Hey guys, pleasure to be on here as a new member although I am yet to buy a mini. I would really appreciate some assistance. I wish to buy a 2007/2008 cooper S. what should I be looking for in the way of servicing, engine maintenance and elec faults ? I hear timing chain and water pump a must... Mileage wise I'm looking for anything up to say 80,000 miles.
Get the VIN# and have Mini pull a workshop history to see what has been done by the dealership and if any recall work has been completed (eg: Timing Chain and Tensioner). Best to search this forum for all the common issues on the Gen 2 and have a darn good read, then look at costs for common repairs if you cant DIY, also any additional specific tools required if you can DIY. Any work done outside of a dealership wont be on record so ask for receipts for any independent work done. Consider looking for a 2006 Gen 1, more robust engine with less issues and easier to work on, main weak points on the Gen 1 is the Super Charger PTO and Power Steering Pump, all fixable as DIY. Consider buying a decent OBD tool (not generic rubbish) iCarsoft i910, Autocom (search Ebay), BM Cables OBD cable with software (bmcables.com) to name a few and a Bentley Manual.
Consider looking for a 2006 Gen 1, more robust engine with less issues and easier to work on, main weak points on the Gen 1 is the Super Charger PTO and Power Steering Pump, all fixable as DIY.
Agree with Milpol. If you are looking at 2007 which is Gen2, look at 2006 for a Gen1. It is easy to assume the 'newer' model is better. It isn't and it is nothing like as nice, rewarding to drive.
Generation 1 R53 all day long. It is much more fun to drive and less problematic plus the sound of the supercharger is ace! I personally wouldn't touch any petrol generation 3 with a barge pole.
Ummm, Jason, think this advice is pretty conclusive::smile::
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