Hello all,
I've had my 07 r56 since January, but haven't gotten involved in the community at all yet. I never was to big into MINIs I liked the styling but never saw myself in one. I was looking into a newer car and more fuel efficient, definitely wanted a manual, looking everywhere not a dealer had a manual in my range. H&H whom I went to lookin for a cobalt ss happened to have a 07 cooper S R56 right away I told him it wasn't what I was looking for and he insisted we go for a drive. Soon as we returned I kept the key and bought it, ended up getting something not myself or any one around me would picture me in and spending about 6k more then I wanted lol. Couldn't Be more glad with my decision! So that being said any helpful insight or things I NEED to know please share with me! I do all my own work and this is strange elements to me so I'd love the assistance with any worries I should have or encounter. Looking forward to the community.

 

Hi Derek, and welcome to C.O.R.N.! So what color is your R56?

These forums have always had the information I've wanted in regard to learning how to tweak a MINI Cooper. There are tons of great articles with pictures and instructions on how to tackle most projects.

If you can't find what you need, feel free to ask here or on Facebook.

 

Black on pure silver & black bonnet stripes.

 

I was in the same boat. We went looking for a replacement for a '95 Civic. I fully expected to get another Civic but my wife wanted to shop around to see what else was available. She then wanted to test drive one of those cute MINIs so I played along. We drove a Cooper first then a Cooper S. We made arrangements to buy an S the next day....

As for things you'll need to watch:
Check your oil frequently. The engines some times get hungry for it or may develop small leaks.
Change your oil more frequently than the manual suggests. Suggested intervals are 5k to 7k. Some turbos have failed and speculation is that its old and/or cooked oil. I'm not a mechanic and cannot vouch for the accuracy of of this.

 

Thanks Rainman! people hate on my car all the time, but the ones ive let drive it, hate no more!
Ive had the oil done mobil 1 full synthetic every 5k at h&h because they still owe me a few I check the oil every fill up but im still not sure im reading this goofy dipstick right lol.
As for turbo, hopefully itll have a hybrid in there before it could go bad, but even though they say the water pump will cool the turbo after a heavy drive, which is very frequent for me I do let the car idle down for at least 2minutes. I will be installing the edge turbo timer to match my insight cts shortly.

Did you guys buy your MINIs' at Markel in omaha? one month after I got the R56 it had the death raddle =\ I did purchase warranty and it was covered markel was fabulous in helping me as well as staying in touch with everything they did, they broke a trim piece around the fog lamp it was apparently glued on instead of clipped, they ordered and painted it. Although I feel im going to get the jcw body kit so i havent went in to have them fix it lol.

 

Derek: Run, do not walk, and order a real dipstick. MINI dipsticks have a tendancy to break off while you're trying to check the oil. I highly recommend Craven Speed's dipstick. I have one in my 2004 R53, and will be adding one for the 2006 soon.

http://www.cravenspeed.com/mini-dipstick/

Buy the best damn oil you like. Always use the MINI oil filters. Change oil like Rainman mentions, around 5K.

 

lol finances make running difficult sometimes, but I have looked into that and it seems sooooooo much easier to read. I did not know they would break otherwise id have had the cravenspeed one by now. Will for sure be buying one. 5k has always been my mark, 10k recommended is to high makes me nervous and 3k has always seemed like a waste, half the time oil looks new coming out.

Many thanks for intel, all is appreciated!

 

Come out to Wahoo for our Ice Cream Social later this month, you can ask more questions!

 

saw the invite and date, I wont be able to unfortunately I have to work every other weekend.

 

Our Facebook page is our most used form of communication, so join us also if you use FB...

There's a link to our FB page in a stickie post in here somewheres...

 

I do believe I already have, posted this morning actually about my trip to MAM last Friday.

 

 

Hello everyone!
I'm new to the community and to being a proud Mini owner! Last month I bought a 2010 Pepper White Hardtop and am living the dream!!! I drove my 1st Mini in 1988 in Germany as a teen driver and fell in love with this ride and now I finally have one of my own.
I'm looking forward to getting involved with the Community and doing some road trips in my Mini.
MiniChappy

 

Welcome to the community and MINI ownership!

 

Welcome to C.O.R.N. Chappy!

 

Welcome aboard!