My 2005 R53 was my first car, and I still drive it. I've had to learn to do repairs (brakelines rusted, rotors, calipers had to be changed, the exhaust rusted away, the timing chain tensioner has been replaced three times, engine damper broke and some other stuff). I will never sell it, and I love it more than ever. Best car I've ever driven.
I had a 2004 R53 Cooper S, for 3 months. I had an accident and hit a barrier at 70mph. It crumpled to half its size but me and my passenger survived with only minor injuries. I'm thinking about buying another one. It was a great car whilst I had it, I loved the interior and the styling and of course the supercharger whine!
Woah, sounds scary, but so glad to hear you both escaped with only minor injuries! If you get another one, I hope you have better fortune with the car this time round! Thanks for watching.
Excellent review - you summarized it perfectly in the last couple minutes. Car manufacturing in the early 2000's was the perfect amalgamation of modern tech, timeless understated styling, and raw driving experience. I hope that one day things will return to this standard, however it looks doubtful with the rise of electric vehicles and influence of technology. I'm very happy to own a piece of history in my 2003 JCW - I'll never sell!
I had a r50 for 3 years and, in general, was a good conmuter once little congenital problems were fixed. Now, i have a r53 since 2020 and only can say is a better car and better build, reliable and easy to maintain.
Just retired my 2006 R50 after 16 years. Trying to get excited about one of the newer minis - so glad to read you find them better over-all. Beautiful little car though.
Great review! I bought a 2005 Mini One with 78,000 miles last summer, my first car for 14 years. I always liked the look of them since they came out. So much fun! In fact, I'm loving it so much I'm upgrading to a 2005 S, and will give the One to my son.
Had my 2004 R50 for 2 years now, the same expected problems but nothing devastating touch wood. I will say they are much, much more fun to drive on 15" wheels, the 17s I had on it crippled acceleration and the cornering fun and makes the steering super heavy.
It's weird. As long as overall diameter is equal(+-3%) to the original it should be no big difference. Unless the 17"s are much more heavier than stock rims.
Proud owner of.a 2006 R52 red convertible with only 70k miiles, standard transmission, and excellent condition. Got it for a bargain price last month as my daily and loving it every single day! Such a fun car to drive and very bold on the roads! Never thought I would like ia mini so much tbh.
I have a 2004 S with 26K miles. I am thinking about trading or selling in exchange for a 2013 JCW converible. That will be the last Mini I buy because it's gotten too far away from the original. Selling my 2004 for $6800 firm if interested. Car is in Illinois.
It was definitely a car persons car, they were built to be fun lil toys or an amazing daily and even a track toy, they're just amazing lil cars and I love them so much
This generation of Mini is easy to dismiss, but once you've driven/owned one, they just get so under your skin. I've driven alot of cars over the years, some faster (considerably so) but in terms of driving enjoyment, its the R53 (specifically, though the R50's are brilliant) is the only car I never wanted to part with/give back (forced redundancy meant it had to go). After many years of wanting one and not having one I went through 3 in fairly quick succession....a 2005 Cooper hatch, 2006 Cooper S hatch followed by a 2005 One Convertible with a remap (bit more power than the Cooper hatch but of course heavier) and loved every single one of them, but the R53 I just was always looking for an excuse to just drive it. I also think the convertibles are also massively overlooked.....near as damn it as good to drive as the regular car, but with that clever roof really does add another dimension to the Mini experience......that said I was always waiting for that complicated roof to pack up on me, thankfully it never did 😀 The R53 is also an immense platform for tuning if thats your thing....the old Pentagon motors in S form can take big power/be converted to Turbo quite readily....even a pulley change extracts quite a bit more power and makes an already quite quick little car quite a bit quicker still. The 05 on facelifts are the way to go though, they rounded off the earlier cars rough edges and arent quite the "when will it break again" ownership proposition the earlier cars are...I say not quite because reliability wise they can suffer from numerous niggles even good cars.
Great points and under the skin for sure. I've had 3 R50s and weirdly I kind of hated driving them, heavy steering mainly. Had a R56 D loaner once and loved that. So here I am again thinking about another but why ohh why. 😂
Definitely look at getting a Sprintbooster - fitted one to my R53 recently and the difference when you switch it on is like night and day ! And that supercharger whine 👌🏼
Great video, im hoping your right about the scarcity and value as I bought a r53 jcw for my daily and something people will admire in years to come. It gets great attention at car shows as people just love these little cars.
