Got a Steal!
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 27
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Got a Steal!
Hi all,
Just recently purchased an 03 Cooper S with 34k on the clock! It's been an absolute blast to drive and am loving every minute of it! I have a question I wanted to see if anyone could help with. What items should I immediately look at/replace? I have already fixed the minor strut tower mushroom and added an M7 Strut Bar with the ends that help prevent that. I have looked at my upper motor mount (which doesn't look like the ones I see for sale/on other minis), I am ordering a metal dipstick, an Alta package with plugs, ignition, belt, pulley, etc. The car is also lowered on a set of Meister coils. I went ahead and got these as the stock struts had Tein coils on them and I wanted more adjustability in my suspension. What else should I do? I am about to do an oil change, I think a full coolant flush, I want to do brakes and rotors but I really want a JCW Brembo set or something comparable. My main overall goal is suspension to make the car handle even more precise and fun. Power is probably going to stick to full bolt-ons unless I just go crazy on the engine later. I just really want this gem to be very well taken care of and help it last healthily as long as possible! Thanks for all of the help!
Just recently purchased an 03 Cooper S with 34k on the clock! It's been an absolute blast to drive and am loving every minute of it! I have a question I wanted to see if anyone could help with. What items should I immediately look at/replace? I have already fixed the minor strut tower mushroom and added an M7 Strut Bar with the ends that help prevent that. I have looked at my upper motor mount (which doesn't look like the ones I see for sale/on other minis), I am ordering a metal dipstick, an Alta package with plugs, ignition, belt, pulley, etc. The car is also lowered on a set of Meister coils. I went ahead and got these as the stock struts had Tein coils on them and I wanted more adjustability in my suspension. What else should I do? I am about to do an oil change, I think a full coolant flush, I want to do brakes and rotors but I really want a JCW Brembo set or something comparable. My main overall goal is suspension to make the car handle even more precise and fun. Power is probably going to stick to full bolt-ons unless I just go crazy on the engine later. I just really want this gem to be very well taken care of and help it last healthily as long as possible! Thanks for all of the help!
Awesome and congrats! Post up some pics.
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Congrats, and welcome to the forum.
If that package includes coils and plug wires I would reconsider. Most of the seasoned R53 owners I've heard from agree that the OEM coil and wires are superior to the aftermarket ones and cause less problems. I'm sure there are differing opinions, but it would be worth your time to do a little research on the subject. YMMV
If that package includes coils and plug wires I would reconsider. Most of the seasoned R53 owners I've heard from agree that the OEM coil and wires are superior to the aftermarket ones and cause less problems. I'm sure there are differing opinions, but it would be worth your time to do a little research on the subject. YMMV
Last edited by vetsvette; Nov 27, 2017 at 08:52 AM.
Ok
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OVERDRIVE
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,489
Likes: 629
From: Fuquay Varina, NC
Welcome to NAM. Gen1 with 34,000 miles, WOW.
Low miles but parts are still pushing 15 years so:
1.) Have you checked out the FAQ section, lots of good info for a Newbie? https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4339982
2.) The crank sensor o-ring is behind the supercharger, about dead center of the radiator and 4" above the oil pan line. Five dollar part but need to put the car in front service mode. Even at your mileage the o-ring is most likely flattened out.
3.) Check belt and belt tensioner.
4.) You have the first version crank pulley/harmonic damper. There is rubber involved and with age it could be dry rotted.
5.) I would flush and refill the coolant system including installing a new t-stat and housing as well as the coolant overflow tank.
6.) Check the lower motor mount, looks like a dogbone. Put a light behind and if you see any light coming through the interior portions, it is cracked and should be replaced.
7.) Check the large hose coming out of the power steering reservoir as with the age would think the oil has done a good job emulsifying the hose.
8.) Check out the Gen1 Mod - Suspension section. There is not too much suspension wiz that has not already been discussed; springs, camber plates, rear swaybar and coilovers.
Got any pictures? Where you located?
Low miles but parts are still pushing 15 years so:
1.) Have you checked out the FAQ section, lots of good info for a Newbie? https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4339982
2.) The crank sensor o-ring is behind the supercharger, about dead center of the radiator and 4" above the oil pan line. Five dollar part but need to put the car in front service mode. Even at your mileage the o-ring is most likely flattened out.
