My first car is an R53. I love it like a friend, and I will NEVER sell it. It is now 13 year old (this month), and still going strong. Comfortable, feels safe, good gas mileage, fun! and great even in the harsh Norwegian winters. German built and British made!
Mine is 17yrs old 2003 54000 miles and still stock, 😉apart from a bigger intercooler airtec, 15% reduced pulley, colder plugs, and a miltek exhaust. Had the surface rust on the door sill, rubbed down, treated and resprayed with origional colour in garage, cost €100.
For anyone wanting to do the reduced pulley here is 3 important things: Replace plugs for cooler ones Service charger and change water pump Whilst the front end of the car is off change the fan resistor it’s a common failure point
Facelift has different gear ratios and a Teflon coated supercharger. Also got stainless steel tank straps abs the original ones would rust out and the tank would drop. Basically the facelift car is a better car
The facelift also has a different transmission with shorter ratios and a different tune with no fuel cut on overrun which causes tons of popping from the exhaust.
Pre facelifted W11 Engines that were NOT JCW didn't have Teflon coated supercharger blades. ALL Post facelifted W11 engine had Teflon coated supercharger blades. They also had a different PCV valve setup and Different ECU programming. The facelifts pop and crackle more on Decel. The 6 speed on the face lifted cars has shorter gears and could be offered with a LSD. Although I put mine in later :p
The MINIac Np. Other differences include the Harmonic balancer and in the really early R50 and R53 cars, they had a REALLY crappy rear trailing arm bushing design that was changed for a better less binding version. A good mod for all R53's is to do an R56 Rear trailing arm conversion. 12 pounds lighter per side and improved rear suspension geometry. I'm about to install mine soon.
OMG that looks like Lemp Brewery. I was the distiller at the Stable. My 85 Lashes Rum won a silver medal at the 2011 San Fransisco World Spirits Competition. I currently work in the Bay area and live in NorCal. I have been watching your videos because I am shopping around for a 2005-2006 R53 right now.
You left out the big difference between the 02-03 to the 04-06 that they have an uprated teflon supercharger on the facelift models which are more reliable and more powerful
Great weekend car. I personally wouldn’t “daily” it if your commute is a considerable distance and if you don’t do any of your own wrenching. Expensive to own (partly because they’re so moddable) but i like that every single issue about them is known and documented. Luckily the engine is bulletproof and the 6spd getrag is solid enough. The supercharger, water pump, power steering system etc are a different story.
@@TheMINIac yea luckily parts are readily available and it helps to be involved with the forums. new supercharger $1000 or more, water pump, water pump $100, ps pump $500-600....add about $500 for the install if you’re not doing it yourself. Car gets pricey fast. And yea unmolested examples can be hard to find, testament to how fun these car are to mod and drive. Gonna take mine for a ride soon!
Hey mate can you do a video on all the interchangeable parts for these r53 and r56? Going by looks everythimg looks interchangeable but thats not the case and since my friend owns a mini wreckers im learning with the cosmetics, but am interrpested to know more Thanks and keep up the good work. The r53 episode is the stle we need more of. You can learn while watching and smoking... love it
There's a fair bit you can change, but not as much as you'd think considering they share the same platform. The most common (and worthwhile imo) straight swaps are R56 Cooper S front calipers and the Punch/lounge leather seats. You can fit the rear section of the R56 backbox as well if my memory serves me right.
Love my R53 2004 model year. Just totally rebuilt it. Everything from gaskets to timing chain and Con Rod bearings right through to all suspension parts replaced like ball joints, tie rods etc. Feels tight as the day it rolled off the factory (which is round the corner as I live in Oxford, UK) she has 115k on her now but I’m betting I get 200k out of her without doubt. The only thing that needs doing to mine that I can’t do myself is the usual rusty boot just above the number plate. I will keep her until she literally rots and can’t be driven. I love chucking it round corners and knowing it will just “stick” great little cars.
How do you live with these things? I recently picked up a 2006 Cooper S with 115K miles, but everything had been replaced - new motor, motor mounts, transmission, suspension, steering fluid pump/hoses, brakes and brake lines, brake fluid reservoir, coolant expansion tank, etc. and it's impossible to live with. It's mechanically sound, but it rattles like a piece of crap, EVERYWHERE! I don't think I can live with this.
