It may seem like it’s been pretty quiet around here, but that is far from the truth. Last weekend, as you already know, we celebrated the 6th year & 400th episode of The World Famous White Roof Radio!. Before that I got the chance to spend an entire day in the MotoringFile Countryman. You can read about it at MotoringFile.com or wait until later this week when I’ll be reposting it here at dbmini.
Coming up this week I was going to go to SEMA, but just couldn’t swing the time off. I also wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get a few more repairs done to Roxy that would have been required before I drove 300 miles across the Nevada and Arizona deserts. Turns out, those repairs will be happening this week!
Motor mounts, both the upper and lower, are getting replaced on Tuesday so I will no longer have to worry about the engine falling out or the doors vibrating off. At the same time, the right side axle is getting replaced. Sure it was already replaced back in 2009, but it was a remanufactured piece and it’s never been very solid. Now it’s bad enough to worry me every day I drive, so I’m glad I’m getting this one taken care of.
Next up I need to be thinking about shocks. What are you guys using that are OEM +? I’m not looking to drop $1600 on a set of coil-overs, just something to replace the SS shocks that I have now.
(4) commentsLast weekend I got to spend some time in a couple of very cool MINIs. The first one was Mr. Peterson’s JCW Coupe (pre-stripe). The 2nd was the MotoringFile Countryman (more on this later this weekend). Also, for those that don’t play the donburnside home game, I recently acquired an iPhone.
One of the cool things about both of those MINIs is the ability to connect an iPhone and use the stereo controls to playback music from the device. While I have this now in the shape of a wired aux port adapter, I would really like to not have to deal with the cable. Amazon.com to the rescue!
That’s where I found this; Griffin Technology BlueTrip AUX for iPhone and Smartphones
That’s all it is. A short plug for the accessory plug and a cable. Installation, as expected, is simply a matter of plugging it in and pairing it with your bluetooth device. Once complete, music playback (at least for the iPhone) is seamless and sounds just as good as having a cabled connection. This will also work for hands-free calling, a feature I won’t be using since I’m sure it won’t sound that great with the microphone so far from my head. That and the inside of my MINI sounds like a race car.
Simple and effective. My iPhone even remembers the connection so all I have to do is turn on my MINI and I’m good to go. Total cost, including the Auxport adapter that I picked up in ’04 is about $100. Not sure if the Auxport adapter is still available, but a quick call to your local dealer or OutMotoring will get you sorted out should you need it.
There are bluetooth to FM adapters out there, but I’ve never thought they sounded that great. Usually worse than a clear FM station. The sound out of this, like I already mentioned, is crystal clear and it really sounds as good as being plugged into the jack. Comments are open if you have any questions!
White Roof Radio LIVE write-up, including my thoughts about the R60, will be coming in a few days. Also watch for another update next week about my latest upcoming repair/replacement for motor mounts and another axle.
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It’s been far too long since we all got together. Wait a tic, adding Nathaniel to the mix means we never have. That means a party is definitely in order!
Join us Saturday, October 22nd, 2011 at Detroit Tuned for White Roof Radio Live! Gabe, Todd, db, Chad, and Nathaniel will be gathering to record Woofcast 400 and wanted to invite you along for the show. There will be food, drink and some sweet MINIs including the MF Countryman and Gabe’s new BMW. Plus, there are rumors of a Coupe or two — one of them getting some killer stripes from Todd!
Not enough for you? How about a caravan to Detroit Tuned from Chicago on Saturday, with a possible stop at Bell’s Brewery? Done and done.
It’s not often that we get a chance to get together, but it’s always a fantastic party when it does. Those of you that have been to AMVIV, MTTS or MINI United know what we mean.
Full details, including a great deal on a hotel room that is walking distance from Detroit Tuned can be found here. We also have an event page on Facebook and think it would be keen if you could RSVP if you plan on going, or not.
We can’t wait! Can you?
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