Hello Frenz, meet my new daily!

"StudyStudyStudy" (jesterjin)
02/05/2019 at 09:15 • Filed to: None

2006 R53 Mini Cooper S, 79k miles, manual of course.

Chrono pack, sport pack, cold weather pack, and whatever package include the xenon headlights, auto sensing wipers, and parking sensors. California car, two previous owners.

I ended up buying it from a M ini only used car dealer. NW euro and Jason deserve a shout out . Super nice guy, nothing but 5 star reviews, and he has people fly in to buy from him apparently because he knows his M ini’s and he does a lot of things proactively which puts people at ease. This one he had the clutch replaced, front shocks replaced, oil pan gasket replaced, crank position sensor replaced, as well as recalls performed . On the test drive we noticed some rattling on the driver window and the passenger speaker being out, so the next day he had a new window regulator put in and the speaker repaired. That along with the promise and, ( based on his reviews) delivery of affordable aftercare meant this was the M ini for me.

Cosmetically, i t has a sagging headliner, which I am on the fence about replacing or DIYing, some wear on the shift knob, parking brake handle, and a missing vanity mirror cover.

Mechanically it looks like the notorious passenger mount has started to go so that will need replacement, and proactively I think I want to add some strut tower defenders, remote supercharger fill kit, and an additional engine damper depending on how the replacement mount holds .

More to come. I actually even picked up some wheels for it to try and get away from the run flats , and my browser is currently holding a couple links to super charger pulleys and intake kits, although I want to enjoy it mostly stock for a while.

DISCUSSION (46)

Tripper > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 09:20

Congrats! Nearly identical to my wife’s old Cooper S. Her’s was an 05, Same options, same color, and the super rare factory installed LSD. Her car was originally a Finnish market car imported by the original owner (Military). Hers had the two piece wheels, but otherwise same car.

Both of us miss it dearly.

Nibby > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 09:21

n i c e color! b i g f a n o f k i n j a p u b l i s h b u t t on blue

Cash Rewards > Tripper
02/05/2019 at 09:21

Damn, that factory lsd was rare. I missed my 05 s until I got a Miata. The mkvi GTI didn't compare

Maxima Speed > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 09:24

Congrats! Should be a fun little car.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 09:34

Did you get rid of the Acura?

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 09:48

One of us one of us!

Feel free to ask me questions if you have any. I’ve had mine for 1.5ish yrs now (04 R53 with 202k miles on her right now)

Be ready once you start modding, its been a slippery slope for me :)

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Tripper
02/05/2019 at 09:48

Ooh that LSD, what I would not give for that...

BeaterGT > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 09:55

Congrats! Best of luck with it, these always seemed like fun little cars.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 10:10

Nice! That be fun! Back when I worked on these, Madness made the only parts worth buying. And they’re local!

http://www.madnessmotorworks.com

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/05/2019 at 11:44

Even my R50 cries for a LSD, and it only has 115hp and 110ft-lbs.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 11:56

Very nice. If I ever buy another Mini it would be just like this one. I love the color and is basically my idea options combo (though I do prefer the single tach with a pair of aftermarket gauges over the Mickey mouse ears that come with the chrono pack). This one is super clean and the LSD is a huge bonus.

As far wheels yours features what Mini jokingly referred to as S-Lites. Those things weigh over 25lbs each and are easily some of the heaviest OEM wheels. I personally feel that 16 inch wheels as the sweet spot for these first generation Minis. The factory 15 and 16 inch wheels are actually rather light for OEM parts (my 16 inch wheels are the factory X-Files from the 02-04 S which weigh 17lbs each and my winters are on the original to my car 15 inch Silverstone which are only 15 lbs). If you are looking at OEM options it needs to be remembered that Mini went to a larger lug bolt for 05+ so you will be unable to use wheels from an 04 or earlier car.

StudyStudyStudy > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
02/05/2019 at 12:37

Ooh, thank you for the info. For me, while the center speedo would be entertaining, I have heard passengers can get quite boisterous about it.

