I just traded for a 2002 R53 with 90k miles. 6 speed manual, supercharged with a few aftermarket parts. I plan on adding a 15% reduction pulley and a body kit sometime.
The R53 always had the 6 speed Getrag gearbox!! You are getting confused with the R50. In 2004 they changed the gear ratios of the 6 speed Getrag gearbox. So if buying an cooper S (R53) do not worry about the gearbox they are the same all the way through production (apart from the ratios)
I know man there good cars and very very fun to drive but this is the end of the road for me and this car now as it’s not what people want to see or the viewers want to see so I think it’s better to get rid and get something else that the people want to see
I think bmw has learned there lesson from the n series well that destroyed there name and reputation and everyone went over to Mercedes that’s why You would think because these engines are strong and reliable they would hold there value but that’s just not the case these cars are very very cheap over here same as E46 and E39 as here people don’t like old cars they all want the newest and more power and newer technology people don’t care about the engine here they care about how fancy it looks and what it has inside that’s the down side of owning this aswell as E46 this r53 and e46 are from the same gen so doesn’t do well for me I think the N11 or n14 engine would have been a better more popular choice for my channel
I’m glad I stumbled on this channel. Looking at a Copper S - Sept 2014 Auto. Will have to think again on this as if I can pick up a cheap one I’d be happy to try some of the work myself. This is for my girlfriend so would love to get one and fix it up
Be good if I could get a list of these thing to avoid and what year to buy. Excited to get one and tinker plus it gives the Girlfriend (and Me) some thing nice to drive
I wouldn’t know as there isn’t anyone in the mini community with the brains to clear the mileage or code anything only I can do all this which I will be putting a video up showing clearing the mileage on the chrono gauges as your aware the mini club isn’t a very rich people’s club like bmw and I haven’t come across anyone in mini who does what I do mostly because they ain’t got the money to set up as it costs £££££££ to get setup
@@Tomgoeswhere there's a few people out there that can do it easily :) if you have a pre facelift you need to change the ecu to a post facelift one for it to work... Loads of people out there who do this, if you have a facelift you can just plug the chrono in and it will work but as said in the video you need to change the mileage, again loads of peeps out there that can do it :)
Hey Doc and all of you guys. Doc I have a question more than anything I’m desperate. I bought a 06 mini S for my daughter after she graduated from HSch for her to go to college because that’s her dream car but I end up keeping it because of something is is making a loud noise always on first gear, I flushed motor, transmissions, break system, new tires, 3 different guys have worked on but they just end up charging me $200 each just to tell me there is nothing can be done. Can you or anyone help me please
If you really want to keep it, Go to someone who specializes in European cars. These cars are great when they are properly and fully maintenanced. I have one as my daily, but I do all my work on my own, so I save ALOT of money. If it wasnt for the fact I do my own work, i wouldn't be able to afford to pay someone to keep the maintenance up.
cheers mate although its nice its time for this car to go on to someone else its been a fun car BUT it doesn't do well on my channel just like E46 everyone on here wants to see the more complex vehicles
Silicone doesn't soak heat as a rubber used by manufacturers specked rubber does. Also silicone can take more chemical abuse, oils, coolants, etc... "Cold air" intakes can also increase performance, just not as much as many like to believe. It all depends on an actual engineered design. Overall and again, the performance increase is not a huge factor as most like to believe. Usually a very minimal increase.
I've always believe for any BMW or Mercedes product, use Michelin Tires. Other tires can be ok, but for a "Daily Driver", Michelin's are my personal choice. Winter tires however are a different choice and I like a certain Scandinavian tire brand.
yes mate but unfortunately this car has come to the end of the road for me time to get rid and move on to something a bit more newer these old cars aint for my channel
Buying my mini cooper s r53 06 plate this weekend. Cant bloody wait. It's been remap to 220bhp. Any recommendations on parts, as it's been remapped. Great channel man.
