No drop required IMO, up the profile of the tyre slightly if that gap REALLY gets to you (why would it? car looks great as is) Also I guess a 35 profile would give you a bit better ride Lowering a car isn't the be all and end all ya know?
Great video! The cars look and sound great. Usability and style is a compromise. Really low slung suspension and ultra low profile tyres look great but as you note in the real world you need to be able to deal with sleeping policemen and incline entry/exit angles without horrible grounding noises and damaging the car. And thee is a balance with comfort. Funnily enough it's not just lowered ride height, I have bottomed out on a car park ramp in my stock A6 S Line. Twenty years ago I would have made the sacrifice for style but these days I tend to value comfort and an easy life.
Sounds awesome pal....can't wait for my M135i remus race fitting. I spoke with my local BMW dealer service team and they advised that as this is a OPF back exhaust then it wont affect anything major on the warranty, would be advisable to check with individual dealers though. Think it helps that Motech are providing some Motech editions to certain dealers on brand new cars. Thanks for the help on last video with getting me free fitting at Motech
I don’t mind the wheel gap, they all wheel drive so the extra bit of height makes sense. The exhaust is amazing! Looking into some custom side skirts for mine, I find the lower side portion kinda flat.
So the whole point of the video was to get multiple comments that you need to lower the clubby - make it unusable for Mevagissey - then explain to Mrs PP how you now need to become a four car channel. Genius! 😉
I did something similar with my F13 M6, they come stock with 265/35r20 & 295/30r20 stock. When I needed new tyres I went with 275/35r20 & 305/30r20 PS4S for summer and 285/35r20 & 325/30r20 Sport Cup 2 for Summer. They extra height of the tyres (especially the 283/35 at the front) allows me to get to places I couldn't previously aimed straight at a ramp or similar, whereas previously I'd need to come in on an angle. It also makes my speedo read more accurately - now it is 98kmh at 100kmh indicated, not 96kmh! On the to-do list is to get a 10-15mm drop to take it a little bit lower than stock.
Exhaust sounds, in the beginning, were pretty good. I would just put the right size tires on it because the ride is going to be stiffer and wont have the grip that a higher profile tire would. I have coilovers and have experimented with different ride heights and rakes. I feel that only about 15mil lower than stock both front and rear is as low as I want to go with. .. exhaust looks great! sounds great!
You certainly chose the right exhaust tips for Charlie. They look lovely...very classy. Oddly I wasn't ever a fan of the "new" Mini despite following you for a fair while. However, you're slowly winning me round. Two very handsome cars you've got there my friend. I learnt to drive in an original Mini and had one as my first car. Then I bought a brand new (1991) Rover Cooper which I loved to bits. It only went when my daughter was born. So maybe I'm just bias towards the original Mini.
I think many of us in Mini owners clubs who now drive the BMW Mini's originally started out with what I privately call a 'real Mini' but in the club I call a classic Mini. I owned two, the second of which went when I had my second child.
I learned to drive in an original Mini and had a few more , really wish I could have kept one ! Love the new ones they give me the same fun feeling but nothing is as cute as those originals for me !
Good morning pal. Yes I agree that lowering fills, but I’d sooner just go that slightly taller profile. They both look lovely, I still love the S4 though, am missing it.
I must be weird but to me, the centre of the wheel should sit in the centre of the wheel arch. So the two centres of the two circles are in the same place.
Ruby - He never takes me out anymore. Just a quick wash and puts me aside. It's "Clubman this. Clubman that". He never has time for me anymore. Pete - Hi! Today I'm going to talk about all the upgrades I've had on Charlie, my Mini Clubman. Ruby - ............................ :-((...
Great to hear your views on arch gap. I am currently doing a lot of mods to my Clubby S and arch gap is one that a lot of people go on about. But the rides nice and absorbs the bumps - I can't bring myself to lower for looks at the expense of everyday driving needs. Have decided not to lower but will be fitting a front splitter and side skirts. Having already lowered the R57 (on springs) and the MR2 (on coilovers) - I need at least one car that is comfortable !!
Sounds great, I think a slightly lower stance would do a lot for you. Close up that gap. That being said, I run my R60 countryman at stock height as the roads where I live are terrible.
Since you bought the new exhaust I think the newness had mellowed so there`s less popping and banging all the joints will be working better and I for one am pleased you are happy. I have a sneaking idea you will be getting a deeper wheel arch trim and that should close up the gap a bit, of course I could be totally wrong but I don`t think so we will see later!!!
Yes to fixing the arch gap Pete (sure plenty of yes’s already) The OZ wheels, when they catch the light on camera at least, I thought the light couloir from the actual light were scratches in the alloy ie massively curbed! Sure they’re awesome in real life. I didn’t see it in previous videos but I keep seeing it this one..
I remember when my Dad was working his way up the company car ladder he would judge the rung he was on by how quiet the latest upgrade was compared to the previous one. Hmmm ...... pops and bangs Dad? 😂
Hi re the Clubman.....change the tyres as in the real world every day driving it will still look great! But messing with the suspension set up will take alot away from such a great car. Great video and thanks Andrew 😊. Just bought my wife a grey/blk roof cooper clubman 2018.. Ethel , i love it!!! Totally cool car and i used to have a classic mk11 mini for 12yrs...Berty!! Sadly gone now😣, surprisingly new mini carries a lot of the classics characteristics. Ps any practical tips😊
You are going to *love* the ceramic coating on Charlie. I had full Ceramic Pro 9H on the exterior and the wheels and brake calipers, plus interior ceramic coating, on my new '20 F60 JCW a bit over 2 weeks ago. The gloss is deep and clear, but the bigger value is the protection from wildfire ash (I live in northern California) and the ease of cleaning the exterior. Brake dust comes off the wheels and calipers SO easily! I'll be looking forward to seeing your experience.