I picked up some enkei compe in 16 inch so those will be going on once I can recoup from the purchase of the mini. I do like the look of the current rims, but at 25lbs looks like I’ll be loosing a good 20 lbs of unsprung mass just by switching!

StudyStudyStudy > Tripper
02/05/2019 at 12:39

Awesome, I was super pleased when this one showed the LSD option as well. You can live vicariously through me :D

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/05/2019 at 12:40

Oh definitely, I’m still looking at basic maintenance stuff, although quite a few of my tabs are open to cold air intakes and super charger pulleys. Anything I should look out for especially or stay away from?

StudyStudyStudy > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
02/05/2019 at 12:41

I don’t know what it is about Oregon, but the 3 big names are all there, Alta, Cravenspeed, and apparently Madness too.

StudyStudyStudy > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
02/05/2019 at 12:42

The lease expires in a month or so and I have no desire to keep it.

f86sabre > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 13:14

Nice! They are good fun and will last with some care. Enjoy

Future Heap Owner > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 13:51

Congratulations! I hope you have many years of fun with it.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 14:00

I have a Ddmworks CAI and it’s very vocal. Look for a cat-back, if you can fit it in your budget and if you like pops and bangs. Also, going anything more than a 15% pulley can heat soak the motor. Consider getting a stiffer rear swaybar, it is noticible during DD.

Check if you radiator fan is working at low speed. The resistor likes to burn out and then the engine becomes hot after idling for about 5 minutes when its 70F outside. Best way to test is to keep it idling and check if the fan is ON by looking under the hood after 5 10 minutes. Also check your tierod ends and bearings regularly if your roads are bad. The high negative camber tends to mess with them. Regularly check you coolant tank seam for leakage and oil level as well, oil pan gasket and crank position sensor seal can take a dump.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 14:02

Yeah it’s strange. FWIW , having handled parts from all of them, Madness always used to be higher quality.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
02/05/2019 at 14:29

Mine probably make 170-180bhp and similar lbft as the power at the crank . Whenever its wet outside I turn off the TC or else it just cuts power like crazy

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/05/2019 at 17:38

Thanks for the heads up, I was looking at a DDM diverter as I’m not sure if I want to hear the whistling people say they hear with an intake all the time, although I would love to hear a bit more of the supercharger.

I expect no more than 15%. I have a faster fun car, so just a little bit more would be all I would be looking for on the DD down the road.

I’ll have to wait to sample a few exhausts before I jump on that train, I actually like the quiet for the moment, although I’m used to driving by sound and having to look at the tach is new to me.

Will do! The common oil pieces have been replaced proactively on this car and I’ll have to do a suspension check when I put the car in the air.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 18:03

The whistling isn’t evident unless you have your windows down and then only during a narrow operating condition (depending upon throttle position and rpm). I dont find it annoying.

I forgot to mention that I have a Miltek non-resonated catback on mine. Its pretty silent unless you step on it. DD-wise its just as quite as the stock.

I have a 15% on mine and a DetroitTuned BPV too. The difference is amazing! If I went WOT at 3000rpm I would get 4psi boost when everything was stock, with the BPV it went to 8psi and now with the pulley+BPV its at 12! That said, since your Miwi is a post-facelift, you may not see such a difference by changing the BPV.

Ooh and if yours have a HK audio system, be prepared to lose the amp sometime. It inconsistent as to when it will give up the ghost but a new one costs $1000. Fortunately my used ebay replacement cost $200 and has been working well for the past 5 6 months.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 18:08

Check my previous posts, they have some Mini stuff.

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/05/2019 at 18:09

Does the mini have a boost gauge? Or was that an after market addition?

