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  1. Today

  2. No city in the world embodies the MINI brand quite like Oxford, UK. The classic Mini was first built here in 1959, and since 2001, BMW Group has been producing the modern MINI on the same site. With the MINI Cooper Oxford Edition, the brand celebrates its British roots by incorporating the iconic Union Jack into a range of design details on the latest edition of the MINI Cooper 3-door. From the beginning, MINI has proved that big character can come in small packages. Born from the creative vision of Sir Alec Issigonis, the classic Mini was surprisingly spacious, unmistakable in design and perfectly at home darting through city streets. It quickly became a style icon and now, as part of BMW Group, it is a modern evolution of Issigonis’ original vision. MINI succeeds in finding a perfect balance between its illustrious heritage and contemporary innovation. To this day, the MINI remains a strong presence in city streets and pop culture alike around the world. MINI Plant Oxford holds a central place in the heritage and identity of the MINI brand. The plant is not merely a production facility, but the spiritual home of MINI and a continuation of the brand’s British roots. The MINI Cooper Oxford Edition carries these values to celebrate 25 years of modern MINI. Personalisation has always been a part of MINI’s DNA, as no two drivers are quite the same. MINI has always been about creating something that feels personal, whether through colour, details or little touches that make the difference. MINI releases numerous special editions worldwide, each inspired by local cultures and personal lifestyles, resulting in unique design concepts, in a way that only MINI can do. A wide range of customisation options – from striking paint finishes to characteristic design details – turns every MINI into a unique statement. Key design features such as the iconic bonnet stripes or the factory-fitted multitone roof are exemplary of this creative freedom. Recent special editions such as the MINI 60 Years Edition, the MINI Seven Edition, the MINI 1965 Victory Edition and the MINI Paul Smith Edition continue this tradition, reinterpreting the MINI character time and time again, all whilst appealing to a wide range of audiences. MINI Cooper Oxford Edition: Exterior. The MINI Cooper Oxford Edition wears its heart on its roof with the Union Jack sitting proudly on the white contrast roof, whose contemporary interpretation gives the vehicle a distinctive signature and resembles MINIs of the past. The central red and white stripe of the flag runs along the entirety of the car as a key design element, visually tying the exterior design together. The Oxford Edition is available in three exterior paint finishes: Chili Red, Indigo Sunset Blue and Blazing Blue. With white mirror caps providing an elegant contrast and subtle nod to MINIs of the past. The exterior is further enhanced by 18-inch Slide Spoke 2-tone wheels, which give the MINI Cooper 3-door a confident stance. Individually coordinated wheel hub and valve cap covers boost the overall edition design. MINI Cooper Oxford Edition: Interior. Look a little closer, and you’ll spot the details that make the Edition special. The Union Jack theme continues into the interior, with unique details such as a textured printed flag on the 6 o’clock steering wheel element. The floormats feature a circular Union Jack on the driver’s side, while the passenger-side floormat carries a circular chequered flag element as a nod to MINI’s racing heritage. Finally, there are unique door sills, so customers can celebrate 25 years of modern MINI every time they enter and exit their vehicle. Iconic design, historical references and modern technology come together in a clear statement to celebrate 25 years of modern MINI. MINI Lifestyle Collection: Oxford Capsule. Style doesn’t stop at the car. To match the vehicle edition, MINI has introduced a number of lifestyle products that pick up characteristic design features of the MINI Cooper Oxford Edition. The Oxford Capsule brings the edition’s signature style into everyday essentials, such as the MINI Traveller Bag, unisex T-shirts, a special cap, detailed MINI Oxford stickers and the iconic MINI Umbrella Walking Stick (always an essential in the British summer!). The textiles are finished in dark blue to mirror the optional Indigo Sunset Blue vehicle paintwork, while Union Jack-inspired details give the Oxford Capsule an authentic character. Key facts of the MINI Cooper Oxford Edition: Special Edition for MINI Cooper 3-Door Available as MINI Cooper C and MINI Cooper S White contrast roof with Union Jack graphic 18-inch Slide Spoke 2-tone wheels with edition-specific details on the wheel hub and valve cap covers Body colours: Chili Red and Indigo Sunset Blue Interior with Union Jack design details on the steering wheel and floor mats The MINI Cooper Oxford Edition is a separate and newly introduced special edition, distinct from the long-established Oxford Edition in the US market. Despite the similarity in name, the two refer to entirely separate products with no connection.