Great little cars....I'll be keeping my 06 R53 with LSD forever if I can! Not much comes close for bang per buck....or at least the ability to entertain for the money. It's worth noting even the best cars will tend to have their issues and for any R50/R53 Mini to be A1 perfect is very rare. They have a penchant for leaking oil (from at least somewhere) and experience some issues due to the somewhat unique engineering that's gone into the car (some of it arguably clever for the time, but hasnt shown longevity....the power steering arrangement being one such thing). Even the youngest cars are hitting 14 years old so some of the issues just come with the territory unfortunately. Trim and some electricals can prove a bit fragile too. The tritec motor is pretty bomb proof though as long as you keep an eye on the fluids and nothing like the trouble the N14/N18 PSA lumps can be....not half as complex for one. They can stretch cam chains though (mine had one at 70k). From personal experience, I would always say buy the newest car (preferably a facelift) with the best history you can justify shelling out for and dont be too deterred by higher mileage....a well cared for high mileage car will almost certainly have had many of the common issues sorted out. Nothing wrong with Pre facelift cars, but the facelifts are better IMHO (getrag gearboxes on the R50 in place of the chocolate Midlands box, teflon charger, shorter gearing and pops and bangs and prospect of GKN SuperDiff on the R53 being the main improvements I can think of). Also dont be too scared off by tuned cars....so long as it's been done well/respectfully. Someone that's stuck a 17/19% pulley reduction on one without doing anything else (particularly the intercooler) is never a good sign. I'd say a 15%, with correct colder plugs is about right without any other supporting mods but personally IMHO a healthy facelift car is quick enough stock. Agreed about the exhaust as well...the mild steel OE item is unreasonably expensive so going good quality stainless (for less money) for a better sound and a bit of a performance boost is a no brainer.
@@HamzaQureshi561 hi mate, LSD option came in for the facelift car from some time in 2005 until end of production. It was a 150 quid option I believe on the basic Cooper S and a no cost option if you took the Chilli Pack. Surprisingly alot of Chilli pack cars were ordered without it as although it was free, you still had to tick the box when ordering which people didn't do and alot of people didn't spec it on the base cars despite it being cheap and making it better to drive. Its therefore a bit hit and miss whether a car will have the diff or not. The run out Checkmate cars will definitely have the diff as it was part of that cars standard spec, though they are quite rare...also the interior is a bit unusual in them. You can tell whether a car has (or should have) the diff by doing a VIN decode of the cars VIN number and the option 25% differential lock (option code something like 02TA cant remember off the top of my head) should be shown. The LSD equipped cars have a gearbox code BKL as well which should help determine if a car has one or not. The diffs themselves are fairly basic torque sensing, clutch based units and only lock up to 25% or so, not really comparable a proper torsion geared diff like a quaife but a nice thing to have on the Mini.....theres a lot of torque available at low revs so definitely helps with off the line and corner traction 👍
@@allseeing357 also about the oil leaks, I hear this and also the power steering fluid is a bit of a common issue but is it the kind of thing I could look at and fix myself? I'm going to try to do a lot of the servicing and upkeep myself hopefully to learn a few more mechanical skills
Let me help you here do NOT BE SCARED OF THIS CAR parts for this are very very very cheap 😂 you can get whole engine overhauled for less then £200 and as for power steering NO it don’t fail the FAN fails which is very very very easy to replace and cheap Man if you are scared of this car breaking what the hell would you be like With a BMW I dread to think of you looked at a BMW M5 like I have I think you would have heart attack These suffer oil leaks yes but my friend this is MINI very very cheap cheap car like for not very rich people I bought this one for £1000 very cheap as the people looked desperate for money as most that own mini do not a very nice house , not dressed very well that was why I come out of mini as you never ever see that with BMW Well not the BMWS I go for as there all rich people cars but that’s what got me away from mini I came out on top thank the lord I made my money back on that car and got rid never again But but but one thing I will say is this mini is more reliable and more fun to drive then ANY BMW 320i or 318i But never as good as a straight 6 or M car obviously
Sorry, but I cannot help my "Shits and Giggles" every single time you reference a BMW as a "BM". Medical term of BM, atleast herein the US is Bowle Movement... Shit. LMAO! 😂😂😂
😂😂😂 bro that’s the camera quality trust me nothing wrong with my engine mount at all I’ve had this mount off already 3 times to replace the pulleys I am not cheap if I thought it was messed up leaking or stopped performing trust me I would have already changed it this car is now finished and ready for sale to the new owner I do not Care about costs on a car believe me I have no reason too whatever they need I do and the engine mount is a 5 min job so if it was leaking I sure as hell wouldn’t refuse to do it but it’s not leaking the camera looks all off colour on this video maybe i was in a too dark place but you will see on my next video it’s not leaking UNLESS it had a leak prior to me buying it and it got sorted but here if they were shot it would fail MOT (INSPECTION) here you can’t get away with not replacing parts
I just traded for a 2002 R53 with 90k miles. 6 speed manual, supercharged with a few aftermarket parts. I plan on adding a 15% reduction pulley and a body kit sometime.
The R53 always had the 6 speed Getrag gearbox!! You are getting confused with the R50. In 2004 they changed the gear ratios of the 6 speed Getrag gearbox. So if buying an cooper S (R53) do not worry about the gearbox they are the same all the way through production (apart from the ratios)
Was just going to comment that. I thought that was wrong as my mate has a 2002 cooper s and it has the 6 speed.
