R53 MINI vs BMW 130i (Nurburgring 24 Hours)
Yesterday BMW won the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring in a dramatic performance. How about MINI? Well there was the MINI Challenge race and then of course the MINI E doing a...
R50/R53 JCW Accessories Becoming Scarce
BMW has a history of producing enormous amounts of parts and sitting them on shelves for many years. However when it comes to accessories long-term availability is something less than a certain...
MotoringFile’s R50/R53 Buyers Guide Updated
One of the most viewed parts of our sites has to be the R50/R53 buyers guide we launched back in 2008. And while we felt it was a good introduction to the...
First Generation MINI Oil Leaks & Checking Your Oil (Updated w/more Info)
Over the past couple of years a very serious issue has reared its head in many a 2001-2006 MINIs (aka the R50/R53/R52). The problem stems from oil seals or gaskets going bad...
Ask MF: Best Roof Rack for an R50 MINI
This week’s Ask MF comes courtesy of Lisa: >I want to purchase a roof rack for my 2005 Mini Cooper.  Please point me in the right direction.  Should I buy Thule, Yakima,...
Official R50/R53 License Plate PDC Retrofit
Let’s say you missed the boat on ordering park distance control or bought your R50/R52/R53 MINI without it used and suddenly realize it’s a must have. While it can be retro-fitted, it’s...
Automobile Magazine Names MINI as One of the Best 12 Used Cars (with help from MF)
Automobile Magazine has a great piece in this month’s magazine that details 12 of it’s favorite used car deals. But why is it great? Ok it may have something to do with...
Happy 7th Birthday MINI USA
Seven years ago on March 22nd 2002 the first MINI dealers in the US opened their doors. While this may be US specific I think the enthusiasm of that time translates well...
Ask MF: The Best Place to Find Used MINIs
This week’s Ask MF comes from Demian: >I wanted to let you know that your website is a great one! I daily check for updates and info. In regards to used minis,...
Ask MF: R53, R56, R60 – What Does it Mean?
We’re reposting this Ask MF originally from last year due to a number of similar questions we’ve gotten over the last few weeks. This week’s “Ask MotoringFile” comes from Dave M and...