3.) Check belt and belt tensioner.
4.) You have the first version crank pulley/harmonic damper. There is rubber involved and with age it could be dry rotted.
5.) I would flush and refill the coolant system including installing a new t-stat and housing as well as the coolant overflow tank.
6.) Check the lower motor mount, looks like a dogbone. Put a light behind and if you see any light coming through the interior portions, it is cracked and should be replaced.
7.) Check the large hose coming out of the power steering reservoir as with the age would think the oil has done a good job emulsifying the hose.
8.) Check out the Gen1 Mod - Suspension section. There is not too much suspension wiz that has not already been discussed; springs, camber plates, rear swaybar and coilovers.
Got any pictures? Where you located?
6th Gear - An Official NAM Greeter
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
Likes: 331
From: Southern oregon
Hi and welcome to the NAM family!
It sounds like most of us, after getting our first MCS. Keep it dependable, so you can drive it anytime you wish. These are not straight line cars! They are made for the twisties, so power is second to handling!
Post up some pics of your B-d A-s car! We love pics!
It sounds like most of us, after getting our first MCS. Keep it dependable, so you can drive it anytime you wish. These are not straight line cars! They are made for the twisties, so power is second to handling!
Post up some pics of your B-d A-s car! We love pics!
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,963
Likes: 393
From: In the here and now, for now.
To reiterate on the coolant expansion tank and a couple others already mentioned. Definitely replace it. Many are switching to stainless steel. PS hoses replace regardless and for the best upgrade you can make is an adjustable RSB either 19 or 22 MM. Don't worry about goosin' up the HP. As stated many times before, if you can't go fast with 90 HP, 900 won't help you.
Welcome. Such a great deal to find so low of a mileage car.
For sure you will want one of our larger rear sway bars as that will be the best bang for the buck to improve handling.
Otherwise I'd go over it for any maint it needs.
For sure you will want one of our larger rear sway bars as that will be the best bang for the buck to improve handling.
Otherwise I'd go over it for any maint it needs.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Welcome to NAM. Gen1 with 34,000 miles, WOW.
Low miles but parts are still pushing 15 years so:
1.) Have you checked out the FAQ section, lots of good info for a Newbie? https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4339982
2.) The crank sensor o-ring is behind the supercharger, about dead center of the radiator and 4" above the oil pan line. Five dollar part but need to put the car in front service mode. Even at your mileage the o-ring is most likely flattened out.
3.) Check belt and belt tensioner.
4.) You have the first version crank pulley/harmonic damper. There is rubber involved and with age it could be dry rotted.
5.) I would flush and refill the coolant system including installing a new t-stat and housing as well as the coolant overflow tank.
6.) Check the lower motor mount, looks like a dogbone. Put a light behind and if you see any light coming through the interior portions, it is cracked and should be replaced.
7.) Check the large hose coming out of the power steering reservoir as with the age would think the oil has done a good job emulsifying the hose.
8.) Check out the Gen1 Mod - Suspension section. There is not too much suspension wiz that has not already been discussed; springs, camber plates, rear swaybar and coilovers.
Got any pictures? Where you located?
Low miles but parts are still pushing 15 years so:
1.) Have you checked out the FAQ section, lots of good info for a Newbie? https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4339982
2.) The crank sensor o-ring is behind the supercharger, about dead center of the radiator and 4" above the oil pan line. Five dollar part but need to put the car in front service mode. Even at your mileage the o-ring is most likely flattened out.
3.) Check belt and belt tensioner.
4.) You have the first version crank pulley/harmonic damper. There is rubber involved and with age it could be dry rotted.
5.) I would flush and refill the coolant system including installing a new t-stat and housing as well as the coolant overflow tank.
6.) Check the lower motor mount, looks like a dogbone. Put a light behind and if you see any light coming through the interior portions, it is cracked and should be replaced.
7.) Check the large hose coming out of the power steering reservoir as with the age would think the oil has done a good job emulsifying the hose.
8.) Check out the Gen1 Mod - Suspension section. There is not too much suspension wiz that has not already been discussed; springs, camber plates, rear swaybar and coilovers.
Got any pictures? Where you located?
Could you link or tell me where to get the crank sensor o-ring? I've looked at a lot of sites, and have probably overlooked it, but can't seem to find it.
__________________
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172