I’ll spend some time listening to some sound clips. I just don’t want it to drone or whistle as potentially there may be some longer trips planned in the future. They are now both back on the table now although those parts aren’t cheap >.<

No HK unfortunately, but maybe fortunate in that I won’t have to deal with the amp.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 18:17

No boost gauge, I installed one. Fairly easy if stuff doesn’t keep breaking. Before the gauge I used to pull data from an OBD thingy.

Well, my exhaust doesn’t drone. The non-res is supposed to be the most loud one as well. I’ve done multiple 15+ hr drives in it and I feel fine. It will not whistle when you are cruising, only when you are lightly accelerating i.e. not such heavy acceleration as to use the SC.

I have a stiffer engine mount too which causes a shit load of droning but it isnt annoying to me somehow so there is that.

And as with any old BMW try to get INPA setup if you are gonna work on it yourself for simple diagnostic stuff. Much more useful and detailed than pulling OBD codes . It will cost you $30 for a cable if you have a Windows laptop handy.

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > StudyStudyStudy
02/05/2019 at 21:23

Very nice. I love my R56S but admire the R53 very much whenever I see one.

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/06/2019 at 05:52

Interesting, I’ll do some more reading, but I am definitely interested in that and may have to pick your brain on setting that up.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/06/2019 at 06:35

Sure!

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/15/2019 at 02:45

So after some reading, I came up with a list of things that I would like to do/buy . I was hoping to get your input on maybe the order I should do it in.

Replace engine and transmission mounts? (I purchased the rear and passenger mount, does the transmission mount go regularly as the others?)

Tires (I have some 16x7 +25 I got for a good deal, 9lbs lighter per corner, is this something I should rush into? Is it that much better? What about a spare?)

19mm rear sway bar (H&R from Bav auto caught my eye at $170)

Power flex front control arm bushing (I see moment when I kick the tire, the seller said he had his guys check it with a pry bar and it wasn’t torn)

15% pulley (is there a brand that is better than the others?)

Headliner (starting to droop in the rear, the local shop wants $600, the DIY doesn’t seem too hard, thoughts?)

The Madness cold air intake or the DDM one has made it onto the list!

Exhaust maybe much later down the road.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/15/2019 at 03:29

AFAIK the transmission mount does not go bad. It is a solid mount unlike the passenger mount so its more durable. Did you buy stock mounts? I have a stiffer lower mount and it is quite drony, I’ll be changing it back to stock soon. Also, when you change the lower (rear) mount jack up the car on all 4 corners. If you jack it up on just the front, the whole engine tilts backwards when you remove the mount and its a PITA to fit it again (took me 1.5 hrs to line up those 2 bolts). I realized later that im dumb :)

I have xlites with summer tires and steelies with winters. The car does feel slower in acceleration with the steelies. I’m not sure if its just my mind playing tricks or if it physically makes a difference. I would suggest change to the lighter rims when you change tires the next time around. I dont have a spare in the car and I dont run run-flats either. In the 40k miles that I have driven the Mini, I’ve had just 1 puncture and it has been driven around a lot in Michigan and its shit roads. But you could get the donut if you want I guess.

I have a H&R (Hotchkiss ) 19mm rear swaybar as well. It is on the most stiffest setting all the time. On stock springs and dampers, the car is definitely more twitchy at the limit. That said, I’ve never had any issues with highway cruising, it only affects the handling when you have the front outside wheel loaded in a corner. It has also increased my liftoff oversteer which I like. On the whole, I like this swaybar; I feel the added oversteer in my daily drive and love it :) Imo if you are not planning on installing coilovers, the 19mm bar is sufficient. Just make sure its a one piece bar, some people say they have had issues with the ones which has welded sides.

I have powerflex purple poly LCA bushing installed by a shop after the stock ones were toast . They certainly improved my steering feel. Not a whole lot but its noticeable . I would suggest if they are good on your car , leave them be for now, whenever they go out replace them with powerflex polys.

IDK if one brand is better than the others for the pulley.

My headliner is dropping too, but I dont really care about it so IDK :)

Cheers!