BTW, I think the OZ wheels look stunning. Glad to hear the PS4s perform as well as I've heard others claim. They will be coming to my Mini in the near future. I wouldn't worry about the arch gap so much. After seeing your Motech episode, I contacted Remus USA to check on availability and California compliance. Remus is launching a similar axle back silencer replacement, but deliveries have been delayed presumably due to COVID. However, I'm going to check into the US offering once it hits our shores. Thanks for all the great info and reviews with your Mini mods!
+1 for the Ceramic Pro 9H : I have just had a full respray on an MR2 and finished off with a ceramic pro 9H - Gold Pack : 6 layers of protection + 2 layers of show gloss ....... it is INSANE : if your reading this Petrol Ped, I would recommend Gloss My Ride in Wellingborough : approved applicator of Ceramic Pro and has an absolute eye for detail
I think you're best option would be to sell the existing tyres and replace with 35 section MPS4's, that will fill the arch slightly and lift the nose, then you can lower it to fill the arch slightly more. I've fitted MSS height adjustable springs to my car and I think something like these would give you the option to lift or lower the car to suit, they're actually Eibach springs too, what's not to like? 🤩
Hi sir Pete my son Leo says his favorite car in world is ruby and that he wants a ruby when he can drive. He also said he really likes the red stripes on ruby.Made me smile when he said that. He’s 4 now. Also sir Pete I don’t think Charlie needs to be lowered at all. If it fits your needs at that stock ride height then leave it there. Love the sound of Charlie’s exhaust!
Nice reply my friend👌👌👌👌👌 but I do believe if you insist on giving someone a title like ........... sir !!!!!!!! you should really start with a capital " S " as in Sir. Only saying 😜😜😜😜
Hi Pete, Saw your car parked up in Amberley a few weeks ago. Didn’t like your new wheels on video, but in the flesh they look awesome! In fact the whole car was looking very sweet indeed! 👌🏾
Clubman definitely needs lowering. Doesn't need to go full on captain stance pants. But about a 15/20mm drop. Regarding warranty. All your current 'mods' won't affect anything at all. If there was an issue with the ppf the dealer might try to argue that the difference in flow from the exhaust had affected it. But I doubt that will happen
Hi Ped You have nailed it with that exhaust, spot on.👍👍👍 Personal opinion but prefer this to Ruby Roadster. Wheels look superb, wheel arch gap would not concern me that much, think a 35 profile tyre would be an ideal compromise.
I’m in awe of Charlie mate, a beautiful car with tasteful modifications that reflect your personality. I am a fan of the OZ rims but I also love the stock diamond cuts too. The exhaust has the perfect pitch and is a great compromise between daily driving and a sporty note thanks to its integration with the MINI driving modes. As for lowering, no deal breaker there, Charlie looks fine to my eyes and practicality is important to you after all. You could always increase the sidewall marginally in due course to alter how the eye views the gap. Another great video mate.
I think it looks ok as is but if it was me I'd look at using the mini E wheel arches as they are deeper to compensate for the raised ride height due to the batteries needing sufficient ground clearance. If, that is, the wheel arches are the same for both the hatch and clubman. Anyway, just a thought.
Years ago, during my uni days in Blighty and Fast Car mags were sort of de riguer reading for the go-faster crowd, THE Rule of Thumb with regards to lowering our rides were : The gap between the wheel arch and top of the tyre should be LESS than the sidewall height. Best Optik-tuning would be to have the gap at half of sidewall height. That said, it all depends on whether you can stomach the harsh ride/ground clearance if you go any lower. Looks fine to me for the first few minutes of the vid but in the driving/wheel close-ups...it does look a wee bit 'gappy' there mate...
Both cars are looking absolutely fantastic and are a real credit to you. Just a little word of caution. My neighbour was recently pulled over by the police for not having the correct spacing between the registered letters and no’s on his cars number plate. He was threatened with a fine of up to £1000. Luckily he got away with a warning. Might be worthwhile considering this with the plates on your two minis.
Petrol Ped I also have a relative who was “pulled over” for having illegal spacing on his plates about ten years ago and he was fined £250. I’m sure if you’ve had yours for 12 years then you’ll be fine. 😀😀. Keep up the great work.
The extra weight in the wheels will show in the ride when the surface is rougher. My i30N summer wheels are lighter than the stock ones by about 2.5kg each and it can be felt on poor road surfaces with more thumping through the suspension when I put the stock wheels back on with the winter tyres. The arch gap looks fine Ped and I'd like a few more pops and crackles but I would owning an i30N performance :)
Great video loved seeing Charlie & Ruby and seeing the new updates on the road . Exhaust sounds great ! Can you remind us where you got the exhaust tips for Ruby from please ?
I would say no. I know it's subjective but I find too many people are into the lowered "stance" trend and don't actually consider the implications for livability and the quality of a drive as a road car. You touched on it in your video regarding the driveway accessibility problems of lowering it, and I personally think that keeping it the way it is just makes it a more enjoyable road car. The gap actually makes the car look better because it sits like a road car, and I find the mini is too low. If you look at what Matt Farah and Bobby Ang say in their reviews (I recommend looking at Matt Farah's Keen Project Safari video or Bobby Ang's full review of the GLA 45), great road cars have suspension travel and can really absorb all the bumps and undulations that come with driving on bad roads. I personally put value on that peace of mind versus pure looks as I've lost several tires due to potholes on bad New England roads. It all depends on form vs. function - for example, wheels - the 19s look great, but ride harsher than 18s or even 17s. I'd choose function over form in this case. To each his own though. Car looks great!
@@PetrolPed You're welcome! I would look at the side shot where you can see how your tire moves within the wheel well to judge how much you can reasonably lower it. Looking forward to seeing what you do!
