Hello from Raleigh, NC! Back in December I bought a 2006 MCS, one owner car with 85000 miles on it. I've been lurking around here for a few months trying to learn as much as I can about the car and I figured I would finally post something.

I have to say that I'm really loving this little car! The way it hugs the road through corners, and that supercharger whine is incredible. I previously had a 2004 Mustang gt and in comparison the MINI makes it feel like a lumbering barge. I can't believe how solid this car is after 10 years.

I haven't really gotten into any mods yet, I've just been tinkering around doing basic tune up work and learning how everything works under the hood. The more I read on NAM, the more I'm tempted to start throwing money at it haha.

 

Nice , congrats , classic BRG with a white top and stripes. What mods were you looking at ?

 

Congrats and Welcome from another Mini owner in Raleigh. Are you attending the dinner meeting next week with the Tar Heel Mini Cooper club?

 

Nice! Love the green for sure. And you are lucky you are so close to FLOW if you need it, or to just go check out the bounty! FLOW is the closest to me as well (SW VA here), but still a bit of a drive.

 

Very nice! Looks almost exactly like mine on the day I brought her home. The basic bolt-on mods really bring the car alive but won't have a negative effect on reliability: 15% or 17% supercharger pulley, cold air intake, cat-back exhaust, and rear sway bar.

I'd also suggest a trip to The Dragon at your earliest convenience

Happy Motoring!

 

Welcome to NAM and hello from NY! Hope to see ya around!

 

Welcome to NAM! A basic tune up is always a good move. Be sure to enjoy!

 

Hey thanks for the replies. I hadn't heard of the tar heel mini cooper club, I'll have to look it up.

I just got a new set of wheels on! Enkei Compe 16 inch in white. Those 17" S-lites with run flat tires were starting to drive me crazy on my commute. The ride was way too harsh and there's a ton of construction tearing up all the roads around me. The 16 inch wheels with regular tires make a huge difference in ride quality.

Sorry for the awful cell phone pics, I was in a hurry

 

The wheels look great!...thanks for sharing

 

The best bang for the buck mod that will permanently emblazen a silly grin on your face is a 22mm rear sway bar. It's an easy DIY. My only regret is that it wasn't the first mod. Treat it with respect and it will respect you and your wallet. Congratulations!

 

Liking the new wheels! Go well with all the other white components on your MINI.

 

Hi Nick999,

I just picked up a spanking '03 R53, BRG+White like yours, in great condition but carrying those nice-looking but awful to drive 17" S-Lites. I googled around for white Enkei Compes and found your post from 2016. I was wondering if you still had them and whether you'd recommend them? They look great in your photos.

Thanks!

John

 

Welcome to the forum and the family. There will be at least 2 mini’s on the dragon this weekend if you would like to join us. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ragon-run.html

 

Welcome here, I'm also pretty new here. Have fun and enjoy your R53, looks great!