I have owned my 2005 MINI One for 5 years. It has now got 170000 miles on the clock. So far it has had a new clutch, wheel bearings. It did over heat and needed a new filler cap. A misfire was fixed by new plugs and leads, a helicoil was needed on one of the cylinders. The car is in constant use. I love it.
I've had my R53 since 2010 and its rock solid, no major flaws. From the list, I only have got the wheel bearings and bushings replaced once which are not flaws but caused by normal wear. Awesome video!
My family has had one since 2004, put 180 000 k's on it and nothing annoying has broken. Only regular stuff. People are just rough with their things and blame the product. It's like saying phones are fragile and will just break within 1-2 years. Yeah, if you drop them every 2nd day, otherwise they'll just be happy to run normally.
Rayan I've got an 03 r53 17 percent reduced pully etc never missed a beat things solid. I just spent loads on a new car ds3 thp things going back nothing but trouble
Any one who has a r53 (s) that hasn't had more than a few problems should consider themselves very lucky!!! I've had three. Love them all, but all three have been unreliable. I LOVE THESE CARS!!!! (Only 01 to 06 r53's) Personally I would never own one if I couldn't do all my own repairs. Either that or be prepared$$$🤑🤑🤑🤑
I have a 2001 mini one with 300.000 miles on the clock oil+filter every year gets changed.Only ever replaced the exaust +tyres and a new clutch other than wear+tear items no issues at all.a great little car and well made in the UK under BMW.
Owner of an amazing Gen 1 R53 Cooper S. And I just have to say I love the darn thing so much. All I had to do was an alternator and the coolant overflow. Would definitely recommend an aluminum one like I got. Stops most issues with over heating. Also if you want your mini to last then only rip on it a little and not constantly. Doing so ensures your mini won't suffer from a heat stroke. They tend to like to stay toasty when ripped on. Have fun Cooping 😁
My R53 is my first car and I love it. 04 plate 110k miles just had the clutch done other than that everything is original (except the usual). Only things that need doing to it are changing the PS pump, drivers side door check and timing chain tensioner. I dont even mind about the poor fuel economy, its just so much fun to drive.
Great video! I've had my '04 R53 for 7 years and it has just turned over 155,000 miles (249,448 Km) and have had many of the same problems and fixed them all myself. The car drives beautifully and has plenty of GO with a 17% overdrive pulley on the supercharger, cold air intake, and low flow exhaust system including header. Many people like to dis MINIs but mine has never stranded me (unlike my mustang), gives me lots of smiles, and even carries plenty of stuff with my Yakima roof rack and Mini-Do-More trailer witch pulling a 48" x 48" trailer.
I have a 2005 'S', which I consider a fantastic car.... Love the way the supercharged engine winds up, and leaves traffic far behind... 6 speed box very smooth.....Intend to keep it until the wheels fall off. Spec'd it, took delivery from factory...all the performance options, no fluff to go wrong. That being said, repairs via the BMW shop are brutally expensive. I had them replace the alternator, which cost $1000, if memory serves...had to either take off front of car, or back off engine mount bolts, and jack up engine...I was too intimidated to do the job myself...Mini issued a power steering pump recall, offered to have it replaced free.... but local BMW wanted $700 to replace hoses ( required ).... Between repair manual, and U Tube, I managed to replace brake pads, sensors, and went with drilled / slotted rotors... Just took my time... bit more confident to do repairs now...plus, don't have the $$ to pay shop rates.... Gotta get the diagnostic box mentioned.... thanks for that, especially !!
Mini still running super strong. Recently had identical model available cheap - owner leaving island - would have gladly bought it for parts, but no place to store the thing. Dang !
I was lucky when I purchased my Mini, it was a 2013 with only 9,700 miles on it (I bought it in 2017). I've been lucky and not major issues. However, I tell anyone who wants to get a Mini to go to the local Mini dealership. If you get lucky they might have all the maintenance records. Also remember, they are not your typical American car, you don't just drive it and forget about it. You have to pop the hood, check the fluid levels. You might also have to do some wrenching on the car. Keep up with the maintenance, if you get a warning light, fix the issue right away. Oh, these cars also take 93/94 octane fuel, you might get away with using less but that won't be for long and you will have problems with the engine. One last piece of advice: Don't go to places like "Bob's Used Cars" or you local big 3 (in America) dealerships and get a Mini. They get those cars at auctions and might already have issues you don't know about and will become a money pit.
I've only had my Mini a few thousand miles and the front passenger door actuator has failed, the top engine mount is leaking and the cam chain has started rattling. A month ago it overheated and now I have multiple misfire code. I can't wait for the next fault!
My 2003 mini has died today. In the past 14 months ive had literally all those faults. Sadly when the coolant expansion cracked i had an engine overheat and it looks like the head gasket has warped enough to stop coolant getting to where it should and instead flooding the engine. Such a fun drive for my short commute i will miss it.
I got a 2005 convertible S. Got rid of the run-flat tires, (get towing on your insurance) and that thing is like a go-cart the way it corners and sticks to the road like super glue. The acceleration out of the turns was so fun. Then things started to happen. The driver's window regulator went out. Fixed it. Then the night before a 500 mile trip was planned, the left rear window fell down. had to reach in & cut the cable and pull it tight to pull the window up and wrapped it under a bolt and tightened it as a temporary repair. Three months later the right window got stuck after lowering it. It was stuck in the down position for months. I couldn't do the cable trick like I did on the left one because the side of the cable that broke was different. You pull on this cable and it pulls the window down, not up. Used, these regulators are around $300 ish. I found a place in Phoenix, AZ that will rebuild the regulators using metal parts to replace the nylon parts that break. The cost is $500 for both sides including labor. That's next on my agenda. Oh, and yes I've had to replace the ps pump twice with a reconditioned unit. One year and THREE DAYS later the reman unit went out. Yes, the cooling fan works. Just about all the chrome/plastic rings around everything snap off. I hate this piece of garbage money pit plastic snap together car, Urghh!!!