Congrats on the 75k subs. Exhaust looks and sounds great but for me just how much less of it there was that’s really interesting. But mate those wheels are gorgeous. For me living around country roads track roads green lanes potholes and speed bumps I could not see how you could lower unless you switch to air or something so you can slam it when you pull up which would be awesome. Ruby still sounds better 👍
Why is it all about looks Pedro Charlie is perfect in her own right she looks amazing love the footage on the outside taking the coners looks really impressive another great clip I know you'll not remember but I've test drove the clubman had it for 45minites I didn't go into sports mode can't believe I've told you now I'm embarrassed 🤭 keep it up can't wait till December when I pick her up it'll probably be snowing 🤔🙊⛄lolxxx 🐾🐾
To be honest, the arch gap really isn't all that bad. I'd leave well alone. The gaps are in keeping with the car imo. It's a cracking car and it looks and sounds superb 👍
Good to hear your decision re not to lower it Pete! Most cars will look amazing on a set of lowering springs/coilovers however people get too hung up on it imo. It's so easy to ruin a car by doing that, and the disadvantages often outweigh the advantages. I think you can get away with the arch gap on Charlie (on camera at least) as both the alloys and the arch trim are finished in black; if the alloys were in another colour, the arch gap would be more obvious! The exhaust sounds and looks great, nice choice :)
Personally I think the position of the red side graphics on the clubman give it the illusion of being higher than it actually is. If it were mine I would remove the current stripes - have them remade and position them lower on the doors - I think visually it would hunker the car down. 👍
Fully get the no-drop. I’m not a fan of lowering springs and coil overs I always find ruin the ride. So something with the arches then for the gap? Personally, I like an OEM look so whatever you do, I’d like to see OEM-esque but obvs it’s your car your choice 😬
Because the wheel arch trim is black you don't notice the gap anyway. Plus more importantly, when you lower the car it alters the whole suspension geometry and bump steer, unless you alter many other suspension parts to match. It's really not worth it Pete. Love the exhaust, better than Ruby and better than my Milltek I fitted once too. Cheers mate 👍
Nice video, the wheels are def a personal choise but the exhaust sounds really great...im getting this week my 'new' 2012 Countryman S and im not sure what to do. My current R50 with the Milltek is so loud, the new one has the be a bit deeper and less shoutier so that Remus is a maybe a good option...lets start saving to have some options 😉
I would leave it the way it is. As someone mention, I know you love your new OZ wheels, but I would prefare oem 19” JCW wheel in this height of suspension. Sounds great, I habe the same exhaust on my M135i 😀👍
I just watched this video. Love the modifications. You mentioned that you had a solution on filling the arch gap without lowering it. However I can’t find that video. Can you help me
I like all the mods you've done to Charlie thus far👍👌. I'm relieved there's a quiet exhaust mode for Mrs Ped or does she like sports mode aswell?. I've lowered one of my car's & even though it looks & handles better, it's less practical & is more prone to scraping the exhaust & front bumper.
The car looks great love the low note and tips on the exhaust. Wheels marmite really but the one thing that I don’t like on the wheels is the red centre bit. The remind me of the wheels you could buy in Halfords back in the eighties. I don’t mean to be rude I just think the would look so much better just in the black
Glad you don’t feel the normal youtubers pressure to make it sound like a misfiring Vauxhall Viva. And wheel arch gap - I’d rather save the bodywork! Will be interesting to see if higher profile could work. Impressed that road noise and comfort isn’t (greatly) affected, but my god, you must clench over some of the UKs finest...
Evening Pete, you need to put a 30mm drop on Charley. No need to go any More. Just get lowering springs if you don't want to compromise ride comfort, no need for coilovers mate. Don't airbag it 👎. Hoping meet and greet is still on. Take care all 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🏁
Just got to say that, imho, Ruby roadster looks a lot too low at the front, looks as if the springs are broken. And, as you said, it's just impractical. I think Charlie Clubman looks ok although I would prefer the look of the slightly higher profile tyres anyway. Wheels are excellent and the exhaust looks and sounds great. Sometimes....if it ain't bust etc !
I think that Remus exhaust sounds awesome, the best mod to the car for me 👍. Ye right Pete I bet you told Mrs Petrol Ped about the wheels, just remember like the rest of us who the boss is 🤣
I've just worked out what you're gonna do with Charlie. You're going to add 166 layers of black electrical tape to the inside of each wheelarch lip. That will fill them in by 20mm and make the car look like it's been lowered, and, make the wheels/tires look bigger. It may be a trompe l'oeil, but it's a good one!
Hi Pete Your car is stunning mate you have done a fantastic job As you said if you lowered it just would not be practical for your needs I think it looks great as it is And that exhaust is the dogs bits & bobs
Mini looks great wheels look very sexy did you go for runflats or normal tires? don't think the gap looks bad on the tires to wheel arch, to low is unusable unless you had something you could adjust from inside(air bag suspension) the car, get my first ever mini next week mini cooper s. how do you find the mini for stone chips on the front? thanks for the vids appreciate them. I ceramic coated my other car last week with Carproquartz UK 3.0 so easy to apply and buff up.
It really does not matter what we think. Your car, your rules! Okay? But I like it anyway, other than the chrome tips on the rear after you de-chromed the rear. Can you just try a gloss black tip with the polished internal pipe? That is the only change I would make if it was my car. Otherwise, perfect, useable and balanced.
Would dropping it cause great problems , my Mondeo on 19s and 40 profile the alloys sat in the arch but cleared road calming measures fine . No problems in and around Mevagissey either, what would I know i now drive an sub with 2 inches of air gap !
Nice vid a normal. I have one in Rebel Green but would prefer the Silver White as I’m getting very fine stone chips marks along the side! Is this something that you have experienced?
You should go with 18 inch - I bought a set of winter wheels from Mini and the tire size is 205/55R18 which fill arch gap even better than 19 inch JCW wheels. It was kinda shock for me at the beginning (so little space) but everything works perfectly and looks very good. I know, the tire is thicker but looks as a cool as the 19 inch one. Why don't you just change the profile of the tires instead?
