What to look for on an R56 Cooper S

[RedLCRB0b]

As per the thread title, I'm looking at an R56 Cooper S this afternoon and wondered if there is anything in particular I should be checking for ? It's done 40k miles and had a panoramic sun roof. I've read up about the 'death rattle' and sunroof issues but couldn't find any other common problems.

[RKDE]

There isn't a lot at the moment, we still have not had enough time to see what fails. As you said the chain tensioner does fail quite a lot, not really a death rattle. There was electric gremlins in the early models but that should have been sorted, used to open the windows and locks when the car wanted too...

Build quality is OK, engine is not as strong as the r53 model but not a problem if you do not plan to tune if you do go factory JCW as it has uprated internals, clutches have been known to fail between 10k and 20k but on most cars not a problem

[Chr1sch]

As per RKDE - we had ours for 18 months, throughout 2009-10, being an 08 plate it still had warranty which was a relief. Ours had a new clutch at 8k and a new steering rack, as well as the tensioner you describe. I dont know how common these issues were but it was a fab car and I regret selling it tbh!

They are a lot faster than you think - our completely standard MCS (175bhp) sat alongside my good mates remapped Focus ST all the way to 100mph (on a friends farm road) and the focus has a dyno proven 253bhp and 325 ftlb's of torque.....

Enjoy!

[RedLCRB0b]

I put down a deposit on it today, so should be a happy fellow owner soon It's an 07 build (on a 56 plate) with 44k miles.

[RedLCRB0b]

Picked it up today. First impressions: F U N

Quite surprised at the amount of torque steer you get. I'm going to find some nice roads to try it out on later on. Very pleased with it so far, lots of Miles Per Grin.

[Number 5]

RedLCRB0b said:

Picked it up today. First impressions: F U N

Quite surprised at the amount of torque steer you get. I'm going to find some nice roads to try it out on later on. Very pleased with it so far, lots of Miles Per Grin.

My wifes Cooper S had loads of torque steer and to be honest it put me off the car a little at first then I had it re-mapped upon the advice of a mate who has had a couple of Minis and the torque steer has now almost vanished, I'm not technical so I can't tell you how it got rid of it but he assures me it is something to do with the power delivery. It is a lot smoother now and makes even more crackles and bangs out of the tail pipes! Also it is quicker than before and so far seeems to have slightly better mpg, according to the bloke that mapped he reckons it should have around 200 bhp, ive not rolling roaded it and i probably wont but for the £265 the map cost it was well worth it. I'm also going to buy some non run flat tyres tomorrow (again upon advice of a mate) to help with the road noise.

Great fun little car, her is Astro Black, with black leather and the chilli pack, I bought it about 6 months ago with 55k miles on it, the car is a 07/07 with full dealer history, it is an ex lease car originally supplied by Park Lane Mini hope you in enjoy it!