.
Thanks
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51617123516KT/
![](http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/641332_x600.jpg)
We have them in stock Black, they have the OEM part number, but you could always get them powder coated or painted yourself afterwards.
Thanks
__________________
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MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
![](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic130940_6.gif)
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
I'm glad a make a habit of looking at this thread occasionally, I forgot I intended to do the fuel filter soon!
So I've been a very very busy beaver when it comes to my mini. I just installed the Bilstien/Eibach B12 sport suspension, purchased a oem replacement endlink in the process... I've completely removed the rear seats and seatbelts, fabricated a wood cover for the seats and for the boot area so when all is said and done the whole hatch will have a flush fit. Spring is here (almost), the snow is melting and I've gotten some clay and wax from ECS, and that's pretty much next on my list. Finished the "dip" job I started prior to the superbowl is a priority, as well as installing an amp and sub. And tinting the windows. And sway bars....
Does the list ever end, or will it go on forever?
So I've been a very very busy beaver when it comes to my mini. I just installed the Bilstien/Eibach B12 sport suspension, purchased a oem replacement endlink in the process... I've completely removed the rear seats and seatbelts, fabricated a wood cover for the seats and for the boot area so when all is said and done the whole hatch will have a flush fit. Spring is here (almost), the snow is melting and I've gotten some clay and wax from ECS, and that's pretty much next on my list. Finished the "dip" job I started prior to the superbowl is a priority, as well as installing an amp and sub. And tinting the windows. And sway bars....
Does the list ever end, or will it go on forever?