MDifficult’s E82 1M Coupe & Ariel Atom 3
Discussion
Two minor jobs completed today. I was going to do them myself but simply couldn't be arsed and decided to book the car into my local independent to get them done.
Firstly was the notorious BMW washer bottle issue. Recently the washer jets on the 1M have gone from 'young man in his 20s' to 'old man in his 90s' as far as quality and pressure of their delivery! This is a very common issue in some BMWs, especially the 1s, 2s and 3s of this generation. Apparently the location of the washer bottle filter is an ideal temp to create a breeding ground of bacteria and washer-fluid gunge that creates a noxious goo that blocks up the filter and stems the flow.
Solution is jack up, wheel off, arch liner out, remove washer bottle, clean out vile disgusting gunge, and reverse. I was dead-set on doing this myself but the year is fast getting away from me, free time is at a premium, so that was easily done by the tech instead.
The second issue is another very common BMW issue, again on 1s, 2s and 3s of this generation. The bonnet release catch gets stiff over time, which puts extra pressure on the bowden release cable every time you open the bonnet. Eventually, the shielding on one half of the cable fails and you're stuck with a bonnet that won't open.
I noticed ages ago that my cable had started to split (as the release was taking an ever longer pull) so did a very quick preventative bodge with cable-ties to make sure I wasn't left with a bonnet that wouldn't open.
BMW have a two-part bowden cable, so I bought both halves (might as well do both), intending to fit myself, but again bailed out and handed off to the indy. Job jobbed:
Finally, the MINI is off for its MOT this weekend. Let's see what the testers make of the little sod...
Firstly was the notorious BMW washer bottle issue. Recently the washer jets on the 1M have gone from 'young man in his 20s' to 'old man in his 90s' as far as quality and pressure of their delivery! This is a very common issue in some BMWs, especially the 1s, 2s and 3s of this generation. Apparently the location of the washer bottle filter is an ideal temp to create a breeding ground of bacteria and washer-fluid gunge that creates a noxious goo that blocks up the filter and stems the flow.
Solution is jack up, wheel off, arch liner out, remove washer bottle, clean out vile disgusting gunge, and reverse. I was dead-set on doing this myself but the year is fast getting away from me, free time is at a premium, so that was easily done by the tech instead.
The second issue is another very common BMW issue, again on 1s, 2s and 3s of this generation. The bonnet release catch gets stiff over time, which puts extra pressure on the bowden release cable every time you open the bonnet. Eventually, the shielding on one half of the cable fails and you're stuck with a bonnet that won't open.
I noticed ages ago that my cable had started to split (as the release was taking an ever longer pull) so did a very quick preventative bodge with cable-ties to make sure I wasn't left with a bonnet that wouldn't open.
BMW have a two-part bowden cable, so I bought both halves (might as well do both), intending to fit myself, but again bailed out and handed off to the indy. Job jobbed:
Finally, the MINI is off for its MOT this weekend. Let's see what the testers make of the little sod...
Kaveney said:
MDifficult said:
Finally, the MINI is off for its MOT this weekend. Let's see what the testers make of the little sod...
I may have all ready asked but what exhaust set up do you have on the Mini . Is it a sport cat or OEM cat as the emissions have all ways been a problem for me .
1. Janspeed 4-1 Manifold
2. OEM cat (as the sports cats fail and the expensive performance ones are no better on the rolling road than the OEM but cost a lot more) modified at either end to fit
3. Genuine JCW mid-back section
When I bought the car it didn't have a cat at all so I had item '2' made. We ran it on the rolling road at 1320 before and after fitting (same day) and it was a much better noise and more power WITH the cat.
MDifficult said:
I'm almost certainly going to get annihilated by the MINI community but I understand that I have what's considered the optimum road-legal, noise sensible, power-optimal exhaust combo...
1. Janspeed 4-1 Manifold
2. OEM cat (as the sports cats fail and the expensive performance ones are no better on the rolling road than the OEM but cost a lot more) modified at either end to fit
3. Genuine JCW mid-back section
When I bought the car it didn't have a cat at all so I had item '2' made. We ran it on the rolling road at 1320 before and after fitting (same day) and it was a much better noise and more power WITH the cat.
Ok that sounds like a nice set up and you dont have to worry about any MOT emissions problems of faffing about changing out de cats .1. Janspeed 4-1 Manifold
2. OEM cat (as the sports cats fail and the expensive performance ones are no better on the rolling road than the OEM but cost a lot more) modified at either end to fit
3. Genuine JCW mid-back section
When I bought the car it didn't have a cat at all so I had item '2' made. We ran it on the rolling road at 1320 before and after fitting (same day) and it was a much better noise and more power WITH the cat.
