Auto-up windows, track mode DSC, and more!

Posted on by Ian C.

After posting about my auto-up windows circuit back in January, I have had nearly 30 people contact me interested in putting the same feature into their MINI.

As well as the facility to “auto-close” either (or both) windows, I have designed a version that can power an owners garage door opener so that they can integrate it into their car (using an extended activation of the door unlock switch).
I have also been requested to develop a “track mode DSC” version which has the ability to automatically disable DSC every time the car is started – this feature can be easily turned on/off by the owner.

Auto up windows with garage control output

I am now ordering parts to build about 30 circuits which I hope to make & supply next month – then GBMINI will not be quite as unique as it is now 😉

First MINI press release – 1997

Posted on by Ian C.

I recently purchased from eBay seller 0llllll0 a very interesting September 1997 Frankfurt press release with (presumably) the first announcement of the “new Mini”; it mentions the joint BMW / Chrysler engine and the high safety standards, and says the new Mini will be … targeted directly at wealthier comsumer groups looking for exciting urban modes of transport; I think they got that right! 🙂


The early pictures are interesting; you can see that the Mini still had the “old” Rover group badge, and included the chrome fuel cap in the non-S model. There’s also the twin exhaust, characteristic of the S model, but offset to the side where the single non-S exhaust is today. You can also clearly see a very different “Mini” logo in the style of a continuous ripple – quite attractive!

MINIs in Las Vegas (not GBMINI)

Posted on by Ian C.

For the ultimate MINI event in the ultimate location, check out the A MINI Vacation In Vegas web site. There was no way I could drive across most of the country to Las Vegas, but I would have dearly loved to have been at this event – Las Vegas is probably my favourite vacation destination …
Apparently more than 240 MINIs/Minis attended this spectacular event which included a serious amount of activities; check out these pics and the web site and consider joining them next year …

Photo credit Jim Gallagher
Photo credit Rob Carver
Photo credit Scott Michalak