Who here owns a Mini?

[Gaygle]

Had a bit of free time today, and the sun was out, so once I got over my fear of working on cars in the cold, I cracked on with a few bits. Like all R53's, mine had a small leak from the crankshaft position sensor O-ring. A £3 part (I know, still daylight robbert for an O-ring!) meant that I had to take the whole front end off. Whilst I was at it, I also gave it a coolant flush and an oil change.

It wasn't too bad a job to do actually - in fact it was quite a nice one! Nothing was rusted solid, everything was relatively easy to access and the sun kept me warm. I follow a guy on Youtube called ModMini who does absolutely brilliant videos of work he does on his R53, so watched that a few times and got on with it! As I said previously, it was plastic bumper, then metal bumper, then aircon radiator, then engine radiator/fan assembly. Once all this was off - changing the crankshaft o-ring was a doddle. The area around the CCS was very dirty with oil residue and this continued down the front of the engine. I was running out of time so didn't really have enough time to clean it all up, which I would have liked to have done. A few pics:

 

[ScottyJKB]

The way I see it, the Chili pack is a must, and the Tech pack seems pretty decent too. They're on our must have list, but is there anything else I should consider?

The MCS gets my vote.

I think you've pretty much nailed it with the chilli pack. If the option was there when I brought my MCS I definitely would have brought the tech pack as well - it looks absolutely quality. I honestly don't believe there is anything 'glaringly obvious' on the spec sheet that you're missing, it's all personal preference mate. Saying that, got to admit the heated seats are bloody brilliant on these freezing cold mornings!!

 

[Gaygle]

My girlfriend is after a new car, and has her heart set on the latest Mini.

It's either a toss up between the Cooper (1.5 petrol), or the Cooper S (so I can enjoy it at the weekend). We test drove both today, actually took the standard Cooper out for a two hour test drive by ourselves which was pleasant. Never had that before from a dealership, but that's not really relevant here...

What I'm perplexed on, being completely new to Mini's, is where and what to go for. There's such a lot of options (which I knew they were infamous for) that I really don't want to slip up and have a glaring omission from the spec sheet.

The way I see it, the Chili pack is a must, and the Tech pack seems pretty decent too. They're on our must have list, but is there anything else I should consider?

Nice to haves are;

Electric folding mirrors
Comfort access (she's a teacher, carrying copious amounts of bags and books to the car, would come in helpful)
Pano roof
Heated seats

Anything else worth bothering with? Things like the adaptive dampers and sport suspension make me wonder if they're worth getting?

Any advice on the F56 is more than welcome. A little background is that she'll be doing 6,000 miles a year, mainly as a commuting tool and not much else. I've noticed they've included a delivery charge of £495 and the service pack price of £399 in a finance quote, they both seem excessive?

At the moment we're looking at both new and used, but this used one seems like a good buy (only it's missing comfort access);

https://www.approvedusedminis.co.uk/car-details/

Apologies for the sporadic post however after spending a few hours in a Mini dealership your mind can go a little awry! Honestly, any helpful tips would be great. I'd probably take a bank loan out for a used one. The dealership kept asking me about the monthly cost I was looking for, I don't think they realise I don't care (to a point), overall cost is the only relevant factor.

Seconded on the MCS. Have you tried looking on websites like broadspeed and drivethedeal?

I would say must haves in 2016 are the Tech pack, Media pack and sport auto transmission. Personally, I would also have the following:-

- Auto dimming int. mirror
- JCW roof spoiler
- VDC
- Smokers pack (adds a 12v connector)
- Heated seats
- Heated front windscreen

 

[wingman]

Brilliant, thanks guys!

I found a used Cooper S on the Mini site, here;

https://www.approvedusedminis.co.uk/car-details/

It had pretty much everything and more. I'd have sorted the black alloys but other than that, pretty much fully loaded. Heart set on it and everything...

Only for Mini to call me today and say it's gone. It's happened twice now, I take it they don't update the site all too often

If the link doesn't work, this is what it had;

• 17" Cosmos Spoke alloy wheels in black
• Chili Pack
• Colour Line - Glowing Red
• Comfort Access System
• Cruise control with brake function
• Darkened rear glass
• Driving Assistant Pack
• Electric folding exterior mirrors
• Front centre armrest
• Harman Kardon Hi-Fi system
• Heated front windscreen
• John Cooper Works roof spoiler
• John Cooper Works sport leather steering
• LED fog lights
• LED headlights and daytime running light
• Media Pack XL
• Metallic paint
• MINI Connected
• MINI Connected XL
• MINI Head-up Display
• Panoramic electric glass sunroof
• Park Distance Control. rear
• Rear view camera
• Roof and mirrors caps in black
• Seat heating for driver and front passen
• Variable Damper Control
• TLC package

Gutted it has gone.