I own an R53 Cooper S, 52 plate. Head gasket blew and the head split. Both within two weeks of owning the car. Pick it back up tomorrow from the warranty. Plan to do a SC service and change the expansion tank next
2004 cooper and so far, power steering pump replace with recon unit...that failed after 3 weeks so bought new oem unit, alternator failed, clutch, failed gearbox. wheel bearings (usual wear & tear), exhaust front to back, rear suspension, front bushes, tailgate hinges snapped.....some say minor repairs but, gearbox, clutch & gear linkage totalled £1400 alone. pump cost £185 for the recon unit and £465 for the new oem unit. when you factor in how much a used cooper costs, the repairs are quite high. spent more on the car than it cost but, brilliant car to drive when its working.
I hope saying this doesn't bring me bad luck, but the 5-speed Midland transmission on my 2003 R50 shifts smoothly and is very quiet. At about 12,000 miles I changed the transmission fluid to Amzoil transmission fluid for the MINI. It immediately became smoother and easier to shift, especially in cold weather,,,,,,,,,
I bought a new Mini hardtop in 2012. At 2,300 miles it spun a rod. At 43K I had to replace the ignition coils. At 55K I had to replace the head gasket. At 63K I had to replace the head gasket AGAIN. I'll be the first to admit the Mini is a gas to drive but it's reached the point where the fun to drive part just isn't worth the constant string of expensive repairs. Bought a new car two weeks ago (not a Mini!) and I'll be selling the Mini in the next week or so. In the mean time it's sitting in the driveway because I'm not willing to take the chance that something else will break down before I part with it.
It is important to mention that the gearbox in the prefacelift models like to get bearing failiurs, and the engine also likes to get a rebuild after about 200,000km even if you drive as much city as you do highway, and especially if you mainly drive in the city. Geting these done is expensive but you will get another 300,000km out of the car, and any good engine/transmission shop will do it for anreasonable price, since they are quite similar to Rover stuff. Also watch for the exaustmanifold which likes to break at the flex pipe. It is the awsomest car if it runs right and is not the fat gas guzzeling balarina that everyone makes out of it. I have spent a lot of time on the car working to make it lighter and more efficient and most important more fun.
They designed the hood release lever using a cheap stamped metal bracket that bends if you need to pull on the release cable harder than with two fingers. If you don't open and lube the hood release frequently, it sticks and requires a lot of force to pull open. I helpfully pulled on it harder when a friend couldn't pull it open and she needed to get it open to check the engine. The stamped metal bracket fingers bent and the whole thing let go, so there was no way to open it with the lever at that point, since it was just flopping around. Had to use my multitool to grab the cable end and pull on it while she bounced on the hood to reduce the preload on the latching mechanism, which finally worked. At least the engine wasn't on fire.
I have a 2003 cooper s and the only issue which it does not have from that list is the cracked expansion tank (only because it was replaced by a previous owner). Still the best car I've ever owned.
Hi I just bought a Mini and didn't realise until after the horn doesn't work. I just press the button and nothing happens. What was wrong with your horn? Thanks
i have it for 3 years and had to replace, egr, rear stabilizers, rear and front stabilizer bushings, short on the fan, dpf clog, injector renewed, horn
I had the power steering pump fail on my 2003 Cooper S a few months ago out of the blue , the first I knew about it was that my car alarm went off in the middle of the night due to the fan on the pump still working and draining the battery with the engine turned off . The good news is that I contacted my Local Mini Dealership who took my car in for a diagnostic check ...24 hours later they had fitted a new pump all for just the price of the diagnostic and the power steering fluid , Mini themselves covered the cost of the replacement pump and labour which would have come to over £900 So my suggestion to anyone who encounters a failure of their power steering pump in a Gen 1 Mini is to contact their local dealer before paying for any repairs as you may just save yourself some serious cash !
dalliance36 good advice is to only have these cars while covered under warranty. plastic coolant pump and thermostat housings on the 2010, considered regular maintenance items. flimsy stamped steel hood release cable brackets. Even the $700 dealer service for water pump and stat housing(after warranty was up, natch) apparently left the timing chain tensioner bolt loose and spewing oil when it was fine before the work, and an independent shop said they had to replace the whole tensioner because they said the washer was not sold separately. Unwarranted$250 cost just for that. I'm sure it only needed a bit of tightening on what's essentially a bolt to fix that leak, but it was a friend's car and I didn't get to try it as it was already in the shop. These are not good bets if you don't DIY as they're not designed for long term reliability.
You are blessed to have a Mini dealership close by. None on Maui, closest Oahu... Gotta use BMW dealership. Since Superferry driven outta state by established business interests, can't take car over to Oahu dealership for service...
Often times, the failure leaves the pump running after the engine is turned off. The pump will continue to run until it runs the battery down, or the motor overheats and burns your house down. I could hear the pump running, disconnected the battery, and the dealer insisted that I bring it in for service the next morning.
