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2005 S owner here and have done all the major repairs myself save one, my fuel pump/ filter cracked and didn't want a fire hazard in my garage. Here are what I've found to be issues you should look for in addition to what you list; 1 control arm bushings 2TPMS sensors 3 window motor ( esp driver side) 4 valve cover gasket. They are not that hard to work on but you do need a little R/R DNA and a good set of tools
The 2005 model doesn't have "TPMS sensors"... they didn't come until the R56 model. The 2004-2006 R53 models use the wheel speed senors to gauge the TPMS readings, they also use those same sensors for the ABS, Cruise Control and DSC... which is why your warning lights for ALL those systems will light up if just one of your wheel speed sensors fails. The R56 had individual tyre pressure sensors actually fitted to each rim, which bluetoothed to the ECU.
The 2005/06 (and 07 for the convertible) are the ones to have. These last two years sorted out the problems that plagued the earlier cars, particularly the weak Midlands transmission that was originally used in the R50 (replaced with a much better Getrag). There are some styling improvements (e.g., the reverse lights were moved into the rear lights, and the gaps in the dash trim over the glove box were eliminated), and overall the fit and finish is just better with the 05/06 cars.
Oil leaks seem to be an ongoing problem: Sump gasket (twice in 60 000km) Crankshaft position indicator Oil/water intercooler Camshaft cover All are generally easy to fix but access for the intercooler made it a very difficult job. Timing chain had to be replaced at 100 000km and was starting to rattle again at 160 000km despite fitting a new tensioner at 150 000km Oil consumption was about 2 000km per litre after I changed to a 5w40 oil. much worse on the 0w30 oil recommended. Changing the fuel filter (under the back seat) was one of the more interesting jobs! It took 3 attempts before it was fuel tight. It was a great car to drive but it never managed to run for more than a couple of months before something else went wrong. As my local Mini spares dealer said, "they are a little delicate"!
I disagree that this car is difficult to work on. If youre a semi-decent mechanic you can do many of these repairs yourself. Once you put the car in "service mode" by removing the front fascia/bumper (which takes minutes), repairs arent too bad at all. The supercharger service is pretty straight forward. There are plenty of helpful videos out there.
Yeah it's not too bad to work on. And supercharger service is only a few hours (not days). I've now an F56 I dread having to work on that, there's no space whatsoever.
The Midland 5-speed on my 2003 R50 Mini shifts smoothly and has been no problem. Maybe that is related to my having changed the transmission fluid to Amzoil transmission fluid at 12,000 miles? It's smooth and quiet and easy to shift.........
Nice car 😁 Thanks for adding the info, which country are you in? Anyone wanting to check if their R53 has a Limited Slip Diff should look for a label with code BKL over inner CV joints or on the gearbox to be sure 👍 or the old school method of lifting both front wheels and spinning one by hand 😁
Bulletproof engine imo. My waterpump wrecked my supercharger, so take care to replace your mechanical waterpump every 80.000 km or replace it with an electric waterpump from the racing department. Tha fuelpump relay is hard to find in the fusebox, since it requires to take out the fusebox and deconstruct it. Other than that no issues with 267.000 km and running smoothly.
Unless the car has very low miles, most of the "issues" will have long ago been sorted on a R53. A lot of stuff wears out around 100k; power steering pump, clutch, struts, brakes, but once you get past that, if the car is well cared for, it can be smooth sailing. I would not buy a R53 without extensive service history, and would want one that has been garaged for the majority of its life. I'm at 142k on my '02, and it's a great car.
Hi, I'm an original owner of an R53 GP and can attest to the coolant expansion tank issues (I've replaced 4!). Actually here looking for help/advice on replacing the reverse light switch myself as they have stopped working and I've ruled out fuses and bulbs (my aftermarket reversing camera is not working as well). I cannot find a video or tutorial anywhere on how to get to it, can anyone out there help or point me in the right direction?
Hi Harvey, what age is your R53? 100k was the original service bulletin, some specialists like to quote between 80-100k miles now as low mileage early cars could be rotating 20 year old oil, which isn't ideal, so they lower the mileage quote 👍
@@themilesdriven Hi Miles, mine is a jcw 2003, I did the service at 101k and put it on Facebook to show people and had people telling me the the roots supercharger should be done at 60k. FYI the PTO end was empty( just a film of oil left inside) the pulley end had 60-70ml left in it. Cheers for replying and loved the video, keep up the good work. All the best Harvey
@@Lamster66 Miata NB (facelift) can do 0-60 under 7s (because 6speeds close ratio). And that's not even the MSM. Also, only the MINI R53 (facelift, 2005-06) can do 0-60 under 7s. If you really want a MINI R53, just buy one and maintain it. If you don't want for the expensive maintenance, so stop dreaming about a R53 and move on on something else.