  3. Yesterday

  4. Hi Dave For me post initial BM3 flash that failed, I had a few successful flash attempts with the ECU communicating but since I replaced the battery and got the ECU back I've seen these new error messages. I have yes, though no expert in ISTA very much learning through others and YouTube. Though in regards to the Flexray bus, I'm seeing that as the ZGM module which is built directly into the FEM module in the passenger side footwell With work being busy I've not been able to look at the car since, but have ordered a few leads to attempt point 3 of yours Rav
  5. Last week

  6. sparkysewell joined the community
  7. zara_smiths joined the community
  8. Shannybo replied to Shannybo's topic in Wanted
    Afternoons thanks for the response. I'm looking to replace my previous one that got written off. Now I know more about them it's very difficult finding an honest one huh. Hoping this is the place to find my forever baby.
  9. Good luck with your search - its always difficult to find the right car but be assured that it is definitely out there
  10. Shannybo started following F80 M3 wanted
  11. Shannybo posted a topic in Wanted
    Any genuine and honest F80 m3s for sale? Preferably under 75k and modified. Based in N.Ireland but willing to travel to UK.
  12. Shannybo joined the community
  13. Hi Boreas If you find a car and can note the Vin Number check www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of the Vin into the search box it will call up that model. Then search the engine type my old brain cant remember when the change front chain to rear was done 2012/2013 I think it may help when checking things Dave
  14. OscarWW joined the community
  15. Dave, Thanks indeed, most helpful, I thought on doing some research that only the diesels had rear mounted timing chains but I fear from what you say all the models I am interested in, convetibles, have rear mounted timing chains. I too am an engineer ( long retired ) and in the past have had several engines out but not now I am afraid. Given that the 1 series convertible is now quite long in the tooth and with a rear timing chain, we may have to settle for a 2 series convertible which would allow me to be less on edge. All you say re oil changes is so true, we have as our runaround, a Citroen C3 non turbocharged which has a wet belt. It has had annual oil changes ( 5k ) with the correct oil and the belt can be viewed from the filler cap, it is now 9 years old and the belt is still in excellent condition, in complete contrast to what many 'experts' say and will be changed next year as deemed appropriate. Your guidance has been most useful.
  16. Didn't even know they did an X8. Look good in the gold though. Starting price??£££££
  17. Morning Boreas Welcome to the Forum As an old engineer I have never been a fan of extended oils changes which just about all Manufacturers have advocated since the early 1990's around the same time the use of plastics for chain guides also became common along with simplex chains instead of duplex. With extended oil services (sometimes 30k) all these things have lead to chain stretch and guide wear BMW engineers didn't help themselves by moving timing chains to the rear of the engine ??? Common issues I have heard of are (1) Chain Stretch my feeling is this is avoidable if frequent oil changes are carried with good quality oil. While stretch is going to happen it can be delayed and top chains can be split and changed in situ. (2) Chain tensioner failure is often confused as chain stretch so fitting a new tensioner (around £30) with an annual Oil and Filter change I believe is good practice. (3) Chain Guides these are plastic and will always wear over time and use but regular oil changes with good quality Oil and Filters will help extend their life My brother inlaw runs 5 series and is on his 5th as he has a business based in Holland he travels extensively in Europe and all his cars have exceeded 200k one 300+ they have also all been ECU tuned from new, they have all been 6 cylinder models and Oil is changed every 5k religiously His current car is a 540d xDrive with well over 400hp he also uses the cars to their full and has had no chain issues. All the 1 series engines 3 cylinder 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder now have the chain at the rear, so if there is any noise, misfires or misfire codes on a diagnostic scan walk away ( unless you are able to DIY). If mileage is low and service history is good with evidence of at least annual oil and filter changes the risk is low, my first job would be an oil and filter change with the tensioner Hope this lengthy post helps not hinders Dave
  18. sambukrs joined the community
  19. I am new to this forum but not new to BMW as I have owned a superb phase 2 Z4 I am contemplating a 1 Series Convertible however have heard of timing chain problems with this models' engine which is an engine out repair Can I have views please, is it likely to be age or mileage related and how likely a problem. Thanks in anticipation.