Where did you have this work done can I ask? I have a 2002 and the power steering pump is still the original so I am guessing this might happen in tbe near future. Was wondering if all dealers cover the cost
I wish you would give more details on how you know if your power steering pump has failed. I bought my 2005 Mini One over a year ago and whilst I know I have power steering - I can easily turn the steering wheel when the ignition is on and can't when ignition is off - I do find the steering heavier than other Minis I have driven. I had the front left wheel bearing replaced a few months ago and when I picked up my car the power steering was much lighter than before, but after a couple of weeks, the heaviness returned. My Mini is very driveable and so the steering isn't a major issue, but it would be good to know if replacing the power steering pump would make the steering lighter. No warning lights are displayed at any time.
Power steering pump failure sometimes is caused by the fan not working anymore. I am thinking of replacing the power steering pump for one from a Mercedes, and run new lines. Something like the electric pump used on Project Binky.
Mini had a recall years ago and they put a plastic shield over the power steering fan, which is located underneath the car. Also, a much better metal one can be purchased at various MINI supply places.....Very east to install.......
The thermostat seal leaks, it was changed to a silicone type. Also done the engine mout leak, back box rusted and rear disks turn to cheese. Air bag warning light is common due to the conector under seat lose.
If your aux cooling fan fails while your AC is running, TURN OFF your AC or it will overpressurize and you'll lose all your Freon. There is a pressure fuse that blows when the pressure is too high. The Aux cooling fan is a great money maker for dealers as it is, no need to dump your Freon as well. It's not a real expensive part, it is time consuming to replace. You can get the fan from a lot of places including Rock Auto.
Sometimes driving in heavy rain will revive your brake sensors. They will fail to work when filled up with dust, this washes out the dust. You can also blow it out with an air hose.
I'm had an '05 Mini Cooper and the clutch went bad. Lots of grinding. So if went to get it repaired and everywhere l went said that it would be at least $2,500 not including labor. Mainly because it was a major repair. So if sold it and have regretted that decision ever since. Now I'm ready to go get another Mini (used) and going to do what it can you keep it running.
I also have a 2007 and have replaced the chain tensioner, chain, oil pump, water pump, thermostat, and battery at 30K miles. The oil pump, chain and the tensioner were covered under extended warranties though. I'm at 64K now and nothing else has gone wrong yet, just need to freshen up some suspension bits and its going to need a new motor mount.
I've had a 2002 R53 Cooper S since new. Of the eight items listed, I've had to deal with three. The front suspension bushings were replaced at approximately 100k miles. The power steering pump failed at 100k, but the warranty was extended to 125k shortly thereafter, so the repair costs were refunded. The coolant overflow tank has failed twice. The only problem I've had which really irritates me, is a stripped oil drain plug. The dealer's comment was along the lines of, "Well it did last over 100k miles . . .", but with a 10k oil change interval, the plug was removed and replaced only ten times before stripping. Replacing the pan was over $1500. Really, any first-generation MINI still on the road has probably already had the steering pump, bushings, and overflow tank replaced.
Not mine . . . what? You haven't had to replace any of the stuff that usually has been replaced at 100k? I met a guy last Summer who has only 41k on his R53, so there's two of you!
Thanks for showing how to replace the O Ring and oil pan gasket, it was helpful and well narrated. My Mini S is leaking oil not much but I want to repair it before it gets much worse, if you are located in California I will take the car directly to you for repair. Thanks again.
2002 mini one and we have had to replace all the bushings, re set the airbag warning light numerous times, power steering pump is whining loads now, so that’s probably goosed....and we now have an alternator warning light.... BMW / Chrysler did a fantastic job......not
madaboutbrens Hello, can you tell me how did you reset you airbags light? I removed and put back my seat, i plug out and plug in all the socket correctly but the airbag light stays on.
Baby Love the fault lies with the plugs at the front of the seat, once you are happy with the wiring, you need to access the OBD port with a reader and reset the DTC’s (trouble codes) the port is located under the steering column above the pedals. You will need a code reader / reset tool, or go to a garage I am afraid. ABS just packed up on ours this week, these really are piles of shit these cars.
a DIY Car Guy harmonic balancer, transmission, new transmission valve body, water pump, passenger airbag mat twice, abs sensor, windshield due to stress crack twice, valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket twice, power steering hoses, stepper motor, thermostat and housing, not to mention wear and tear items, etc., lolz
I hear ya, I'm about to part mine out.....both of my taillights spider cracked from the cold weather last winter...the hell kind of design is that!? lol
you forgot to mention the 5 speed gearbox smashing its' self up, coolant bubbling airlocks and overheating, run flat tyres not sealing on the rims and losing pressure, power steering pipes leaking, everything held with plastic clips break, should really have a British Leyland badge on it
I bought my wife a 2004 MCS bought it in 2007, voluntarily fitter Fletcher stainless steel cat back in 2007 changed drivers wheel bearing in 2009 38k miles,passengers in 2011 front bearing 41kmiles, battery in 2012, nothing else since, still have the cat back although it sounds a tiny bit more fruity the car mine since 2011 as the wife and kids grew out of it, still use it for work everyday rain,snow, etc ,
it's an old car, what did you expect? My 2004 R53, which is properly maintained, is reliable as the day is long, of course its an old car and like all old cars it might catastrophically fail the next time I drive it. The problem is that these Mini's are actually very well made cars and BMW/MINI didn't really expect them to last so long, but most have now had many owners the majority of whom skipped services did as little preventative maintenance as possible and drove around with warning lights flashing and suspension clonking, then when it eventually broke down or failed an MOT they moved it on as it was too expensive to repair. This means there are some bargains out there for the likes of us who are prepared to get the spanners out.