Also, the girlfriend is dead set on a manual. As I have an auto M135i, a manual Cooper S to play with at the weekend isn't a bad idea at all

 

[Jonnycoupe]

Look at the link you have posted....



Mines in for service (R60 MCS), just got the nice inspection video emailed, fluid changed as part of TLC. Quote for new pads and discs £450! No thanks, parts look around £130.

 

[Gaygle]

Ah rubbish.

Don't worry - plenty of Minis out there!

I must admit - i'm a bit smitten with my R53. It's better than I ever thought it'd be and I'm in the unexpected situation now where I find myself enjoying driving it more than my M3. It's just so much fun and is an absolute hoot to drive.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

Look at the link you have posted....



Mines in for service (R60 MCS), just got the nice inspection video emailed, fluid changed as part of TLC. Quote for new pads and discs £450! No thanks, parts look around £130.

You can knock them down a lot on disc/pads, my wife's is in today and it needs new pads they originally quoted £160 but doing it for £90 in the end which I didn't think was too bad as the pads are around £50.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

Mini garage want to keep the car for another day to investigate a gearbox oil leak, sounds expensive but luckily under warranty.

We didn't have a courtesy car but they are dropping off a Mini JCW hatch later on which seems like good service. That will be getting a proper drive later on hopefully it doesn't start snowing.

 

[Gaygle]

Mini garage want to keep the car for another day to investigate a gearbox oil leak, sounds expensive but luckily under warranty.

We didn't have a courtesy car but they are dropping off a Mini JCW hatch later on which seems like good service. That will be getting a proper drive later on hopefully it doesn't start snowing.

What Mini have you got? Is it a manual gearbox car?

 

[[TW]Fox]

Only for Mini to call me today and say it's gone. It's happened twice now, I take it they don't update the site all too often

They stay on the site until they are collected, which is annoying as there can be several weeks between deposit down and car collected.

Looked like a nice car. The GF has been thinking about moving from her 2012 Cooper to an F56 ever since we got one for the weekend as a loan car and took it on a trip. It's a big improvement.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

What Mini have you got? Is it a manual gearbox car?

It's a manual Countryman JCW, the wife took the call so didn't get a lot of details they want to drain the oil to see how much it's lost if it's dropped below the minimum level they want to replace the gearbox.

She thought they said it was leaking from a solenoid valve but I can't think what that would do on a manual box.

 

[Gaygle]

It's a manual Countryman JCW, the wife took the call so didn't get a lot of details they want to drain the oil to see how much it's lost if it's dropped below the minimum level they want to replace the gearbox.

She thought they said it was leaking from a solenoid valve but I can't think what that would do on a manual box.

What was wrong with it which gave you cause to take it in?

Jeez, dealers and repairs. I love how they replace major components at the drop of a hat. There isn't *many* places a manual gearbox can leak is there? If it's not from the driveshaft seals or the fill/drain plugs then that's about it isn't it?

 

[Dangerous Dave]

What was wrong with it which gave you cause to take it in?

Jeez, dealers and repairs. I love how they replace major components at the drop of a hat. There isn't *many* places a manual gearbox can leak is there? If it's not from the driveshaft seals or the fill/drain plugs then that's about it isn't it?

It was in for a service, I generally have a good look about the engine bay when checking the engine oil etc and hadn't notice anything or any oil on the drive.

I agree I can't think of many places it can leak from. I will try and speak to them tomorrow although they have said they will send a video of the issue.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

Turns out the issue is with the transfer box for the 4wd system leaking from the propshaft seal. Also a small leak from the engine oil control solenoid, a quick google only brings the issue up in a few American cars but nothing for UK cars although I expect the ALL4 models are fairly rare.

I did notice in the warranty book only the comprehensive level covers resolution of oil leaks with the named component and drive line cover specifically excluding it.

 

[NoNameNoNumber]

Gaygle, I wish I had a nosey around my TB now... had it off a couple of weeks ago as I wanted to check my BPV... had a new one from BMW ready to go on but mine felt good. The spring felt just as strong in mine as it did i the new one so sent that back and saved the cash.

That CPS o-ring is a right pain aint it... Again, wish I had replaced mine when I've had it in pieces, definitly a lot of work for the sake of a £3 part but saying that I have a weep on my sump pan gasket... The AC etc all has to come off to change that so maybe i'll get it all set for fixing both leaks at the same time

 

[Dangerous Dave]

Turns out the issue is with the transfer box for the 4wd system leaking from the propshaft seal. Also a small leak from the engine oil control solenoid, a quick google only brings the issue up in a few American cars but nothing for UK cars although I expect the ALL4 models are fairly rare.

