September 5, 2006:
GPMINI meets MoP
After catching up on some work, I headed over to MINI of Peabody with GPMINI this afternoon – everyone there finally got to see a GP!
Top of my work list was an oil change, state sticker, and a clean GP, but I also decided to have a JCW strut brace fitted – primarily as a defence against the “mushroom tower” issues reported online (I could have got M7 reinforcing plates but a JCW part suits a GP better!)
A significant initial challenge was simply getting the GP onto the lift – next time they’ll probably select a lower lift, since they had to manhandle the car to get it up!
Then it was oil change, strut brace install, and Euro Shelf install …
While this was going on, Gary was very interested in seeing behind the luggage restraint bar – but it didn’t reveal much …
Finally, GPMINI got washed and I paid and headed home – after a few more pics of course!
(close-up)
Gavin (2006/09/05 @ 10:04 pm)
You’d think MINI would have alerted the dealers to the low clearance..!
They definately call the rear brace / bar a luggage restraint then? It’s not tied to the rear suspension moutnings at all..?
Congrats on the road trip, looks like it was an amazingly well run event.
Ian C. (2006/09/05 @ 10:09 pm)
You’d think MINI would have alerted the dealers to lots of stuff about the GP, wouldn’t you …
The official line is that the bar is NOT structural and not rated for mounting harnesses, but only for restraining luggage. But if that’s true, it’s a shame they didn’t fit it closer to the front seats!
condi (2006/09/05 @ 11:23 pm)
Dealer-installed parcel shelf?! Have you no dignity?
Ian C. (2006/09/06 @ 7:40 am)
Dignity has nothing to do with it – why do it myself?
jwardell (2006/09/06 @ 9:00 am)
I’ve also been following the mushrooming issue for a while. I’m tempted to get the M7 plates, but too pricey for the hunks of metal that they are. Hopefully someone will have a cheaper alternative.
LTZMTOR (2006/09/06 @ 10:03 am)
So are you the ONLY GP for how many miles???
I guess I’ve been missing this whole Mushroom thingy. I’d betta CK my Towers…. ;¬)
Glad you got home safe and somewhat sound and again thanks for dinner back in Monterey.
B.J. (2006/09/06 @ 12:45 pm)
I know you like to keep with the theme, but the m7 brace is fantastic and will help with the mushrooming issues too. jwardell, I have a set of m7 plates you’re welcome to play with (they’re just sitting in the garage).
Ian C. (2006/09/06 @ 1:33 pm)
R.B – not the only GP; there’s another in Boston (David) and one up in New Hampshire (Matt); and by the end of October there’ll probably be 10 or more in New England!
B.J. – thanks for the feedback; you’ll notice I’m not knocking M7 for this product, I even linked to them!
Max (2006/09/06 @ 7:42 pm)
Just curious, but how many miles total did you rack up? And how many miles was left on the service countdown before you had the oil changed?
Ian C. (2006/09/07 @ 11:14 am)
The odometer read about 4830 when I got home – that including 11 “delivery” miles. Service interval shows 6400 miles to go (wasn’t reset for the paid-for oil change)
Joel Mesiti (2006/09/11 @ 3:54 pm)
Looks great, Ian! Sorry I missed your first visit…I’ve been dying to drive, er i mean SEE it. Back from the Honeymoon now and hope to see you soon!