MINI Countryman Tyres Change

Just another day replacing another set of front tyres for my wifey Mini Countryman S.  I went ahead with ALTENZO again as these are value for money tyres.

Oh and also my original BMW battery went dead on me so I went to AutoPro and got a Korean brand car battery called ATLASBX.  Hopefully these can last me at least 2 years.  The BMW battery lasted 3 years!  But it was costly.  The ATLASBX is half the price of the BMW battery.

MINI Countryman S Tyres Replacement

Just brought my little MINI to have its rear tyres replaced.  Again I will be using back Artenzo tyres.  So far they are doing pretty well for such a price.  I am currently using 225/45 18" and cost BND$80.00 per tyre.  I also got the car wheel align for only BND$10.00!  Have to be the cheapest wheel alignment in town. I highly recommended to anyone looking for a good and budget tyres.  You guys can check it out at S&L Tyres at Berakas. 

Project Blue : Devil - ALTENZO Front Tyres

Just took my little Blue Devil to have both front tires replaced.  The last brand that I used on MINI was NEXEN,  it was not bad but tire tread doesn't last long.  So I was recommeded to this new brand ALTENZO from China.  It was highly recommended by a lot of my friends for the longivity and performance.  It cost BND$80 for each 225/45 18".

After the replacement I took the car for a few days test drive and so far so good.  The tires are quiet and does what its suppose to do.  Let see how long this tires will last.

Project Blue : Devil - EBC Ultimax 2 Rear Pads for MINI Countryman S

I just got my MINI rear pads replaced with new set of EBC Brakes Ultimax 2 imported directly from U.K.  I am a big fans of EBC brake pads ever since I got my hands on the front pads for the MINI.  I highly recommended this brand to you guys.  There are several types of grade to choose.  From standard grade, like the one I am using for both front or rear, or to performance or all the way to track grade. Best of all it is made in U.K!

The EBC brake pads cost about BND$60(shipping and local tax included).  MINI genuine part will probably set you around BND$180 to $200+. The brake sensor cost me around BND$20 and both items are from the same seller.  The brake sensor is from another UK brand called MINTEX. The brake sensor from MINI genuine part one will set you about BND$70~80.

  The labor cost to change the pads and sensor cost me another BND$20.  All up I got it for just BND $100.00!  I never check how much BMW agent will charge but it won't be cheap as they are charge by hour!  Judging from the front pads that I inquired before I think is best to do this outside BMW agent. 

It doesn't bother me whether I am using genuine parts or not as long as it does its job! Like I said before please buy smart!

Project : Blue Devil - Fitted Groovy Shades For My MINI Countryman S!

Finally fitted the shades into my MINI.  I officially gives these shades two thumbs up! If you are looking for a shade that will fit perfectly in your car look no further!  I recently contacted Groovy Shade of Malaysia regarding about shade for my Jeep SRT.  Surprisingly I got my replied in less then 1 day and they had confirmed to me that it will be made!  

Front window

Rear window

C-pillar small window

Here is how it looks like

Don't bother with the clips or holders because it required gluing to your interior door panels.

Project : Blue Devil - Groovy Shades For My MINI Countryman S!

Just received new goody for my MINI Countryman S.  Come to think about it, it really has been a while since I last touched my MINI. This one here is not a performance enhancement part but more like an accessory for the interior! As you know Brunei weather is freaking hot!  So these shades really help cool down the car.  I bought them for a reasonable price (BND$160++)

Groovy shade are made in Taiwan as stated from the packaging but I believe they also have a factory in Malaysia.  The shades are a tight fitment fit for all my MINI side windows.  It consists of six pieces of shades. Two for the front windows, two for the rear windows and two for the tiny rear windows. It also comes with all the accessories need to fit them.

I purchased these from Groovy Shades Brunei in Facebook. Make sure you look for them as he is the cheapest in town.  The other guy I spoke to told me he is the sole distributor but want to charge me over $200+ for a similar item!  Shop smartly guys!

