Mini advice?

[itchybro]

I'm seriously considering the purchase of an 04 Cooper S with 70k.

I've been reading some disturbing things about reliability. Any personal anecdotes I should be aware of ?


(this forum looks like a ghost town. I may ask the motorbike guys)

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Manual or automatic? The only thing I've heard thus far is that the auto boxes arent the greatest.

[Mia911]

never had any major problem with mines....

[itchybro]

Getrag 6 speed.

[Brillo]

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/

[itchybro]

Done deal.

05 S 42k. Love it.

[Brillo]

Congrats! Have fun and good luck with it.

[Emmanuel89]

BMW is currently looking at adding three new models to the Mini lineup, including an enthusiast-targeted GTI model. U.K. auto pub AutoCar is reporting that the vehicle would be build on the new five-door Mini platform that will also underpin the company's upcoming crossover.

We'd welcome such a vehicle as Mini is already an enthusiast brand … so a more hard-core model from Mini can only be a good thing. The sporty new model is likely to have a base powerplant that develops 180hp, with a John Cooper Works version delivering upwards of 220hp.

The car would get unique styling cues and feature a more race-inspired interior with more seriously bolstered seats.

Even if the car does, however, make it to market, it is unlikely to appear before 2012.
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Project Management Blog

[Wyvern]

I am a BIG MINI nut ... please let me know if you have any questions

Check ot my site

www.WyvernMotorsports.com

[spaceblue]

I have a 2006 R-53 with the 6 speed getrag. Absolutely love the car. It is a blast to drive, any time any place.

Mods; I've done most of the external ones available.

1. Dinan CAI - really nice quality piece, looks factory
2. M-7 strut bar - removed every winter as this car is a daily driver. you can feel a difference when it goes back on in the spring.
3. Alta 17% - biggest bang for the buck I've ever seen automotively.
4. 2% overdrive crank pulley - see # 3 and add just a little more
5. H&R springs - cause no one wants to feel like their driving their suv
6. +0 215 45 17 currently in Michelin Pilot Sport A/S flavor
7. Remove the rear seat - everyone knows the R53 is just a 2 seater anyways
8. Dice iPod adapter - I once drove from Western MA to Key West and back and never heard the same tune twice.
9. Garmin Nuvi - cause real men don't ask directions
10 Me - after years of 911 only, I guess I could be call a defector.

Problems experienced since new.

1. Clutch failure at 19K - Service manager told me it was my driving. Yeah right.
Car now has 45K with no further problems so you do the math.
2. Electric power steering failure. Supposedly the MINI's Achilles heel. My first one made 30K before screaming it's bloody head off
3. Excessive loss of time - in gas stations listening to other patrons tell you about their Aunt Mable owing one and how great it is...
Well duh! I do own one :-)
4. Permanent right arm bruising - from GF's distaste for that last maneuver.

Feel free to PM if you gotta know more.

Ciao, spaceblue
P.S. photo is before H&R's

[Vincent Hill]

I have a 2003 s that is All BRG in color. I wondered why anyone woulld go to a French engine for "Improvement" and now I know! The Mini uses a Brazil built Chrysler "Neon" engine. It has VERY short race engine like Valve Guides that wear out around 100k miles (if you are enjoying your car)! I replaced the head last September to get ride of the codes and pass emissions. Also I have gone through 3 Headers (Finally ended up making my own Catalytic converter on a system sold by Dustin at Auto X Cooper.com (Megan exhaust) I ended up with a Stratmosphere Rear /Cat back. Stay far away from Magnaflow!! Loud and a lot of inside Droaning.


This September I spent Replacing the Control Arm Bushings that go bad at 75K, the upper strut plate, Steering Rack, Left & Right Drive Shafts, Inner Ball Joints, and the 2 Speed fan which the 1st speed always goes out on.

Thanks to Dustin at Auto X Cooper because he has a free Exchange program for the Power Flex Bushings where they exchange yours for theirs and install them for $15.00 each.

[indiandrives999]

yeah its the truth for who wants to learn car by himself.

[itchybro]

Shame on me for not posting a shot of my beloved "Perl" at my beloved Gap overlook.

[qeemat.com]

BMW is currently looking at adding three new models to the Mini lineup, including an enthusiast-targeted GTI model. U.K. auto pub AutoCar is reporting that the vehicle would be build on the new five-door Mini platform that will also underpin the company's upcoming crossover.We'd welcome such a vehicle as Mini is already an enthusiast brand … so a more hard-core model from Mini can only be a good thing. The sporty new model is likely to have a base powerplant that develops 180hp, with a John Cooper Works version delivering upwards of 220hp.The car would get unique styling cues and feature a more race-inspired interior with more seriously bolstered seats. Even if the car does, however, make it to market, it is unlikely to appear before 2012.Even if the car does, however, make it to market, it is unlikely to appear before 2012.

[dieter33]

Sure am waiting for their new model.. Hope to get anything new..