Great video Pete, is there an air bag suspension system for the arch gap. Drop it and lift it when required ?? Just a thought !!! Charlie looks and sounds brilliant well done all round. Cheers DFDU 😎
Your solution is to lower your car with 1" and then install small hydraulic jackers on each side in front. Before parking in Cornwall use the jackets to lift it an inch or 2 just for parking purpose.
I think the wheels just look too small. I think the deeper tyres would be the way forward. Is the speedo accurate will the current setup? Have you compared the absolute tyre measurements from stock to current etc. You can geek out on a tyre size comparison site like tire size.com
Am I mistaken but have changed your mind and now fitted the Red rear Union Flag light on the Roadster? I thought you preferred the Black Union Flag lights? I noticed them in the title sequence with the music at the very beginning of the video.
4s tyres are probably the best on the market. Wheel arch gap is OK really, it's always a trade off between looking good and handling. I wouldn't drop it... The car looks good and it's not a sporty coupe... Its a sport estate
Sound is awesome. Like you say not in your face just a nice tone. The carbhas to work for you so your reasons are valid. As long as you like it thats all that matters really.
Hello mate, would you say Ruby Roadster is as fast as the new clubman? I know that from a standstill the clubman will undoubtedly be off the line fast with the All4 system. Always been interested to see what they are like when rolling though! Great video as always 👍🏻
Where do I get that Remus exhaust system? I did an early oil and filter change today at Lohen. (7000milez) Maybe there? Which exhaust system? Are the Remus all road legal?
Yes, yes and yes. You've got a comfortable car in the Audi, if you wanted the clubman to be a nice quiet plodding around car it wouldn't be sat there with a Remus exhaust on it. Edit: having watched on - ah I see the issue. Solution - trade in your 19" for 20" wheels!
100% agree on the horrible run flats...may need to change mine out as my Mini Conv S will drive a lot better. On your next video, how about a shout out to your #1 Canadian 🇨🇦 fan?! Cheers and safe driving ahead!!
Petrol Ped thanks. I’m about to order one. My F56 hatch JCW came with variable dampers. Whilst handy for bad roads in the city, the sports mode couldn’t cope with the power on the twisty roads. I want my Clubman to handle!
No drop required IMO, up the profile of the tyre slightly if that gap REALLY gets to you (why would it? car looks great as is) Also I guess a 35 profile would give you a bit better ride Lowering a car isn't the be all and end all ya know?
Thanks Russell 👍
Agreed 100%
Agreed Russell G
Great video! The cars look and sound great. Usability and style is a compromise. Really low slung suspension and ultra low profile tyres look great but as you note in the real world you need to be able to deal with sleeping policemen and incline entry/exit angles without horrible grounding noises and damaging the car. And thee is a balance with comfort. Funnily enough it's not just lowered ride height, I have bottomed out on a car park ramp in my stock A6 S Line. Twenty years ago I would have made the sacrifice for style but these days I tend to value comfort and an easy life.
👍🏻❤️
It’s a van.. it’s a sports car. It’s a van... What a wonderful mashup of fun & practicality.
You can't help but smile when driving a Mini 👌, and Charlie Clubman is a beaut! Thanks for sharing Pete 👍
Sounds awesome pal....can't wait for my M135i remus race fitting. I spoke with my local BMW dealer service team and they advised that as this is a OPF back exhaust then it wont affect anything major on the warranty, would be advisable to check with individual dealers though. Think it helps that Motech are providing some Motech editions to certain dealers on brand new cars. Thanks for the help on last video with getting me free fitting at Motech
I don’t mind the wheel gap, they all wheel drive so the extra bit of height makes sense. The exhaust is amazing! Looking into some custom side skirts for mine, I find the lower side portion kinda flat.
So the whole point of the video was to get multiple comments that you need to lower the clubby - make it unusable for Mevagissey - then explain to Mrs PP how you now need to become a four car channel. Genius! 😉
LOL...love it 😂
I did something similar with my F13 M6, they come stock with 265/35r20 & 295/30r20 stock. When I needed new tyres I went with 275/35r20 & 305/30r20 PS4S for summer and 285/35r20 & 325/30r20 Sport Cup 2 for Summer. They extra height of the tyres (especially the 283/35 at the front) allows me to get to places I couldn't previously aimed straight at a ramp or similar, whereas previously I'd need to come in on an angle. It also makes my speedo read more accurately - now it is 98kmh at 100kmh indicated, not 96kmh! On the to-do list is to get a 10-15mm drop to take it a little bit lower than stock.
Exhaust sounds, in the beginning, were pretty good. I would just put the right size tires on it because the ride is going to be stiffer and wont have the grip that a higher profile tire would. I have coilovers and have experimented with different ride heights and rakes. I feel that only about 15mil lower than stock both front and rear is as low as I want to go with. .. exhaust looks great! sounds great!
You certainly chose the right exhaust tips for Charlie. They look lovely...very classy. Oddly I wasn't ever a fan of the "new" Mini despite following you for a fair while. However, you're slowly winning me round. Two very handsome cars you've got there my friend. I learnt to drive in an original Mini and had one as my first car. Then I bought a brand new (1991) Rover Cooper which I loved to bits. It only went when my daughter was born. So maybe I'm just bias towards the original Mini.
I think many of us in Mini owners clubs who now drive the BMW Mini's originally started out with what I privately call a 'real Mini' but in the club I call a classic Mini. I owned two, the second of which went when I had my second child.
I learned to drive in an original Mini and had a few more , really wish I could have kept one ! Love the new ones they give me the same fun feeling but nothing is as cute as those originals for me !
I would love to have a classic Mini join them 😬
Petrol Ped that would be amazing !
Many of our members own both a classic as a weekend car and a modern MINI as a daily. 👍. Both can be just as much fun
Good morning pal. Yes I agree that lowering fills, but I’d sooner just go that slightly taller profile. They both look lovely, I still love the S4 though, am missing it.