I have an automatic 2006 R53 Checkmate edition with 74k miles. I purchased it as my fun car after having a manual 350z (modded) and manual WRX (heavily modded). I also have had sportbikes (manual of course). I see no problem with the automatic MINI, but I understand it's based on preference. I can use the paddles when I want. I live in an area with a lot of traffic and it's nice to not have to shift when you don't want to. I guess I'm getting old and tired of shifting. I never heard a reviewer state the ride on the face-lift models was softened. If my Checkmate is softer than the previous years I really want to feel how the precious models drive. My ride is the harshest of any car I've owned by far. I love it though
At 1:20, he doesn't describe the tail lights correctly; the top light on each side is apparently a fog light in markets outside the U.S., but in the states those lights are not connected to anything, even though there's a socket and a bulb on each side. The middle, amber light is the turn signal and the lower, red light is the brake light and running light.
I still have R53, run like a champion white paper black hood with 2 lines Navy 7” stripes on the middle front to back, not even single problem, damn I guess i will be going to ride still for another decade to came :) or more
The MINIac I crashed my 2005 R53 on the 4th of July and I’ve been looking to lease one of the new ones so your videos have been helpful. Thank you and look forward to more vids.
Wait. At 5:00 did you say adjustable strut camber plates solve the front strut mounts wearing issue?? If so, I need to get a set on order! I hate the noise when they wear out and I'm not too fond of replacing them every couple of years either.
Hi Miniac, love your channel! I recently bought a 2018 mini Cooper S with 46000 miles and I’m getting blue/ white smoke out of the exhaust. Have you ever seen a car with low miles need rings and or valve seals?
Yet another brilliant video. Thank you. Fantastic content a great to see the two Minis side by side. My only comment would be the location. Is there not a nicer looking place convenient to you?
I have a R53 MINI Cooper S Checkmate. i love and hate it .. here's why For someone who wants to buy a r53 mini just know that this is a car that will cost you alot in maintanance. i have had some water leaks in my A-pillar which resulted in water damage. this messed up my whole electrical system. it is now fixed but it cost me a lot of money. tip= check if the a-pillar isnt loose and the drains at the roof are open ( little holes ) for a lot of r53 coopers you will have a cunsumption of 1 litre oil per 1250km. its a lot but il just keep adding .. someone from mini said to me that if i wanted to fix it, the problem would eventually come back so i wont do it.. my coolant resevoir also burst.. fuel consumption can me high, its 1 liter per 11,5 km. i live in holland.. here fuel is 1,60 euro per liter with all of those problems.. i still love driving the car and would even buy it again :)
Can I add the low rear backup light - or better yet a rear foglight in that location - to my 2005 R52 (Cooper S convertible)? How about front fog lights? Are there kits for those things?
Thanks for the video! I am looking at purchasing a 2002 MCS but still debating a newer one. Is it safe to say the sliding roof on the early cars is similar to the feel of a convertible? Is this a stretch? Thanks!
2003 r53 anyone have the throwout bearing rattle....just put in a single stage clutch and it has a chatter when engine warms but when pressing in clutch peddle it comes quiet?
@@TheMINIac I wonder if they fit regularly. Are the brake calipers same size in Cooper and Cooper S? I guess those on the grey S, have some spacers. Just look wonderful. (in white)
Have a 2002 mini 5 speed and I am having shifting problems. It acts sometimes like 2nd gear is not there and I have a hard time finding reverse at times
Good sir, thank you for this video. I have a question about the seat sensor/airbag light that you mentioned. There are many videos about this online where people simply use a 2.2 ohm resistor and then clear the code with a OBD2 scanner, and it keeps the light off. Aside from the airbag not working, is that truly a way to keep the light off or is the only way to get a new seat? Thank you in advance.
Correct me if I am wrong. There were two version of r53. Pre facelift and post facelift. Post face lift was produced from 2004? I have an opportunity to buy a r53 which is produced in 2003 (that's what owner says) but in my opinion it is post facelift. It has 170hp and different front headlights, like those in the red mini in your video. So, is it possible that model 2004 was already produced in 2003?
The MINIac hey thanks for the reply. ill get a better listen when i get home tomorrow. my sound seemed to be coming from the intercooler horn (not sure of correct terminology). doesn’t sound terrible just bit of chatter.
