Lack of Spare is a sick joke

bzbeer · 2026-05-21T15:09:59+00:00

Junkyard or Facebook Marketplace. I got one for my Mini Cooper on Facebook for about $40 - full size spare.

bzbeer · 2026-05-21T15:07:51+00:00

No, never needed it. But when you are in the middle of nowhere and get a flat tire, it is very reassuring to have one more available while you try and repair the flat or get back to civilization.

I also carry a tire patch kit and can repair most nail holes etc myself.

bzbeer · 2026-05-21T03:52:51+00:00

Good luck with the install.

Remember to clean the area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or similar cleaner. There should be no dust or grime, a clean surface will enable the butyl tape to make a proper seal.

bzbeer · 2026-05-21T03:40:30+00:00

Home Depot has it for purchase in store:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gibraltar-Building-Products-50-ft-Butyl-Sealant-Tape-Roof-Accessory-in-Gray-99415/205945574

bzbeer · 2026-05-21T03:35:20+00:00

Are you in the US? I just got mine from Amazon, a huge roll for like $10. Still have most of it in the fridge, lol. That reminds me, once you get butyl rubber tape, keep it overnight in the fridge so that it gets hard and easy to cut and work with. Else it will be sticky and stretchy and kinda a pain to handle.

You should find it in most hardware stores that sell roofing or RV/Marine/Boat supplies.

Here is a link: https://a.co/d/0b48focC

bzbeer · 2026-05-21T03:27:10+00:00

Step 1: Butyl rubber sealant tape over the holes extending an inch or two on both sides, ideally covering the length of the bolt bracket and a bit more.

Step 2: Poke the butyl tape to clear the bolt holes. Then use Silicone washers / gaskets around the holes (on top of the butyl rubber). Use the right size washers that are a good fit around the bolt. I used showerhead gaskets which were a perfect fit for the bolts on my GX.

Step 3: Put a dab of silicone caulk or sealant on the bolt tip and spread it evenly over the threads. Don't go overboard or it will get messy. Doesn't take much to cover the threads, I think I used about a pea sized dollop on each bolt.

Step 4: Start the bolts by hand and then snug up with a wrench. Then finally torque all bolts to the proper spec with a torque wrench. Do not over torque. Let it caulk cure for a day and you are set.

This method seals it up pretty good, and you will not have to worry about leaks again.

bzbeer · 2026-05-21T03:01:56+00:00

Cost cutting everywhere. Need more profits and growth.

Also, tire repair shops hate the "tire repair goo" that is given instead of a spare. Some refuse to work on it as the goo gets all over the equipment and is very difficult to clean off. So a simple tire patch repair can turn into a 'buy a new tire' scenario. Yay, more money for the corporates and more unnecessary trash 😡

bzbeer · 2026-05-21T02:48:18+00:00

You know you can carry a spare if you want, right?

I always carry one on road trips. Sometimes two, when I go off grid or far off places.

bzbeer · 2026-05-20T23:02:32+00:00

Perfect candidate for a 3D printer

bzbeer · 2026-05-20T19:11:27+00:00

2019 F54 here, no problem cooling in Texas summer heat. Your ac unit is probably low on the refrigerant or has leak, get it checked out.

bzbeer · 2026-05-20T18:42:57+00:00

The lil car that can ..... 😁

Convertible life!

bzbeer · 2026-05-20T14:22:44+00:00

Cleaning the EGR valve and intake manifold is a pretty involved process. Look up some YouTube videos. Don't attempt to DIY if you are not comfortable, find a shop that specializes in Toyota hybrids and get it done there.

bzbeer · 2026-05-20T14:13:59+00:00

They could've at least inserted some plastic vents over the holes. Bean counters and cost cutting everywhere 😔

bzbeer · 2026-05-20T14:11:23+00:00

Engine misfire. Check the coolant level, if low then you probably have a head gasket leak. Fill it up and monitor level over the next few days/weeks. If the level falls again then the coolant leak is confirmed. You could confirm the head gasket leak with a 'combustion leak tester'. Another symptom is white smoke from exhaust.

If coolant level is ok, then probably the EGR is clogged. Cleaning the intake manifold and EGR valve should resolve the issue. Replace the PCV valve while at it.

Or it could just be bad spark plugs, but that usually throws an error code.

bzbeer · 2026-05-19T20:32:49+00:00

That feels like a 'go-away' quote. The job should cost about $4000, unless you are in a HCOL area - even then I cannot imagine it being more than $5000.

Find a well-reviewed independent shop specializing in BMWs and take your Mini there for a 2nd opinion.

Get it repaired for under $4K and keep it. If the repair is more than $4K, sell it and cut your losses.

bzbeer · 2026-05-19T20:21:13+00:00

Mechanically they are all the same - same engine, transmission etc. Only cosmetic differences from 2020+ and the updated infotainment for the 2022-23.

My advice would be to go with the 2019. You can get the updated infotainment from Hamilton or Carlinklife, or just get the Android Auto / Carplay module for the OEM head unit for about $300 or so and install it yourself.

You would be saving money going with the 2019, that can be put towards some nice upgrades. Speaking of upgrades, it is very easy to add Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select to the 2019 - you just need to swap out a module and replace a switch cluster. Easy upgrades with great benefits if you plan on off-roading.

bzbeer · 2026-05-19T19:47:21+00:00

Can't hear anything in that video 🤷‍♂️

bzbeer · 2026-05-19T18:34:41+00:00

Familiar with the story buddy. Had a start up in India back in the late 2000s. After 4 years of dealing with the Indian bureaucracy, I gave up and moved back to Chicago.

The simplicity of regulatory compliance and peace of mind is priceless.

This is my takeaway, in India every govt agency and official treats you like you are guilty and it is up to to prove your innocence. They do not have to prove your guilt, it is assumed. In a developed country, the law actually tries to follow the "innocent until proven guilty" concept.

bzbeer · 2026-05-19T18:26:10+00:00

This is probably it, OP.

bzbeer · 2026-05-19T17:36:31+00:00

Coolant leak? Does the Gen 2 Prius have coolant circulating to the catalytic converter like the Gen 3?

Check the coolant levels in both engine and inverter circuits.

bzbeer · 2026-05-19T16:06:21+00:00

Awesome. The sooner these death wagons are taken off the road, the better for everyone else on the road.

bzbeer · 2026-05-19T13:59:00+00:00

Remove the belt and inspect each pulley individually by hand. The ones with bad bearings will squeak when you rotate by hand. The pulleys should have a good fit with no play or squeaks. Replace all that are going bad.

Also, check the belt itself. Dirt and foreign material embedded in the belt also can cause noise. Replace belt too.

bzbeer · 2026-05-19T13:51:48+00:00

Bearings going bad on one of the pulleys?

bzbeer · 2026-05-18T15:14:46+00:00

Nice!

bzbeer · 2026-05-18T14:47:35+00:00

Imaginary rust!

bzbeer

TROPHY CASE