Hi, just noticed that you stated that because the car has stainless valves that it can run unleaded. This is not the case. Mini's need a hardened exhaust valve seat installed to run unleaded fuels with no need for additives. The exhaust valve seat, being soft cast iron, over heats when unleaded fuel is used, causing valve seat recession. I would hate it if someone bought this car, ran it on unleaded with no additive, and started having problems. Thanks and good luck with your sale.

Hello,
Thjanks for the info. If what you're saying is true, well then the fact that the Mini has had the timing adjusted is there as a secondary feature to run the car on unleaded. However, I have spoken to some executive members of the Mini car Club in Canberra (who are experts in minis) and they have verified that the stainless steel valves allow you to run unleaded.

Nothing else is needed, other than tuning to what ever petrol you are running. It doesn't matter what valves you are running, the valve seat itself will still wear away due to it getting too hot. The valves themselves won't wear out. As I said before, because the seat is of cast iron, it is soft, and needs the lead in the petrol, or an additive to keep it cool, don't do this and valve seat recession occurs.

I had a talk with the guy as well. It went along the lines, YOUR CAR IS TOO FU****G DEAR. It's still only a standard clubman no matter how pretty.

LOL i wonder if the shell is his gramma's too, cos apparently he's a bike person, not a car person... haha