RE: Mini Cooper S: Spotted
Saturday 10th March 2018
It wasn't as frantic to drive as the Renault Sport Clio 172 or the Honda Civic Type-R, and boot space was an afterthought, but this didn't deter Autocar from making the Mini Cooper S their top hot-hatch when it was subjected to a road test in May 2002. The Cooper S name hadn't graced a Mini for over thirty years by the time the R53 generation came out, but it successfully addressed one of the major criticisms the 'new' Mini had suffered since its launch.
Where this Mini impressed was in its chassis development: instead of a simple beam axle, it had a boot-space-robbing multi-link Z-axle, as used by the wacky, plastic bodied BMW Z1. This wasn't a normal feature in small cars at the time - it still isn't to this day - as packaging requirements usually win out over more sophisticated suspension set ups. The Cooper S didn't even need any further spring and damper changes over the sport suspension plus option that was available on all models.
This particular car mentions plenty of work having been carried out, and it looks to have been cherished. It doesn't come loaded with options like sat nav, but since the factory system will be so slow and so outdated these days, that's probably for the better. Waze or Google maps on your smartphone are vastly superior to any early 2000's navigation system.
Mini Cooper S: Spotted
Fashion labels are usually rather expensive, but the first gen 'new' Mini Cooper S is actually quite cheap. Is now the right time to buy one?
Power. This had always been an issue because the ability of the chassis far outstripped the performance available from the Cooper at the time. To address this problem a Roots supercharger was bolted to the 1.6-litre Tritech engine to coax it up to 163hp. This was enough to propel the 'little' Mini from rest to 62mph in 7.6 seconds. Certainly not the fastest in its class, but by no means an embarrassment.
But there were some changes. Firstly, there is the bonnet scoop which helps to distinguish the 'S' from lesser Minis. Then there are the more subtle tweaks, such as the 10 per cent increase in body stiffness and 50kg saved by using a front seat frames and a different gearbox, one which had six-speeds rather than the five fitted to cooking-spec Minis.
Perhaps we should stop going on about it being a German knock-off of an English icon, the Mini Cooper S has all the makings of a future classic. At current market values, it's amazing to think you can get such a usable hot-hatch for so little money. Bad ones are dropping away quickly, so find yourself a tidy one, and with a little preventative maintenance, it'll be worth something in a few years. Take advantage of the dirt cheap Mini prices now, before it's back in fashion again.
SPECIFICATION - MINI COOPER S
Engine: 1,598cc, inline-4 supercharged
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 163@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 155@4,000rpm
MPG: 32.8
CO2: 202 g/km
First registered: 2006
Recorded mileage: 69,000miles
Price new: £14,500
Yours for: £3,499
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Discussion
I've always had a soft spot for these. I would add the negative that they suffer instability under braking even in a straight line but the cornering setup is the finest of any FWD car I've driven.
The connection to the road through the seat and steering feel rivels a 911 GT3 and the rear end is instantly engagable without ever feeling nervous (in a corner, braking I've mentioned).
The engine has a sublime character and pulls satisfyingly hard to the red line. It feels better than its 163hp figure possibly due to 'adding lightness'.
If you're a power fiend I wouldn't recommend buying one. The 2008 turbo model responds far better to modification and is inherently quicker, my standard 2012 JCW comprehensively destroyed a modified GT230 original when we compared them but the original as a complete package and drivers car is in another league to the later tall, soft, understeering R56 model (especially on track).
The connection to the road through the seat and steering feel rivels a 911 GT3 and the rear end is instantly engagable without ever feeling nervous (in a corner, braking I've mentioned).
The engine has a sublime character and pulls satisfyingly hard to the red line. It feels better than its 163hp figure possibly due to 'adding lightness'.
If you're a power fiend I wouldn't recommend buying one. The 2008 turbo model responds far better to modification and is inherently quicker, my standard 2012 JCW comprehensively destroyed a modified GT230 original when we compared them but the original as a complete package and drivers car is in another league to the later tall, soft, understeering R56 model (especially on track).
