Sections: MF Feature, R50, R53 Oct 29th, 2007 Consider this buying guide a living document and what you see here to be version 1.0. While we’ve worked hard to create the basic information, you the reader will be essential in helping us add content where appropriate. One note; you can only leave comments on this introduction post and not the actual “Buyers Guide” page.
The R50 and R53 MINI coupes were watershed products that ushered in a new era of small, sporty premium cars. Beyond that, they also resurrected a brand and changed perceptions of what a small car could do both on the track and in the market place.
They also make great used buys. But there are some important things to remember when shopping for that perfect used MINI. In this buying guide we’ll attempt to get you started down the right path. We’ll look at the cars, their issues and the seemingly constant updates made by MINI throughout the model cycle.
While it’s true the early MINIs had there fair share of issues, they are still very strong cars with little in the way of serious, budget busting potential problems (with one exception we’ll touch on later). They can provide an unequaled out of the box driving experience for a great price and are generally easy and fairly inexpensive to maintain.
That’s not to say that a potential MINI buyer shouldn’t be fully educated in the ins and outs of potential issues. It’s also very beneficial to know what has changed through the years. With this guide we hope to give an overview of what to look for in the way of potential problems and what to look for in terms options and production changes through the years. We won’t be diving into all specific issues but giving a general overview of what to look for and what to avoid.
There’s one rule of thumb when it comes to buying a used R50 or R53 MINI: buy as new as your budget allows. As is the custom for BMW, MINI made quite a few important changes to the first generation MINI coupe throughout it’s lifecycle. The most important happening in the 2005 model year (beginning with July ‘04 builds).
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This is going to be an invaluable resource as people start picking MINI (Coopers) up on the used market. Great job on the compilation of not only great images, but great info. I don’t think I have ever seen such a well done layout of the basics….I assume as this document grows one could go into all the tiny nuances that MINI changed over the years that most people don’t even recognize…..
I could see this becoming a “MINI Timeline” link on the top nav bar….and let it grow as people submit more and more comments and maybe links to other pics, diagrams, charts, etc… maybe??
Well, there goes the resale value of all the early CVT Coopers (mine included). Most have been rock-solid for reliability, and have provided many trouble-free miles of motoring. I have 39,000 plus on my ‘03 and have never had any issues with the CVT. It appears to be a small percentage of problem trannies, but it makes you wonder why MINI has discontinued offering the CVT.
Nicely done from an enthusiast’s buying perspective. One note - are any of the problems noted based on actual overall service records for the marque, as opposed to the various WWW MINI boards input? Anyone doing buying research online is sure to get a link to Motoringfile, and some of the more broad statements and opinions could be open to question if there is a disconnect from actual basic stats on problems that have been verified.
Gabe - I would suggest noting when the steering wheel changed to the “Nintendo” 3-spoke - just because it’s an easy thing for a potential buyer to spot.
This may be of some help: Chronology of 1st Generation MINI Changes
That’s a great list - we’ll be sure to add it to the updated version.
Well, there goes the resale value of all the early CVT Coopers (mine included). Most have been rock-solid for reliability, and have provided many trouble-free miles of motoring. I have 39,000 plus on my ‘03 and have never had any issues with the CVT. It appears to be a small percentage of problem trannies, but it makes you wonder why MINI has discontinued offering the CVT.
The negative feedback we’ve gotten about the CVT is from owners, dealers and those who work at MINI (on both sides of the Atlantic). It’s never our intention to hurt the resale of any MINI. However with the growing number of emails we’ve received of CVT horror stories, we felt the strong language was necessary. That said, we hope the lack of these emails and positive feedback from sources in the future, forces us to change this buyers guide.
Nicely done from an enthusiast’s buying perspective. One note - are any of the problems noted based on actual overall service records for the marque, as opposed to the various WWW MINI boards input?
All the info is from owners, dealers and from those who work at MINI (on both sides of the Atlantic).
Anyone doing buying research online is sure to get a link to Motoringfile, and some of the more broad statements and opinions could be open to question if there is a disconnect from actual basic stats on problems that have been verified.