I take it you dont have any noise problems on track days with that set up .
Kaveney said:
Ok that sounds like a nice set up and you dont have to worry about any MOT emissions problems of faffing about changing out de cats .
I take it you dont have any noise problems on track days with that set up .
Yeah, comes in a nice 90 or so at the last couple - loads of headroom and no need to worry. To be honest, I’m getting too old for crazy noisy cars anyway. I’d rather be able to hear a wheel falling off or impending big-end failure! I take it you dont have any noise problems on track days with that set up .
Time for a small pre-Christmas update!
The MINI passed it's MOT however the process highlighted a couple of issues, firstly that one of the rear callipers was on the way out (now replaced with a new one) and the gearbox was developing a suspect 'hum'. So, the little sod is currently with a local gearbox specialist for investigation. Almost certainly will be a rebuild of some kind...
The 1M has been getting some use in the last few beautiful days of autumn though - these cold, crisp, dry days are absolutely perfect for driving - just a shame they're so short. I'm so close to 33,333 miles! A few obligatory pics..
I want to keep trying to use it through winter so I'm taking it to the PH Sunday Service next Sunday at C&M - if any readers of this thread are going to be there, stop by and say 'hi' - be good to meet you!
Side-note, after a brief trip to Dubai in October I now have a completely irrational desire to own a Nissan Patrol Super Safari 4800 VTC. These things are absolutely BONKERS and completely unstoppable
Lastly, the M5 continues to perform daily duties - but after a few tip runs, salted roads, and bringing home a Christmas Tree it's absolutely minging, so no pics. Homing in on 90k miles thick and fast
The MINI passed it's MOT however the process highlighted a couple of issues, firstly that one of the rear callipers was on the way out (now replaced with a new one) and the gearbox was developing a suspect 'hum'. So, the little sod is currently with a local gearbox specialist for investigation. Almost certainly will be a rebuild of some kind...
The 1M has been getting some use in the last few beautiful days of autumn though - these cold, crisp, dry days are absolutely perfect for driving - just a shame they're so short. I'm so close to 33,333 miles! A few obligatory pics..
I want to keep trying to use it through winter so I'm taking it to the PH Sunday Service next Sunday at C&M - if any readers of this thread are going to be there, stop by and say 'hi' - be good to meet you!
Side-note, after a brief trip to Dubai in October I now have a completely irrational desire to own a Nissan Patrol Super Safari 4800 VTC. These things are absolutely BONKERS and completely unstoppable
Lastly, the M5 continues to perform daily duties - but after a few tip runs, salted roads, and bringing home a Christmas Tree it's absolutely minging, so no pics. Homing in on 90k miles thick and fast
Edited by MDifficult on Monday 6th December 10:48
Ben Lowden said:
Looking forward to seeing the car in the flesh on Sunday and catching up!
Cheers Ben... after your recent piece on detailing I'd better clean the bloody thing first!Court_S said:
I’m at C&M on Sunday, so I’ll look out for you and say hello.
I saw you were on the list... if you don't catch me I'll do my best to spot you 
MDifficult said:
Ben Lowden said:
Looking forward to seeing the car in the flesh on Sunday and catching up!
Cheers Ben... after your recent piece on detailing I'd better clean the bloody thing first!Court_S said:
I’m at C&M on Sunday, so I’ll look out for you and say hello.
I saw you were on the list... if you don't catch me I'll do my best to spot you 
MDifficult said:
Kaveney said:
Ok that sounds like a nice set up and you dont have to worry about any MOT emissions problems of faffing about changing out de cats .
I take it you dont have any noise problems on track days with that set up .
Yeah, comes in a nice 90 or so at the last couple - loads of headroom and no need to worry. To be honest, I’m getting too old for crazy noisy cars anyway. I’d rather be able to hear a wheel falling off or impending big-end failure! I take it you dont have any noise problems on track days with that set up .
I'm running a stock manifold, stock cat, and Milltek resonated cat-back. Like you, it's quiet enough on the road, and never comes close to trackday limits.
With the above setup, it managed 225bhp on the rolling road with the new map.
C70R said:
Coming back to this, I really don't believe exhausts are a limiting factor on R53s until you get to silly power levels.
I'm running a stock manifold, stock cat, and Milltek resonated cat-back. Like you, it's quiet enough on the road, and never comes close to trackday limits.
With the above setup, it managed 225bhp on the rolling road with the new map.