Edited by Niffty951 on Saturday 10th March 07:08
Been looking at these recently. Definitely time to buy IMO, would probably go for a facelift variant, and definitely no Nav.
Calling it German always seemed a bit mean - a lot of it was engineered by Rover chaps in the UK and then Ricardo took over a chunk of the development work when BMW sold Rover off. Very PH though, like the people who insist that JLR products are Indian
Calling it German always seemed a bit mean - a lot of it was engineered by Rover chaps in the UK and then Ricardo took over a chunk of the development work when BMW sold Rover off. Very PH though, like the people who insist that JLR products are Indian
Don't forget along with the launch of the cab in 04/05 it had a power boost to 170bhp and a decent chunk more tq. Also came with the comical exhaust pops cal.
Just bought myself one 5 months ago. Few rough edges but went for an early 170bhp version and modding up to be a part time track car/3rd. Smile everytime I drive it.
So showing the spec for the 163 version is doing the car a disservice
Just bought myself one 5 months ago. Few rough edges but went for an early 170bhp version and modding up to be a part time track car/3rd. Smile everytime I drive it.
So showing the spec for the 163 version is doing the car a disservice
I had two early BMW Minis. IIRC the basic Mini One was £9.5k , Mini Cooper £11.5k and Cooper S £14.5k in 2002/3. Obviously you could spec them to stupid levels but I always felt the Cooper S was best in standard form with electric blue paint and white roof. These I feel will be particularly collectible.
philipbrown123 said:
Picking up my 2009 Cooper s today ! Bright red with black roof. 52,000 miles for £6,000.
I have a TVR too, and I'm considering one of these! Yours will be an R56 model though, turbo'd not supercharged, which seems better, despite reports of coked-up engines. The article suggests a 2006 model for £3499. If you don't mind a pre-2006 model, there are several with reasonable mileage about for under £3k. And if you don't mind close to 100k on the clock, less than £2k!
BMW's standard original cooper handled well enough to annoy most any car in the twisties, so I reckon I could keep up with a clio trophy in an S. Not rare enough for me but as numbers dwindle maybe I will take a look. Think the 6speed boxes could be weak, the standard Cooper engine was Brazilian and coarse, so has to be an S or JCW. Saw an S for a couple of grand locally in electric blue and it looked too cheap to be true then sold quickly. Supply over demand hurt the residuals early on.
I love these, had one for 6 years, and experienced no reliability issues.
They do feel a bit fragile, and the shifter feel isn't the greatest.
Something will always rattle in the interior. Though given how hard it rode I was amazed it was always just one thing and not half the car.
The brakes don't really stand up to track use either as they're the same size as the diesel model. Makes parts really cheap though.
Make sure to get a facelift as they seem better put together, and under no circumstances fit runflats or 18" wheels to these. The ride's pretty stiff as it is, fitting larger wheels or runflats just takes it to comical levels.
They do feel a bit fragile, and the shifter feel isn't the greatest.
Something will always rattle in the interior. Though given how hard it rode I was amazed it was always just one thing and not half the car.
The brakes don't really stand up to track use either as they're the same size as the diesel model. Makes parts really cheap though.
Make sure to get a facelift as they seem better put together, and under no circumstances fit runflats or 18" wheels to these. The ride's pretty stiff as it is, fitting larger wheels or runflats just takes it to comical levels.
I sold a similar age Mini One a couple of months back for a friend, it was a 2002 I think, impressed with how well it had lasted 15 years, even the One has a sporty edge, even if its not very fast, can certainly see the appeal so an original (yes, I get the irony) Cooper S does appeal. I think they look better than the newer ones in a lot of ways, though I believe these arent great on fuel, makes me feel so old that the new Minis are almost on the cusp of being classics.
leonintegra36 said:
BMW's standard original cooper handled well enough to annoy most any car in the twisties, so I reckon I could keep up with a clio trophy in an S. Not rare enough for me but as numbers dwindle maybe I will take a look. Think the 6speed boxes could be weak, the standard Cooper engine was Brazilian and coarse, so has to be an S or JCW. Saw an S for a couple of grand locally in electric blue and it looked too cheap to be true then sold quickly. Supply over demand hurt the residuals early on.
