just bought a 2002 mini cooper S . 116k miles. this thing is so fun to drive! is there anything problematic that i should pay close attention to? I also would like to begin modifying it asap! (short list of parts i plan to install. please comment. advice for specific brands is Very appreciated!)

1. Headers and Exaughst
2. Intake
3. Reduced Supercharger pulley 15%
4. Clutch. Flywheel. Short-throw.
5. Iridium Spark Plugs + Hot Wires.

THANK YOU

 

Welcome. We love pics. Sounds like you are about to be bit by the mod bug.


Common issues
1. Lower control arm bushing
2. Expansion tank
3. PS Pump,Fan
4. Engine and trans mounts
5. Supercharger at @100k
6. Crank sensor o ring
7. Valve cover gasket
8. Oil pan gasket

Make sure you change your oil faithfully no later then 7.5k IMO and check it every 500-1000 miles as MINI's like oil.

Good luck.
Don't forget to wave.

 

Super charger at 100k? I am looking at buying my first mini and i have heard all that except the supercharger. I was under the assumption that thing is solid unlike turbos.... i mean you gotta change the oil in it, but do you have to get a whole new SC at 100k?

 

Most don't change the oil and they usually will need to be rebuilt at 100k because the PO never changed the oil. According to MINI you never have to and owners listen to MINI.
:( So if you feel like doing the SC oil change it will prolong the life of the supercharger. But keep in mind it is not the SC that fails it is the water pump and the gears. So if you are going to repair that, it is easier to get a rebuilt SC.

 

Good advice, would you think that could help drive the price down at a dealer? or since mini says nothin about it, your screwed?

 

I think MINI and the dealers never cared one way or another IMO. Now that the SC was replaced with the Turbo, they have all new issues to worry about.
From what I recall you can not even get a SC from the dealer anymore and you would have to source a rebuilt one or repair your own.

 

I bought one from the dealer in June (I still have the box). If it makes a difference it says remanufactured on the box. I figured that since I was replacing the engine, I might as well replace the SC. It has a 2 year unlimited kms warranty as well.

 

Curious to know what you paid.

 

From my receipt (just happen to have the receipt with me)

Part number: 11-65-7-557-875 RMFD Supercharger list: $2341.50 (marked down to $2250)

 

 

If you're going to do all those mods you'll need to get an ecu tune otherwise CEL will come on, especially if your doing the headers and exhaust. Its a fun zippee car, drive it like you mean it

 

Superchargers are only rated to 100k, so yes, you should at least plan no getting one at some point. That being said, I pulled my first one off at 191,000 miles, it was still good, even had oil in the water pump gear area. My current one has 120,000+ on it and is performing great. Oh, both have 15% pullies on them.

I've heard of other dying at 60k. Milage seems to vary.

Nik

 

yah tell me... Considering that Pelican has the same part on at $1561 - now that's duty and a dealership markup.

 

There are several reputable companies that rebuild these for almost half that. Some even port and polish it as well for a lot less then that.

 

so to be safe first thing to throw money at should be a supercharger rebuild kit?
just wanna be sure shes healthy before i push her too much.

 

would a dyno tune take care of these issues? Playin with one next semester so might as well bring her in to tune.

 

Way has them at a great price.

http://www.waymotorworks.com/r53-r52...ercharger.html

That is the rebuilt in the link, he also has ported and polished rebuilt and new.

 

Oh absolutely. But for me;
1) They're much more difficult to get in Canada
2) I was changing my engine anyway and I wanted to make sure the warranty would be intact.
3) I wanted a spare


I don't now about the rebuild kit (I think they're vaporware), but taking it apart to take a look at its' condition is not a bad idea. Just measuring (and replacing) the oil, and inspecting the PTO gears, and vane condition would probably be enough. You could also add something called a MCS recharger (google "Imperial Mini") to make future changes much easier (I have one as well).

I wouldn't take it all apart just to check the SC. I'd check it when I was in there doing other things (like the crank sensor leak etc)

 

wow!!!

 

We also have them brand new for $1300
http://www.waymotorworks.com/r53-coo...ercharger.html