Bought Another Mini

[astrochex]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

It currently has an M7 2% crank pulley. What's the reasoning to get rid of it?

I already ordered an Alta adjustable tensioner, the stock tensioner is chattering at idle. Per the records it has already been replaced at about 40k, so they obviously don't live long lives. Also ordered Alta silicone intercooler couplings as mine have visible cracking in the stock rubber, along with a new serpentine belt.

I was eying the Alta air diverter as the intercooler to hood seals are shot, along with one of the silicone smooth intake hoses from the intake to supercharger as I suspect my original piece is getting crusty. Software was also on my list. It's had at least some of the bushings replaced with OEM so I'll probably leave it alone for the moment. Does exhaust work buy you much? Any other words of wisdom are appreciated.

I would also recommend removal of the 2% crank pulley. For one, like Nostril Cheese said, you want dampening on the crank. I went with a PRW fluiddampener unit, Amazon.com: PRW 2510900 FluidGel Black 138mm Serpentine Standard Drive Pulley Damper for BMW Mini Cooper, 2001-2006 Gen 1, Tritec 1.6L: Automotive, when my OEM unit failed. Secondly, M7 parts (and Alta for that matter) do not have the best reputation in the MINI aftermarket.

For the intercooler boots, stick with OEM.

There are a few options for a tune, one with way more experience than the others including race MINIs and Porsches. Contact Jan at Contact « Revolution Motor Works and he will give you the straight scoop about any R53 questions you have, performance related or not.

Have fun with your new ride.

[GothingNC]

I went with the PRW Fluid filled crank pulley when my OEM crank pulley split in two a few months ago.

Pelican has a good write up in the tech section for the replacement.

[dyusem]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

To the Mini guys, what's the best of the multiple Mini forums out there?

Congrats on the Mini!

North American Motoring is the only Mini forum of value.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Thanks for the feedback all. Any other 80k-ish preventative maintenance suggestions?

[GothingNC]

Good thread on VW Vortex with someone saving a high mileage Mini S

VWVortex.com - A Mini MINI build thread (high mileage refresh/overhaul)

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Thanks for the feedback all. Any other 80k-ish preventative maintenance suggestions?

buying a Toyota

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by nostatic

buying a Toyota

Reliable is no fun....

[GothingNC]

AAA with 100 mile towing range is a plus.

I have 94,000 miles on mine, DD 50 miles round trip and love driving it.

Picked it up Jan 2012 with 75,000 miles on it on the time.

Only issue so far was the upper motor mount (easy fix), brake pads, tires, and the Harmonic Pulley that split at 93,000 miles. I went ahead and changed the idler pulley, belt and tensioner while I was in there and added a tensioner stop.

Next project is the lower control arm bushings and the airbag light, passenger seat sensor needs to be replaced again, $800 part and was replaced twice earlier under warranty. Good thing it will still pass safety inspection.

Just hoping the supercharger and powersteering pump will not crap out.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Reliable is no fun....

Says the guy with a 2002 Audi and a 2002 Mini:



JD Power 2005 Vehicle Dependability Study looks at 2002 models at three years of ownership

[onewhippedpuppy]

John, were you aware that they extended the factory warranty on the power steering pump and fan to 13 years or 150k?

Originally Posted by kaisen

Says the guy with a 2002 Audi and a 2002 Mini:

Hey look, a new guy!

[BRPORSCHE]

The Prodigal Son hath return!

[GothingNC]

Great website on modding and servicing the Mini

Bill's Web Space: 2005 Mini Cooper S (R53)

And another

BlimeyCabrio

[GothingNC]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

John, were you aware that they extended the factory warranty on the power steering pump and fan to 13 years or 150k?




Hey look, a new guy!

Cutoff year is 2005, factory says the new and improved PS Pump used at the end of 05 through 06 does not fail

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Reliable is no fun....

I just sold a brand new Honda and replaced it with a BMW. I feel your pain.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by nostatic

I just sold a brand new Honda and replaced it with a BMW. I feel your pain.

I hear warranties are nice.

[Jeff Alton]

Nice car!

We have an 05 Cooper S JCW as our loaner car. People seem to enjoy driving it, we get lots of great comments on it.

[aigel]

Total dork car in my book. Less than 12 months is my bet.

But good car to flip - no depreciation to speak of within 12 mos.

G

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by aigel

Total dork car in my book. Less than 12 months is my bet.

But good car to flip - no depreciation to speak of within 12 mos.

G

I quit caring what others think of me long ago. And I'll have you know that my wife considers it a girly car, not a dorky car. So there.

[aigel]

Yeah, probably more important what your wife thinks.

At least it is the first model, not the midsize car they sell now called a 'mini'.

G

[5String43]

Great little car! Good on you. I'm on my second one of these. First was a 2005 MCS Hardtop. Current one is a '13 MCS Clubman. What a blast these things are to drive, with seemingly instant response to every input. And I too am 6'4" - as long as there is no sunroof, there is plenty of room for me. And now, with the Clubbie, there's room for stuff behind me, which is good.

As for the problem with coking up, BMW made a significant upgrade in 2011 from the N16 engine to the N18. I gather that this did not completely eliminate the problem, but at least significantly minimized it.