Really enjoyed this review. Keep up the good work. As another commenter mentioned, a Sprint Booster (or similar device) will dramatically change the character of the car, making it feel much sharper and faster (although it doesn't actually add horsepower). I've owned a 2005 R50 from new and have had a Sprint Booster on it for years: installed it and set it to the most aggressive mode and haven't touched it since. If you're only going to make one modification, this is the one I'd make.
Don’t bother with these, they do nothing but tell the car you’re pressing the pedal harder than you are. Just press the pedal down if you want to go faster.
I owned an R56 turbo. 2012. Great car. The N18 engine was superb. They get a bad reputation for the earlier models but I really lucked out with the best car I’ve ever owned. I shouldn’t have sold it!! Ironically I have the chance to buy it back but I don’t really have the money right now. But they are so fun!!
I live in Santa Barbara, CA, and finally found the right R53 for me. 79k miles, fresh clutch and cooling system, and it's an Astro Black checkmate edition.
6 year owner with 130k. You hit it right on the nose with the throttle response, starts to feel a little more sloppy with more HP. I hear alot of good things about peddle mods like Sprintbooster alleviating the dampened feeling. Gonna give it a go and see how it feels.
Understanding that this is a review for the S version, but as a 6 year owner of the JCW model R53, I've never felt throttle response was anything but immediate and precise, and has only been livened the more HP I add to it (sitting at 241 bhp). I've never driven an R53 S for comparison, but maybe looking at the improvements made to the JCW might help - Larger injectors, reduced SC pulley, bored cylinder head, free flowing air box, colder plugs, a tune. The last item probably being the most crucial for throttle response - You definitely need to tune these cars to get them dialed. The canned JCW tune is good, but of course nothing relative to a professional tune after you've added all the go fast bits. I would also add a lightweight flywheel. I went with the Valeo single mass clutch/ flywheel conversion. You could go much lighter, but daily drivability and chatter may become a nuisance. Also, the exhaust note and engine noise is incredible with the JCW exhaust when you add a RMW header (leave the resonator in place). Only a touch louder while idling and cruising over stock, but a banshee when the pedal is mashed.
Have had 2 and love them: its the best version of the new mini and surely a future classic. You are right about the engine note: it is course but you get used to it. They are also very thirsty but the pluses out weigh the negatives....
I notice the throttle response in the mini every time I drive it especially compared to my 85 supra it's still nice to drive but that's the only thing that lets me down a bit
You can tune that out if you're actually wanting that bit gone There's a few cheap ways to initially fix that though Mostly a different pulley setup makes it pick up way better almost feels like its geared better Speaking of that if you have an 03-04 Cooper s that might be why as they had a wayyyyyyyy longer geared gearbox compared to the changes on the 05-06 Best years to get unannounced HP bump over the the 03-04 Cooper s The 05-06 Cooper s cars also got the forged jcw rods and pistons Also the supercharger used the same coating as the jcw which used either a grey or black coating compared to the less efficient coating on the cooper s cars from 03-04 Also gearbox just is spaced so much better in the lci
There are so many neglected r53s out there that need saving, once you've done one it's really not even that difficult to do a full overhaul as they are very predictable in what maintenance will be neglected. I've rescued a few but I have to admit my next one will hopefully be an original low mileage example. Wonderful cars.
I have a 2004 JCW that I've taken the back seats out of. 70,000 miles----I really love it----new rack and steering pump at 65,000 so it handles very well----lots of room in the back now
Some JCW type upgrades and that throttle dampness will disappear. The power band increases with higher rpms 25-100% throttle inputs in a very linear fashion. All those standard parts need to be upgraded and the DME and drive by wire feedback adapts quickly. The map sensor is rated up to 4.0L engines. Don’t deprive yourself and spend the funds for the modifications. Especially the Intercooler.
Just a reduced pulley, and a larger intercooler, with the back seats folded, loads of room. Going to LeMans this year in mine. 59000 miles on mine 2003. Going up in price, get rid of the runflats.
