Who here owns a Mini?

NVP · 19 Sep 2021 at 16:17

My original point was about people looking for the older model Cooper S's, not simply all mini owners. When after a nippy little old mini, why would you choose the inferior drivers car?

If you aren't after a drivers car then why at all go for an old mini S?

[TW]Fox · 19 Sep 2021 at 16:51

Le Clandestin Brun said:
My original point was about people looking for the older model Cooper S's, not simply all mini owners. When after a nippy little old mini, why would you choose the inferior drivers car?

If you aren't after a drivers car then why at all go for an old mini S?

If the only thing that matters is pure driving experience why buy a Mini at all? There exist other cars that are better as a pure drivers tool. The choice of a Mini therefore implies that it isn't simply pure driving thrill that appeals.

NVP · 19 Sep 2021 at 17:02

I kind of get your point, I just struggle to see the benefits of a mini otherwise.

magicroundabout · 5 Dec 2021 at 19:55

Wonder if any of you guys can help.
When I put my mini in reverse and the passenger side mirror adjusts to the kerb it points down too far.

Is there a way to adjust this and if so how?

Thanks in advance

Spleen Sauce · 5 Dec 2021 at 21:10

magicroundabout said:
Wonder if any of you guys can help.
When I put my mini in reverse and the passenger side mirror adjusts to the kerb it points down too far.

Is there a way to adjust this and if so how?

Thanks in advance

Put it into reverse, let it dip down and then adjust it using the controls to what you want to set it to. Put it into drive/1st and let it go back up. Does it save the setting?

magicroundabout · 5 Dec 2021 at 22:52

Spleen Sauce said:
Put it into reverse, let it dip down and then adjust it using the controls to what you want to set it to. Put it into drive/1st and let it go back up. Does it save the setting?

when I do that it controls the right mirror due the switch position to activate the reverse mirror angle

Spleen Sauce · 6 Dec 2021 at 09:07

magicroundabout said:
when I do that it controls the right mirror due the switch position to activate the reverse mirror angle

What year Mini do you have? If its an F56 (maybe older, you'd need to check) you could use BimmerCode with an OBD dongle/cable to code the dip angle.

magicroundabout · 6 Dec 2021 at 13:28

Spleen Sauce said:
What year Mini do you have? If its an F56 (maybe older, you'd need to check) you could use BimmerCode with an OBD dongle/cable to code the dip angle.

it's a 2019 Mini Cooper D

Master Skooter · 14 Jan 2022 at 13:23

Hi all

Late to the party

I need something a little more practical to replace my MX5, and like the Cooper S. Which year/model is the sweet spot please? Budget is >£5k.

Thanks!

Cleisthenes · 14 Jan 2022 at 13:31

I assume you meant less than £5k, if that's the case a late R53 (2004/5/6) would be what I'd be going for.

NVP · 14 Jan 2022 at 13:55

FYI I picked up a mint Facelift R53 (cruise control, chrono pack etc.) with 60k on the clock for £3k about this time last year. Fun little go-kart!

Master Skooter · 14 Jan 2022 at 16:54

Supercharge over turbo? What makes the older ones better, intrigued!

NVP · 14 Jan 2022 at 17:35

The R53 is smaller and lower giving it a real nimble go-kart handling style. The supercharger is more consistent as you go up the revs meaning you can always shift with more confidence knowing where your power will be. It is much more of a drivers car than the R56 Cooper S.

I suppose it all depends on what you're after, but seeing as you're changing from an mx-5 the R53 will be more of that style, just FWD.

Drive each and compare, I guarantee the R53 will put a bigger smile on your face. However, it's down to what you want and if you'd prefer the practicality of a bigger model I guess.

Master Skooter · 14 Jan 2022 at 18:09

Thanks for taking the time to reply, will go hunting for an R53!

Were there many optional extras?

_lecro_ · 14 Jan 2022 at 18:12

You dont need optional extras when the whine comes for free

NVP · 14 Jan 2022 at 19:55

Master Skooter said:
Thanks for taking the time to reply, will go hunting for an R53!

Were there many optional extras?

Not really.

Chrono Pack is definitely useful.
They say the Chilli Pack adds all you need but if you go for the face-lift you get an LSD as standard anyway (you can check by seeing if the toggle switch for traction is ASC rather than DSC(?))
Cruise control is beneficial for longer journeys.
Heated seats are a bit meh compared to modern ones.
You can get integrated Nav but then it screws up Chrono Pack.
Erm... not sure what else. I think some got a sub in the boot, but easy to retrofit or add your own.

Master Skooter · 14 Jan 2022 at 21:38

Le Clandestin Brun said:
Not really.

Chrono Pack is definitely useful.
They say the Chilli Pack adds all you need but if you go for the face-lift you get an LSD as standard anyway (you can check by seeing if the toggle switch for traction is ASC rather than DSC(?))
Cruise control is beneficial for longer journeys.
Heated seats are a bit meh compared to modern ones.
You can get integrated Nav but then it screws up Chrono Pack.
Erm... not sure what else. I think some got a sub in the boot, but easy to retrofit or add your own.

Thanks man

Master Skooter · 15 Jan 2022 at 13:49

Le Clandestin Brun said:
FYI I picked up a mint Facelift R53 (cruise control, chrono pack etc.) with 60k on the clock for £3k about this time last year. Fun little go-kart!

All the ones I’ve found are around £5k! :cry:

NVP · 15 Jan 2022 at 14:25

No way. I suppose its becoming a classic, but also used prices atm are a bit ridiculous.

Master Skooter · 15 Jan 2022 at 15:56

Maybe I just buy this and be done

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12779624