MINIblog Grand Re-Opening...

Well if you are reading this then you already know- MINIblog is all grown's up

I felt that since this blog has been getting such a good response- and the subscriber list continues to grow- that this venue deserved a little more respect- so I sprung for the $14.95 and got a brand new domain "MINIMechanic.com."

In keeping with the HotRod mantra "If it ain't broke...make it go faster" I decided that while MINIblog was functional- it could use some upgrades. And since I don't have any new go fast parts to put on the MINI, I may as well mod the website.

Since this change I have received some feedback from readers wondering "why the change?" or "what can I expect from the new MINIblog?"

One reader even said she "felt a special connection to the old MINIblog" said that she hoped the new site maintained that "Grassroots feel..." I can respect that and while this site is definitely more polished than the old- rest assured that just because the MINIMechanic Logo is now available on a lunchbox (a great value at just $16.95! perfect for road trips) that doesn't mean that I have completely sold out. In all honesty the products are things that I think are fun and seem in keeping with the MINI spirit (k- I realize that I just said "MINI spirit" - I'll check myself into MINI-Rehab after this entry- promise)

Anyway the purpose of the switcheroo is to expand the scope of this site. While the blog will continue to be the main focus of the site, there will be many new features as well- some are here now- some are on their way:

• Expanded and organized "How To" section


• Community message board (coming soon)


• Exciting new line of motoring products


• MINI product reviews and suggestions (coming soon)

The hope is that these added features will help create a sense of community among MINIbloggies (oh didn't you know? if you are reading this then you are officially a "MINIbloggie" if you would prefer a different title please let me know) where was I...ah yes- create a sense of community- and make the site a little more useful and fun for everyone.

In addition to the new sections mentioned above- there is also a link in the Main Menu called "Need MINI help"- please feel free to use this link if you have any questions regarding our MINI. While I don't claim to know all the answers I may be able to point you in the right direction. Remember- I also have access to the BMW TIS CD which is chock full of info and repair procedures.

I just realized that I have been talking more about the site lately and less about the car- That's probably because I am at an in between phase right now- waiting for the next upgrade which will be the long awaited "WHEELS" (that will be a great day).

Most recently my passenger side window has ceased to operate. I did a little research and have found that the power window motor is prone to going out- and is easily replaced under warranty. So it looks like I'm making a trip to the dealer sometime this week. My dealer of choice is Nick Alexander MINI. Since I have had my MINI I have developed a great relationship with this dealer and feel comfortable having them work on my car. Nicholas (Alexander) is a great guy who is all about customer experience and knows what BMW customers expect in terms of treatment and service. I would recommend them to anyone in the LA area that is looking for a good place to service their MINI.

I think that while I'm out there getting my car fixed I may spring for a set of "S" peddles. The peddles that come in the MINI Cooper are pretty cheesy- standard rubber peddles- but the ones that come standard in the "S" are slick brushed aluminum. I'll have to see if they are in stock- if so- they are coming home.

That is all for now- hope you enjoy the new site- keep an eye out for new updates and enhancements.

Hopefully this will be a better idea than new Coke ;)