[King Cooper]

Hi guys

Wasn't exactly sure where this post needed to go so forgive me if it's in the wrong place.


I am on the lookout for a used Mini Cooper S, having never owned a Mini before I have no knowledge whatsoever.

Can anyone shed any light on things I should look for when viewing used Mini Cooper S's? . Ideally I want it to be fairly tuneable performance wise.

Also is there downsides to the earlier 163bhp model?

Any help / advice is greatly appreciated.

Phil

[Richard Crofts]

Basically there is little difference between the 163 ealy S and the 170 later S. Obviously there is some power difference, and some options differences but nothing that special. The supercharger on the later 170 model is considered to be a bit stronger (same charger, just different coating on the fans in the charger unit) ... but my 163 has done over 50k with no mechanical issues (touch wood) and 20k has been on a high boost pulley and intake and manifold etc.

R

[kalv]

Just watch out for your usual... and see if the owner has recently had the alignment done just to make sure all the wheels are pointing in the right direction...

[BlueMax]

Biggest disadvantage of the 163hp pre-facelift model is the tall gear ratios. Significantly shorter ratios are used in the post facelift S and this provides better driveability in especially 1st and 2nd gear. It just feels more responsive. If you are going to mod, you will have more hp than the facelift models in any case and the more power you have the lesser the gear ratio disadvantage becomes. I have a pre-facelift MCS with the 210hp JCW upgrade - will be installing a GTT oversize crank pulley shortly to specifically have more torque available in the lower rev range - the area most influenced by the gear ratios. The facelift models are also of a higher build quality - if you can go for facelift.

[King Cooper]

thanks for the responses guys.

I'll have a budget of about £10,000 , is that a decent amount for a reasonable specced used cooper s?

Modding wise I want to up the bhp & torque mainly, I hear the pulley is the first thing to do?

[Richard Crofts]

pulley and colder spark plugs is a good first stop.

then intake and manifold

the intercooler with oil catch can

then crank pulley

then it gets really expensive

[Jimmyarm]

Quote: Originally Posted by King Cooper (original)

thanks for the responses guys.

I'll have a budget of about £10,000 , is that a decent amount for a reasonable specced used cooper s?

Modding wise I want to up the bhp & torque mainly, I hear the pulley is the first thing to do?

Thats about what I payed for my 02 MCS with Chilli pack from a Mini place with all the mini cherished bits that you get

Could have got it cheaper elsewhere but I wanted the warranty from them on it for peace of mind as its my first 'big bucks' car purchase.

You could pick up a JCW one for about that privately if you look about which is 210bhp out of the box

[King Cooper]

cool.

Also I've noticed on different pics that there seems to be 2 types of front grill, one with chrome slats & another with a black diamond mesh type?

I love the looks of the black mesh one, is there a name to identify this when looking in used ads?

cheers

Phil

[Suj999]

aero pack

[King Cooper]

cool , thanks guys.

Just got to sell my current car then can start the proper cooper s hunting.

[Crystal]

Bought my MCS 02 from BMW dealership. Its got extended TLC for another 3 yrs/heated seats/built in sat nav/zenons/leather seats/sunroof/auto air con etc etc. Paid £10500 and i absolutely LOVE it!!

[Crystal]

PS Notice your from Stafford....theres a show on at Sandon Hall in Stafford this Sunday 2nd Sept. You could go n take a look

[gingerjester]

Hi

Thanks for the explanation of the sepcific models. Are there specific extras which are worth looking for in a 2nd hand MCS from a performance view point? i've been looking for a MCS with LSD and DSC as i'd be planning to up the power. I'm aware there are better wheel/ tyre combinations as well.

Which are the best options to look out for in terms of performance and which are just nice to haves?

thanks

(if this should be a new thread or has been covered else where then apologies - its my first day)