Thanks for the video! My second car is also a 205 and I'm looking for basically a modern, daily drivable 205 experience. Had a 106 for this purpose for some time but the previous owner's workshop unfortunately ruined the car. R56 Cooper S is so horribly unreliable that I think an R53 might be the better option.
Great review . I’m pleased you mentioned that the throttle response on the R53 isn’t that great. That would definitely put me off buying one . I had an auto Mercedes SLK but had to get rid of it because I really didn’t like the poor throttle response , despite it having 276 bhp . The R56 Cooper S has very good throttle response , especially with sport button on 😊.
Everything feels damped after a 205 lol even in their day they were renowned for being sharp and twitchy. Really want to like the new mini and I do like the way it looks but know several owners who have had big issues and that has made me cautious about taking the plunge
I think if you can find a well taken care of, 05-06 year example they are reliable. Alot have been abused and not well looked after unfortunately. Just look at the shear amount of R53 vids on youtube with all bent up radiator and IC fins with rust everywhere. Be extra cautious if the previous owner modified the car, even a pulley.
It certainly helps if you are, or know someone, mechanically minded. A friend was able to help me with the steering pump and I've no doubt it saved a much larger bill at a garage!
Ok everyone. Looking for a fun, cheapish, next daily driver. Convince me R53 or R56. 2 door/6 speed is all I need and the car will not be tracked. Just want something fun, reliable, and cheaper than the auto Veloster N I will be selling. Thanks in advance!
I like the new Mini I own an F56 and I still can't tell the difference between an R56 and R53, the F56 is a bit easier to tell, and the latest LCI-2 F56 is very easy to spot, but I like the idea of this continuation of design and the fact they've managed to keep a Mini-esque vibe.
I had a 2005 mini, most fun car I ever had. But I don’t recommend them unless you are a good mechanic. Took mine to an oil place to have it looked at. No one, not even the manager knew how to start it. Was hard to find tires for it, just hard to find anyone to work on it. Even called BMW and they don’t even work on them they said. Just not worth it unless you know about them.
@@debbiepeter112 yeah, weird story. There's nothing abnormal or challenging about starting these vehicles. They're also not challenging vehicles to service for your average mechanic. They've been around forever and sold really well, most mechanics have worked on these cars at least a dozen times. And BMW, of course, will service their product (not well, mind you - find a reputable independent specialist).
I experienced the same thing with BMW service. They even could not give me an information about what oil must be used for supercharger, needless to say they refused to do supercharger service.
My 2005 R53 was my first car, and I still drive it. I've had to learn to do repairs (brakelines rusted, rotors, calipers had to be changed, the exhaust rusted away, the timing chain tensioner has been replaced three times, engine damper broke and some other stuff). I will never sell it, and I love it more than ever. Best car I've ever driven.
Just wear items matey.
I had a 2004 R53 Cooper S, for 3 months. I had an accident and hit a barrier at 70mph. It crumpled to half its size but me and my passenger survived with only minor injuries. I'm thinking about buying another one. It was a great car whilst I had it, I loved the interior and the styling and of course the supercharger whine!
Woah, sounds scary, but so glad to hear you both escaped with only minor injuries! If you get another one, I hope you have better fortune with the car this time round! Thanks for watching.
I crashed my r53 TWICE! I have damn near $12 grand in fixing it. Don't care...would fix it till it can't be fixed.
This is legitimately one of the best automobiles ever made (or will ever be made)
That is the disturbing-terrifying, sad truth.
This video is sick. I love the audio of the supercharger whine while cruising around.
Thanks man!
Excellent review - you summarized it perfectly in the last couple minutes. Car manufacturing in the early 2000's was the perfect amalgamation of modern tech, timeless understated styling, and raw driving experience. I hope that one day things will return to this standard, however it looks doubtful with the rise of electric vehicles and influence of technology. I'm very happy to own a piece of history in my 2003 JCW - I'll never sell!
I had a r50 for 3 years and, in general, was a good conmuter once little congenital problems were fixed. Now, i have a r53 since 2020 and only can say is a better car and better build, reliable and easy to maintain.
Just retired my 2006 R50 after 16 years. Trying to get excited about one of the newer minis - so glad to read you find them better over-all. Beautiful little car though.