Sounds like we’re in a very similar boat performance and noise-wise. Well, I would be, if my gearbox wasn’t on the way out and drowning out the exhaust note I'm running a stock manifold, stock cat, and Milltek resonated cat-back. Like you, it's quiet enough on the road, and never comes close to trackday limits.
With the above setup, it managed 225bhp on the rolling road with the new map.
I’ve toyed with just buying a 2nd hand replacement gearbox and getting it swapped but if I’m going to get it sorted I might as well do it properly.
MDifficult said:
C70R said:
Coming back to this, I really don't believe exhausts are a limiting factor on R53s until you get to silly power levels.
I'm running a stock manifold, stock cat, and Milltek resonated cat-back. Like you, it's quiet enough on the road, and never comes close to trackday limits.
With the above setup, it managed 225bhp on the rolling road with the new map.
Sounds like we’re in a very similar boat performance and noise-wise. Well, I would be, if my gearbox wasn’t on the way out and drowning out the exhaust note I'm running a stock manifold, stock cat, and Milltek resonated cat-back. Like you, it's quiet enough on the road, and never comes close to trackday limits.
With the above setup, it managed 225bhp on the rolling road with the new map.
I’ve toyed with just buying a 2nd hand replacement gearbox and getting it swapped but if I’m going to get it sorted I might as well do it properly.
Sadly I'm bowing out of Mini ownership, as I just don't have the time to get along to trackdays at the moment. However, I'll keep tabs on this thread to remind me what I'm missing.
In many ways, I wish I'd done what you did, and bought a car that someone had already sunk their money into.
C70R said:
It's been plenty of performance in a FWD hatch with the stock LSD. Enough to keep a Z4M very honest around Combe at least.
Sadly I'm bowing out of Mini ownership, as I just don't have the time to get along to trackdays at the moment. However, I'll keep tabs on this thread to remind me what I'm missing.
In many ways, I wish I'd done what you did, and bought a car that someone had already sunk their money into.
It's a tricky one isn't it - the downside of buying one 'done' is that you've often no idea which ham-fisted ape put it together. I was really fortunate that it was a car I was aware of, with a detailed and honest build thread (featuring both the good and the bad) on a forum I could go through. The guy who built it still answers my questions to this day (although I may be testing his patience by now). Sadly I'm bowing out of Mini ownership, as I just don't have the time to get along to trackdays at the moment. However, I'll keep tabs on this thread to remind me what I'm missing.
In many ways, I wish I'd done what you did, and bought a car that someone had already sunk their money into.
I have a bit of a similar challenge to yourself - on the one hand, once the gearbox is sorted it's fit and ready for a year of use - but on the other hand it's also in an ideal position to sell it on to the next person! I'm busy weighing up how much time I'm going to have next year.
Finally get 5 mins to write an update around the Pistonheads Sunday Service at Caffeine & Machine...
Obviously, first thing was to get the car clean! Despite the guffaws and facepalms of my neighbours, I braved both the rain AND the dark to clean the 1M within an inch of its life. Took this photo mid-way as the light was going fast, but still carried on for another hour or two doing the inside
It was so cold, I even had to submerge my tyre dressing bottle into a bucket of warm water to get it liquid enough to spread
A 7am start with MrTouring in the passenger seat, and a run through the the Cotswolds got us to C&M for 8:50 which made sure we got a decent parking spot. It was brilliant to be able to wander the carpark and see so many cars from RC threads I've followed, some for years. It was great to catch up with Ben Lowden again and to meet Scrumps and Ecsyand his famous Boxster. I can confirm he's as fantastically humble a bloke in person as he comes across in the vids and thread.
I even remembered to actually take some photos (normally I'm too busy chatting and completely forget).
First up was Moktabe and his bonkers Clio V6 - you couldn't miss this on the way in..
Then it was Court_s and his sweet 130i currently touting full family spec...
...followed by easily the most recognisable Lupo on PH, curtesy of Claytonjones. Again, even better in person than on the screen...
...and even grabbed a passing shot of TheAngryDog E60 M5. The will he/won't he sell it thread of the decade
After that, it was just poking around the other tasty metal in the carpark...
Oooooffffff...
Double Oooooffff...
These things hunt in packs now apparently...
And lastly THIS. Obviously not my car, and I'm not personally a fan of the chrome grills, black bumper covers and white spoiler, but the AP Racing Brakes and stance suggest that this 1M is probably much more about go than show...
After all that excitement, a lovely breakfast bap and a good cup of coffee, it was time to head home. A detour and a road closure resulted in me doing about 20 miles of muddy single-track road behind queue of 4X4s so by the time I eventually got home, the car was absolutely f*cking disgusting...
Looks like it's time to get the cleaning stuff out again....