If your not going to lower the clubman I would put the standard wheels back on. It just doesn’t look right
I must be weird but to me, the centre of the wheel should sit in the centre of the wheel arch. So the two centres of the two circles are in the same place.
Ruby - He never takes me out anymore. Just a quick wash and puts me aside. It's "Clubman this. Clubman that". He never has time for me anymore.
Pete - Hi! Today I'm going to talk about all the upgrades I've had on Charlie, my Mini Clubman.
Ruby - ............................ :-((...
LOL 😂
Great to hear your views on arch gap. I am currently doing a lot of mods to my Clubby S and arch gap is one that a lot of people go on about. But the rides nice and absorbs the bumps - I can't bring myself to lower for looks at the expense of everyday driving needs. Have decided not to lower but will be fitting a front splitter and side skirts. Having already lowered the R57 (on springs) and the MR2 (on coilovers) - I need at least one car that is comfortable !!
Exactly 👍
Love the sound coming from the exhaust I think the car looks great as it is. Take Care.
Cheers Michael 👍
Love, love, LOVE that exhaust! Desperately hoping I get something equivalent here in the States when I get my JCW next year
Cheers 👍
“Do I need to fix the arch gap”. Yes.
Sounds great, I think a slightly lower stance would do a lot for you. Close up that gap. That being said, I run my R60 countryman at stock height as the roads where I live are terrible.
Since you bought the new exhaust I think the newness had mellowed so there`s less popping and banging all the joints will be working better and I for one am pleased you are happy. I have a sneaking idea you will be getting a deeper wheel arch trim and that should close up the gap a bit, of course I could be totally wrong but I don`t think so we will see later!!!
You’ll have to wait and see 😜👍
Yes to fixing the arch gap Pete (sure plenty of yes’s already)
The OZ wheels, when they catch the light on camera at least, I thought the light couloir from the actual light were scratches in the alloy ie massively curbed! Sure they’re awesome in real life. I didn’t see it in previous videos but I keep seeing it this one..
What did the insurance company say about fitting a race exhaust? You mentioned it for the wheels but surely they had something to say about the pipe.
Peter your wheels look fantastic and that exhausts sounds awesome mate
Thanks Matthew 👍
I remember when my Dad was working his way up the company car ladder he would judge the rung he was on by how quiet the latest upgrade was compared to the previous one. Hmmm ...... pops and bangs Dad? 😂
Loved the vid, Charlie looks and sounds gorgeous, bloody long way to go for a bottle of wine tho!🤣
Might have gone the long way round so I bought a case 😜
Hi re the Clubman.....change the tyres as in the real world every day driving it will still look great! But messing with the suspension set up will take alot away from such a great car. Great video and thanks Andrew 😊.
Just bought my wife a grey/blk roof cooper clubman 2018.. Ethel , i love it!!! Totally cool car and i used to have a classic mk11 mini for 12yrs...Berty!! Sadly gone now😣,
surprisingly new mini carries a lot of the classics characteristics.
Ps any practical tips😊
You are going to *love* the ceramic coating on Charlie. I had full Ceramic Pro 9H on the exterior and the wheels and brake calipers, plus interior ceramic coating, on my new '20 F60 JCW a bit over 2 weeks ago. The gloss is deep and clear, but the bigger value is the protection from wildfire ash (I live in northern California) and the ease of cleaning the exterior. Brake dust comes off the wheels and calipers SO easily! I'll be looking forward to seeing your experience.
BTW, I think the OZ wheels look stunning. Glad to hear the PS4s perform as well as I've heard others claim. They will be coming to my Mini in the near future. I wouldn't worry about the arch gap so much.
After seeing your Motech episode, I contacted Remus USA to check on availability and California compliance. Remus is launching a similar axle back silencer replacement, but deliveries have been delayed presumably due to COVID. However, I'm going to check into the US offering once it hits our shores. Thanks for all the great info and reviews with your Mini mods!
Sounds like just what I want 👍
+1 for the Ceramic Pro 9H : I have just had a full respray on an MR2 and finished off with a ceramic pro 9H - Gold Pack : 6 layers of protection + 2 layers of show gloss ....... it is INSANE : if your reading this Petrol Ped, I would recommend Gloss My Ride in Wellingborough : approved applicator of Ceramic Pro and has an absolute eye for detail
I think you're best option would be to sell the existing tyres and replace with 35 section MPS4's, that will fill the arch slightly and lift the nose, then you can lower it to fill the arch slightly more. I've fitted MSS height adjustable springs to my car and I think something like these would give you the option to lift or lower the car to suit, they're actually Eibach springs too, what's not to like? 🤩
Hi sir Pete my son Leo says his favorite car in world is ruby and that he wants a ruby when he can drive. He also said he really likes the red stripes on ruby.Made me smile when he said that. He’s 4 now. Also sir Pete I don’t think Charlie needs to be lowered at all. If it fits your needs at that stock ride height then leave it there. Love the sound of Charlie’s exhaust!
Nice reply my friend👌👌👌👌👌 but I do believe if you insist on giving someone a title like ........... sir !!!!!!!! you should really start with a capital " S " as in Sir. Only saying 😜😜😜😜
You are training him well 👌
Hi Pete, Saw your car parked up in Amberley a few weeks ago. Didn’t like your new wheels on video, but in the flesh they look awesome! In fact the whole car was looking very sweet indeed! 👌🏾
Thanks Mate. We would have been at the Black Horse...great pub 👍
Petrol Ped Funnily enough I went in there that evening. Wonderful steak! 👌🏾
Clubman definitely needs lowering. Doesn't need to go full on captain stance pants. But about a 15/20mm drop.
Regarding warranty. All your current 'mods' won't affect anything at all. If there was an issue with the ppf the dealer might try to argue that the difference in flow from the exhaust had affected it. But I doubt that will happen
Wheels look awesome and exhaust is spot on.
