Hi

We have owned a couple of minis in the past and are considering coming back again.

Previously we bought a brand new mini one (2001) and year old cooper s (2005). Now due to a new arrival we are going second hand again and have spotted a local dealer selling a cooper s jcw which looks lovely. Only potential problem is the milage at 92000.

What should I look out for? Read about clutches needing replacement and supercharger bearings (what are the symptoms?). Anything else we should consider?

Thanks


Mike

1. Power steering pump noises
2. Clutch
3. Clutch thrust bearing noise
4. SuperCharger rattle
5. Even wear on tyres

There is nothing that would worry me about buying a 92,000 mile old R53 Cooper S, as long as it has a proper service history.

Budget for a new supercharger at 100,000 miles and exchange the coolant header tank for something a little less likely to split that the standard one and then roll on to 200,000 miles...

So you believe that at 100,000 miles the supercharger will need to be replaced or rebuilt? Is this a normal service interval or is this based on personal experience? I ask as I have been looking at higher mileage S's as my first Cooper.

Average projected life of a Supercharger is 100-120,000 miles but of course some last much longer and some less and it depends on what noises you find acceptable before replacement.

I also have a Mercedes C200K which needed a new supercharger at 110k but may well have gone on longer if I had been willing to take a chance and ignore bearing rumble noises! Good news is they are fairly easy to replace as mostly external parts and with Mini's there are usually some good used superchargers on sale cheaper than new/recon.

So you believe that at 100,000 miles the supercharger will need to be replaced or rebuilt? Is this a normal service interval or is this based on personal experience? I ask as I have been looking at higher mileage S's as my first Cooper.

Pretty much what mab01uk said :smile:

If looked after this engine and gearbox will run and run and I'd have no hesitation in buying a well looked after high miler and the putting some serious mileage on it! ;)