I think if people want to question then they’re more than welcome to. And certainly if there’s a need, we’ll happily change something as we update this guide. In fact, I’d personally be disappointed if reader feedback didn’t make us add or edit some parts of this. As stated in the first paragraph, this is intended to be a living document.
Concerning the CVT. We have a 2006 that has been flawless. Our intention is to extend the warranty but we too are afraid to have one that is not covered by warranty.
This is a great resource. The bottom line is that people need to do their research prior to motoring in a pre-owned MINI. The first place to go is the dealer. We have very strict guidelines from MINI regarding what we keep on our lot and what can be certified for the MINI Next program. If it doesn’t pass we send it to the auction. And remember… if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! I have had SO MANY customers think the prices of our pre-owned MINI should be much lower. (12-15K…You know… it’s used!) Days later I find out they purchased one from another used lot or private party at a much lower price. How do I find out? Because they are already having mechanical issues and are in need of our service department.
I don’t mind if people buy their MINI from a private party or down the street at the Ford store, but at least call your MINI dealer with the VIN so that we can see if the MINI checks out.
very cool.. I know I am going to be needing this information in the future.
It would be nice to also have a general section about common mods that people do (intake, exhaust, pulley, iPod adapter, lights, sway bars), and what things can add or detract value from the car..
Nice and helpful guide! Just need to add any pertinent info on the convertible.
Great work guys….I know alot of hard work went into this and many people will view this and put it to great use for years to come!!!
Thanks for looking out for all the future owners!
The CVT transmission can be an expensive repair as only exchange units are available from MINI dealers. BMW / MINI do not allow overhauling of units and no parts in catalogue. A friend had a recent case saw a bill of 25% of the cars value. If you buy one - take out a warranty.
I don’t know if I missed it, but was there a reference to the introduction of the chrono package?Was that 04 or 05?
On the issue of leaking motor mounts, it was described in a way that implied the problem was limited to early 2005 builds. I think it only started then and has been a continuous problem ever since. People with 2006’s (including me) have had the problem. I’ve seen one report of a failed mount replaced early this year and failing again after 6 months, so it seems the replacement part hasn’t changed either. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the problem continuing through the remaining new R52 builds.
How about a warning regarding unprotected power steering fans on 2002 and 2003 models? See the following for details:
Glad I bought an 06 MCS. Nothing but pure unadultuatd worry free grins on every start up. Lucky Guy!!
Great write-up! This should be one of the most read articles on the site.
Steve, as far as aftermarket mods go, you are usually better off removing what you can and re-installing original parts (like rear sway bars, wheels, exhaust) if you still have them as you will usually get more on the sale of those items off the car than on. Sometimes you get luckey and find a buyer who wants those exact mods on the car, but more often than not you don’t get a decent percentage of the cost of the upgraded parts, not to mention installation costs.
Since the only issue present on all model years is the door sill rust, (assuming one has a manual) has anyone checked to see if the design on the 07’s has eliminated this problem? Both of my 02’s and my 04 had this. It still irks me that MINI has treated this as a silent recall. Love the cars, hate the rust.
Exceptional writeup Gabe. I had thought about doing that too, But what a daunting task!
Red cloth and black leather seating was also a popular choice that gave the MINI’s interior a sprinkling of color where there was rarely any before.
That’s rather Biased if I say so myself. ;)
BTW, I will be coming to Chicago next year. Can’t wait to see you.
2005, By the third picture of that year. I would like to see what the JCW kit went up to when they increased the hp.
However not all running changes made in 2006 were unwelcome. Due to the JCW brakes becoming standard for the 2007 R56 MINI Cooper S, the Oxford Plant decided to start fitting the last few R53 MINI (October and November ‘06 production) with the same brakes. This effectively made the $1000+ JCW brake kit a standard feature on these last few of the R53s ever made. Not a bad way to send the model out.
What?!!! I paid extra for that option!!! 11/06 build.
A few corrections (Otherwise great work!):
The 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission was first offered in the Cooper S and Cooper S Convertible beginning with 1/2005 production onwards (Not 1/2006 as stated in the article).