@@TheMINIac my sc ended up being bad, bought a new one and had it installed with 15% reduced pulley, water pump. The new power caused me to shred a belt on the drive home so had to tow back to shop. Had belt replaced, balancer, tensioner and bushing upgraded, new cam position sensor.
We have a 2006 cooper s Checkmate April/06 build date. Is this an R50 or an r53?. I am confused as the vin plate says R50. We bought it from the mini dealer in 2006. Was a mistake made with the vin plate?
I was debating between a 2003 and a 3008 the 2008 has way lower miles but I also know they have issues. How many miles do you believe a 2003 mini can go, the one on currently looking at has over 80k
@@TheMINIac thanks I just dont know which one I want more becuase brob seem to be terrific cars, I might go for the 08 just because I prefer turbo over a supercharger
Great cars, lots of pitfalls. Sad thing is whilst they are (currently) quite cheap to buy they are not cheap to maintain or run properly. I imagine most are now falling into the wrong hands and just getting ruined by lack of proper care/maintenance. I wager in the not too distant future a decent, mostly stock R53 (particularly a late LCI manual with LSD and Chilli pack) will become rather coveted and will go up in value.
Hi love the videos I’m looking to buy my first mini I’m looking at a 2006 cooper s it has 90k on it and the current owner says it needs wheel speed sensor Would you pass on the car or go for it also is there anything else I should be looking for ?
Thank you so much for your response one more question would the wheel speed sensor make the engine light and break light turn on ? When I look it up it only ever shows abs light in the videos I’ve seen what are your thoughts?
I currently own a 2003 Cooper S. I swapped out the ECU for a 2006 model ECU and the difference was night and day. Better throttle response, less rev hang, and tons of pops and burbles. I haven't experienced the post facelift manual transmission, but I know the gear ratios are much shorter.
Gear ratio is only slightly different. Has more pickup in lower gears, helps get up to speed quicker, but you quickly grow accustomed and it's not as huge a difference as you'd expect. The ECU programming is very different, much better than the 2002-2004.
I had an 06 cooper s it came with the same grill this grey car has. I did change the grill to black mesh. I would highly recommend buying all the braces from m7 Strut tower, belly, and rear brace. Big difference in the ride. If you are a spirited driver or want to track your car. The sun roof I would never buy another man no with the sunroof what a pain in the arse. Mine cracked out of no where glass rained down on my head and it took 2 weeks for my no to replace cost $1200 just for the glass and the track hag little glass chips in the grease that would stop the window from closing. 👎 these cars respond well to bolt ons. I had all m7 parts Because the quality is unbeatable. 19% pullies, intake, catch can (must have). I had the Alta ss exhaust sounded great. You must get rid of the run flat tires. My mini would need a set of steer tires every other month Sue to tire spin. A good summer tire will help that some but with the added power this car really needs an awd system. Fun car I’d buy another .
El wittinio I did it already ,just to be safe I replace termostat ,crankshaft seal,crank cover seal,crankshaft sensor,cam sensor,oil cooler gasket ,spark plugs,and I only spent 200 dollars on parts, I do mecanic .
Looking at the intro photo it shows what looks like a right hand drive British mini cooper, but when you actually get the video it's a American giving the info which I was a bit pissed off about because I thought it was about the British/European minis spec not American which is different to Euro/British versions ,still there was some good info apart from his commentary was crap sound.
Thanks for the very informative video. The last thing I need is another car, and I've already got a couple of toys (classic pickup and an s2000), but here I am....... I know they have their faults, but I keep getting lured in by the low prices on r53's (even with low miles and good records). I do my own work, so that helps with ownership (the only way I can condone the 4 cars I already own), and I'd like the chance to play with forced induction (daily is turbo (Acura RDX), but not really a tuning type of vehicle). Thinking one would be a good combo of fun, tunable, and get me decent mileage for some daily driving (RDX gets terrible MPG's). Am I crazy?
Well, I wouldn’t say the milage is great. I’m averaging 27mpg US (8.3L/100km) in my R53 which IMO is pretty bad as I had an F56 justa for a couple years and it would easily break 45mpg! None the less the R53 is very fun. The throttle response in traffic is awesome and it will hurtle into a gap in traffic like nothing else. Its a great looking car too. Be prepared to turn some wrenches once in a while if you get one that not ultra well cared for/low milage.
