Gen 1 MINI Cooper S Build - Rear Subframe Removal

This is the first of a series of videos showing the progress of my MINI Cooper S R53 rebuild. I am aiming for a daily driver, track-able car.

[@timothyshaner8926]

Looks like the car is a little wobbly on those jack stands. I'd go with stands with a bigger base

[@RegardingAutomobiles]

Great video, thanks! I was worried I would need to drop the fuel tank to get the subframe out.

[@davidwalter8553]

Think your car is very Unstable on those Small Jack stands and is Unsafe
Everytime you unbolt or tighten up an area that needs some leverage, the car car is rocking about.
I wouldn't trust putting the whole car up on those stands like that, certainly wouldn't want to get under it.
You need Axle Stands which have a bigger wider base- be Safe my Friend

[@benwalkingshaw2469]

Thanks for your concern mate, however I have tested these jackstands thoroughly and the car wobbles but will not fall off the jackstands and I have the wheels under the car just incase they break

[@JohnCarlyle]

Agreed, those stands are seriously scary!!
However, great video, very good camera angles, superb work.

[@klassiekerrallydotnl]

Those axle stands are really scary! Buy some less wobbly ones!

[@tinoruiz2726]

Donde se puede conseguir el material de repuesto que le vas a montar en el eje trasero?
Un saludo desde España y gracias 🙏 por el vídeo.

[@Janster-vk2ud]

Is it just me getting anxiety about those stands?

[@toddadams1105]

What solution did you come with for the broken stud? The one that snapped off when you removed the skid plate covering the muffler?

[@trackdriven]

I have now fitted my own guard made from aluminium sheet which is bolted into the battery box using captive rivnuts

[@mytek998]

What kind of electric heater were you using here 7:49 ? Nice videos the car looks great.

[@trackdriven]

Thank you! It's called an induction heater, it works much better as a more focused and fast way to put heat into a piece, although that but didn't budge with it

[@MePeterNicholls]

Gotta admit, the black on red looks gd. R53 owner here

[@MePeterNicholls]

At some point, the only thing left to do is clean up my rear subframe. But god what a job 😫

[@MePeterNicholls]

I’m envious of you having garage space

[@MePeterNicholls]

Also, sorry lol, I did rear trailing arm conversion to r56 aluminium. It’s a good one

[@lobopxo]

where did you buy the front grills?

[@trackdriven]

Front grills were from Neo Bros on eBay

[@bjrnharaldgjestvang9479]

Hi, thanks for your good instructional videos. I need to replace the badly rusted rear subframe/ axle carrier on my R52 convertible (2005, facelift). The convertible subframe har additional reinforcements to support the addition chassis tension struts that help stiffen the convertible body. It is hard to come by this part (OEM # 33316761716) in reasonable condition except from the US (but very costly shipping). However, when I look closely at the online original parts catalogue (BMW Mini ETK), the similar rear subframe part (OEM #33316779458) for the Gen.2/ R57 convertible (2007-on) looks completely identical. It even weighs the exact same (8.900 kg). Does anyone know whether these parts are interchangeable??? I know the trailing arms are interchangeable (they are in aluminium on the Gen.2 but steel on Gen.1) so it does seem probable. Has anyone tried this? Availability of the R57 part is naturally greater. Thanks for tips! Best regards Bjorn

[@toddadams1105]

Why did you remove the rear subframe?

[@trackdriven]

Just a general overhaul of bits, had it powdercoated while it was out too