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/15/2019 at 10:10

Looking at your post is making me miss my Mini. I haven't driven the little bugger in a week :(

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/15/2019 at 19:41

Holy crap, thank you for such a detailed response!

Driver mount will be put on hold for a little while then. I have both mounts (actually two of each since ECS had them even cheaper), so will install both with the car all leveled out. Worst case I have an engine crane to help position the motor if it slips.

I’ll be ordering the sway bar and power flex bushing for install when the time comes, the seller said he could have the guys install it so I may not even need to get my hands dirty for that one .

Tires I will hold off on until they are needed and maybe look into a spare donut or maybe just a can of fix it or what not. I do have AAA so I’m not particularly worried, just figured it was a bit cavalier to run around without one on my daily, but it isn’t like I’m going terribly far from civilization on a daily basis

Pulley I will look more into, although I’m not looking forward to that, I read your post and it didn’t seem like it was all candy and butterflies haha.

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/15/2019 at 19:43

Oh why is that? Is it because of the weather?

Truth be told neither have I, I still have a month left on my lease and quite a bit of milage allowance so I want to use that up, and I want the mini to be in tip top shape, right now it is a bit buzzy from I suspect the blown passenger mount.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/15/2019 at 22:37

You are welcome :)

The pulley wasn’t too bad tbh. Look at some diys on YT. It was just as hard/simple.

If you haven’t discovered ‘Mod Mini’ on YouTube you should take a look. That guy is damn amazing.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/15/2019 at 22:41

No, I’m 3000 miles away from it :( I’ll be home tomorrow tho :)

I’ve driven the Mini is pretty bad weather. I was in school early last year with the car when we had 300 inches of snow in the season. 4 WS80s later it was completely fine, never got stuck anywhere + it was quite fun doing ebrake turns everywhere.

Just about 2 months ago I drove through a snow storm. There was so much white stuff that I found water in the airbox and all the way on the throttle body once I got home and opened it all up.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/17/2019 at 17:44

I just switched to the stock lower mount. Found a trick to make it painfree:

So even if you lift the car on all 4, the engine will still rock back and be a pita. First handtighten these bolts:

Kinja'd!!!

And for the remaining one use screwdrivers and “vector”(idk how else to explain it) the hole till it lines up:

Kinja'd!!!

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/18/2019 at 00:23

That’s pretty helpful, I watched a video where the guy said to just take the bracket off the engine to make your life easier as those bolts are easier to line up. I’ll be finding out this weekend how it goes lol.

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/18/2019 at 00:24

That guy has awesome videos, and he is local. I actually asked him for a PPI on another mini I was looking at and he told me to stop by , but this one was seemingly perfect so I just jumped on it. I still plan on having him do a once over to see what I should expect.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/18/2019 at 00:50

You have to take the bracket off, you can’t remove the mount without that.

That my word for it, its more difficult to lineup those 4 bolts than the other 2 if you leave it till the end.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/18/2019 at 00:51

Ooh man that is soo nice! The closest Mini specialist is 6 hrs away from me in Detroit.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/18/2019 at 00:53

Say when you talk with him again, can you ask him one thing? How does he bleed the brakes on DSC cars? I have heard that the ABS pump can be difficult to bleed properly.

I plan on installing some Ferodo 2500 once the weather hots up...

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/18/2019 at 01:13

A few hours away I apparently have all the mini tuners as well, alta, madness, craven. Nice to be near the suppliers for once lol.

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/18/2019 at 01:14

Hmm well I’ll see what happens, plan is to do that and the passenger mount this weekend. I ordered the other stuff as well, so we’ll see how motivated I am.

StudyStudyStudy > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/18/2019 at 01:16

I’ll try and remember, the last time I emailed him was an apology for backing out of the inspection, hopefully I didn’t come off as flaky. The guy who sold me my mini is potentially going to be installing some parts and his techs only work on mini’s so I can ask when I drop the car off.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > StudyStudyStudy
02/18/2019 at 06:55

Thanks!