If you paid £500 for a steering wheel pump you're a sucker and you should blame yourself. I did a lot of research on the PS pump before I bought my R53, you can buy a reconditioned pump for under £200 and it's a very easy swap, one anyone with even basic tools could do. There are plenty of step by step video guides on how to do it too so there's no excuses for getting ripped off.
@@TheMINIac I got the r53 and was looking for that reverse. I am in South Africa and your video helps a lot. Mine is like the black one. Does it come out standard hid xenon or just helogan lights?
My first car is an R53. I love it like a friend, and I will NEVER sell it. It is now 13 year old (this month), and still going strong. Comfortable, feels safe, good gas mileage, fun! and great even in the harsh Norwegian winters. German built and British made!
Mine was made here in the Netherlands.
Same, glad i'm not the only one. I have spent a small fortune on it though but 130k miles...
Mine is 17yrs old 2003 54000 miles and still stock, 😉apart from a bigger intercooler airtec, 15% reduced pulley, colder plugs, and a miltek exhaust. Had the surface rust on the door sill, rubbed down, treated and resprayed with origional colour in garage, cost €100.
@@equaliser2265LOL typical car guy!! It’s stock, except for upgrade upgrade upgrade, oh and I forgot about the LS swap engine LOL JK love it
Picked up an 03 R53 a few weeks ago. Despite its issues it’s 110% the most fun car I’ve ever driven. Drives like it’s on tracks!
Best review ever, you covered it all. I have 2004 R53 JCW 40th Anniversary, 185,000 miles. Cheers!
try moving your mic to the center of your shirt so when you turn your head the audio doesn't go quiet
For anyone wanting to do the reduced pulley here is 3 important things:
Replace plugs for cooler ones
Service charger and change water pump
Whilst the front end of the car is off change the fan resistor it’s a common failure point
My 2002 R53 is still going strong after 17 years!
Noah Eldridge mine too mate
Same, here.
I have the base model mini and I love it, I would definitely buy another mini someday for my second car
Facelift has different gear ratios and a Teflon coated supercharger. Also got stainless steel tank straps abs the original ones would rust out and the tank would drop. Basically the facelift car is a better car
The facelift also has a different transmission with shorter ratios and a different tune with no fuel cut on overrun which causes tons of popping from the exhaust.
Casman the 2005 model and later?
But that's just an actual difference between the cars. He was pointing out all the arbitrary differences.
Plus also had different supercharger internals for durability. This guy knows nothing.
I just ordered myself the Cooper S F56 for the beginning of March 2020! I’m so excited. I adore MINI’s
Looking to pick up an r53s soon as a new toy so this was really useful thanks!
If you are on the west coast of the US I've decided to sell my 2002 example
Pre facelifted W11 Engines that were NOT JCW didn't have Teflon coated supercharger blades. ALL Post facelifted W11 engine had Teflon coated supercharger blades. They also had a different PCV valve setup and Different ECU programming. The facelifts pop and crackle more on Decel. The 6 speed on the face lifted cars has shorter gears and could be offered with a LSD. Although I put mine in later :p
The MINIac Np. Other differences include the Harmonic balancer and in the really early R50 and R53 cars, they had a REALLY crappy rear trailing arm bushing design that was changed for a better less binding version. A good mod for all R53's is to do an R56 Rear trailing arm conversion. 12 pounds lighter per side and improved rear suspension geometry. I'm about to install mine soon.
Also, the engine mounts changed on the post-lift variant.
I found a 2004 Mini cooper S for sale near me with 35K miles one owner 8,000$. Any thoughts?
@@C172Pilotdude u uhh huh v
I have an 03 cooper S with a 6 speed manual transmission.
OMG that looks like Lemp Brewery. I was the distiller at the Stable. My 85 Lashes Rum won a silver medal at the 2011 San Fransisco World Spirits Competition. I currently work in the Bay area and live in NorCal. I have been watching your videos because I am shopping around for a 2005-2006 R53 right now.
Actually now I don't think it is the Lemp Brewery but I do recognize that spot. Are you in KC?