@@hommebase R53 is the same generation, just the supercharged S version (or JCW) - 2006 being the last year of that generation.
Great review! I bought a 2005 Mini One with 78,000 miles last summer, my first car for 14 years. I always liked the look of them since they came out. So much fun! In fact, I'm loving it so much I'm upgrading to a 2005 S, and will give the One to my son.
Thanks for your honesty and frankness, these are both qualities that I treasure and guide me in my decisions on possible next buys.
Had my 2004 R50 for 2 years now, the same expected problems but nothing devastating touch wood. I will say they are much, much more fun to drive on 15" wheels, the 17s I had on it crippled acceleration and the cornering fun and makes the steering super heavy.
It's weird. As long as overall diameter is equal(+-3%) to the original it should be no big difference. Unless the 17"s are much more heavier than stock rims.
Proud owner of.a 2006 R52 red convertible with only 70k miiles, standard transmission, and excellent condition. Got it for a bargain price last month as my daily and loving it every single day! Such a fun car to drive and very bold on the roads! Never thought I would like ia mini so much tbh.
The first Frank Stephenson Minis like your car will be the ones to have. Since then the styling has just become a bloated caricature.
Moving to Mercedes’ to stick it to BMW for ruining the Mini…
I have a 2004 S with 26K miles. I am thinking about trading or selling in exchange for a 2013 JCW converible. That will be the last Mini I buy because it's gotten too far away from the original.
Selling my 2004 for $6800 firm if interested. Car is in Illinois.
It was definitely a car persons car, they were built to be fun lil toys or an amazing daily and even a track toy, they're just amazing lil cars and I love them so much
This generation of Mini is easy to dismiss, but once you've driven/owned one, they just get so under your skin. I've driven alot of cars over the years, some faster (considerably so) but in terms of driving enjoyment, its the R53 (specifically, though the R50's are brilliant) is the only car I never wanted to part with/give back (forced redundancy meant it had to go).
After many years of wanting one and not having one I went through 3 in fairly quick succession....a 2005 Cooper hatch, 2006 Cooper S hatch followed by a 2005 One Convertible with a remap (bit more power than the Cooper hatch but of course heavier) and loved every single one of them, but the R53 I just was always looking for an excuse to just drive it. I also think the convertibles are also massively overlooked.....near as damn it as good to drive as the regular car, but with that clever roof really does add another dimension to the Mini experience......that said I was always waiting for that complicated roof to pack up on me, thankfully it never did 😀
The R53 is also an immense platform for tuning if thats your thing....the old Pentagon motors in S form can take big power/be converted to Turbo quite readily....even a pulley change extracts quite a bit more power and makes an already quite quick little car quite a bit quicker still. The 05 on facelifts are the way to go though, they rounded off the earlier cars rough edges and arent quite the "when will it break again" ownership proposition the earlier cars are...I say not quite because reliability wise they can suffer from numerous niggles even good cars.
Great points and under the skin for sure. I've had 3 R50s and weirdly I kind of hated driving them, heavy steering mainly. Had a R56 D loaner once and loved that. So here I am again thinking about another but why ohh why. 😂
Definitely look at getting a Sprintbooster - fitted one to my R53 recently and the difference when you switch it on is like night and day ! And that supercharger whine 👌🏼
Did you ever do it?
Great video, im hoping your right about the scarcity and value as I bought a r53 jcw for my daily and something people will admire in years to come. It gets great attention at car shows as people just love these little cars.
R53 jcw checkmate 100% original with me since 2006 💪
Loved the way you reviewed this car 👏🏻 You sure should have a heck of a lot more followers than you do.
Really enjoyed this review. Keep up the good work. As another commenter mentioned, a Sprint Booster (or similar device) will dramatically change the character of the car, making it feel much sharper and faster (although it doesn't actually add horsepower). I've owned a 2005 R50 from new and have had a Sprint Booster on it for years: installed it and set it to the most aggressive mode and haven't touched it since. If you're only going to make one modification, this is the one I'd make.
Thanks for watching, a sprint booster sounds ideal!
HMMMM!!!!----really thinking about this---may be the way to go for me
thats interesting, does it make a big difference to a standard R53?
