I'm a new owner to a 2006 Mini Cooper S. I kept telling my husband now is not the right time to buy but once I found it I fell in love and couldn't pass it up.

 

My wife drives her 2006 cooper S without even letting me touch it unless is service or gas.
Her R53 with H&R coilover, 20mm sway bar, lower control arms, TSW endlinks, JCW pipe, break, CAI and 15% pulley upgraded with ECU tuned.
Congratulations

 

I'm not sure on too many of the specs on mine :( My husband on the other hand already has a list a mile long on upgrades that he wants to have completed.

 

I would suggest, before putting the mods on, check your mini overall health status first.
I am saying from my experience for the almost 3 years ownership for our R53a.
1) Crack pulley
2) Pulley belt if any cracks or old
2) Thermal
3) Front control arm bushing ( to restore the original mini handling behavior)
4) I upgraded the suspension was due to the fact that previous sports package shocks were done.
5) Steeling pump oil leaking thus replaced
6) Oil pan oil leaking if any?
7) Engine damper oil leaking if nay.
8) Axle bushing being too old?

all the above mentioned were replaced during the last 8 month. our R53a is around 95K.
Find a good Mini specialist around your area.

 

Thanks for the tips! I'll be sure to pass them along

 

Just bought a 2003 mini with cvt before i knew they had problems hope it wasnt a mistake i love the way the car drives and handles.

 

Welcome aboard and to MINIsanity. Post some pics and good luck.

 

Welcome to the fun!

I have to agree 100% with the above statement. When I picked up my 06' MCS I was foaming at the mouth to start modding it, but I went through a laundry list of things that were "known issues" for mini's when they hit the 60k mile range. With the help of all the How-to's on this site and some advice, I have managed to replace everything myself, including some things that hadn't failed yet, but were destined to. It's a long list, but now my Mini is running great and with the mild mods I have done since, it's a blast to drive!

 

Greeting,
The recent weeks I was doing research for the auto transmission fluid change, it will be my next project although will probably go to a shop and show them the procedures.
For your reading pleasure, here is the link http://www.passatworld.com/forums/91...ilter-diy.html
Our mini used the same transmission same as VW 09G model and also used on some other brands(ie: Volvo, Ford..etc) which claims a "life-time oil" without require fluid change..
here is the link for NAM topic (https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...in-fill-3.html)
NAM member "clutchless" and "fishbone", "SMOG" and other talented fellows put together a very good discussion and it may save our MCSa for more happy motoring. ( credit goes to them )
My wife's 06MCSa is 95K and still running strong and handles like a champ, I would like to make sure the transmission is also happy to stay with us for next 100k.
Cheers.

 

Thanks for all the good info. What do you mean by 2) Thermal? do you mean the thermastat?

 

My husband kept telling me to wait and make sure I find the one I want instead of settling. Sold my car in less than 24 hours and had to scramble to get the one I wanted from a private seller. I totally understand

 

That is correct.
Usually most of those wear and tear parts aren't expensive, labor is what is gonna cost you. ( Because Mini has small engine bay and everything is just so cramped in there, so that cost money to take things apart and install) If you are a DIY kind of guy/gal, then you might be able to save some money.

Here is the thermostat replace DIY.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...at-change.html
or
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-mistakes.html

parts
http://www.waymotorworks.com/r53-the...t-housing.html