I have an 04 Mini Cooper S with 51k miles and was wondering what maintence should be done at what time. I have regularly changed my oil since I have owned the car at 22k miles and have changed the oil every 3k-5k miles, along with tire rotations every 5k-7k miles and I have always used 5w-40 full synthetic oil. About 2 months ago my exhaust rotted and fell off somehow so I had Meineke put a new one on for about $530+. Now they didn't put tips on the exhaust and it just has the straight pipes. There was a random misfire that occurred about 3 weeks ago, and acceleration since the exhaust has been put on just hasn't been the same. It lags a tad bit but overall still drives wonderfully. Any input would be very appreciated as all I want to do is love and care for this care to the fullest Thank you all for your time

 

sounds like wrong backpressure causing performance issues

 

Would this be caused by Meineke installing smaller than OEM or stock tailpipes? Being I have NEVER had this issue since before I went to them?

 

It could be either too large or too small pipes or wrong mufflers ect

 

I'm assuming so because what comes stock on the car I have read is supposed to be an exhaust with an inlet diameter of 2.25"...which I believe the pipes they installed (without any mufflers just a new resonator straight back with a y-pipe) are about 2" in diameter

 

Wait you have NO MUFFLERS ? Thats the trouble

 

When I first bought the car in Jan 09', I'm pretty sure it didn't have them then either. I brought it to this mechanic near me yesterday and said perhaps because it is supercharged it wouldn't need them? But I don't know much about cars but I thought that was a vital part to the exhaust system working correctly. I'm bringing it to a Euro mechanic this week and getting it evaluated since I Do not trust these so called mechanics at stores like Meineke or other places.

 

While I am there I will try to get pictures of it and post them to see how ****ty the work has been done haha

 

There are two "boxes" in the rear one is a resonator and the other is the muffler they are on either side of the rear bumper and the tips come out the center

 

i have a 17% reduction supercharger pulley on an 06 R53. i need a smaller belt, but i dont know which belt, what size, where to get it. what have u. can anyone please help?