You left out the big difference between the 02-03 to the 04-06 that they have an uprated teflon supercharger on the facelift models which are more reliable and more powerful
Great weekend car. I personally wouldn’t “daily” it if your commute is a considerable distance and if you don’t do any of your own wrenching. Expensive to own (partly because they’re so moddable) but i like that every single issue about them is known and documented. Luckily the engine is bulletproof and the 6spd getrag is solid enough. The supercharger, water pump, power steering system etc are a different story.
@@TheMINIac yea luckily parts are readily available and it helps to be involved with the forums. new supercharger $1000 or more, water pump, water pump $100, ps pump $500-600....add about $500 for the install if you’re not doing it yourself. Car gets pricey fast. And yea unmolested examples can be hard to find, testament to how fun these car are to mod and drive. Gonna take mine for a ride soon!
I still haven’t forgotten my first mini , I wish I had more videos and pictures of it on my channel
Hey mate can you do a video on all the interchangeable parts for these r53 and r56?
Going by looks everythimg looks interchangeable but thats not the case and since my friend owns a mini wreckers im learning with the cosmetics, but am interrpested to know more
Thanks and keep up the good work. The r53 episode is the stle we need more of. You can learn while watching and smoking... love it
There's a fair bit you can change, but not as much as you'd think considering they share the same platform. The most common (and worthwhile imo) straight swaps are R56 Cooper S front calipers and the Punch/lounge leather seats.
You can fit the rear section of the R56 backbox as well if my memory serves me right.
Love my R53 2004 model year. Just totally rebuilt it. Everything from gaskets to timing chain and Con Rod bearings right through to all suspension parts replaced like ball joints, tie rods etc. Feels tight as the day it rolled off the factory (which is round the corner as I live in Oxford, UK) she has 115k on her now but I’m betting I get 200k out of her without doubt. The only thing that needs doing to mine that I can’t do myself is the usual rusty boot just above the number plate. I will keep her until she literally rots and can’t be driven. I love chucking it round corners and knowing it will just “stick” great little cars.
How do you live with these things? I recently picked up a 2006 Cooper S with 115K miles, but everything had been replaced - new motor, motor mounts, transmission, suspension, steering fluid pump/hoses, brakes and brake lines, brake fluid reservoir, coolant expansion tank, etc. and it's impossible to live with. It's mechanically sound, but it rattles like a piece of crap, EVERYWHERE! I don't think I can live with this.
I have an automatic 2006 R53 Checkmate edition with 74k miles. I purchased it as my fun car after having a manual 350z (modded) and manual WRX (heavily modded). I also have had sportbikes (manual of course).
I see no problem with the automatic MINI, but I understand it's based on preference. I can use the paddles when I want. I live in an area with a lot of traffic and it's nice to not have to shift when you don't want to. I guess I'm getting old and tired of shifting.
I never heard a reviewer state the ride on the face-lift models was softened. If my Checkmate is softer than the previous years I really want to feel how the precious models drive. My ride is the harshest of any car I've owned by far. I love it though
Heya Miniac! Do one like this on the R56 (S) also please as one more Modern Classic!
@@TheMINIac send links!
Great info as always! I had to rewatch this video not that i got an R53 😎
At 1:20, he doesn't describe the tail lights correctly; the top light on each side is apparently a fog light in markets outside the U.S., but in the states those lights are not connected to anything, even though there's a socket and a bulb on each side. The middle, amber light is the turn signal and the lower, red light is the brake light and running light.
I still have R53, run like a champion white paper black hood with 2 lines Navy 7” stripes on the middle front to back, not even single problem, damn I guess i will be going to ride still for another decade to came :) or more
This was a very thorough video. Please do one for the 2nd and 3rd generation MINIs.
The MINIac I crashed my 2005 R53 on the 4th of July and I’ve been looking to lease one of the new ones so your videos have been helpful. Thank you and look forward to more vids.
@@TheMINIac that would be great. I am looking at a mini as my first car and would love some pointers 👍
Love my Pre FL Mini R53, awesome lil car.
Wait. At 5:00 did you say adjustable strut camber plates solve the front strut mounts wearing issue?? If so, I need to get a set on order! I hate the noise when they wear out and I'm not too fond of replacing them every couple of years either.
Hi Miniac, love your channel! I recently bought a 2018 mini Cooper S with 46000 miles and I’m getting blue/ white smoke out of the exhaust. Have you ever seen a car with low miles need rings and or valve seals?
Coolant mixing with oil I would bet. Sounds like the previous owner didn’t maintain it well. Get it looked at asap.