@@Lamster66 The best MINI is the F56, then is the R53/R52S facelift (2005-2008), then the R53 pre-facelift (2002-2004) and the worst is the R56/R56S. I owm my R52S since 2009 and it's well maintained but it's expensive.
A cooper s gaps the absolute fuck out of an mx5 lol. I've driven both so I'm well qualified to say that even a 12 jcw will embarrass an NC with a 2.5 swap.
Literally could not find an NA miata within the price range of an r53 mini cooper. All of them wanted at least 5k+ for a trashed out one, 10k for one in decent condition, found my first r53 for 6200 needed minor work, got hit and ran but for the short time I had the car and fell in love with it, bought my next one for 7500
📖 -- Miles Driven book - amzn.to/47NeoC2
if you want to support The Miles Driven check out the products below 😁
👕 -- Merch Shop - themilesdriven.myspreadshop.com/
🟡 -- (UK 🇬🇧) Casio Mudmaster G-Shock watch - amzn.to/3R5h5cu
🟡 -- (USA 🇺🇸) Casio Mudmaster G-Shock watch -amzn.to/47tuCAl
Podcast - linktr.ee/themilesdriven
www.themilesdriven.com
instagram.com/themilesdriven/
facebook.com/themilesdriven
➡ Check out fiction books by Miles
📖 -- First book - amzn.to/3W8owip
📚 -- First in Heist series - amzn.to/3w6JBiU
📘 -- Short read (Novella) - amzn.to/3ZCcVLC
2005 S owner here and have done all the major repairs myself save one, my fuel pump/ filter cracked and didn't want a fire hazard in my garage. Here are what I've found to be issues you should look for in addition to what you list;
1 control arm bushings
2TPMS sensors
3 window motor ( esp driver side)
4 valve cover gasket.
They are not that hard to work on but you do need a little R/R DNA and a good set of tools
A great list of info for potential buyers to consider, thanks for adding 👍
What was the sign you needed to replace/repair your fuel pump/filter?
Smell of gas in the cab
The 2005 model doesn't have "TPMS sensors"... they didn't come until the R56 model. The 2004-2006 R53 models use the wheel speed senors to gauge the TPMS readings, they also use those same sensors for the ABS, Cruise Control and DSC... which is why your warning lights for ALL those systems will light up if just one of your wheel speed sensors fails. The R56 had individual tyre pressure sensors actually fitted to each rim, which bluetoothed to the ECU.
The 2005/06 (and 07 for the convertible) are the ones to have. These last two years sorted out the problems that plagued the earlier cars, particularly the weak Midlands transmission that was originally used in the R50 (replaced with a much better Getrag). There are some styling improvements (e.g., the reverse lights were moved into the rear lights, and the gaps in the dash trim over the glove box were eliminated), and overall the fit and finish is just better with the 05/06 cars.
Really useful additional info, thanks for commenting 👍
@@themilesdriven Thanks for the videos!
What’s different with a 2005 and a 2007 R52?
@@stevemelling8450 In 2007 the R50 and R53 changed to the second-generation cars, but the first-generation R52 continued for one more year.
The Convertible R52 was last produced in 2008.
I have a 2002 R53 with 252,000kms. Had a lot of modifications but what a fun car.
Great to hear your R53 is still going strong 😁
Oil leaks seem to be an ongoing problem:
Sump gasket (twice in 60 000km)
Crankshaft position indicator
Oil/water intercooler
Camshaft cover
All are generally easy to fix but access for the intercooler made it a very difficult job.
Timing chain had to be replaced at 100 000km and was starting to rattle again at 160 000km despite fitting a new tensioner at 150 000km
Oil consumption was about 2 000km per litre after I changed to a 5w40 oil. much worse on the 0w30 oil recommended.
Changing the fuel filter (under the back seat) was one of the more interesting jobs! It took 3 attempts before it was fuel tight.
It was a great car to drive but it never managed to run for more than a couple of months before something else went wrong. As my local Mini spares dealer said, "they are a little delicate"!
What year model did you have?
I disagree that this car is difficult to work on. If youre a semi-decent mechanic you can do many of these repairs yourself. Once you put the car in "service mode" by removing the front fascia/bumper (which takes minutes), repairs arent too bad at all. The supercharger service is pretty straight forward. There are plenty of helpful videos out there.
It's not hard but it's also not fun to work on. I enjoy my old 2001 Hyundai accent more than I did my 2003 cooper s
Yeah it's not too bad to work on. And supercharger service is only a few hours (not days). I've now an F56 I dread having to work on that, there's no space whatsoever.