I had two 2006 S’s.. I loved those cars.. so much fun to drive.
I know man there good cars and very very fun to drive but this is the end of the road for me and this car now as it’s not what people want to see or the viewers want to see so I think it’s better to get rid and get something else that the people want to see
Yes, those engines are bulletproof, unlike the next generation N series. I’m hearing the new B series of all types will be a great engine.
I think bmw has learned there lesson from the n series well that destroyed there name and reputation and everyone went over to Mercedes that’s why
You would think because these engines are strong and reliable they would hold there value but that’s just not the case these cars are very very cheap over here same as E46 and E39 as here people don’t like old cars they all want the newest and more power and newer technology people don’t care about the engine here they care about how fancy it looks and what it has inside that’s the down side of owning this aswell as E46 this r53 and e46 are from the same gen so doesn’t do well for me I think the N11 or n14 engine would have been a better more popular choice for my channel
Also worth get strut tower plates and strut bar brace due to the strut tower mushrooming/ warping.
Don’t forget the issues with the power steering pump and its cooling fan which can seize and blow its fuze. Otherwise I agree with your points.
He mentioned this
Mine turned 200 000km, I love this car so much and care It the best as I can, I fear the day I will have to say good bye to it...
still got it?
I’m about to go pick one up this morning , wish me luck 🙏
How did you go Steve?
Any regrets?
Steve Died
Thanks again Dean another detailed video
no problem mate
Most who keep this car even on a worst condition are a mini enthusiast including myself
Great review, but comfortable?! Very very uncomfortable for me. Looking to swap out for recaros ASAP. Coming from Audi S4 B7
I’m glad I stumbled on this channel. Looking at a Copper S - Sept 2014 Auto. Will have to think again on this as if I can pick up a cheap one I’d be happy to try some of the work myself. This is for my girlfriend so would love to get one and fix it up
Be good if I could get a list of these thing to avoid and what year to buy. Excited to get one and tinker plus it gives the Girlfriend (and Me) some thing nice to drive
Cracking vid mate - just in the process of buying a 56 plate myself so I'll be going through everything you have..
55 Cooper s which tyres? Run flats or ordinary? Run flats feel road surfaces. Will ordinary help this? Thanks Andrew.
Just watched this, now depressed. You pretty much just pointed out every single component of the car and then said that it is prone to break.
Man your channel is growing fast and that’s brilliant news .
I know mate we are nearly there for the 10k bash
I think its best to use the oem intercooler
Geez... is there any part that doesn’t leak on a mini?
do you have a procedure to update odometer with a facelift Chrono pak install?
you give me the confidence of getting a R53. The 2006 model is the one with Mickey ears?
Great video mate, thanks for sharing! I bought an R53 JCW last month note some issues on it that you mention in the video!
Good one Dean 👍
cheers Kevin mate
Thanks for the great video and info mate!
I'm looking at a 2009 Mini Clubman, with 160k miles, are these good cars? Can I get many more miles out of it?
Hey man I have a 2003 Mini Cooper, but I have a 6 speed gearbox. I noticed you said that. Should I be concerned??
I need a little bit of help Buying my daughter a mini cooper S Hartge on 53 plate Can I tell it is one what to look for
Great vid, super informative.
Honest review nice job
how many miles you plan on putting on it?
About to buy a 2006 s with 2xx,××× miles on it for 2,000 gonna just try it see how things go I've heard the 2006 manual s is the best. Wish me luck.
How’d it go.?
@@heartreptilerescueandsanct6369 update?
What’s an ep on dash lights
correction on the gearbox, mines a 03 r53 with 6 speed
What sort of price can you expect to pay to get the chrono dials coded? Looking to do this upgrade. Thanks
I wouldn’t know as there isn’t anyone in the mini community with the brains to clear the mileage or code anything only I can do all this which I will be putting a video up showing clearing the mileage on the chrono gauges as your aware the mini club isn’t a very rich people’s club like bmw and I haven’t come across anyone in mini who does what I do mostly because they ain’t got the money to set up as it costs £££££££ to get setup
@@BMWDoctor This is what i am finding, people say different things.... i look forward to the video! have enjoyed them all so far! thanks
@@Tomgoeswhere there's a few people out there that can do it easily :) if you have a pre facelift you need to change the ecu to a post facelift one for it to work... Loads of people out there who do this, if you have a facelift you can just plug the chrono in and it will work but as said in the video you need to change the mileage, again loads of peeps out there that can do it :)
Jonny English thank mate. I will be FL.
