Mini Cooper s r55 2008-2010

Mini Cooper s r55 2008-2010

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Markbarry1977

Original Poster:

4,077 posts

104 months

Sunday 25th September 2016
quotequote all
First post in the mini section guys so be gentle with me.

My wife has decided her 370z roadster is becoming too expensive to run on fuel since a change of jobs has resulted in her doing a much greater commute.

To that end, she is looking for a 2008-2010 cooper s (r55 I believe looking at Wikipedia), I noticed a guide on here for the previous model (r53) but I am after a good guide for the r55 or what to look for. Is there anything specific to be checking on a test drive.

Thanks in advance ladies and gents for your help.

Markbarry1977

Original Poster:

4,077 posts

104 months

Sunday 25th September 2016
quotequote all
Yeah I think I got the r55 and r56 mixed up apologies for that.

We ended up testing a 2011 coupe with chill pack sat nav and a few other bits and pieces. Fantastic car but at £10k more than she really wants to pay.

We're off to test a hatchback version 57 plate tomorrow. Full history, new timing chain and tensioner. I gather these can be a bit of a problem on these. I had a n47 in my 123d that was replaced under a quality enhancement. Seems to be a bit of a common theme on BMW engines.

Thanks for the advice. I've been reading about them all day and I have to say my wife was really impressed with it. The 181bhp engine in the coupe really impressed her. Coming from a modded 370z I was surprised she was so impressed.

Markbarry1977

Original Poster:

4,077 posts

104 months

Tuesday 27th September 2016
quotequote all
Well after test driving a few cars, she has done what most women do when shopping and gone for the first one she test drive which was slightly over budget.

Nice car, 2011 Mini Cooper s coupe with chill pack. It's got sat nav, integrated Bluetooth, cruise. Really nice tidy example. Sold by soper BMW/mini brand new and full service history by them so they know the car. 27k miles on it. 1 years mot, 1 years mini guarantee. Not a mark on It inside or out really.

Bit of a step down from a highly modded 370z but she is happy. It's got plenty of go and reading online a decent map could see 220 ish bhp, although hopefully this one will stay oem. (Who am I kidding she will have something modified within a month. )

Anyway thanks for the helpful info, I might suggest a cam tensioner change just so we know it's been done.

Is there a revised part number for an upgraded part and is it an expensive job to get done/difficult to do. I had a quick look under the bonnet and it seems mega tight to get anything done on it.