Don’t bother with these, they do nothing but tell the car you’re pressing the pedal harder than you are. Just press the pedal down if you want to go faster.
Got an 2005 and a 2006 and love them. Wish BMW would make MINIs like 1st generation again.
I owned an R56 turbo. 2012. Great car. The N18 engine was superb. They get a bad reputation for the earlier models but I really lucked out with the best car I’ve ever owned. I shouldn’t have sold it!! Ironically I have the chance to buy it back but I don’t really have the money right now. But they are so fun!!
I live in Santa Barbara, CA, and finally found the right R53 for me. 79k miles, fresh clutch and cooling system, and it's an Astro Black checkmate edition.
6 year owner with 130k. You hit it right on the nose with the throttle response, starts to feel a little more sloppy with more HP. I hear alot of good things about peddle mods like Sprintbooster alleviating the dampened feeling. Gonna give it a go and see how it feels.
I did wonder if there are any modifications out there to improve the response time, sounds worth a go! Thanks for watching.
I have a clutch masters twin disk with a 9oz aluminum flywheel. Throttle response is great now.
Understanding that this is a review for the S version, but as a 6 year owner of the JCW model R53, I've never felt throttle response was anything but immediate and precise, and has only been livened the more HP I add to it (sitting at 241 bhp). I've never driven an R53 S for comparison, but maybe looking at the improvements made to the JCW might help - Larger injectors, reduced SC pulley, bored cylinder head, free flowing air box, colder plugs, a tune. The last item probably being the most crucial for throttle response - You definitely need to tune these cars to get them dialed. The canned JCW tune is good, but of course nothing relative to a professional tune after you've added all the go fast bits.
I would also add a lightweight flywheel. I went with the Valeo single mass clutch/ flywheel conversion. You could go much lighter, but daily drivability and chatter may become a nuisance.
Also, the exhaust note and engine noise is incredible with the JCW exhaust when you add a RMW header (leave the resonator in place). Only a touch louder while idling and cruising over stock, but a banshee when the pedal is mashed.
Have had 2 and love them: its the best version of the new mini and surely a future classic. You are right about the engine note: it is course but you get used to it. They are also very thirsty but the pluses out weigh the negatives....
I notice the throttle response in the mini every time I drive it especially compared to my 85 supra it's still nice to drive but that's the only thing that lets me down a bit
You can tune that out if you're actually wanting that bit gone
There's a few cheap ways to initially fix that though
Mostly a different pulley setup makes it pick up way better almost feels like its geared better
Speaking of that if you have an 03-04 Cooper s that might be why as they had a wayyyyyyyy longer geared gearbox compared to the changes on the 05-06
Best years to get
unannounced HP bump over the the 03-04 Cooper s
The 05-06 Cooper s cars also got the forged jcw rods and pistons
Also the supercharger used the same coating as the jcw which used either a grey or black coating compared to the less efficient coating on the cooper s cars from 03-04
Also gearbox just is spaced so much better in the lci
There are so many neglected r53s out there that need saving, once you've done one it's really not even that difficult to do a full overhaul as they are very predictable in what maintenance will be neglected. I've rescued a few but I have to admit my next one will hopefully be an original low mileage example. Wonderful cars.
I actually enjoyed this and it was very informative considering im looking into buying myself an R53 cooper-s as a weekend toy.
Such a good review this, have used it as a reference point for an R53 I’m test driving later this week
Thank you for the review.
Great review. As owner of both a 2005 R52 (since new) and a 2002 530i (since 2014) I particularly enjoyed the moment at 15:10 !
I did too! I love seeing older metal on the road and the E39's still look so good! Thanks for watching.
That change-down😍😭🔥
I have a 2004 JCW that I've taken the back seats out of. 70,000 miles----I really love it----new rack and steering pump at 65,000 so it handles very well----lots of room in the back now
Sounds great!
Some JCW type upgrades and that throttle dampness will disappear. The power band increases with higher rpms 25-100% throttle inputs in a very linear fashion. All those standard parts need to be upgraded and the DME and drive by wire feedback adapts quickly. The map sensor is rated up to 4.0L engines. Don’t deprive yourself and spend the funds for the modifications. Especially the Intercooler.
