You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!
Hello all, just wanted to say I'm glad to be on this board. I bought a '05 MCS coupe that could use a bit of work, I've always wanted to get one of these & the price on this car was too good to pass up.
I bought a salvaged title Mini but at least the airbags didn't go off. It's going to need the frame rails straightened, new bumper, hood repaired, replace damaged trim pieces, new rims & tires, etc... it starts, runs, & drives fine but I'm still replacing all the belts & hoses. I have a body shop back ground so I'm determined to get this Mini back in better shape. The car itself is fairly basic, 6 speed, CD player without a sunroof. That was the one thing I had a hard time finding in all the Minis I was looking at, every single one had a sunroof except the JCW's.
btw, is the price fore all the labor and parts cheaper thna a clean title car?
No, the shop labor rate stays the same regardless of title but remember cash is always KING. However I have various part contacts for used OEM items rather than buying new from the dealer.
Some items I do need:
2005 MCS Owner Manual (9/04 production date)
ipod interface to stock in-dash unit.
Front plate mount from the tow hook.
No, the shop labor rate stays the same regardless of title but remember cash is always KING. However I have various part contacts for used OEM items rather than buying new from the dealer.
Some items I do need:
2005 MCS Owner Manual (9/04 production date)
ipod interface to stock in-dash unit.
Front plate mount from the tow hook.
Congratulations and welcome to the madness . You might want to try registering on the MINI Owner's Lounge, which you can do by entering your VIN here:
If you can get in you can download a PDF version of the Owners Manual, plus some other perks. If that doesn't work for you you can try calling 866-ASK-MINI and see if they can email you one.
Thanks for the info, I signed up for an account. Here are some of the tear down photos, only extra damage found was a a bent left control arm, cracked core support, plastic intake port. Next thing to do is get it on the frame machine for a set up & measure then start pulling.
To a novice this looks daunting.
What's your opinion? Easy fix or a tough one?
I can't really say yet due to the fact it hasn't made it yet to the frame machine but I've seen worse front damaged cars that have been straightened out. I did notice the left strut was leaking so I've opted to go ahead & replace both of them.
When they straighten the body, what do they do to keep it from reverting?
The frame rails were cross pulled back into place, welded, & repaired with a reinforcing bonding agent. This is also a huge concern of mine as well given the limited area to within the MCS' engine compartment. It's going to take another hard hit in order to move those frame rails off center again. The master metallurgist / frame technician that is undergoing this job has repaired everything from Dodge Vipers, Porsches, BMW's, Ferraris, Rolls Royce, etc... I'm fully confident that they can help me get this Mini back into shape.
The cost has to be huge!
Wouldn't cost less to buy one that's all together?
Actually it's running a bit less. I bought the car from wholesaler I used to work with & friend's place for the body work. The car is already out of warranty plus prices for '05 Minis in north Texas still have insane asking prices plus this is basically the exact Mini I was looking for. If the airbags did deploy I most likely wouldn't have touched this Cooper.
Todays update, things are finally coming back together, new front struts & control arm have been installed, finish up a couple final adjustments. The Mini will be sent out for the alignment tomorrow & also a well deserved detail.
'05 HB/B MCS. 