  20. boreas7 joined the community
  21. Had same thought re, LHD. I'll explore the made up cable idea. Cheers
  22. Hi Dave, welcome. When my x5 cable broke, I had a bit of a mare as some cables were lhd specific. The bonnet release lever was only listed by bmw as a lhd part number. Go to the local dealership and ask the parts man for the rhs specific one as the codes can be one digit out. I used to own a bike shop and we used to sell a lot of tandem brake cables with solderless nipples to the Vespa lads as throttle cables. It’s worth asking the local bike shop. Gear cables or pear ended brake cables fit in the black cable joint on mine.
  23. DAVEYDLB joined the community
  24. Thanks Dave, much appreciated.
  25. Best of both worlds, AC and soft top :) I'll check out the link, thanks
  26. Morning Dave Welcome to the Forum In my long car owning history I have never been a convertible fan in fact both my X5's don't even have sun roofs 😅Air Con rules for this old bloke. Having said that I just did a quick general search on ISTA parts section and from what I can see you may need the complete release mechanism ?? When you brought the parts did you use www.realoem.com and your Vin number ? Dave
  27. Greydog started following Hood release cable
  28. Thanks. I had a similar thought. Thanks. Dave
  29. You can get one made to the original length (or even slightly shorter/longer) Go to motorcycle shop (old school one) or even pushbike shop and get a brake or throttle cable and you can fit an end to suit the latch, etc
  30. Newbie here and tearing my hair out. 2012 1 series 118d cabriolet. Hood latch rusted and stuck, local mechanic got hood open and removed latch. He said cable was a bit knackered, So ordered new latch and cable. Latch fine, but cable clearly wrong, too short, though I ordered allegedly correct part. Of course it is 2 piece but only tried to fit front part, nowhere near. Old cable is too long, but works ish , so I wonder if someone previous had similar problem. Every supplier I have looked at (any) seems to offer what I have already got ie too short. So I am flummoxed. Any ideas. Rgds, Dave
  31. Thank you! Let your mates know about it please 🙏
  32. Dave Wood joined the community
  33. Thanks Trevor Try as I might I just cant get the mpg over 42.2 - I'm sure on the return of the first journey we managed 42.9 Make no mistake, no complaints...only that we paid Euro 1.53 litre in Greece and Euro 2.00 in France... That car will get us from Ancona to Essex on two tanks!
  34. Hello Trevor, thanks reply and very good point - we put the X3 through main dealer for a full check and diagnostic for peace of mind. Initially they suspected an oil leak from gearbox or engine. They gave the engine and gearbox a jet wash and said come back in 500 miles. No sign of any leak. Still looks clean and dry almost five years later. We put a new set of CrossClimate2 on for the winter treks down to Greece. We would only end up doing that again! A decent power wash of the underside and replace any sensor/brake hoses looking a bit aged is definitley on the to do list.
  35. I have found some information, the flywheel does not require timing as the ECU measures the reluctor so my remaining issue is the crankshaft holding tool alignment.
  36. Guy5 started following Timing chain alignment
  37. Morning I am now back to doing my car I cannot find any way of locking the flywheel I have searched YouTube the last couple of evenings, the reason is I have the engine at TDC, marks on the camshafts facing up, dots on rear of sprockets aligned and the fuel pump marks aligned however the timing mark on the flywheel is at 5 o clock not 12 as on social media and the crank holding tool does not align with the dowel it is 6 mm out Auto data does not give any solution. Does anyone have an answer I think it’s incorrectly timed as the crank holding tool is out of alignment but even adjusting this won’t bring the flywheel to 12
  38. Morning Kevin The Star mark for BMW approved Tyres is more relevant to cars with 4 wheel drive it ensures that 4 tyres of the approved size from that manufacturer will have rolling radius that match the AWD system requirements and not cause damage to the drive train. Most Marques who have AWD have similar tyre requirements. If your 435 does not have AWD (X drive) using tyres of the correct size but not star marked is far less of a problem As an Aside I have Hankook tyres on my X5 E70 (non run flat) as they are far quieter than the Michelin run flats it came with Dave
  39. Earlier

  40. margaritamark joined the community
  41. Thanks Trevor, will do.
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