Great video and advice, spot on
Yet another brilliant video. Thank you. Fantastic content a great to see the two Minis side by side. My only comment would be the location. Is there not a nicer looking place convenient to you?
i was wondering if they break down often
If not maintained properly anything can break down quickly. Proper maintenance is always important.
I have a R53 MINI Cooper S Checkmate. i love and hate it .. here's why
For someone who wants to buy a r53 mini just know that this is a car that will cost you alot in maintanance.
i have had some water leaks in my A-pillar which resulted in water damage. this messed up my whole electrical system. it is now fixed but it cost me a lot of money. tip= check if the a-pillar isnt loose and the drains at the roof are open ( little holes )
for a lot of r53 coopers you will have a cunsumption of 1 litre oil per 1250km. its a lot but il just keep adding ..
someone from mini said to me that if i wanted to fix it, the problem would eventually come back so i wont do it..
my coolant resevoir also burst..
fuel consumption can me high, its 1 liter per 11,5 km. i live in holland.. here fuel is 1,60 euro per liter
with all of those problems.. i still love driving the car and would even buy it again :)
@@TheMINIac and thats why i keep driving it :)
Great video, love my 2005 R53, most expensive car I have ever owned for repairs but the also the funnest car I have ever owned to drive
Great job Zach
The MINIac I understand completely
Can I add the low rear backup light - or better yet a rear foglight in that location - to my 2005 R52 (Cooper S convertible)? How about front fog lights? Are there kits for those things?
Thanks for the video! I am looking at purchasing a 2002 MCS but still debating a newer one. Is it safe to say the sliding roof on the early cars is similar to the feel of a convertible? Is this a stretch? Thanks!
@@TheMINIac thanks
14:30 the windshields also have a stress crack problem from the rigid structural forces.
I’ve experienced it twice. The dealer replaced it once warranty and once goodwill.
Great info! May I suggest a different type of mic? Or different placement?
Your a bit off, the grill for 2004 had multiple options. It was also based on packages. My grill is identical to your 2005 model.
I was thinking 🤔 about getting a 2006 MINI S and trying to modify it into a fast and furious Tokyo drifter.💥🏎️💨🏁
Had the first gen heated seats available? If yes, what is button to look for?
These are the fun ones
@@TheMINIac the originals were more analogue.
@@TheMINIac at 120mph. To top speed. They were solid as could be. Smooth and planted. N the transition to performance speed was just as smooth.
2003 r53 anyone have the throwout bearing rattle....just put in a single stage clutch and it has a chatter when engine warms but when pressing in clutch peddle it comes quiet?
Hi Question....In the first generation 2002 - 2006 ...Is the suspension of a non S R50 different from an S R53 ?
Hello,I have a R50 mini,but my painting has started to fade and the coating to burst.Is yours having being painted?Thanks!
Can someone tell me what rims those on the grey Cooper s are? and sizes please!... ( 11:10 ) Are they 15" ??
@@TheMINIac I wonder if they fit regularly. Are the brake calipers same size in Cooper and Cooper S? I guess those on the grey S, have some spacers. Just look wonderful. (in white)
Have a 2002 mini 5 speed and I am having shifting problems. It acts sometimes like 2nd gear is not there and I have a hard time finding reverse at times
@@TheMINIac ok thanks.
Will look at clutch first
Good sir, thank you for this video. I have a question about the seat sensor/airbag light that you mentioned. There are many videos about this online where people simply use a 2.2 ohm resistor and then clear the code with a OBD2 scanner, and it keeps the light off. Aside from the airbag not working, is that truly a way to keep the light off or is the only way to get a new seat? Thank you in advance.
Correct me if I am wrong. There were two version of r53. Pre facelift and post facelift. Post face lift was produced from 2004? I have an opportunity to buy a r53 which is produced in 2003 (that's what owner says) but in my opinion it is post facelift. It has 170hp and different front headlights, like those in the red mini in your video. So, is it possible that model 2004 was already produced in 2003?
Good review ! Best ive seen. Shame your mike is round your ankles !
Would be such a good video if your microphone picked up the sound properly.
I actually have to replace both my quarter panels on my 2005 Mini Cooper s due to rust under the taillights
how should a healthy supercharger sound (at idle) in the engine bay? i dont mean the whine but should it just be quiet?