Hope to pick some up this weekend
@@Tomgoeswhere no problems dude any issues get in touch and I'll point you in the right direction :)
You forgot to mention the Bypass valve ?
Nice video dude :)
Great stuff thanks
your welcome
Better to LOOK for another car! Run Forest, run!
Is there anything you haven’t got to change
There full of issues
Money pits
mine is 2003 but is 6 speed?
Hey Doc and all of you guys. Doc I have a question more than anything I’m desperate. I bought a 06 mini S for my daughter after she graduated from HSch for her to go to college because that’s her dream car but I end up keeping it because of something is is making a loud noise always on first gear, I flushed motor, transmissions, break system, new tires, 3 different guys have worked on but they just end up charging me $200 each just to tell me there is nothing can be done. Can you or anyone help me please
If you really want to keep it, Go to someone who specializes in European cars. These cars are great when they are properly and fully maintenanced. I have one as my daily, but I do all my work on my own, so I save ALOT of money. If it wasnt for the fact I do my own work, i wouldn't be able to afford to pay someone to keep the maintenance up.
I’ve just bought one and I’ve realised that I’m going to have to do alot of work on them…
Nice.
cheers mate although its nice its time for this car to go on to someone else its been a fun car BUT it doesn't do well on my channel just like E46 everyone on here wants to see the more complex vehicles
Assume the mileage was rolled back.
Silicone doesn't soak heat as a rubber used by manufacturers specked rubber does. Also silicone can take more chemical abuse, oils, coolants, etc... "Cold air" intakes can also increase performance, just not as much as many like to believe. It all depends on an actual engineered design. Overall and again, the performance increase is not a huge factor as most like to believe. Usually a very minimal increase.
exactly that James thats why I done this mod for the car I believe its worth it especially with a supercharger
so basically replace everything lol. EHPS are very common to go. £600 electric pump lol
Hi guys I'm new too the mini world so I should get one with a 6 speed gearbox
Thanks for the info
I’m pretty sure they all had 6 speeds he might have got confused as all S’s upwards have 6 speed
The 05 and 06 has a 6 speed asin transmission, the manual is a 6 speed as well. The non-s models have the cvt transmissions.
I've always believe for any BMW or Mercedes product, use Michelin Tires. Other tires can be ok, but for a "Daily Driver", Michelin's are my personal choice. Winter tires however are a different choice and I like a certain Scandinavian tire brand.
yes mate but unfortunately this car has come to the end of the road for me time to get rid and move on to something a bit more newer these old cars aint for my channel
@@BMWDoctor I'm a US Bimmer Boy myself unles i have a Z car, I'll call it a Zimmer. 😁
Buying my mini cooper s r53 06 plate this weekend. Cant bloody wait. It's been remap to 220bhp. Any recommendations on parts, as it's been remapped. Great channel man.
Did you get your r53?
Great little cars....I'll be keeping my 06 R53 with LSD forever if I can! Not much comes close for bang per buck....or at least the ability to entertain for the money.
It's worth noting even the best cars will tend to have their issues and for any R50/R53 Mini to be A1 perfect is very rare. They have a penchant for leaking oil (from at least somewhere) and experience some issues due to the somewhat unique engineering that's gone into the car (some of it arguably clever for the time, but hasnt shown longevity....the power steering arrangement being one such thing). Even the youngest cars are hitting 14 years old so some of the issues just come with the territory unfortunately. Trim and some electricals can prove a bit fragile too. The tritec motor is pretty bomb proof though as long as you keep an eye on the fluids and nothing like the trouble the N14/N18 PSA lumps can be....not half as complex for one. They can stretch cam chains though (mine had one at 70k).
From personal experience, I would always say buy the newest car (preferably a facelift) with the best history you can justify shelling out for and dont be too deterred by higher mileage....a well cared for high mileage car will almost certainly have had many of the common issues sorted out. Nothing wrong with Pre facelift cars, but the facelifts are better IMHO (getrag gearboxes on the R50 in place of the chocolate Midlands box, teflon charger, shorter gearing and pops and bangs and prospect of GKN SuperDiff on the R53 being the main improvements I can think of).
Also dont be too scared off by tuned cars....so long as it's been done well/respectfully. Someone that's stuck a 17/19% pulley reduction on one without doing anything else (particularly the intercooler) is never a good sign. I'd say a 15%, with correct colder plugs is about right without any other supporting mods but personally IMHO a healthy facelift car is quick enough stock.