I completely agree
The Midland 5-speed on my 2003 R50 Mini shifts smoothly and has been no problem. Maybe that is related to my having changed the transmission fluid to Amzoil transmission fluid at 12,000 miles? It's smooth and quiet and easy to shift.........
Fan relays, window regulators often go out on 1st gen (pre-facelift). Facelift models were notorious crank pulley falling apart.
The R53 mini is grate fun I would definitely buy one again 👍
yeah lots of people that have had them seem to love them 😁
Thats quite a nice guide that will hopefully come in handy once i start to watchout for those, thanks!
Thanks and all the best with your car search 😁
I have a 06 r53 jcw checkmate and the lsd still optional in my country… (i have it) add it cost 569€ in 2006
Nice car 😁 Thanks for adding the info, which country are you in?
Anyone wanting to check if their R53 has a Limited Slip Diff should look for a label with code BKL over inner CV joints or on the gearbox to be sure 👍 or the old school method of lifting both front wheels and spinning one by hand 😁
My 2004 didn’t have an LSD but I just installed one from Quaife. A very straightforward install when you replace the clutch at the same time.
Be good to see this video replicated with R56 😊👍🏻
We like that idea, the R56 will be added to the future schedule 👍
The R53 is bulletproof, the R56 .....
Bulletproof engine imo. My waterpump wrecked my supercharger, so take care to replace your mechanical waterpump every 80.000 km or replace it with an electric waterpump from the racing department.
Tha fuelpump relay is hard to find in the fusebox, since it requires to take out the fusebox and deconstruct it. Other than that no issues with 267.000 km and running smoothly.
Unless the car has very low miles, most of the "issues" will have long ago been sorted on a R53. A lot of stuff wears out around 100k; power steering pump, clutch, struts, brakes, but once you get past that, if the car is well cared for, it can be smooth sailing. I would not buy a R53 without extensive service history, and would want one that has been garaged for the majority of its life. I'm at 142k on my '02, and it's a great car.
Hi, I'm an original owner of an R53 GP and can attest to the coolant expansion tank issues (I've replaced 4!). Actually here looking for help/advice on replacing the reverse light switch myself as they have stopped working and I've ruled out fuses and bulbs (my aftermarket reversing camera is not working as well). I cannot find a video or tutorial anywhere on how to get to it, can anyone out there help or point me in the right direction?
Very helpful video 👍🏽
I’ve had conflicting info on supercharger service intervals and have just done mine at 100k, please could you confirm this is correct
Hi Harvey, what age is your R53? 100k was the original service bulletin, some specialists like to quote between 80-100k miles now as low mileage early cars could be rotating 20 year old oil, which isn't ideal, so they lower the mileage quote 👍
@@themilesdriven Hi Miles, mine is a jcw 2003, I did the service at 101k and put it on Facebook to show people and had people telling me the the roots supercharger should be done at 60k. FYI the PTO end was empty( just a film of oil left inside) the pulley end had 60-70ml left in it. Cheers for replying and loved the video, keep up the good work. All the best Harvey
100 k is correct. However doing it earlier is also advised
Most of all R53 are now broken R53 project cars. No matters what.
@@Lamster66If you want a weekend car to replace your SAAB, Mazda Miata: (M)iata (I)s (A)lway (T)he (A)nswer.
@@Lamster66 Miata NB (facelift) can do 0-60 under 7s (because 6speeds close ratio). And that's not even the MSM. Also, only the MINI R53 (facelift, 2005-06) can do 0-60 under 7s. If you really want a MINI R53, just buy one and maintain it. If you don't want for the expensive maintenance, so stop dreaming about a R53 and move on on something else.
@@Lamster66MINI R53 are cheap because they need a lot of maintenance/repair. Also, a cheap MINI R53 IS NEVER A GOOD DEAL.
@@Lamster66Oh boy, if you thing the R53 is bad, the R56S is even WORSE! Peugeot got lawsuits because of the Prince engine. But hey, it's your take. :)
@@Lamster66 The best MINI is the F56, then is the R53/R52S facelift (2005-2008), then the R53 pre-facelift (2002-2004) and the worst is the R56/R56S.
I owm my R52S since 2009 and it's well maintained but it's expensive.
K swap
this is an example of How to make a boring video from an exciting car.
Or just buy an MX5
We’ve just done a buyers guide for the NC generation MX-5 😁
A cooper s gaps the absolute fuck out of an mx5 lol. I've driven both so I'm well qualified to say that even a 12 jcw will embarrass an NC with a 2.5 swap.
Literally could not find an NA miata within the price range of an r53 mini cooper. All of them wanted at least 5k+ for a trashed out one, 10k for one in decent condition, found my first r53 for 6200 needed minor work, got hit and ran but for the short time I had the car and fell in love with it, bought my next one for 7500
Sc service is not even a couple hours job for a competent mechanic