Project Blue : Devil - EBC Ultimax 2 Front Brake Pads for MINI Countryman S

Last week a system alert pop out on my MINI Countryman telling me the front brake pads need replacement.  I took my car to QAF MINI to have them replaced but ended up bringing my car back home because they want to charge me $400 bucks for a set of brake pad!  And that is not inclusive brake sensor and labor.  I was told it will be over $500 to $600 range.  I was quite shock OEM brake pads actually cost this much!  

So I went online and found this!  EBC Brakes, a very popular alternative pads to OEM. This set is from their Ultimax 2 range which has similar compound identical to OEM.  They have a few more sports range pads but I didn't bother with it as I would like to try how good this are first.   The best part is it is made in U.K!

All in all, I got everything done for less then $250 bucks and had a saving of at least $300.  Talk about expensive mark-up from MINI agent!  It is always wise to source around for alternatives before smacking down your hard earn cash for super marked-up parts.  I had been using these pads for more then 1 week, they felt and performed just like the normal OEM pads that I had before.  I highly recommend this brand for people who are looking for cheaper alternative.

Yes I know the box said its for BMW MINI JCW but apparently the set fit my car perfect!  Thanks to the seller who recommended the set!

MINI Countryman S Battery - Dead!

 Last week, my MINI Countryman battery went flat on me when I was having my dinner at iLOTUS.  I have to leave the car there as it was already late.  The following morning I called BMW 24/7 Assistance and have them meet me there at 2.30pm.  I arrived early and surprised to see the BMW rescue car arrived earlier then me. They jumped start my car and I drove the car back to BMW to have the battery checked and replaced.  While on way, the electronics on my console went crazy as you can see on these three pictures.  Luckily this is normal and the BMW dealer manage to do a quick reset to set everything back to normal.  They even replaced a spanking brand new BMW MINI battery for free! Thumbs up for the BMW Service advisor, Azlan and the guy who came and assist me!

 

MINI Saved by Run-Flat Tires!

Last week, my wife had a flat on her Countryman's.  Thank god the car original tires are fitted with run-flat tires.  So instead of me going over to her workplace for wheel change, I had her drove back the car from work.  The car even instruct the driver to drive cautiously and no more then 80km/hr.  Once I got the car and checked the condition, I found out the front left tire had worn from the inside and created a big hole hence the puncture.   The following day I drove to one of my favorite tire shop and had two very worn tires changed!  The new tires doesn't have run-flat though. Why? Because are damn expensive to replace!

My Fifth Ride, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Exterior

Here are some photos I took recently outside my home.  Not really satisfy with the backdrop so am planning to take the SRT out to another venue for a nicer backdrop.  Below are also some information I put up for those who are not familiar with the SRT Jeep products.  

Performance Data:-

• HEMI V8 6.4litre
• 470Horsepower
• 630Nm Torque
• 8 Speed Auto Transmission with Shift Synchro
• Paddle Shifter
• 20"x10" Spider Monkey" Black Chrome Forged Wheels
• 295/45ZR20 Pirelli Scorpion Verde Performance Runflat Tires
• 6 Pots Brembo Caliper(F) and 4 Pots Brembo Caliper(R)
• Bilstein Adaptive Suspensions
• Brake Air Duct
• Twin Hood Scoops
• Launch Control

Exterior Equipment:-

• Auto Liftgate
• 2014 LED Front and Rear Lamps
• DRL
• Radar Cruise Control
• Panoramic Roof 
  

Project : Blue Devil Completed!

 Good morning readers!  Today I am glad to announce the completion of our MINI Countryman S Project : Blue Devil!  I didn't expect to finish the project so early.  LOL.  Well if you look at the pictures there are some area of the car which was left untouched, notably the wheels.  Engine zone remain stock because this car is my wife daily drives and she preferred a quiet ride to and back from work.

The car had a minor facial revamp by fitting genuine JCW Aero.  The aerokits included front and rear splitters with matching side skirts.  JCW bonnet and side decals were applied also using genuine MINI products. 

This project car has UNION JACK themes all over the exterior to the interior1 and 2 of the car!

So there you go readers,  I am sharing with you these pictures that I took a few days ago at my parent premises.