Agreed about the exhaust as well...the mild steel OE item is unreasonably expensive so going good quality stainless (for less money) for a better sound and a bit of a performance boost is a no brainer.
Hi mate I'm just looking into R53s and wondering is the LSD standard? If not are they easy to fit
@@HamzaQureshi561 hi mate, LSD option came in for the facelift car from some time in 2005 until end of production. It was a 150 quid option I believe on the basic Cooper S and a no cost option if you took the Chilli Pack. Surprisingly alot of Chilli pack cars were ordered without it as although it was free, you still had to tick the box when ordering which people didn't do and alot of people didn't spec it on the base cars despite it being cheap and making it better to drive. Its therefore a bit hit and miss whether a car will have the diff or not.
The run out Checkmate cars will definitely have the diff as it was part of that cars standard spec, though they are quite rare...also the interior is a bit unusual in them.
You can tell whether a car has (or should have) the diff by doing a VIN decode of the cars VIN number and the option 25% differential lock (option code something like 02TA cant remember off the top of my head) should be shown. The LSD equipped cars have a gearbox code BKL as well which should help determine if a car has one or not.
The diffs themselves are fairly basic torque sensing, clutch based units and only lock up to 25% or so, not really comparable a proper torsion geared diff like a quaife but a nice thing to have on the Mini.....theres a lot of torque available at low revs so definitely helps with off the line and corner traction 👍
@@allseeing357 thanks so much for the detailed answer, really helpful. Will definitely check as I keep looking for one :)
@@allseeing357 also about the oil leaks, I hear this and also the power steering fluid is a bit of a common issue but is it the kind of thing I could look at and fix myself? I'm going to try to do a lot of the servicing and upkeep myself hopefully to learn a few more mechanical skills
Let me help you here do NOT BE SCARED OF THIS CAR parts for this are very very very cheap 😂 you can get whole engine overhauled for less then £200 and as for power steering NO it don’t fail the FAN fails which is very very very easy to replace and cheap
Man if you are scared of this car breaking what the hell would you be like
With a BMW I dread to think of you looked at a BMW M5 like I have I think you would have heart attack
These suffer oil leaks yes but my friend this is MINI very very cheap cheap car like for not very rich people I bought this one for £1000 very cheap as the people looked desperate for money as most that own mini do not a very nice house , not dressed very well that was why I come out of mini as you never ever see that with BMW
Well not the BMWS I go for as there all rich people cars but that’s what got me away from mini I came out on top thank the lord I made my money back on that car and got rid never again
But but but one thing I will say is this mini is more reliable and more fun to drive then ANY BMW 320i or 318i
But never as good as a straight 6 or M car obviously
Geeza has it proper sussed
why r53 need to buy manual？i would like to using auto because manual when driving in my city are crazy jam
All you do is lift your foot up and these aren't stiff clutches
These seem to have so many issues! Kind of putting me off buying one
don't buy one buy a E93 M3 you will have more fun cheap and affordable to maintain as a daily car
BMW Doctor are they not worth buying? Found one with 58k miles on it for 3k near me. 06 plate cooper s
Sorry, but I cannot help my "Shits and Giggles" every single time you reference a BMW as a "BM". Medical term of BM, atleast herein the US is Bowle Movement... Shit. LMAO! 😂😂😂
yes mate thats what we call it here ni point keep saying bmw all the time or we call it the BIMMER OR THE ZIMMER
Wana come have a look at my mini lol 😂
That’s a R56
take a look at ur engine mount dude ;) goo job btw
My engine mount is fine ???? I had them both off no issues with my engine mounts
@@BMWDoctor 11:19 it seems to be leaking
these all black color underneath the mount =)
😂😂😂 bro that’s the camera quality trust me nothing wrong with my engine mount at all I’ve had this mount off already 3 times to replace the pulleys
I am not cheap if I thought it was messed up leaking or stopped performing trust me I would have already changed it this car is now finished and ready for sale to the new owner
I do not Care about costs on a car believe me I have no reason too whatever they need I do and the engine mount is a 5 min job so if it was leaking I sure as hell wouldn’t refuse to do it but it’s not leaking the camera looks all off colour on this video maybe i was in a too dark place but you will see on my next video it’s not leaking
UNLESS it had a leak prior to me buying it and it got sorted but here if they were shot it would fail MOT (INSPECTION)
here you can’t get away with not replacing parts
I cannot hear a word just mumbling but I can come to the conclusion this car is a certified POS.
You have to look for your bank account.
CHULADA DE CARRITOS.. MINI COUPER NUM "1"...
Is there anything you haven’t got to change
There full of issues
Money pits