Wish i would have taken a vid of me. Kicking mine before replacing the bushings .. Fucking things bounced around like a bowl of jello lol guess it just depends on how long they went without being replaced after initial failure
I have two R50s in my family only had top engine mount failure on one 140k on one 100k on other , We have owned both for over 7 years maybe i am just lucky We also own R56 which is a total pile of rubbish that is fitted with Peugeot engine 2 timing chain failures oil leaks and only 60k full bmw service my bicycle chain looks stronger than ones fitted to R56 keep your R50s much better car
When wife talks about getting new Mini, trading in our 2005 'S', I solomonly tell her we can take a test drive of a new one, but since Mini only put supercharged engines in for 3 years, I doubt that she would be satisfied.... Has worked so far...
Add my list over three years, Cooper convertible anchor points, made of plastic on 09/10 cars kit £30 + DIY, or mini will do for £220. Vanos valve clogged, symptom, car would "turn off " whilst driving. Quoted £540 at Sytner. I took 15 mins DIY and £80 part to fix. New valve re-designed. Heated windscreen failed, warranty fix over three dealer visits. Aux belt allegedly dangerously split at 22k within warranty but not covered £120. Coolant temperature sensor had fan running constantly for, some reason BMW insist the whole thermostat housing is replaced, £200. Water pump, poor design has o-ring which fails, another £200. Failed rear anti-roll bar rubbers, failed 2 weeks after dealer service. Discs wear quickly. A cylinder head casting plug fell out into the cam chain tunnel emptying the coolant into the sump. £700 at a specialist. Just over 30K miles driven, 50K miles on clock. This has to be the worst car in production right now. Went back to Toyota!
You sure got a lemon.... I went through the assembly factory at Oxford, England, with a retired British Leland guy, as guide, and very much enjoyed watching the Minis being assembled.... the workers were very curious about us...must not get many visitors through there.... If anyone gets to England, make sure to go through the factory...free tour, but gotta be persistent...
It all depends on how you treat your ride if you fast n furious drive it of course your gonna fuck shit up if you drive it normal it will last you longer
1st..Wrong the abs sensor because u need brakes....2 ur to funny i have mine for 3 years no problems at all but the coolant tank in 3 years u got a leamon
![Megan Thee Stallion - Roc Steady (feat. Flo Milli) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HozPPyqW0dY/mqdefault.jpg)
I have owned my 2005 MINI One for 5 years. It has now got 170000 miles on the clock. So far it has had a new clutch, wheel bearings. It did over heat and needed a new filler cap. A misfire was fixed by new plugs and leads, a helicoil was needed on one of the cylinders. The car is in constant use. I love it.
I've had my R53 since 2010 and its rock solid, no major flaws. From the list, I only have got the wheel bearings and bushings replaced once which are not flaws but caused by normal wear. Awesome video!
My family has had one since 2004, put 180 000 k's on it and nothing annoying has broken. Only regular stuff.
People are just rough with their things and blame the product. It's like saying phones are fragile and will just break within 1-2 years. Yeah, if you drop them every 2nd day, otherwise they'll just be happy to run normally.
Rayan I've got an 03 r53 17 percent reduced pully etc never missed a beat things solid. I just spent loads on a new car ds3 thp things going back nothing but trouble
Any one who has a r53 (s) that hasn't had more than a few problems should consider themselves very lucky!!! I've had three. Love them all, but all three have been unreliable. I LOVE THESE CARS!!!! (Only 01 to 06 r53's) Personally I would never own one if I couldn't do all my own repairs. Either that or be prepared$$$🤑🤑🤑🤑
I have a 2001 mini one with 300.000 miles on the clock oil+filter every year gets changed.Only ever replaced the exaust +tyres and a new clutch other than wear+tear items no issues at all.a great little car and well made in the UK under BMW.
Glad to read your comment. I have just bought a 2001 Mini Cooper with only 90,000 on clock......
debbie peter, lovely I hope you enjoy it 😀
@@debbiepeter112 that's just run in
@@yashmann Let's hope so 🤞
@@debbiepeter112 how's the car debbie
Owner of an amazing Gen 1 R53 Cooper S. And I just have to say I love the darn thing so much. All I had to do was an alternator and the coolant overflow. Would definitely recommend an aluminum one like I got. Stops most issues with over heating. Also if you want your mini to last then only rip on it a little and not constantly. Doing so ensures your mini won't suffer from a heat stroke. They tend to like to stay toasty when ripped on. Have fun Cooping 😁
My R53 is my first car and I love it. 04 plate 110k miles just had the clutch done other than that everything is original (except the usual). Only things that need doing to it are changing the PS pump, drivers side door check and timing chain tensioner. I dont even mind about the poor fuel economy, its just so much fun to drive.
Great video! I've had my '04 R53 for 7 years and it has just turned over 155,000 miles (249,448 Km) and have had many of the same problems and fixed them all myself. The car drives beautifully and has plenty of GO with a 17% overdrive pulley on the supercharger, cold air intake, and low flow exhaust system including header. Many people like to dis MINIs but mine has never stranded me (unlike my mustang), gives me lots of smiles, and even carries plenty of stuff with my Yakima roof rack and Mini-Do-More trailer witch pulling a 48" x 48" trailer.