Thanks Mark 👍
Hi Ped
You have nailed it with that exhaust, spot on.👍👍👍 Personal opinion but prefer this to Ruby Roadster.
Wheels look superb, wheel arch gap would not concern me that much, think a 35 profile tyre would be an ideal compromise.
I’m in awe of Charlie mate, a beautiful car with tasteful modifications that reflect your personality. I am a fan of the OZ rims but I also love the stock diamond cuts too. The exhaust has the perfect pitch and is a great compromise between daily driving and a sporty note thanks to its integration with the MINI driving modes. As for lowering, no deal breaker there, Charlie looks fine to my eyes and practicality is important to you after all. You could always increase the sidewall marginally in due course to alter how the eye views the gap. Another great video mate.
Thanks Darren 👍
I think it looks ok as is but if it was me I'd look at using the mini E wheel arches as they are deeper to compensate for the raised ride height due to the batteries needing sufficient ground clearance. If, that is, the wheel arches are the same for both the hatch and clubman. Anyway, just a thought.
Another great video! looking forward to getting the Remus exhaust fitted on mine!
You will love it 👍
Not all cars can simply be fixed by lowering. Fatter sole on the boots perhaps in your case. Leave Charlie be. Sounds sweet in sports mode.
Think I’d definitely go for a higher profile tyre. Suspect it’ll drive better and you’ll fill that arch gap.
You cannot run a higher profile tyre as it will throw out the speedo out and alter the gearing
bmwman1981 As PP said in the video, he’s dropped down to lower profile anyway, so if he went back up to a 35, he’d be back where he started.
Years ago, during my uni days in Blighty and Fast Car mags were sort of de riguer reading for the go-faster crowd, THE Rule of Thumb with regards to lowering our rides were :
The gap between the wheel arch and top of the tyre should be LESS than the sidewall height. Best Optik-tuning would be to have the gap at half of sidewall height.
That said, it all depends on whether you can stomach the harsh ride/ground clearance if you go any lower.
Looks fine to me for the first few minutes of the vid but in the driving/wheel close-ups...it does look a wee bit 'gappy' there mate...
Both cars are looking absolutely fantastic and are a real credit to you. Just a little word of caution. My neighbour was recently pulled over by the police for not having the correct spacing between the registered letters and no’s on his cars number plate. He was threatened with a fine of up to £1000. Luckily he got away with a warning. Might be worthwhile considering this with the plates on your two minis.
They have been like that for 12 years 😜
Petrol Ped I also have a relative who was “pulled over” for having illegal spacing on his plates about ten years ago and he was fined £250. I’m sure if you’ve had yours for 12 years then you’ll be fine. 😀😀. Keep up the great work.
Your Clubman is divine! And love the wheels!
Thanks 👍
The extra weight in the wheels will show in the ride when the surface is rougher. My i30N summer wheels are lighter than the stock ones by about 2.5kg each and it can be felt on poor road surfaces with more thumping through the suspension when I put the stock wheels back on with the winter tyres. The arch gap looks fine Ped and I'd like a few more pops and crackles but I would owning an i30N performance :)
Well I think Charlie looks and sounds superb. 👍👍👍
Thanks 👍
Great video loved seeing Charlie & Ruby and seeing the new updates on the road . Exhaust sounds great ! Can you remind us where you got the exhaust tips for Ruby from please ?
Killachrome 👍
I would say no. I know it's subjective but I find too many people are into the lowered "stance" trend and don't actually consider the implications for livability and the quality of a drive as a road car. You touched on it in your video regarding the driveway accessibility problems of lowering it, and I personally think that keeping it the way it is just makes it a more enjoyable road car. The gap actually makes the car look better because it sits like a road car, and I find the mini is too low.
If you look at what Matt Farah and Bobby Ang say in their reviews (I recommend looking at Matt Farah's Keen Project Safari video or Bobby Ang's full review of the GLA 45), great road cars have suspension travel and can really absorb all the bumps and undulations that come with driving on bad roads. I personally put value on that peace of mind versus pure looks as I've lost several tires due to potholes on bad New England roads. It all depends on form vs. function - for example, wheels - the 19s look great, but ride harsher than 18s or even 17s. I'd choose function over form in this case.
To each his own though. Car looks great!
Thanks for this 👍
@@PetrolPed You're welcome! I would look at the side shot where you can see how your tire moves within the wheel well to judge how much you can reasonably lower it. Looking forward to seeing what you do!
Yes, no drop required, leave it as is, it looks awesome!!
Thanks 👍
Congrats on the 75k subs. Exhaust looks and sounds great but for me just how much less of it there was that’s really interesting. But mate those wheels are gorgeous. For me living around country roads track roads green lanes potholes and speed bumps I could not see how you could lower unless you switch to air or something so you can slam it when you pull up which would be awesome. Ruby still sounds better 👍
Especially in a big tunnel 😜
Why is it all about looks Pedro Charlie is perfect in her own right she looks amazing love the footage on the outside taking the coners looks really impressive another great clip I know you'll not remember but I've test drove the clubman had it for 45minites I didn't go into sports mode can't believe I've told you now I'm embarrassed 🤭 keep it up can't wait till December when I pick her up it'll probably be snowing 🤔🙊⛄lolxxx 🐾🐾
Cheers Jason 👍
Hi PP, Enjoyed your update. Perhaps Charlie needs to go on bags ? Then you’ll get the best of both worlds 😀Both cars looking and sounding great.
That would be cool 👍
To be honest, the arch gap really isn't all that bad. I'd leave well alone. The gaps are in keeping with the car imo. It's a cracking car and it looks and sounds superb 👍
Cheers Wayne 👍
I have lowered my clubman with eibach lowering springs 25mm and it makes such a huge difference...