Other significant additions that took place on January 2005:
Optional factory LSD is offered for the first time ever on the MCS and MCSC equipped with manual transmissions only.
Introduction of dual stage front airbags with seat weight sensors and automatic shutoff for unoccupied front passenger seat. (There is an “Passenger airbag” off warning light nestled in between the headliner mounted front map lights). The bottom cushions for both front seats were slightly redesign to accommodate for the weight sensors.
Windshield washer empty reservoir orange warning light mounted at the tip of the windshield wiper control stalk.
All these changes applied to MINIs built 1/2005 and onwards.
Other changes that took place for the 2005 model year (July 2004 builds and onwards):
3 piece dashboard replaces previous 5 piece dashboard. Top vent assembly at the base of the windshield was redesigned and it is also a one piece assembly into the dashboard (Cars built prior to 7/04 have a “lid” at the base of the windshield)
Digital clock moves down from front center headliner to LCD speedo readout.
Redesigned BMW sourced 3-button fob key with separate hatch open release. Power locks were reprogrammed at the factory to accommodate for the new key. Older MINIs have a bigger Rover issue (Valeo) 2-button key.
Bigger rearview mirror
-Available factory Homelink buttons mounted at the base of the self-dimming rearview mirror (Available with the “Convenience package”).
Front passenger grab handle.
Driver’s side mounted extra sunvisor
Front headliner map lights (Replaced headliner mounted digital clock)
Front passenger airbag is relocated to deploy from the top of the dashboard (In older MINIs with the 5 piece dashboard the front passenger airbag deploys from the actual dashboard fascia, above the glove box opening)
The 2-spoke steering wheel is discontinued in the US market. All US bound MINIs made 7/04 and onwards have a 3 spoke sport steering wheel standard.
Redesigned roof radio antenna. All 2005 MINIs onwards (Tintops) are satellite radio ready from factory)
Sharkfin antenna is discontinued for MINIs equipped with factory navigation.
For the MCS and MCSC buyers can order body match color dashboard and door card surrounds in Chili Red, Hyper Blue and Liquid Yellow. At first this was a no cost option, then after 1/2005 it became a $200 option.
Factory stereo has a bigger power/volume knob.
Rear fog light is offered for the first time in the US market as a $100 factory option.
Front door card interior armrests were redesigned.
Available anthracite headliner, first offered as a no cost option, then becoming a $200 option over standard headliner.
If I think of anything else I will post it here.
Factory stereos made on or after 7/2004 can play MP3 music files.
Some MINIs built towards the end of the R50/53 production will have a different stereo from the standard US Alpine head unit offered in the US. The stereo has a different front plate button arragement and was originally offered mostly in the European market. Watch for late ‘06 build MINIs that do not have the Alpine sourced headunit.
More things keep coming to my head…
MINIs built on and after 7/2004 will have “Cascade” ambient orange light. There are 2 small front headliner mounted LED orange lights (Sharing the same assembly as the front map/reading lights) that are aimed at the center console creating the “English Submarine” cabin ambiance. Also the interior of both front door release handles have soft glow orange light at night.
There’s a fine line in the information we wanted to have in this Buyers Guide and thus we left out all the minor updates (especially in the 2005 model year) due to what would be pages of bullet points. However we’ll look at maybe just updating this 2004 post on the topic and just linking to it.
Good idea. I think I went overboard in detailing some of the changes. However, for someone looking to buy used, identifying a 3 piece dashboard over a 5 piece dashboard may help them to quickly differentiate from the first series to the second series and so on.
Don’t forget the storage tray mounted aft of the Cig. Lighter in the front seat area in 2005 Prod. Cars. What a godsend.
Will this thread be US-based only? Because if you start including prices and option packages to the list, it will differ from country to country.
For example:
Available anthracite headliner, first offered as a no cost option, then becoming a $200 option over standard headliner.
The anthracite roofliner was available only as an option with the $2000 sport package in Canada.
I just want to thank a MILL for the info i am in the market for My 1st Cooper(S)and will help a lot.
Thanks.
It was mention in the Buyer’s Guide that the last of the R53s (built in October and November 2006) were equiped with the JCW Brakes.
How can you tell?
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