I think a supercharged 'S' gives you the most performance for your dollar.... Next step up would be a turbo Carrera Porsche...
I have a 2005 'S', which I consider a fantastic car.... Love the way the supercharged engine winds up, and leaves traffic far behind... 6 speed box very smooth.....Intend to keep it until the wheels fall off. Spec'd it, took delivery from factory...all the performance options, no fluff to go wrong.
That being said, repairs via the BMW shop are brutally expensive. I had them replace the alternator, which cost $1000, if memory serves...had to either take off front of car, or back off engine mount bolts, and jack up engine...I was too intimidated to do the job myself...Mini issued a power steering pump recall, offered to have it replaced free.... but local BMW wanted $700 to replace hoses ( required )....
Between repair manual, and U Tube, I managed to replace brake pads, sensors, and went with drilled / slotted rotors... Just took my time... bit more confident to do repairs now...plus, don't have the $$ to pay shop rates....
Gotta get the diagnostic box mentioned.... thanks for that, especially !!
Mini still running super strong. Recently had identical model available cheap - owner leaving island - would have gladly bought it for parts, but no place to store the thing. Dang !
Like any car things break, it's the joys of owning a car.
I was lucky when I purchased my Mini, it was a 2013 with only 9,700 miles on it (I bought it in 2017). I've been lucky and not major issues. However, I tell anyone who wants to get a Mini to go to the local Mini dealership. If you get lucky they might have all the maintenance records.
Also remember, they are not your typical American car, you don't just drive it and forget about it. You have to pop the hood, check the fluid levels. You might also have to do some wrenching on the car. Keep up with the maintenance, if you get a warning light, fix the issue right away. Oh, these cars also take 93/94 octane fuel, you might get away with using less but that won't be for long and you will have problems with the engine.
One last piece of advice: Don't go to places like "Bob's Used Cars" or you local big 3 (in America) dealerships and get a Mini. They get those cars at auctions and might already have issues you don't know about and will become a money pit.
Nice lil cars had mine for 7years no major issues it's very strong cars thanx for the video
I've only had my Mini a few thousand miles and the front passenger door actuator has failed, the top engine mount is leaking and the cam chain has started rattling. A month ago it overheated and now I have multiple misfire code. I can't wait for the next fault!
My 2003 mini has died today. In the past 14 months ive had literally all those faults. Sadly when the coolant expansion cracked i had an engine overheat and it looks like the head gasket has warped enough to stop coolant getting to where it should and instead flooding the engine. Such a fun drive for my short commute i will miss it.
I got a 2005 convertible S. Got rid of the run-flat tires, (get towing on your insurance) and that thing is like a go-cart the way it corners and sticks to the road like super glue. The acceleration out of the turns was so fun. Then things started to happen. The driver's window regulator went out. Fixed it. Then the night before a 500 mile trip was planned, the left rear window fell down. had to reach in & cut the cable and pull it tight to pull the window up and wrapped it under a bolt and tightened it as a temporary repair. Three months later the right window got stuck after lowering it. It was stuck in the down position for months. I couldn't do the cable trick like I did on the left one because the side of the cable that broke was different. You pull on this cable and it pulls the window down, not up. Used, these regulators are around $300 ish. I found a place in Phoenix, AZ that will rebuild the regulators using metal parts to replace the nylon parts that break. The cost is $500 for both sides including labor. That's next on my agenda.
Oh, and yes I've had to replace the ps pump twice with a reconditioned unit. One year and THREE DAYS later the reman unit went out. Yes, the cooling fan works. Just about all the chrome/plastic rings around everything snap off. I hate this piece of garbage money pit plastic snap together car, Urghh!!!
I own an R53 Cooper S, 52 plate. Head gasket blew and the head split. Both within two weeks of owning the car. Pick it back up tomorrow from the warranty. Plan to do a SC service and change the expansion tank next
2004 cooper and so far, power steering pump replace with recon unit...that failed after 3 weeks so bought new oem unit, alternator failed, clutch, failed gearbox. wheel bearings (usual wear & tear), exhaust front to back, rear suspension, front bushes, tailgate hinges snapped.....some say minor repairs but, gearbox, clutch & gear linkage totalled £1400 alone. pump cost £185 for the recon unit and £465 for the new oem unit. when you factor in how much a used cooper costs, the repairs are quite high. spent more on the car than it cost but, brilliant car to drive when its working.
I hope saying this doesn't bring me bad luck, but the 5-speed Midland transmission on my 2003 R50 shifts smoothly and is very quiet.
At about 12,000 miles I changed the transmission fluid to Amzoil transmission fluid for the MINI. It immediately became smoother and easier to shift, especially in cold weather,,,,,,,,,
I bought a new Mini hardtop in 2012. At 2,300 miles it spun a rod. At 43K I had to replace the ignition coils. At 55K I had to replace the head gasket. At 63K I had to replace the head gasket AGAIN. I'll be the first to admit the Mini is a gas to drive but it's reached the point where the fun to drive part just isn't worth the constant string of expensive repairs. Bought a new car two weeks ago (not a Mini!) and I'll be selling the Mini in the next week or so. In the mean time it's sitting in the driveway because I'm not willing to take the chance that something else will break down before I part with it.
Had our 2005 cooper since 2008 ， one wheel sensor ，new clutch and battery ， discs and pads. Just normal car stuff love minis
Hopefully you have a twisty mountain road close, where you can do the kind of driving Mini was made for.
