Hi everyone. I've started shopping for a mini cooper S conv. Ive driven a base model conv and a turbo S model. I definitely need the added power as I'm coming from the V8 world. I also need to have the manual transmission. I'll take any advice you all can offer as I know very little about these cars. what are the common problems, what should I look for when shopping etc.

I haven't been able to clearly discover when the switch was made from SC to turbo. I also haven't driven a SC one. how do they compare to the turbo ones? what are the typical first mods that people do.

thanks for any and all comments.

 

Welcome to the forum.

I've been wanting one for years and found a while back that if you want extras, accessories and such, the field is very limited verses other vehicles. There are very knowledgable vendors out there, but they can only offer what the market offers.

And when you walk up to a Mini Parts counter, it reminds me of an old time Harley counter, $100, $100 $100 ... for the smaller items (and more)

If your from the old V8 era, (I am), one thing you notice right away .. when warming the vehicle up, and you go to the back to clean the window .. the exhaust sounds 'very different' then your use to. But boy are they snappy when accelerating with tight steering response.

 

Welcome to the forum hodgimus. I'm new here too it's a great site with tons of great info.

I have a 2006 s convertible supercharged manual. I wanted supercharger for a few reasons. the pickup is instant no turbo lag. The supercharge whine is addictive. The price was right. The air bonnet/hood air scoop is real not a fake.

The last year for the supercharge convertible was 2008. Most of the kinks were worked out end of 2005. So hence I had options from 2006-2008. Picked the one with the lowest miles and best condition for the money.

You will notice advice on the forum about the first batch of 2nd gen engines being problematic. I think this began with the hard top in 2006 but not until 2009 for the convertible. You should get your answers on this site. But for supercharge convertible your good up to and including 2008. They switched to turbo after that.

Either way your getting a mini and you will have a blast. Especially if you have some twisty country roads to enjoy. happy hunting!

 

I'd say avoid the 2009 & 2010 S model convertible (N14 engine).

 

Welcome
Find a supercharged one on a lot or carmax and go test drive it. They are very different cars and each has their likes and dislikes so you can decide which you like better.

 

And re mods. If you go SC common mod is to change the SC pully size for HP gains. But the recommendation would be to find one without such mod as it likely won't have been driven as hard.

Check out out the modifications forum within gen 1/2/3 forums.

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
You gotta love the 05/06 Mini S. The supercharged engine is sporty and the power comes on at the lower rpm's. These do not perform like a V8, but what they lack in straight line speed, they more than make up for in the twisties! These cars will take years off of you in the spirited driving they can handle!
If you really want the fun, get a John Cooper Works model!