The MINIac hey thanks for the reply. ill get a better listen when i get home tomorrow. my sound seemed to be coming from the intercooler horn (not sure of correct terminology). doesn’t sound terrible just bit of chatter.
@@TheMINIac my sc ended up being bad, bought a new one and had it installed with 15% reduced pulley, water pump. The new power caused me to shred a belt on the drive home so had to tow back to shop. Had belt replaced, balancer, tensioner and bushing upgraded, new cam position sensor.
This is a great revie y decision to buy a mi o I definitely feel what yo un to driv
ybe try placing yo crophone centrally or try using a boo
We have a 2006 cooper s Checkmate April/06 build date. Is this an R50 or an r53?. I am confused as the vin plate says R50. We bought it from the mini dealer in 2006. Was a mistake made with the vin plate?
@@TheMINIac yes, ours is supercharged. So would an r53 still state on the vin plate R50?
@@TheMINIac or Australia.. by the way great content. Keep up the good work and thanks for the reply.👍🏽
@@TheMINIac but definately a 2006 cooper s is an r53..
@@TheMINIac legend. Thanks
I was debating between a 2003 and a 3008 the 2008 has way lower miles but I also know they have issues. How many miles do you believe a 2003 mini can go, the one on currently looking at has over 80k
@@TheMINIac thanks I just dont know which one I want more becuase brob seem to be terrific cars, I might go for the 08 just because I prefer turbo over a supercharger
Great cars, lots of pitfalls. Sad thing is whilst they are (currently) quite cheap to buy they are not cheap to maintain or run properly. I imagine most are now falling into the wrong hands and just getting ruined by lack of proper care/maintenance.
I wager in the not too distant future a decent, mostly stock R53 (particularly a late LCI manual with LSD and Chilli pack) will become rather coveted and will go up in value.
Hi love the videos I’m looking to buy my first mini I’m looking at a 2006 cooper s it has 90k on it and the current owner says it needs wheel speed sensor Would you pass on the car or go for it also is there anything else I should be looking for ?
Thank you so much for your response one more question would the wheel speed sensor make the engine light and break light turn on ? When I look it up it only ever shows abs light in the videos I’ve seen what are your thoughts?
Thank you !!
You really need to pay attention when placing your mic!
the post facelift has a MUCH better tune and better transmission.
I currently own a 2003 Cooper S. I swapped out the ECU for a 2006 model ECU and the difference was night and day. Better throttle response, less rev hang, and tons of pops and burbles. I haven't experienced the post facelift manual transmission, but I know the gear ratios are much shorter.
Gear ratio is only slightly different. Has more pickup in lower gears, helps get up to speed quicker, but you quickly grow accustomed and it's not as huge a difference as you'd expect. The ECU programming is very different, much better than the 2002-2004.
How much does an 06 ecu cost?
If you were to swap a post face lift ECU into a pre face, would you be getting the same performance as a post face? Thx
The MINIac yeah didn’t think it would be possible but thanks for the reply and keep up the good work
Hi...why does the 2004 r53 have 108.00 ft lb of engine torque but the 2003 r53 has 155.00 ft lb?
@@TheMINIac Thanks for reply, still abit confused so is the 04 155.00 ?
Because the later face lift Had different gear ratios
I had an 06 cooper s it came with the same grill this grey car has. I did change the grill to black mesh. I would highly recommend buying all the braces from m7 Strut tower, belly, and rear brace. Big difference in the ride. If you are a spirited driver or want to track your car. The sun roof I would never buy another man no with the sunroof what a pain in the arse. Mine cracked out of no where glass rained down on my head and it took 2 weeks for my no to replace cost $1200 just for the glass and the track hag little glass chips in the grease that would stop the window from closing. 👎 these cars respond well to bolt ons. I had all m7 parts Because the quality is unbeatable. 19% pullies, intake, catch can (must have). I had the Alta ss exhaust sounded great. You must get rid of the run flat tires. My mini would need a set of steer tires every other month Sue to tire spin. A good summer tire will help that some but with the added power this car really needs an awd system. Fun car I’d buy another .
13:24 what is the small button on the left?
@@TheMINIac So it is not shining when lights are on unless turned by this button ?
Some have this, some don't.