It is important to mention that the gearbox in the prefacelift models like to get bearing failiurs, and the engine also likes to get a rebuild after about 200,000km even if you drive as much city as you do highway, and especially if you mainly drive in the city. Geting these done is expensive but you will get another 300,000km out of the car, and any good engine/transmission shop will do it for anreasonable price, since they are quite similar to Rover stuff. Also watch for the exaustmanifold which likes to break at the flex pipe. It is the awsomest car if it runs right and is not the fat gas guzzeling balarina that everyone makes out of it. I have spent a lot of time on the car working to make it lighter and more efficient and most important more fun.
I have a 2005 R53 and the only think I’ve had to replace is the coolant thingie. Other than that, the car is perfection, and I love it.
Nice vid. And those twisties at the end. So jealous.
They designed the hood release lever using a cheap stamped metal bracket that bends if you need to pull on the release cable harder than with two fingers. If you don't open and lube the hood release frequently, it sticks and requires a lot of force to pull open.
I helpfully pulled on it harder when a friend couldn't pull it open and she needed to get it open to check the engine. The stamped metal bracket fingers bent and the whole thing let go, so there was no way to open it with the lever at that point, since it was just flopping around.
Had to use my multitool to grab the cable end and pull on it while she bounced on the hood to reduce the preload on the latching mechanism, which finally worked.
At least the engine wasn't on fire.
I have a 2003 cooper s and the only issue which it does not have from that list is the cracked expansion tank (only because it was replaced by a previous owner). Still the best car I've ever owned.
i have my Mini for over 12 years and all i have fixed is the horn
A cable have broken of
Good for you !
Hi I just bought a Mini and didn't realise until after the horn doesn't work. I just press the button and nothing happens. What was wrong with your horn? Thanks
You got a Mini that wasn't supposed to be released to the public.
i have it for 3 years and had to replace, egr, rear stabilizers, rear and front stabilizer bushings, short on the fan, dpf clog, injector renewed, horn
Good nod to Alan Partridge at the start
I had the power steering pump fail on my 2003 Cooper S a few months ago out of the blue , the first I knew about it was that my car alarm went off in the middle of the night due to the fan on the pump still working and draining the battery with the engine turned off .
The good news is that I contacted my Local Mini Dealership who took my car in for a diagnostic check ...24 hours later they had fitted a new pump all for just the price of the diagnostic and the power steering fluid , Mini themselves covered the cost of the replacement pump and labour which would have come to over £900
So my suggestion to anyone who encounters a failure of their power steering pump in a Gen 1 Mini is to contact their local dealer before paying for any repairs as you may just save yourself some serious cash !
dalliance36
good advice is to only have these cars while covered under warranty.
plastic coolant pump and thermostat housings on the 2010, considered regular maintenance items. flimsy stamped steel hood release cable brackets.
Even the $700 dealer service for water pump and stat housing(after warranty was up, natch) apparently left the timing chain tensioner bolt loose and spewing oil when it was fine before the work, and an independent shop said they had to replace the whole tensioner because they said the washer was not sold separately. Unwarranted$250 cost just for that. I'm sure it only needed a bit of tightening on what's essentially a bolt to fix that leak, but it was a friend's car and I didn't get to try it as it was already in the shop.
These are not good bets if you don't DIY as they're not designed for long term reliability.
You are blessed to have a Mini dealership close by. None on Maui, closest Oahu... Gotta use BMW dealership. Since Superferry driven outta state by established business interests, can't take car over to Oahu dealership for service...
Often times, the failure leaves the pump running after the engine is turned off. The pump will continue to run until it runs the battery down, or the motor overheats and burns your house down. I could hear the pump running, disconnected the battery, and the dealer insisted that I bring it in for service the next morning.
Where did you have this work done can I ask? I have a 2002 and the power steering pump is still the original so I am guessing this might happen in tbe near future. Was wondering if all dealers cover the cost
I wish you would give more details on how you know if your power steering pump has failed.
I bought my 2005 Mini One over a year ago and whilst I know I have power steering - I can easily turn the steering wheel when the ignition is on and can't when ignition is off - I do find the steering heavier than other Minis I have driven. I had the front left wheel bearing replaced a few months ago and when I picked up my car the power steering was much lighter than before, but after a couple of weeks, the heaviness returned.
My Mini is very driveable and so the steering isn't a major issue, but it would be good to know if replacing the power steering pump would make the steering lighter.
No warning lights are displayed at any time.
just bought a 2006 mini one convertible. cant wait for all the problems to show up.
initialB 240 hows it been so far?
Just bought the same make and model. How's yours holding up? How'd you clean the convertible top? That's my first project.
Power steering pump failure sometimes is caused by the fan not working anymore. I am thinking of replacing the power steering pump for one from a Mercedes, and run new lines. Something like the electric pump used on Project Binky.
Mini had a recall years ago and they put a plastic shield over the power steering fan, which is located underneath the car. Also, a much better metal one can be purchased at various MINI supply places.....Very east to install.......
The thermostat seal leaks, it was changed to a silicone type. Also done the engine mout leak, back box rusted and rear disks turn to cheese. Air bag warning light is common due to the conector under seat lose.
Great Video Thanks.Im About to buy my first mini so this helps so much.