Also i am waiting for my Remus exhaust with the angeled carbon tips... it will arrive next week;)
Nice 👍
Good to hear your decision re not to lower it Pete! Most cars will look amazing on a set of lowering springs/coilovers however people get too hung up on it imo. It's so easy to ruin a car by doing that, and the disadvantages often outweigh the advantages. I think you can get away with the arch gap on Charlie (on camera at least) as both the alloys and the arch trim are finished in black; if the alloys were in another colour, the arch gap would be more obvious! The exhaust sounds and looks great, nice choice :)
I see you took the scenic route to Majestic too... ;) Nice one!
Cheers Peter 👍
Oh yes 😂
Personally I think the position of the red side graphics on the clubman give it the illusion of being higher than it actually is. If it were mine I would remove the current stripes - have them remade and position them lower on the doors - I think visually it would hunker the car down. 👍
IMHO, perfect. It's an all wheel and looks great. On an All4, too low is a no go for me. Sounds and exhaust look is great, again IMHO.
Fully get the no-drop. I’m not a fan of lowering springs and coil overs I always find ruin the ride. So something with the arches then for the gap? Personally, I like an OEM look so whatever you do, I’d like to see OEM-esque but obvs it’s your car your choice 😬
Cheers Tom 👍
Because the wheel arch trim is black you don't notice the gap anyway. Plus more importantly, when you lower the car it alters the whole suspension geometry and bump steer, unless you alter many other suspension parts to match. It's really not worth it Pete. Love the exhaust, better than Ruby and better than my Milltek I fitted once too. Cheers mate 👍
Cheers Chris 👍
Car looks and sounds great we need to get my motech m135i and the clubman together. Keep up the great work 👍😊
👍
Nice video, the wheels are def a personal choise but the exhaust sounds really great...im getting this week my 'new' 2012 Countryman S and im not sure what to do. My current R50 with the Milltek is so loud, the new one has the be a bit deeper and less shoutier so that Remus is a maybe a good option...lets start saving to have some options 😉
I would leave it the way it is. As someone mention, I know you love your new OZ wheels, but I would prefare oem 19” JCW wheel in this height of suspension. Sounds great, I habe the same exhaust on my M135i 😀👍
Two options re arch gap coilovers so you can wind them up and down as and when or for ease of adjustment air suspension.
I just watched this video. Love the modifications. You mentioned that you had a solution on filling the arch gap without lowering it. However I can’t find that video. Can you help me
Bigger profile tyres 👍
You know you have made it comfortably in life when you bought a car just to enter your holiday home 🤣
😂😂😂
I like all the mods you've done to Charlie thus far👍👌. I'm relieved there's a quiet exhaust mode for Mrs Ped or does she like sports mode aswell?. I've lowered one of my car's & even though it looks & handles better, it's less practical & is more prone to scraping the exhaust & front
bumper.
Exactly 👍
Sounds amazing. Very jealous here ped 👍🏻.
Thanks mate 👍
The car looks great love the low note and tips on the exhaust. Wheels marmite really but the one thing that I don’t like on the wheels is the red centre bit. The remind me of the wheels you could buy in Halfords back in the eighties.
I don’t mean to be rude I just think the would look so much better just in the black
Thanks Sean 👍
Glad you don’t feel the normal youtubers pressure to make it sound like a misfiring Vauxhall Viva. And wheel arch gap - I’d rather save the bodywork! Will be interesting to see if higher profile could work. Impressed that road noise and comfort isn’t (greatly) affected, but my god, you must clench over some of the UKs finest...
Our roads certainly have there moments 😜😂
Sounds perfect 💥💥
Sure does 👏👏👏
Love the sound Pete and I think air bagging the clubman would give you the best of both worlds ?? I think it looks good though !! Cheers mate 👍🏻🇨🇦
Bags 🤔
13 mins and 34 seconds and driving towards was a white, seemingly mint mk I escort estate with what looked like a camper conversion!
Yeh I saw that to... classic...
I spotted that in the edit 👍
Evening Pete, you need to put a 30mm drop on Charley. No need to go any
More. Just get lowering springs if you don't want to compromise ride comfort, no need for coilovers mate. Don't airbag it 👎. Hoping meet and greet is still on. Take care all 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🏁
As I said...I can’t 😢
@@PetrolPed
What about wide arch/arch extender kit, I've seen them fitted on Minis and they really look good to be honest 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🏁
Sounds great, You notice any performance games from the exhaust
Just feels like a better throttle response 👍
Is the exhaust valve wired to open in sport mode only is that how the Remus exhaust works
Just got to say that, imho, Ruby roadster looks a lot too low at the front, looks as if the springs are broken. And, as you said, it's just impractical. I think Charlie Clubman looks ok although I would prefer the look of the slightly higher profile tyres anyway. Wheels are excellent and the exhaust looks and sounds great. Sometimes....if it ain't bust etc !
I can assure you Ruby’s springs aren’t broken 😜😂
Love the clubman looks fine as it is sounds awesome
Your minis looking awesome, exhaust on the clubman,looking cool sounds amazing stay safe have a great week,hey pete what branding was on your t shirt,
Thanks Richard 👍
I think that Remus exhaust sounds awesome, the best mod to the car for me 👍. Ye right Pete I bet you told Mrs Petrol Ped about the wheels, just remember like the rest of us who the boss is 🤣
Thanks Gareth 👍
Hi Peter have you noticed any improvement in mpg since you fitted the exhaust or have you just mashed the loud pedal to get a fix of exhaust note.
Quite a lot of mashing to be honest 😂😂😂
I've just worked out what you're gonna do with Charlie. You're going to add 166 layers of black electrical tape to the inside of each wheelarch lip. That will fill them in by 20mm and make the car look like it's been lowered, and, make the wheels/tires look bigger. It may be a trompe l'oeil, but it's a good one!
Gave myself a thumbs up!
Gave my thumbs up a thumbs up!