I did notice in the warranty book only the comprehensive level covers resolution of oil leaks with the named component and drive line cover specifically excluding it.

Looks like the final bill for this is going to be around 5k (thankfully under the extended warranty). The transfer box issue seems very rare but Mini released a TSB for the oil control solenoid earlier this year as it has an issue where oil leaks and wicks up the wiring loom into the ECU if this happens it needs replaced along with the wiring loom. The oil has made it all the way up to the ECU with our car so needs replaced, the part alone is 1k.

In America they have issued a recall but in the UK it is only to check for the leak during services. If caught early a new solenoid and modified wiring loom is required to resolve the issue.

 

[Gaygle]

Gaygle, I wish I had a nosey around my TB now... had it off a couple of weeks ago as I wanted to check my BPV... had a new one from BMW ready to go on but mine felt good. The spring felt just as strong in mine as it did i the new one so sent that back and saved the cash.

Luckily the TB isn't too much hassle to get out. The right tool to do up those Clic-R clips though is worth it's weigh in gold! So many less swear words were invented as a result. I forgot to check my BPV when I had it off, but I've got to replace a cracked intake pipe soon so i'll do it then. No reason to suspect that it's faulty though.

That CPS o-ring is a right pain aint it... Again, wish I had replaced mine when I've had it in pieces, definitly a lot of work for the sake of a £3 part but saying that I have a weep on my sump pan gasket... The AC etc all has to come off to change that so maybe i'll get it all set for fixing both leaks at the same time

Yeah, it's a bit of a PITA being behind *everything*, but luckily it's actually a nice job to do, especially if you have an impact wrench. For reference - getting it on jack stands was the most annoying thing!

I may have to take the front end off again though because I may need to replace the fan as I think, like with all R53's, my low speed fan has failed. I'll do the dipstick tube O-ring at the same time. There was a lot of oil residue all over the front of the engine so was quite hard to see where it had all cover from. I believe some had come from the CPS o-ring, but some had also come from the dipstick tube o-ring. If you do it - it's probably best to get both o-rings whilst you've got everything in bits.

Looks like the final bill for this is going to be around 5k (thankfully under the extended warranty). The transfer box issue seems very rare but Mini released a TSB for the oil control solenoid earlier this year as it has an issue where oil leaks and wicks up the wiring loom into the ECU if this happens it needs replaced along with the wiring loom. The oil has made it all the way up to the ECU with our car so needs replaced, the part alone is 1k.

Cor, that's the one thing that's good about the warranty - if they can confirm a fault they'll replace large, expensive parts without blinking an eye. Unfortunately, if you're paying, they'll still do the same!

In fairness, they probably could have just replaced the control solenoid and cleaned everything else, but meh, if you're not paying, who cares!

 

[tweedbean]

Well if you are after a fast well spec'd F56, I fully recommend this one, currently for sale

http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f22...i-cooper-s-thunder-grey-modifications-145890/

 

[wingman]

So today me and my partner bought this Cooper S;



Spec;

• 18" Cone Spoke alloy wheels in silver
• Chili Pack
• Colour Line - Satellite Grey
• Cruise control with brake function
• Electric folding exterior mirrors
• Front centre armrest
• Harman Kardon Hi-Fi system
• John Cooper Works roof spoiler
• LED fog lights
• LED headlights and daytime running light
• Media Pack XL
• MINI Connected XL
• MINI Head-up Display
• Panoramic electric glass sunroof
• Park Distance Control. rear
• Seat heating for driver and front passen

Missing a couple of things I wanted but managed to compromise in the end.

Won't be picking it up until the end of the month but thoroughly enjoyed the test drive (third one we've had now), my girlfriend is excited but I think I'm not far behind!

 

[--Mike--]

Took my R56 JCW to Bedford for a trackday last week. According to the weather, it was supposed to be a dry and relatively warm day ~12c. It turned out to be a bit different - cooler and a lot wetter!

Nevertheless, it was a good day. PS4 tyres were up to the job, BC coilovers set to stiff, and we were having fun.

Been to Bedford twice now although in two different cars, so I need to try some other tracks soon.

Bedford Trackday Nov 16 by mikeoakley80, on Flickr[/IMG]

Bedford Trackday Nov 16 by mikeoakley80, on Flickr[/IMG]

Bedford Trackday Nov 16 by mikeoakley80, on Flickr[/IMG]