Great video
If your aux cooling fan fails while your AC is running, TURN OFF your AC or it will overpressurize and you'll lose all your Freon. There is a pressure fuse that blows when the pressure is too high. The Aux cooling fan is a great money maker for dealers as it is, no need to dump your Freon as well. It's not a real expensive part, it is time consuming to replace. You can get the fan from a lot of places including Rock Auto.
Sometimes driving in heavy rain will revive your brake sensors. They will fail to work when filled up with dust, this washes out the dust. You can also blow it out with an air hose.
Ball joint tie rod ends inner and outer track rod ends engine mounts the wall common faults on all vehicles and are classed as wear and tear
Newcastle yes lad
Really great video
Paldies par informaciju
I'm had an '05 Mini Cooper and the clutch went bad. Lots of grinding. So if went to get it repaired and everywhere l went said that it would be at least $2,500 not including labor. Mainly because it was a major repair. So if sold it and have regretted that decision ever since. Now I'm ready to go get another Mini (used) and going to do what it can you keep it running.
Clutch on my 2002 cost me £650
Great vid but please remove that annoying background music/sounds
Bit of Roachford , love it 👍
What does he expect. Its a 13yr old car with mileage to the the moon and back.
i have a 2007 for 2 years & all i done i s the batterie
I also have a 2007 and have replaced the chain tensioner, chain, oil pump, water pump, thermostat, and battery at 30K miles. The oil pump, chain and the tensioner were covered under extended warranties though. I'm at 64K now and nothing else has gone wrong yet, just need to freshen up some suspension bits and its going to need a new motor mount.
Engine mounts, abs sensor, coolant tank, idle pulley, strut mounts replaced
I've had a 2002 R53 Cooper S since new. Of the eight items listed, I've had to deal with three. The front suspension bushings were replaced at approximately 100k miles. The power steering pump failed at 100k, but the warranty was extended to 125k shortly thereafter, so the repair costs were refunded. The coolant overflow tank has failed twice. The only problem I've had which really irritates me, is a stripped oil drain plug. The dealer's comment was along the lines of, "Well it did last over 100k miles . . .", but with a 10k oil change interval, the plug was removed and replaced only ten times before stripping. Replacing the pan was over $1500. Really, any first-generation MINI still on the road has probably already had the steering pump, bushings, and overflow tank replaced.
Powerfactorguy Not mine.
Not mine . . . what? You haven't had to replace any of the stuff that usually has been replaced at 100k? I met a guy last Summer who has only 41k on his R53, so there's two of you!
When checking steering. Make sure the vehicle is running or play will be present.
Thanks for showing how to replace the O Ring and oil pan gasket, it was helpful and well narrated. My Mini S is leaking oil not much but I want to repair it before it gets much worse, if you are located in California I will take the car directly to you for repair. Thanks again.
I've had my 2003 Mini cooper S for over a year and the only thing that's gone bad is the alternator.
I've looked all over. Except for used Power Steering Modules on Ebay, I can't seem to find anyone selling new.
top man, thanks for the tips Driver81. like it.
Two hands on the wheel, dude!! 😀
steering pump fan fail causing pump failure
the best diagnosis is inpa and ista D, the original diagnosis from BMW!
Having your hand rest on the gear stick, nice one.
Hi I bought mini 2005 is it normal the klutsh so hard?
I have a mini 2005 and my battery dies overnight .. I can’t figure out what exactly drains the battery . Pls can you help ?
Can you elaborate more on the sounds you would likely hear if engine mounts need to be changed
Quattro 27 The left one leaks oil so look for a leaking oil. Engine will shake all over the place
I have an 05 Mini Cooper having steering problems I replaced the battery and steering will not turn
the noise with the power steering module noise i have that noise but car works fine whats it cost to fix and whats it mean?
How fast can go 2004 mini like urs on motor way
Your theme song reminds me of high school.
2002 mini one and we have had to replace all the bushings, re set the airbag warning light numerous times, power steering pump is whining loads now, so that’s probably goosed....and we now have an alternator warning light.... BMW / Chrysler did a fantastic job......not
madaboutbrens Hello, can you tell me how did you reset you airbags light? I removed and put back my seat, i plug out and plug in all the socket correctly but the airbag light stays on.
Baby Love the fault lies with the plugs at the front of the seat, once you are happy with the wiring, you need to access the OBD port with a reader and reset the DTC’s (trouble codes) the port is located under the steering column above the pedals.
You will need a code reader / reset tool, or go to a garage I am afraid.
ABS just packed up on ours this week, these really are piles of shit these cars.
just about everything will break on the MINI
a DIY Car Guy harmonic balancer, transmission, new transmission valve body, water pump, passenger airbag mat twice, abs sensor, windshield due to stress crack twice, valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket twice, power steering hoses, stepper motor, thermostat and housing, not to mention wear and tear items, etc., lolz
I hear ya, I'm about to part mine out.....both of my taillights spider cracked from the cold weather last winter...the hell kind of design is that!? lol
a DIY Car Guy do a video where you shoot it or blow it up
hahaha that's a great idea, I'd probably make more of the money back that I blew into the car than I would from parting it out
a DIY Car Guy. Wrong i had mine for 3 years and the only thig i replace was the oil spark plugs and coolant tank this guy is way off
My right front day burner light is out . How can I fix it. does the fuse need replacing? Please Help. Thank You
I have the 2005 mini cooper
The cheap plastic thermostat housing!
I hate those new minis but that ones kinda cool
By power steering pump module, are you referring to the fan?
