High Mileage Cooper S

[mbrain]

Hi,
I'm thinking of buying a MCS. Having previously owned one of the first MINI One D's I'm looking at coming back!!

Can anyone offer me any advice as to what to look for....potential pitfalls, common problems. I'm looking at a 2003 most probably with a CHILI pack.

Many thanks

[Nebdingo]

Just be picky mate...

theres LOTS to choose from, if your not sure, walk away!

Mine is a 53 plate (03) with 31K. cant say Ive had any problems apart from a few dead pixels on the stereo which Sytner changed under warranty.

Obviously go for one with TLC with dealer stamp.

As of pitfalls, The earlly MCS had icky gearboxes, but I would have thought most would have been sorted out by now. other than that cant say I know of any tho Im sure others here will advise you accordingly.

[mbrain]

Cheers Mate.

I have read a few threads about dodgy clutches as well.

I'm looking at something with around 80K on.

[ALD0]

Mine has 54k and had the clutch fly wheel problem, when I sell mine I will be advertising this as a selling point, this because I have read too many stories about other peoples going.

Other than that just check for the usual wear and tear items

[3rdpillar]

mines on 64k , runing strong and sweet.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I had a flywheel exchanged on mine, but that was faulty from new and was swapped at 5,000 miles.

17,000 miles later and no problems and it feels like it will go on forever, but it's still early days. Ask me again in another 4 or 5 years! (should be running it to waaay over 100,000 miles!)

I've not been aware of any particular problems with the R53 MCS coming to light over the 3 1/2 years that I've been on Mini2. It seems to be a very tough, over engineered, engine that should go on and on....

Just check the usual items that you would on any high mileage car: wheel bearings / shock absorbers / CV joints / steering column bushes (come to think of it, steering columns have caused problems) / oil contamination with coolant (mayonaise on the dipstick) / radiator condition / exhaust and exhaust hanger brakets / accident damage.

With so many low mileage used MCS's around, will you really be saving enough on the high mileage one to make it worth while buying it?

Tigger.

PS: The superchargers are specced for a life of around 100,000 mies, so budget for one of those before too long.

[himagain]

My 02 S (campany car thank god) was sold at 80K. Althou it was built in 02 it was slowly rebuilt over the next 4 years;

New:-


engine wiring loom
Clutch fault
Fan fault
ECU to fix fan fault
both door handles
rear latch
passenger wiring loom
discs all round (probably my fault)
rear hatch seal
clutch fault again!!!
seat recliner stuck

and not to forget a new steering column

My advice is stay away from the early ones.

On the brighter side I loved the car and now have a r56 s. I guess I got a Friday afternoon build

David

[PmP]

50,000 up on my 04 S, check for leaking Engine mounts, these items are not your ordinary rubber mount, they are oil lubricated, a sealed unit and if its leaking its a throw away item. Not a cheap fix either.

[Fizzoid]

Hi! New here, but I've been looking at a high mileage 52 plate MCS, full history, but 114k on the clock. Test drove it, and it seems to drive ok (apart from pulling to the left but it had a puncture which will be fixed). Should I walk away due to the mileage, or should anything that needs replacing been done already? Is the supercharger coming to the end of it's life?

[Hugo]

Take 3 or 4 out for a test drive just so you get a feel for an S. you should take into account how long your planning to keep it for.

[ALD0]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fizzoid (original)

Hi! New here, but I've been looking at a high mileage 52 plate MCS, full history, but 114k on the clock. Test drove it, and it seems to drive ok (apart from pulling to the left but it had a puncture which will be fixed). Should I walk away due to the mileage, or should anything that needs replacing been done already? Is the supercharger coming to the end of it's life?

How much is it firstly?
It is worded that the supercharger usually lasts for around £100k, these come up for sale on Ebay, not as much as they used to mind since the JCW conversion was done at the factory and not the dealerships

[Hugo]

Quote: Originally Posted by ALD0 (original)

How much is it firstly?
It is worded that the supercharger usually lasts for around £100k, these come up for sale on Ebay, not as much as they used to mind since the JCW conversion was done at the factory and not the dealerships

Sorry but I would like to pay £100k for supercharger unless its giving me a 1000BHP.

[Fizzoid]

Quote: Originally Posted by ALD0 (original)

How much is it firstly?
It is worded that the supercharger usually lasts for around £100k, these come up for sale on Ebay, not as much as they used to mind since the JCW conversion was done at the factory and not the dealerships

It's up for £6990 and he's offered a decent price for my 7 series which I want to trade in. Interior looks like it's had kids in, with a few pen\crayon marks and a few scuffs and such, but most of it can be cleaned up. I'm more concerned about it mechanically, with it averaging 20k miles a year. How much have the superchargers been fetching?
Edit; Just seen this on ebay
Mini BMW Eaton Supercharger + Cylinder Head power M45, is that the one?

[oldnell]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fizzoid (original)

Hi! New here, but I've been looking at a high mileage 52 plate MCS, full history, but 114k on the clock. Test drove it, and it seems to drive ok (apart from pulling to the left but it had a puncture which will be fixed). Should I walk away due to the mileage, or should anything that needs replacing been done already? Is the supercharger coming to the end of it's life?

Personally, I'd walk away. Or run.

[edit] Now you've said the price, I'd definitely run.

Oli

[Fizzoid]

How come, too expensive?