After having sold my first Mini S when I moved to Korea in 2014 I've finally gotten my hands on another one. I just bought an '03 S with 182k miles on the clock. It has some issues to iron out. There's no radio, only one key (no remotes), doors won't lock from the outside due to (I think) a busted tumbler, the lower radiator support is broken, there are a bunch of rock chips/dings, hood doesn't fit quite right, it missis under hard acceleration, the upper motor mount is going, the hatch switch or actuator doesn't work (have to use manual release under the rear seat), and the dash re-boots randomly.

BUT, there's no timing chain noise, strut towers are flat, it sounds like it has an aftermarket exhaust, the driver's seat is in great shape (that means it was either replaced or the miles are mostly highway), it tracks true, the underbody is clean and straight, there are no metal ripples from wrecks, windows and sunroof work, and it runs strong.

It'll be a fun little project.

 

Wow - it looks like you have quite a project. Good luck. If you post pictures as you go, the forum should be a great source of information and support.

 

Welcome Back

 

Welcome

 

OK then, I came across your initial post "New owner old car" thread before I scrolled down to this one. I did leave you a comment on it.

 

Hi and welcome to NAM! A project is a good way to learn the in and outs of a MINI!
Pics before and after are always a good thing for you and others, to see!

 

My first Mini. I eventually peeled off the vinyl on the roof so I could see through the glass.



A British German car and an American German van. Gotta move kids somehow. It was a good pair.



Brought this home Monday. Started going through it and it needs more to make it perfect than I have time to give.



That 17% pulley is zippy.



I like the body-color matched fender flares with the DGM paint. Not sure it'd play as well with the BRG.



My keeper! I need to redo the stripes to make it mine.



Maybe something on the roof. Suggestions?



It was a bit rainy on the way home. The rear wiper needs replacing.



Classy black & tan with painted dash instead of the faux aluminum in earlier cars. The darker grey paint on the door handles goes better with the tan door than the light silver of the '04.



Chrome accents and everything works!