David Boyea Some later models have the fan, he means the pump powering the steering fluid
thanks Mate!
you forgot to mention the 5 speed gearbox smashing its' self up, coolant bubbling airlocks and overheating, run flat tyres not sealing on the rims and losing pressure, power steering pipes leaking, everything held with plastic clips break, should really have a British Leyland badge on it
bmw really wanted them to feel like the real thing.
adam brelsford BMW have gone for the traditional Cowley Heritage feel.....
I've got a Mini R50 and the Power steering pump and the engine mount Need to be replaced 😅
Power steering pump....
Thank you !! Good information
I bought my wife a 2004 MCS bought it in 2007, voluntarily fitter Fletcher stainless steel cat back in 2007 changed drivers wheel bearing in 2009 38k miles,passengers in 2011 front bearing 41kmiles, battery in 2012, nothing else since, still have the cat back although it sounds a tiny bit more fruity the car mine since 2011 as the wife and kids grew out of it, still use it for work everyday rain,snow, etc ,
Sorry header tank in 2012 could not live with the whiff of anti freeze , although it never seemed to loose it.
Same with any car you get good ones you get bad ones. The first couple years of its life determins this
mini, polo or corsa for first car?
I got the mini cooper for my first car. No regrets
False economy. You don't spend £95 + shipping on a specific diagnostic tool to find out which £10 abs sensor is broken.
My mini one1.6 diesel , power steering stops working intermittently , ant ideas
I always wondered why people kicked the tyres
Make sure you change your gear box fluid and use redline or something not BMW brand
I do believe I hear a classic Yorkshire accent.
Geordie
it's an old car, what did you expect?
My 2004 R53, which is properly maintained, is reliable as the day is long, of course its an old car and like all old cars it might catastrophically fail the next time I drive it.
The problem is that these Mini's are actually very well made cars and BMW/MINI didn't really expect them to last so long, but most have now had many owners the majority of whom skipped services did as little preventative maintenance as possible and drove around with warning lights flashing and suspension clonking, then when it eventually broke down or failed an MOT they moved it on as it was too expensive to repair. This means there are some bargains out there for the likes of us who are prepared to get the spanners out.
Sometimes she mine is parked in the drive way it will beep 3 times no idea why
Haha you would not know if a control arm bush has gone by kicking it takes a lot pressure to see if there's any play
Wish i would have taken a vid of me. Kicking mine before replacing the bushings .. Fucking things bounced around like a bowl of jello lol guess it just depends on how long they went without being replaced after initial failure
I have two R50s in my family only had top engine mount failure on one 140k on one 100k on other , We have owned both for over 7 years maybe i am just lucky We also own R56 which is a total pile of rubbish that is fitted with Peugeot engine 2 timing chain failures oil leaks and only 60k full bmw service my bicycle chain looks stronger than ones fitted to R56 keep your R50s much better car
When wife talks about getting new Mini, trading in our 2005 'S', I solomonly tell her we can take a test drive of a new one, but since Mini only put supercharged engines in for 3 years, I doubt that she would be satisfied.... Has worked so far...
Ive got 354567 miles on mine it just started having some sound in the supercharger ive got another one though..
If you have one of this trashes you mind either burn it or sell it for metal.
Add my list over three years, Cooper convertible anchor points, made of plastic on 09/10 cars kit £30 + DIY, or mini will do for £220. Vanos valve clogged, symptom, car would "turn off " whilst driving. Quoted £540 at Sytner. I took 15 mins DIY and £80 part to fix. New valve re-designed. Heated windscreen failed, warranty fix over three dealer visits. Aux belt allegedly dangerously split at 22k within warranty but not covered £120. Coolant temperature sensor had fan running constantly for, some reason BMW insist the whole thermostat housing is replaced, £200. Water pump, poor design has o-ring which fails, another £200. Failed rear anti-roll bar rubbers, failed 2 weeks after dealer service. Discs wear quickly. A cylinder head casting plug fell out into the cam chain tunnel emptying the coolant into the sump. £700 at a specialist. Just over 30K miles driven, 50K miles on clock. This has to be the worst car in production right now. Went back to Toyota!
You sure got a lemon.... I went through the assembly factory at Oxford, England, with a retired British Leland guy, as guide, and very much enjoyed watching the Minis being assembled.... the workers were very curious about us...must not get many visitors through there.... If anyone gets to England, make sure to go through the factory...free tour, but gotta be persistent...
The only problem what I've been it's the fucked power steering pump. That all. But definitely is a great toy on track!!! 😁
Watya expect off a british built car.
Why would you buy that thing? You smart phone can do it! With a Bluetooth or WiFi OBD2 plug that you can get on ebay!
It all depends on how you treat your ride if you fast n furious drive it of course your gonna fuck shit up if you drive it normal it will last you longer
Mini Coober? His British accent sounded like he said it that way
...and love how you cover the speedo up when blasting through 20mph limits.... muppet!!
you forgot to mention gear box,,they put in peugeot gear boxes in the first mini's,,not the classic mini,,and gear boxes was shite!!!
1st..Wrong the abs sensor because u need brakes....2 ur to funny i have mine for 3 years no problems at all but the coolant tank in 3 years u got a leamon
Heap of absolute diabolical shit on wheels
These cars are all lemons, stay away!!!!
7:12... making it up as you go along... must have forgot what you seen on youtube before making this video...
Jeeze this background music is annoying.
15 y/o car, with 110K miles has minor faults? Shocking. 🙄
Make your own video instead of another person's
This video would be perfect if it had some really shitty pointless, never ending music.