Short story shorter... My sister just picked up a 2005 MCS in great shape. We drove 600 miles round trip today and got it home in the middle of a torrential downpour, but worth the trip.

She bought it from the original owner. Car has premium package, xenon lights, sport package, convenience package, cold weather package, chrono kit, limited-slip dif, dealer installed driving lights (bug eyes, which look pretty wicked on the car), and some other things I'm probably forgetting. Grey with black hood stripes. It's an excellent car-

I happen to be a BMW junkie I noticed that the MINI is very similar as far as the options and the way the driver interacts with the car, so it was very familar to me. fwiw I'm driving an E46 M3, and my wife has an E83 X3. I came very close to getting a MINI instead of the M3 last year, but that's another thread I guess-

One the way home I got to drive part of the way. I noticed that the car had a peculiar drivetrain "bounce/bump" to it when I accelerated or let off the throttle, so I suspected a dead motor mount. Did some searching and learned that it's a common issue, so I'll help her check that out sometime soon-

Also just read up on the "mushrooming strut tower" situation, so I'll have to help her sort that out as well. Planning to help her do a brake fluid flush, coolant flush, and the normal PMs that I do with BMWs. I'm glad to know that I can use the same coolant!

So...as I continue to make sure that my kid sister has an outstanding and reliable car, what other things should I be checking on the car?

 

pics plz and welcome to NAM

 

Wow, nice find. I was looking for an '06 to replace mine and was trying to find one with pretty much what you just listed. The limited slip is the hardest to find since most dealers(used car) don't know it's there or that it was an option. So I'd make a list of the ones I like and then would call my MINI MA with the VIN and he'd have to see if it had it. Almost none did.
I gave up and ordered an '11.
My '06 had an early issue with the power steering fixed under warranty and the coolant tank issue as well.
So, it sounds like you found a winner. Sounds like it will be well loved .
Here's a buyers guide from Motoring File that should be useful.
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
Good luck, enjoy.
Annette
P.S. Top mods are the CAI and the pulley. (The CAI was my fave, such a great whine)
Annette

 

Sweet- Thanks for the feedback! I knew when I saw the limited-slip that it was going to be a cool car, but all the other options really sweetened the deal.

The PO actually did have a pulley put on. He said it was an intermediate pulley, so a bit more boost but not so much that you're pushing your luck. I'm still reading up on what's available.

The car has a pretty healthy SC whine. I didn't inspect the intake to see if he did anything there, but it's possible. He did say that he installed a K&N filter, however, I didn't check to see if it was a drop-in or a kit. Normally I'm on top of that sort of thing, but I was more concerned with checking fluids and so forth. I did note that the coolant reservoir was empty, so that may be leaking as well. It's on my checklist.

I read through the buyers guide, and it says that in 2005 MINI switched over to a Getrag 5-speed gearbox, but my sister's is a 6-speed manual. Would that still be a Getrag? Possibly a typo in the buyers guide?

The seller already took down the Autotrader Ad, so I'll have to upload some pics. I only snapped one real quick yesterday. Patience plz

 

I'm not totally sure, but the 6speed should be the Getrag. The 5-speed Getrag was the Cooper(what is lovingly referred to as a "Justa" here on NAM, meaning not an S) Someone more knowledgable about the '05s will correct me if I'm wrong .
The Alta CAI is the most popular IIRC. That is what I had on my '06. If there is already an upgraded pulley then the Alta is your next mod for sure. The whine from the Alta is considerably different and I miss mine terribly. My daughter was bummed when she realized the new MINI we are expecting later this month won't sound like El Kabong did .
For detailing expertise on the MINI check out showcardetailing.com. Richard is the man when it comes MINI care and Prima products are phenomenal!
The detailing section here on NAM is a wealth of information as well.

Annette

 

Thanks again Annette!

I completely missed the transition back to regular MC about the Getrag- I also need to verify that MTF-LT3 is the correct fluid with LSD. This whole FWD drive thing is still weird for me, so I am unsure if the LSD matters-

Checked out showcardetailing and I may be able to learn something. I've been a long time contributor on bimmerforums, and have plenty of experience with the porter cable RO polishing routine, as well as different waxes and so forth. I will say that I am very opposed to any silicone based products for plastics and interior application. The "Black WOW" product scares me, especially when awesome alternatives like 303 Aerospace are available. No silicone, and a wicked long lasting refresh of rubber and plastics. I'm still using the first spray bottle I bought almost 10 yrs ago, back when you could only buy it at a marina. No high gloss on tires, but if you have polized sunglasses you can actually see when you've applied it. Some discussion about silicones here:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...res-paint.html

For consumable supplies I've just started working with Zymol products, and thus far I am very impressed. Another BMWCCA member has done a lot of work with them, and he hosted a clinic last year where I got to see them in action.

I'm going to wander over in the other sub-forums and start reading...!

 

I have 303 and Black Wow and found the Black Wow does a better job and lasts longer. I started using the Black Wow after I had El Kabong a year or so and he was getting pretty abused by the Georgia sun.
I used the 303 on my previous 2 cars and still love it and use it when I detail the old PT Cruiser.
Checking out the thread you posted now.
Annette