R50/53 Looking at a 2006 and 2008 Cooper S- should I go with the 06?
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The r53 motor is solid. I know people with over 250whp on the stock bottom end. The motor will take a beating and say thank you. The quirks are well known and permanent solutions are available.
Really it comes down to what YOU want to do with the car. Maybe up the power a bit and make it handle a little better, either will do. Want to make kinda stupid power and make it handle.... R53.
Really it comes down to what YOU want to do with the car. Maybe up the power a bit and make it handle a little better, either will do. Want to make kinda stupid power and make it handle.... R53.
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Haha, working on it. So let's say I get an 06, one of the first things I'd want to do is up the hp and torque (low end torque preferably?). What would be the first steps, and what gains can I realistically see?
I'm a bit of a "spirited" driver in that I'm heavy on the pedal when there is an open road ahead of me, and I enjoy some solid acceleration when the guy in front of me clears out of the way. I won't take sharp turns too fast (but a road-hugger is nice), I don't race, I just like to feel my car move when I want it to.
I'm a bit of a "spirited" driver in that I'm heavy on the pedal when there is an open road ahead of me, and I enjoy some solid acceleration when the guy in front of me clears out of the way. I won't take sharp turns too fast (but a road-hugger is nice), I don't race, I just like to feel my car move when I want it to.
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R53 is more raw. R56 has a softer ride if everything is stock. The SC whine is very nice to the ears. Good luck, Make a list features and price.
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Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
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Size matters... I'm 6'5" and "cough" 280 lbs, I'm much more comfortable in the R53 than the R56... The door panels in the R56 cramps my shoulders/arms.
My only disappointment in the MINI is the rear view mirror, it sits at my eye level, so at times it is a big blind spot.
But I prefer the R53.
For about $7K you can get the complete 210HP JCW package.
Motor on!
My only disappointment in the MINI is the rear view mirror, it sits at my eye level, so at times it is a big blind spot.
But I prefer the R53.
For about $7K you can get the complete 210HP JCW package.
Motor on!
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Have you driven one yet? With all the torque steer that the stock setup produces, I found it not worthwhile to put any go-fast bits on my car. I always thought it was quick enough from the factory. With that being said, there are many other improvements the car needs first (REAR SWAY BAR!) if you decide to go down the go-fast rabbit hole.
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So much hate against the R56/N14. I've owned an '08 MCS 6 speed for 18 months with 98K miles and I've had NO PROBLEMS. Not even a check engine light. I change the oil every 5-7k with LIQUI-MOLY 5w-30, new Redline gear oil and new OEM spark plugs. Techron before every oil change. Engine runs extremly smooth and has a TON of power. Just the other day a driver in a 350Z thought a MINI would make a tasty snack. Guess who got dusted? On the Highway no less, at speeds I probably shouldn't mention. He gave me a thumbs up as I passed him. Respect I guess
The only item I've had to replace has been the valve cover. When Jesse from Banchwerks in Providence, RI removed the valve cover he was impressed with how "clean" the engine was. No build-up, no gunk. Timing chain and tensioner was still OEM spec after 90K miles. You know why? The Previous owner ALSO changed the oil every 5-7K with synthetic oil. With diligent maintenance and YES SPIRITED DRIVING, the N14 is a great, trouble free motor.
People get in trouble when they conform to BMW's 15K mile oil service, don't check their oil level and generally drive too gentle. That's how they get build up and gunk. You have to burn that crap off occasionally. My 2 cents.
Ian
The only item I've had to replace has been the valve cover. When Jesse from Banchwerks in Providence, RI removed the valve cover he was impressed with how "clean" the engine was. No build-up, no gunk. Timing chain and tensioner was still OEM spec after 90K miles. You know why? The Previous owner ALSO changed the oil every 5-7K with synthetic oil. With diligent maintenance and YES SPIRITED DRIVING, the N14 is a great, trouble free motor.
People get in trouble when they conform to BMW's 15K mile oil service, don't check their oil level and generally drive too gentle. That's how they get build up and gunk. You have to burn that crap off occasionally. My 2 cents.
Ian