Hey Everyone,
Just picked up a 2004 R53 project in British Racing Green with the sunroof. Towed the R53 home on Sunday, car does run and drive but has its share of issues. Things I have to consider:

• No Brakes: Brake pedal hits the floor but the car does kind of stop. Replace all rotors and pads as well as re-bleed the system.
• Power Steering: No power steering, the previous owner did give me a letter regarding the recall, so I need to look into that to see what my options are
• Shifter linkage seems very tough to move
• No coolant in coolant reservoir
• Belt tensioner looks like crap, replace belt tensioner, belt and idler pully
• A bunch of cosmetic issues
• Will do a compression test to check the health of the engine
• Want to replace the coolant tank with aluminum one
• replace thermostat and water pump
• replace timing chain tensioner
• needs tires
• shocks were replaced previously
• clutch was replaced previously (500 miles ago)
• replace all fluids

I am looking forward to a fun project and having a fun car when I'm done. I am coming out of a 2001 Toyota MR2 spyder with a 2zz, which was a VERY fun car, but with only 2 seats and 2 young boys that both always like to ride around in my weekend car, I needed a fun car we can all fit in. I'm sure the R53's light weight will fit the bill. Thanks!

 

Congratulations on your purchase. It sounds like you know what you are in for and are ready to take on the challenge. The list doesn't sound too extensive. I hope you are able to get it back on the road before the kids have to go back to school.

I encourage you to post specific questions to the Gen 1 issues page when you get to them. The members of the forum are always happy to help out.

 

Thanks MiniCPA (I'm a CPA too btw). I think the part that will take me the longest will be the cosmetic end of things. I can do anything mechanically, but cannot do ANYTHING cosmetically, so I need to fix the dents and stuff at one point. Hoping to have the mechanical pieces ironed out within a month to get some good seat time with the boys before school starts. Ordered the Bentley manual last night...very excited to start the process!

 

Welcome to the forum
Now that's the kind of project I like. Have fun !

 

Welcome.

Great looking car, and loads of fun fixin' it up.

Looking forward to read about your journey.

Motor On!

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
I am guessing the coolant tank is cracked open at the seam, even though it may not look like it. That is common!
The best aluminum tanks use the original cap.
When fixed up, these cars handle like a go-cart and are so much fun to drive in the twisties!
Make sure to drive it like to stole it and it rewards!

 

Welcome we love a good project rather than parting it out.

Let us know if we can help with new or used parts.

 

Welcome to NAM.

Sounds if you can get some of the other issues fixed that with the recent clutch and struts you will have a nice MINI.

 

Welcome. Great project and bring it back to life.