Well... I have a second "BMW" now I needed a daily for long commutes, so I picked up a 2004 Cooper S and I can see why everyone says these cars are so much fun. New to this club, hoping to meet some people at car shows and also make this car even MORE enjoyable to drive with some performance upgrades.

If someone can fill me in on what to look out for at 88k miles, where (in Arizona) is the best place to take an out of warranty Mini for service and maintenance (normally I do my own, but some things are not worth the time), and help me out with a couple things I'm trying to find, I would be very grateful.


The R53 with its faded eBay headlights (OEM replacements already on order... along with new badges and wheel caps for the driver side, and aFe intake)



Surprisingly clean interior for 88k miles in Arizona.



This piece is missing on both sides... what is it? Seems like something should be here...



My other BMW...

 

Welcome.
The part missing is part of the rain rail, you can't get just the 3 inch section, you have to buy the whole rail. I suggest looking at a junk yard. These are commonly lost after someone replaces the windshield.

 

Nice R53 MINI and E92 ( looks like CSL wheels).

The headlights , are you going with xenons or the halogens, since its a 2004 , it will have the pre facelft headlights for xenons. If you have the last 7 digits of the Vin I could see if it has xenon from the factory.

Up to 7/2004 Xenon headlight



7/2004 + Xenon healights




On the badges, just make sure you get the right ones.

MINI Cooper S Hood Emblem Gen 1 R52/ R53 Cooper S version.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51140660106/



&

MINI Cooper Rear Trunk Emblem R50, R52 , R53 , R56 & R57 models.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51147026186/



&

MINI Cooper S Model Lettering ( for the trunk )


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51142755618/




If you need just the little center cap stickers, they are here:

MINI Logo Center Cap Sticker - Priced Each


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/36136758687/




Or

JCW Logo Center Cap Sticker - Priced Each

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/36136786764/




I see you have R81 X- lites which seem to be plasti-dip or painted black. I did not know it you nee the full center cap:



Hub cap - Silver #4 in diagram


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/36131512572/



On the roof molding trim above the A pillar . It part of the main piece and I refer to it as the end section or ear tab. they can sometimes get knocked off or damaged from a window repair. Looks like you need the right hand side ( passenger side) and left (driver side).



Roof Molding / Rain Gutter - Left


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51137112079/



&

Roof Molding / Rain Gutter - Right


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51137112080/



Thanks and good luck with the new MINI.

 

that r53 looks super clean! congratz on your mini, i bet with some lens restore those lights could look brand new, if you were going to throw them away im sure i could pay some shipping to send them up to me =)

 

The face lift xenon's, if I were given the option, is the way to go...
They are in a word awesome.... Superior to the early reflector xenon's.....
Hope your experience is great...my mini (since new) has been near perfect...
I just see changes like eBay headlights, and wonder what other "cheapo" looks over function mods there are....

 

Thank you! If you only knew how much money I've spent at ECS on my e92 LOL... They are ZCPs, but I ended up moving to APEX to dump some of the weight. I'd like to order the rain trim and just replace the whole section. I'm not sure how faded it is, and would hate to have it not match. Pull up my account (pobudz at gmail.com) and let me know if I qualify for any discounts

I ended up going with the OEM halogen/no washer because I couldn't find the "upgraded" units for less than $600 per side... plus I would need the ballasts, bulbs, etc. Right now its just hallogens sitting inside of a projector... which is slowly falling through the bottom of the headlight assembly. If you want to see some nightmare spaghetti pictures... I can post a few.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! You guys answered all my questions and then some!

 

Thank you!

They are garbage if you really want them. Pay for shipping and they are yours for "free."

 

Yeah...the $$ is the issue with many parts....
Keep you eyes open on the "marketplace" for bits you need...cars getting parted out are useful as local junkyards seem to have mini's stripped in a couple days...

 

... Oh, the joys of BMW. On the upside, I only have to buy 4 plugs for this car the pulley/belt/plug kits out there seem relatively inexpensive. Would like to put 200whp down at some point. Seems reasonable with FBO from what I've read so far.

 

If the motor is healthy...
Some basic Bolton's...and a custom tune can get you right at 200 whp... That right where I am at!!

 

Anyone know what size\thread pitch the oem license plate bolts are? I want to pick up a set with allen heads.

 

i do belive they are m4 1.25

 

Thanks, I'll give that a shot!

 

ill go pull one out of mine right now and check just so you dont ahve to run to the store again

correction, its M5, and are also about 10mm deep

 

Life saver! Thank you again

 

If your looking for some unique badges and mounting kits for your Mini, visit our website to view our large selection of products. We also create custom badges for individuals or clubs. In addition, we also have some awesome, interior wraps, carbon fiber products and more!! Check us out at www.gobadges.com!

 

pobudz, we have similar BMW cars! What year is your E92? I have 06 MCS and 09 E90 335i.
As far Mini, some of the items to check for are:
Belt tensioner assembly and belt
Crank damper
Engine mounts (passenger side one especially)
Coolant tank for leaks
Thermostat and gasket
Lower control arm bushings
Wheel bearing hubs
Power steering fan
Spark plugs
Battery
Alternator

I am sure others will chime in as well, but these are what I have done so far.

 

Your E92 looks pretty tight.