The 5 spds are weak. 6 spds are fairly bomb proof. That's why you find conversion kits to fit the 6 onto the standard Cooper. Agree with another comment, not the best shift action. Going to look at a short shifter kit, see if it helps at all. Pistonheads have done a buyers guide previously for these and it was before a buyers guide consisted of half a doesn't lines like the current ones.
Oh and brakes are poo. 276mm on front with single piston. Again as someone else as stated shared with the rest of the model range. Genuine jcw upgrade is a rip off. Common fix is to use R56 braked as bolt on fit up to 295ish mm and much bigger piston. Lines have to be changed though as different fitment. Couple of 100 quid if you do it yourself sourcing bits etc.
Oh and brakes are poo. 276mm on front with single piston. Again as someone else as stated shared with the rest of the model range. Genuine jcw upgrade is a rip off. Common fix is to use R56 braked as bolt on fit up to 295ish mm and much bigger piston. Lines have to be changed though as different fitment. Couple of 100 quid if you do it yourself sourcing bits etc.
One of the cars we had was a 2002 Mini One I got from Rydale? In Birmingham. It was silver and had no extras other than a set of I think BBS Split rims with titanium hex nuts whichrship were an optional extra. The options list was crazy even in 2002. These rims were I think £4800.00 and required a recommended suspension upgrade also. They looked identical to some of the Z4 rims. The dealer didn’t realise they were on the car and honoured the £11k sticker price.
BMW were the first owners. After 18 months of ownership and problems with trim falling off a service manager whom I got to know quite well noticed the build date was 18months before the first Reg date. It seems the car had been a factory car used for training staff on then put into dealer stock. They upgraded the suspension and fitted new run flats for free as they wore out in 4000 miles.
Very good customer service which finally resulted in them paying me what I paid for it when I purchased it.
BMW were the first owners. After 18 months of ownership and problems with trim falling off a service manager whom I got to know quite well noticed the build date was 18months before the first Reg date. It seems the car had been a factory car used for training staff on then put into dealer stock. They upgraded the suspension and fitted new run flats for free as they wore out in 4000 miles.
Very good customer service which finally resulted in them paying me what I paid for it when I purchased it.
In about september 2004 i went down to Cornwall and bought a 2002 52 plate Red / black roof / non sunroof Cooper S from its first lady owner. It had done about 15,000 miles and we paid circa £13,200, which was a good price then. Very fond memories of it.
Loved it in fact !!
But it was suprisingly heavy on fuel.
Never got the chance to compare it to a Clio 172 or 182, but the S went well.
One of the screen trims came lose and BMW replaced it for free. Very reluctantly put it up for sale in about March 05 and just couldnt sell it! Very liitle interest. In the end i took it to Sytners @ Gerrards Cross. But the sales guy knocked me £200 as he said the edges of the tires were worn ( which they wernt ) but i needed it gone.
I left a note in the handbook with my telephone number and in about 2007 a guy on the sth coast rang saying “ it was for sale @ £6,000 and did i want it ?” It had a daft priveate plate on it, which wasnt included thankfully.
Mileage then was circa 52,000 and £6,000 grand was too much!
Often wonder if its still arround !
I still have all of its original paper work and bill of sale. Must have a look to see if its survived !
Loved it in fact !!
But it was suprisingly heavy on fuel.
Never got the chance to compare it to a Clio 172 or 182, but the S went well.
One of the screen trims came lose and BMW replaced it for free. Very reluctantly put it up for sale in about March 05 and just couldnt sell it! Very liitle interest. In the end i took it to Sytners @ Gerrards Cross. But the sales guy knocked me £200 as he said the edges of the tires were worn ( which they wernt ) but i needed it gone.
I left a note in the handbook with my telephone number and in about 2007 a guy on the sth coast rang saying “ it was for sale @ £6,000 and did i want it ?” It had a daft priveate plate on it, which wasnt included thankfully.
Mileage then was circa 52,000 and £6,000 grand was too much!
Often wonder if its still arround !
I still have all of its original paper work and bill of sale. Must have a look to see if its survived !
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