May 2007 – Page 8 – M&I / GBMINI

Auto-up windows (no, not for the R56!)

Posted on May 7, 2007February 14, 2017 by Ian C.

I’ve spent some time investigating auto-up windows for the R56, and concluded that there are two possibilities, neither of which is an easy install … so for now, any R56 project is on hold.

Meanwhile, I got bored with the “old” MINI circuit for 2001-2006 MINIs (and 2007 convertibles), so I designed a new one and had a batch made! The primary difference of this new circuit, is that it integrates both Track Mode DSC and the “AFF” (auto-front-fogs) function, in the basic design! So now there’s only one basic circuit, which gives all features – of course you don’t have to enable the features you don’t want …

Auto-up-windows MINI circuit, V6

(adding a garage-opener-remote still requires extra circuitry so adds cost)

Another reason for the re-design was to reduce the component count, and thus reduce manufacturing cost – thus allowing me to provide all three circuit features at the old $45 price!

That being said, I still have a few of the original auto-up-only design in stock, so they’re now available-till-gone at a discounted price of $36! I will of course be sending refunds to people that purchased in the last couple of weeks … [UPDATE: ALL SOLD!]

Five years ago

Posted on May 6, 2007February 14, 2017 by Ian C.

Today, five years ago, I first drove a MINI Cooper – a test drive from MINI of Peabody! My “Motoring Advisor” was Joel – and five years later he still works there 🙂

Within a week I had ordered an MCS, but by the end of May 2002 I had realized I couldn’t wait nine months, and had found, test drove and purchased the demo MINI Cooper from Herb Chambers MINI – GBMINI#1:

Back in those days, I had no website, no digital camera, and no MINI friends – I didn’t join MINICooperOnline (now NorthAmericanMotoring) till mid May 2002, and didn’t join MINI2 till the end of June … I was a total MINI newbie 🙂

Early days driving the MINI were lots of fun, and lots of looks (it was very rare back in mid 2002!), but I think I would have gone back to a more “normal” car if it wasn’t for the wonderful MINI community that I discovered … I simply can’t list all the great friends I now have, but people like Jason, Jayson & Gavin who were at my first ever MINI meet and are like me still driving MINIs, and Steve who left MINI (for Subaru) but couldn’t resist the pull of MINI world and recently rejoined us 🙂

Then there’s also Gary, Scott & Kevin who worked at MINI of Peabody and came on that first drive – and still work at the dealership too, who I also consider to be great friends 🙂

I hope everyone has as much MINI fun & friendship as I do – and THANKS to all my MINI friends for making the last five years such a fun time!

Pasta for Pat

Posted on May 5, 2007February 14, 2017 by Ian C.

Pat, another wonderful-to-know MINI owner, was tragically hurt in a work accident earlier this year – he remains in hospital and has limited movement of his body & limbs.
See this MINI2 thread and the Pats Progress website set up to support him.

Today, the First Annual Pasta For Pat event happened down in Rhode Island, with about 100 of his family & friends – including more than 20 MINIs / owners – getting together to raise money for Pat!

Surprise guest of honour was Pat & Angela – warmly greeted by Steve 🙂

Many MINI friends present too … Richard, Annette, Steve, Angela, Libby, John, Sheena, Thom … In addition to the entry ticket, money was raised with various “door prizes” – tickets sold for $1 each which you put in the bucket for the prize(s) you’d like to win – I was lucky enough to win something!