So, this is awkward. You'll see my profile – it says fourth gear, which means I've been around a bit. But I haven't, really. According to my NAM stats, my last login was February 17, 2010, which coincides with the date I stopped driving my Mini. Why would I do such a thing?

Long story short, I ended up beginning a career that left me with a lot more cars to drive than just my Mini. I won't go into particulars, but suffice it to say you've probably come across my work on one of the web's bigger automotive news sites – in terms of Mini stuff, I was among the first to drive the new Clubman, last September.

The downside to having lots of other cars to drive is that my Mini sat, neglected and alone for literally years. But it's alive now, and I'm sifting through a sea of tiny maintenance procedures to reverse my years of neglect. But enough about my journey back to Mini-dom, you probably want to know about my car.

It's a manual-trans 2006 Cooper S, the final year for the excellent R53. Colors? A Chili Red body with the rare Pure Silver roof, Pure Silver stripes (that are due for replacement). I've done a fair bit of fettling with it over the years – by "I," I mean I've paid people to do the work. I'm only now dipping my toe into wrenching. Engine tweaks include an Alta 15% pulley, an Alta CAI, and a Volt exhaust. The only suspension changes are a set of H&R springs, while I just recently fit a set of Continental ExtremeContact DWs on 17-inch Kosei K8R wheels.

Thanks for reading! Looking forward to re-immersing myself in the Mini world!

 

Welcome back !! I'm actually a new member myself.. owner of a sweet little R58 S. Was wondering what your opinion is about the kosei wheels I was thinking about getting a set k8rs for mine

 

Gahhh, I love the R58. Definitely the best driver's car of the second-gens. I really like the K8Rs so far – they're very light for a 17 and look great. The only issue that I have is that there aren't any center caps available. From what I've read, this is because Kosei considers them more of a track wheel. What that has to do with not having center caps is beyond me, but whatevs.

Had I known there were no center caps, I'd have probably gone with a different wheel from a pure aesthetic point. This is was a particular issue for me, because there's a fine coating of surface rust on my Mini's hubs. This winter, I'll be sanding it down and painting it (along with the calipers). If you can get over this little issue, you'll have a great way of reducing unsprung weight.

 

Welcome back.

R58 JCW owner and R52 Owner also. Love them both.

Post up some pics of that R53.

 

Well, welcome back to the MINI world and to NAM. Would love to see some pictures of that color combo!