Damn...you guessed 😂
Hi Pete
Your car is stunning mate you have done a fantastic job
As you said if you lowered it just would not be practical for your needs
I think it looks great as it is
And that exhaust is the dogs bits & bobs
Cheers Carl 👍
Mini looks great wheels look very sexy did you go for runflats or normal tires? don't think the gap looks bad on the tires to wheel arch, to low is unusable unless you had something you could adjust from inside(air bag suspension) the car, get my first ever mini next week mini cooper s. how do you find the mini for stone chips on the front? thanks for the vids appreciate them. I ceramic coated my other car last week with Carproquartz UK 3.0 so easy to apply and buff up.
Michelin PS4S are normal tyres. Getting the car ceramic coated this week 👍
I think wider track make a didffeee5 maybe 8/10 mm rear and 6/8 mm front maybe perhaps x
It really does not matter what we think. Your car, your rules! Okay? But I like it anyway, other than the chrome tips on the rear after you de-chromed the rear. Can you just try a gloss black tip with the polished internal pipe? That is the only change I would make if it was my car. Otherwise, perfect, useable and balanced.
Cheers 👍
Would dropping it cause great problems , my Mondeo on 19s and 40 profile the alloys sat in the arch but cleared road calming measures fine . No problems in and around Mevagissey either, what would I know i now drive an sub with 2 inches of air gap !
It wouldn’t get up our drive 😂
PP, have you looked into the lowering of Charlie. Be interested as I have now bought a Chubby.
Yes but I need the current clearance to access the drive in our second home 👍
Black wheels don’t blow my frock up personally but the exhaust, yes, that I get :) Subjective of course.
Nice vid a normal. I have one in Rebel Green but would prefer the Silver White as I’m getting very fine stone chips marks along the side! Is this something that you have experienced?
Not yet 😬
Love 💕 that beautiful sound. 💙
You should go with 18 inch - I bought a set of winter wheels from Mini and the tire size is 205/55R18 which fill arch gap even better than 19 inch JCW wheels. It was kinda shock for me at the beginning (so little space) but everything works perfectly and looks very good. I know, the tire is thicker but looks as a cool as the 19 inch one.
Why don't you just change the profile of the tires instead?
Only just got a new set of tyres 🤔
18s would have far to much side wall
Great video Pete, is there an air bag suspension system for the arch gap. Drop it and lift it when required ?? Just a thought !!! Charlie looks and sounds brilliant well done all round. Cheers DFDU 😎
That would be cool 👍
Where did you get Ruby’s tips from? And how much if you don’t mind me asking as I am looking for new tips for my Cooper s? Thanks
I asked the same question hope we get to find out as I didn’t think to ask the price too !
You can get them at Killallchrome.co.uk 👍🏻
Killachrome 👍
Petrol Ped Thank you am sure there’s a video you’ve done - I should find that !
milky joe Thank you
Your solution is to lower your car with 1" and then install small hydraulic jackers on each side in front. Before parking in Cornwall use the jackets to lift it an inch or 2 just for parking purpose.
I think the wheels just look too small. I think the deeper tyres would be the way forward. Is the speedo accurate will the current setup? Have you compared the absolute tyre measurements from stock to current etc. You can geek out on a tyre size comparison site like tire size.com
Am I mistaken but have changed your mind and now fitted the Red rear Union Flag light on the Roadster? I thought you preferred the Black Union Flag lights? I noticed them in the title sequence with the music at the very beginning of the video.
I did like the black ones but fitted the red ones 👍
@@PetrolPedBut BLM - Black Lights Matter! 👍😁👍
4s tyres are probably the best on the market. Wheel arch gap is OK really, it's always a trade off between looking good and handling. I wouldn't drop it... The car looks good and it's not a sporty coupe... Its a sport estate
Thank You 👍
Sound is awesome. Like you say not in your face just a nice tone. The carbhas to work for you so your reasons are valid. As long as you like it thats all that matters really.
Cheers Jeff 👍
Hello mate, would you say Ruby Roadster is as fast as the new clubman? I know that from a standstill the clubman will undoubtedly be off the line fast with the All4 system. Always been interested to see what they are like when rolling though! Great video as always 👍🏻
It would be close. The Roadster is proper quick but the Clubman is faster 👍
Petrol Ped thanks for getting back to me, I’ve always wondered as mine is similar to Ruby just not FJCW!
Where do I get that Remus exhaust system?
I did an early oil and filter change today at Lohen.
(7000milez)
Maybe there?
Which exhaust system?
Are the Remus all road legal?
Yes, yes and yes. You've got a comfortable car in the Audi, if you wanted the clubman to be a nice quiet plodding around car it wouldn't be sat there with a Remus exhaust on it. Edit: having watched on - ah I see the issue. Solution - trade in your 19" for 20" wheels!
You are making me think of getting a remus exhaust instead of the cat back system I was thinking of getting.🤔
Motech will do free fitting or shipping on a Remus if you mention me 👍
Love the exhaust tips on both CC and RR. I dont remember if it was in earlier videos but are the tires on CC run flats still?
No. Neither car has run flats now but both had then originally. Terrible things 😢
100% agree on the horrible run flats...may need to change mine out as my Mini Conv S will drive a lot better. On your next video, how about a shout out to your #1 Canadian 🇨🇦 fan?! Cheers and safe driving ahead!!
Hi, Quick Question: .
Did you add variable dampers or the sports suspension only option?
Thanks!
No. Car came with 19” wheels 👍
Petrol Ped thanks. I’m about to order one. My F56 hatch JCW came with variable dampers. Whilst handy for bad roads in the city, the sports mode couldn’t cope with the power on the twisty roads.
I want my Clubman to handle!
Would 20in wheels and tyres fill the gap? If u went a size bigger maybe you would of lost some of that space
Not sure to be honest. I think the inner arch gap might be a problem 🤔
Hi Ped;
I will use this same OZ wheels with F60 LCI Countryman JCW
I want to use 225 45 19 tyres which are factory installed,are they fit ? Thnx a lot
These wheel are wider than stock so need 235 or 245 👍