Igot a2003 s at a auction and there was maybe 20 minis ! Paid 550.00 for it !
Did you recommends the minis??
The MINIac Thnks !!
The MINIac I get just broth a 2003 s but I benn seen so many bad comments from the peoples.little bit nervous.
The MINIac Jeje Thnks!!😃👍
jose garcia. Don't do it.If you do, get it checked by someone first.I spent £1550 on a R53, and I had to get rid in the end.
El wittinio I did it already ,just to be safe I replace termostat ,crankshaft seal,crank cover seal,crankshaft sensor,cam sensor,oil cooler gasket ,spark plugs,and I only spent 200 dollars on parts, I do mecanic .
good vid. man. but you need a better mic location. i diden't hear 50% of the thing you said.
Looking at the intro photo it shows what looks like a right hand drive British mini cooper, but when you actually get the video it's a American giving the info which I was a bit pissed off about because I thought it was about the British/European minis spec not American which is different to Euro/British versions ,still there was some good info apart from his commentary was crap sound.
@@TheMINIac 👍👍OK will look at those videos too cheers
04 is the same as the 05 06 or was facelifted in 04. 03 and under is the pee facelift first gem the best one
I’ｍ the 1,000 like, how bout that
Thanks for the very informative video.
The last thing I need is another car, and I've already got a couple of toys (classic pickup and an s2000), but here I am.......
I know they have their faults, but I keep getting lured in by the low prices on r53's (even with low miles and good records).
I do my own work, so that helps with ownership (the only way I can condone the 4 cars I already own), and I'd like the chance to play with forced induction (daily is turbo (Acura RDX), but not really a tuning type of vehicle).
Thinking one would be a good combo of fun, tunable, and get me decent mileage for some daily driving (RDX gets terrible MPG's).
Am I crazy?
Well, I wouldn’t say the milage is great. I’m averaging 27mpg US (8.3L/100km) in my R53 which IMO is pretty bad as I had an F56 justa for a couple years and it would easily break 45mpg! None the less the R53 is very fun. The throttle response in traffic is awesome and it will hurtle into a gap in traffic like nothing else. Its a great looking car too. Be prepared to turn some wrenches once in a while if you get one that not ultra well cared for/low milage.
I have a 10/2002 cooper S
1st gear lags big time when I need to get on it fast
Big Bad Brad it’s a good chance it’s the super charger bypass valve
Good vid man , just audio issues .
Nice review but the mic was annoying
I have 2006 red r50 2 door hatchback 🚗
Tell them in the back ground not shot at u or chat piss me off trying to hear u only
cool👍
Nope. Try doing a rehearsal that sound quality is too distracting. Sorry
My God! Audio!!!
DONOT GET THE AUTO OR 5SPEED...TERRIBLE FAILURE RATES !
Lol my windshield is destroyed . 6 rock chips and now winter is here it's cracked to hell
Their only shit if you don't service and take care off them
You're talking too much but forgot about your mic 😅
Terrible audio
I hate your audio!! But thanks for the info
Rust=weight reduction
The face lift happened in 2007
Steering pump will cost you £550, mine went 2 miles after a £500 service.I hate the mini cooper s R53.
If you paid £500 for a steering wheel pump you're a sucker and you should blame yourself.
I did a lot of research on the PS pump before I bought my R53, you can buy a reconditioned pump for under £200 and it's a very easy swap, one anyone with even basic tools could do. There are plenty of step by step video guides on how to do it too so there's no excuses for getting ripped off.
WHAT...........!?
Dude sort out your sound plzzz
@@TheMINIac where is the reverse light part that you said you will speak about it later. later never happened
@@TheMINIac I got the r53 and was looking for that reverse. I am in South Africa and your video helps a lot. Mine is like the black one. Does it come out standard hid xenon or just helogan lights?
You talking to yourself..no one can hear you when you not looking at the camera...wasted your time but thanks for the effort..ha.
Old video. Bad microphone placement when I shot this video. That being said, it’s done very well in the time since I filmed it.
You dont know what your on about bro
Don't do it, it will cost you a fortune. Been there, done it £1550 porer in my pocket.Biggest mistake ever for a car.
Mine just cost me over £1300!
Damn I wanted to watch an R53 guide... but I can’t listen to this Yanky accent
The MINIac Ok thanks 👍
James Shepherd typical pommy