Just a reduced pulley, and a larger intercooler, with the back seats folded, loads of room. Going to LeMans this year in mine. 59000 miles on mine 2003. Going up in price, get rid of the runflats.
Good shout! Enjoy the run to Le Mans.
Thanks for the video! My second car is also a 205 and I'm looking for basically a modern, daily drivable 205 experience. Had a 106 for this purpose for some time but the previous owner's workshop unfortunately ruined the car. R56 Cooper S is so horribly unreliable that I think an R53 might be the better option.
Great review . I’m pleased you mentioned that the throttle response on the R53 isn’t that great. That would definitely put me off buying one . I had an auto Mercedes SLK but had to get rid of it because I really didn’t like the poor throttle response , despite it having 276 bhp . The R56 Cooper S has very good throttle response , especially with sport button on 😊.
R56 S is literally swiss cheese. Should of kept the R53 and got the ECU tuned...
Only one year of ownership? I own mine for over 13years. :)
it`s a shame that not all of them (even S-models) are equipped with LSD from the factory by default. :(
OMG....Round-a-bouts are a Mini playground! Nothing goes around bends like a Mini.
Can the throttle response be fixed with an add-on throttle controller profile?
Yeah look at peddle mods
Everything feels damped after a 205 lol even in their day they were renowned for being sharp and twitchy. Really want to like the new mini and I do like the way it looks but know several owners who have had big issues and that has made me cautious about taking the plunge
I think if you can find a well taken care of, 05-06 year example they are reliable. Alot have been abused and not well looked after unfortunately. Just look at the shear amount of R53 vids on youtube with all bent up radiator and IC fins with rust everywhere. Be extra cautious if the previous owner modified the car, even a pulley.
It certainly helps if you are, or know someone, mechanically minded. A friend was able to help me with the steering pump and I've no doubt it saved a much larger bill at a garage!
Ok everyone. Looking for a fun, cheapish, next daily driver. Convince me R53 or R56. 2 door/6 speed is all I need and the car will not be tracked. Just want something fun, reliable, and cheaper than the auto Veloster N I will be selling. Thanks in advance!
The r56 is way less reliable. Try to find a 2005 or 2006 r53 if you can.
Don't bother with R56... I've had both from new, R56 engine was crap from day one and will blow up on you!
I like the new Mini I own an F56 and I still can't tell the difference between an R56 and R53, the F56 is a bit easier to tell, and the latest LCI-2 F56 is very easy to spot, but I like the idea of this continuation of design and the fact they've managed to keep a Mini-esque vibe.
Asking alot for any 4 cylinder car to sound alive and sing really? don't you think?
Honda and Mitsubishi have made some great sounding 4 cylinder motors. Although I will admit they are more of an exception than a rule. 💀
Yeah, especially one that is fed by forced induction. I'm just spoilt by my little 205!
I bet most people watching this video owned a MINI, probably an R53 too (that includes me)
Get one without turbo, and you got it.
R53 was supercharged, R56 and up are all turbocharged.
@@pizzaface4628 R 50, without turbos
Coś z głową masz jakieś urojenia czuć złe intencje z tego 🤣 show
e39 :-)
My R 53 is awesome. Wouldn’t ever sell it. The best car ever. Don’t watch this.
Loved the comment, check mot history, I thought I was the only one
Haha thanks, I think I should get a job in the Police I'm so good at picking up and remembering number plates now!
Let's face it, the car is more grown up than you bro.
I had a 2005 mini, most fun car I ever had. But I don’t recommend them unless you are a good mechanic. Took mine to an oil place to have it looked at. No one, not even the manager knew how to start it. Was hard to find tires for it, just hard to find anyone to work on it. Even called BMW and they don’t even work on them they said. Just not worth it unless you know about them.
I dont understand how you struggle to find tyres? Tyres are tyres.
And what do you mean BMW wont work on them lol
@@debbiepeter112 yeah, weird story. There's nothing abnormal or challenging about starting these vehicles. They're also not challenging vehicles to service for your average mechanic. They've been around forever and sold really well, most mechanics have worked on these cars at least a dozen times. And BMW, of course, will service their product (not well, mind you - find a reputable independent specialist).
I experienced the same thing with BMW service. They even could not give me an information about what oil must be used for supercharger, needless to say they refused to do supercharger service.