RE: Mini Cooper S (R53): PH Buying Guide
Discussion
dukebox9reg said:
For such a small, light car and with a tiny forced induction engine, it really is dire on fuel. Have to say though, its one of those cars that always encourages you to actually drive it and it seems to hate pottering. Doesn't help the fuel economy in the slightest.
It's partly enthusiasm, but even timid driving doesn't yeild good MPG.The 'charger whine and strong torques, but not exactly crazy power/speed, sort of wills you to hold gears for longer. It feels like it's still pulling strongly up into the revs, so you don't feel like it's time to change up yet. Also, the blower means there's not a lot of engine braking, so you shift down more too, if that's your thing.
My wife is much less interested in driving as anything other than A-to-B transport, and tends to be 1 gear too high all the time in my opinion. Even still, she could maybe only do 5mpg better than me with her style, which doesn't make much difference at the pump, so might as well enjoy it.
HeMightBeBanned said:
Is it possible to make these things ride properly? Wife had a Cooper. FiL has a Cooper S. The ride is unacceptable in both and they replaced the runflats ages ago. Is there aftermarket suspension available to bring some compliance to the ride quality?
This is the only issue I have with mine apart from sometimes needing more interior space. Apparently the very early cars (mine included) had sports suspension from the outset which made the ride very unforgiving. k3ybo said:
One thing I will pass on - ditch the standard runflat tyres. Switching to normal tyres softens the ride, gives you lots more grip and feel, and even the finest "normal" tyres cost less than the runflats. Stick some tyre gunk in the boot and you're good to go.
On the OE spec 16s it's nicely adjustable as well if you lift into a corner, reminded me of the old 205Gti/Astra 16V Worth getting one with a LSD imo
Nothing about wheel bearing, steering pump failure, cracked thermostat housings or coolant tanks, airbag cables damaged by moving seats...
article said:
The power steering pump of the R53 Mini makes a distinctive high pitched noise when the car is at a standstill. It's nothing to worry about and just the electric steering pump working.
BeirutTaxi said:
I helped replace a head gasket on an early 1.6 (with the Rover/Chrysler engine) and there were a few design flaws.
From memory (so I could be wrong) the exhaust valves are too small and therefore burn out from getting too hot.
Fuel economy not amazing either. Probably not helped by the rough as proverbial inlet path through the cylinder head.
Other than that, a good car and I think BMW did a good job of making a fun, practical car for consumers who need something to use daily and yet have fun when they want.
Because of that I've never understood the hatred towards BMW for making it the way they did.
I used to hate the idea of them. Then I drove one. Now I feel like a wally for hating them. God they are fun!From memory (so I could be wrong) the exhaust valves are too small and therefore burn out from getting too hot.
Fuel economy not amazing either. Probably not helped by the rough as proverbial inlet path through the cylinder head.
Other than that, a good car and I think BMW did a good job of making a fun, practical car for consumers who need something to use daily and yet have fun when they want.
Because of that I've never understood the hatred towards BMW for making it the way they did.
On another note, if you switch from run flats to normal tyres, do you have to notify the insurance company?
MajorProblem said:
Nothing about wheel bearing, steering pump failure, cracked thermostat housings or coolant tanks, airbag cables damaged by moving seats...
Not had a wheel bearing or airbag cable go as yet.Problems from new ( 55 plate )
Leaking thermostat housing - replaced under warranty ( checked header tank and all well )
Driver's side engine mount ( oil filled ) failed - done under goodwill as common fault
Module that controls central locking failed after 2 weeks from new - replaced under warranty
Driver's side front wheel speed sensor failed - replaced it myself
No PAS pump problems as yet but followed guide to clear out carbon dust buildup which can cause problems so hopefully put that off ( touch wood )
One thing I'd do is buy a new dipstick as soon as you get one ( they can break leaving a piece in the tube ) - bought a new one as a precaution as £15 seemed cheaper than the hassle of fishing out a broken piece
). Or buy an all-metal aftermarket one for £50Changing the 16" RFT tyres to non-RFT saved 10kg in weight and improved mpg slightly
Having moved from a cooper to an S, the ride is nothing like a a good as the cooper.
I'm buying some 16"s off eBay to replace the 17"s.
I'll be loosing about 3kgs a wheel, and gaining a load of sidewall, and cheaper tyres too!
Winwinwin.
Cracking cars though, a real proper drivers car, ignore the facts and figures and just drive one.
For what is a 15 year old design, they are remarkably still fresh, (apart from the fuel consumption. ) I'm averaging 30mph, and can get 43 on the motorway.
I'm buying some 16"s off eBay to replace the 17"s.
I'll be loosing about 3kgs a wheel, and gaining a load of sidewall, and cheaper tyres too!
Winwinwin.
Cracking cars though, a real proper drivers car, ignore the facts and figures and just drive one.
For what is a 15 year old design, they are remarkably still fresh, (apart from the fuel consumption. ) I'm averaging 30mph, and can get 43 on the motorway.
Below is my other half's JCW with my 330D (sorry). It's a cracking little car. A few minor parts needed in nearly a year of ownership and the JCW badge faded out. Oh and an air hose connector broke, causing it to pop and crackle like a bowl of rice krispies for a few days. All fixed under warranty though so happy days. She didn't buy the car for economy but can just about edge 40mpg on the motorway but 30 is about realistic. As a previous poster has said, it almost eyes you with disdain if you potter about in it.
We're gonna keep it until it's ten years old and potentially convert it to a trackcar at that point. It was a more sensible idea than putting a V8 in the three anyway, so she says.
We're gonna keep it until it's ten years old and potentially convert it to a trackcar at that point. It was a more sensible idea than putting a V8 in the three anyway, so she says.
This was my cooper
Loved it as it was my first car, go kart handling and a nice place to sit(compared with usual first cars fiesta,corsa's and clio's)
Fuel economy was terrible
It broke constantly with me having replaced the gearbox 3 times, top mounts , window wiper motors and loads of other suspension bits.
Wouldn't buy another again but loved mine
The worst car I have ever owned - HS02 CAA. a 2002/3 Mini Cooper S with Sat nav computer.
Rattled like hell, returned awful fuel economy (combined 29/30), performance and handling were uninspiring even replaced the runflats which lasted a year a peice on the front. ended up fitting a GRS intercooler ($$$) and Lohen induction kit to help. Started failing last year, ended up going through a new gearbox (£1,500 from 1320) and then the electric locking failed on the passenger door.
Best thing I ever did was get rid. an absolute lemon.
Rattled like hell, returned awful fuel economy (combined 29/30), performance and handling were uninspiring even replaced the runflats which lasted a year a peice on the front. ended up fitting a GRS intercooler ($$$) and Lohen induction kit to help. Started failing last year, ended up going through a new gearbox (£1,500 from 1320) and then the electric locking failed on the passenger door.
Best thing I ever did was get rid. an absolute lemon.
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