In all seriousness though, a massive thank you to Ben Lowden and the PH team for organising this Sunday Service. With everything else going on in the world it was a brilliant bright moment in an otherwise miserable December. Roll on 2022!
Obviously, first thing was to get the car clean! Despite the guffaws and facepalms of my neighbours, I braved both the rain AND the dark to clean the 1M within an inch of its life. Took this photo mid-way as the light was going fast, but still carried on for another hour or two doing the inside
It was so cold, I even had to submerge my tyre dressing bottle into a bucket of warm water to get it liquid enough to spread
A 7am start with MrTouring in the passenger seat, and a run through the the Cotswolds got us to C&M for 8:50 which made sure we got a decent parking spot. It was brilliant to be able to wander the carpark and see so many cars from RC threads I've followed, some for years. It was great to catch up with Ben Lowden again and to meet Scrumps and Ecsyand his famous Boxster. I can confirm he's as fantastically humble a bloke in person as he comes across in the vids and thread.
I even remembered to actually take some photos (normally I'm too busy chatting and completely forget).
First up was Moktabe and his bonkers Clio V6 - you couldn't miss this on the way in..
Then it was Court_s and his sweet 130i currently touting full family spec...
...followed by easily the most recognisable Lupo on PH, curtesy of Claytonjones. Again, even better in person than on the screen...
...and even grabbed a passing shot of TheAngryDog E60 M5. The will he/won't he sell it thread of the decade
After that, it was just poking around the other tasty metal in the carpark...
Oooooffffff...
Double Oooooffff...
These things hunt in packs now apparently...
And lastly THIS. Obviously not my car, and I'm not personally a fan of the chrome grills, black bumper covers and white spoiler, but the AP Racing Brakes and stance suggest that this 1M is probably much more about go than show...
After all that excitement, a lovely breakfast bap and a good cup of coffee, it was time to head home. A detour and a road closure resulted in me doing about 20 miles of muddy single-track road behind queue of 4X4s so by the time I eventually got home, the car was absolutely f*cking disgusting...
Looks like it's time to get the cleaning stuff out again....
In all seriousness though, a massive thank you to Ben Lowden and the PH team for organising this Sunday Service. With everything else going on in the world it was a brilliant bright moment in an otherwise miserable December. Roll on 2022!
I saw your car there looking very good, didn’t get chance to say hi because I quickly realised that I recognised cars but didn’t have a scooby do who they belonged to!
I travelled down with the other 1M (what were the chances of there being two, in white, with the posh seats?). It’s been owned since new bud used too (AP racing brakes, coil overs I think and a different exhaust).
Evolve were there with their GR Yaris too so I stopped to say hi to Imran as I actually knew who he was!
My car was minging by the time I got home too.
I travelled down with the other 1M (what were the chances of there being two, in white, with the posh seats?). It’s been owned since new bud used too (AP racing brakes, coil overs I think and a different exhaust).
Evolve were there with their GR Yaris too so I stopped to say hi to Imran as I actually knew who he was!
My car was minging by the time I got home too.
Court_S said:
I saw your car there looking very good, didn’t get chance to say hi because I quickly realised that I recognised cars but didn’t have a scooby do who they belonged to!
I travelled down with the other 1M (what were the chances of there being two, in white, with the posh seats?). It’s been owned since new bud used too (AP racing brakes, coil overs I think and a different exhaust).
Evolve were there with their GR Yaris too so I stopped to say hi to Imran as I actually knew who he was!
My car was minging by the time I got home too.
Cheers - would you believe I forgot to take a single picture of my own car at C&M? Thankfully the PH team got some good ones. I travelled down with the other 1M (what were the chances of there being two, in white, with the posh seats?). It’s been owned since new bud used too (AP racing brakes, coil overs I think and a different exhaust).
Evolve were there with their GR Yaris too so I stopped to say hi to Imran as I actually knew who he was!
My car was minging by the time I got home too.
I had the same problem - instant car recognition but no faces. I hung around your car for a while to see if you'd show, but you were probably doing the same thing somewhere else. We need PH merch with our usernames on
MDifficult said:
Cheers - would you believe I forgot to take a single picture of my own car at C&M? Thankfully the PH team got some good ones.
I had the same problem - instant car recognition but no faces. I hung around your car for a while to see if you'd show, but you were probably doing the same thing somewhere else. We need PH merch with our usernames on
Probably a better solution than askIng if you’re so and so off the forum like a stalker! I had the same problem - instant car recognition but no faces. I hung around your car for a while to see if you'd show, but you were probably doing the same thing somewhere else. We need PH merch with our usernames on
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