After 6 1/2 years and just over 87,000 miles, the original battery in my 2013 MINI Cooper S Clubman finally bit the dust. What I initially thought would be a straight forward battery replacement, quickly became a bit muddled. Depending on the options a Gen2 MINI is equipped with, replacing the battery can be a bit more involved.
So here is a write-up of what I learned while replacing the battery in my MINI, so hopefully it helps some of you down the road.
Read More…In early April, as GhostPepper closed in on 80,000 miles, I finally had a chance to take care a few maintenance items she had coming due.
Most importantly a full brake service was needed. A few days after ordering parts to do the brake job, one of the brake wear sensors was triggered. So, while there was a little life left in the brake pads, it was definitely time to get them swapped out for newer pads. I last replaced brake pads and rotors at around 38,000 miles, and while it was a bit before it was really needed, we were heading on a 5000+ mile road trip from Chicago, out to Jackson, Wyoming, and then onto Denver, Colorado, before heading back home. So being proactive seemed prudent. As it had been just about 42,000 miles since I last did a full brake service, it seems like 40,000 miles is my magic number.
Read More…As I tend to do my upgrades/mods when things are due for replacement…at roughly 39,590 miles, the first performance related mods have gone onto GhostPepper. Nothing to make her go faster…just stop faster.
A set of WMW rotors on all four corners, paired EBC Red Stuff brake pads, a new braided-steel brake lines, and fresh ATE Type 200 brake fluid…and since I would be replacing the brake lines, it was the perfect opportunity to finally paint the brake calipers as well.
