Hey Everybody,

I've finally found myself behind the wheel of an R53! I previously owned a base 2015 F56 but I sold it about a year ago after realizing that I couldn't afford to pay for the depreciation. After a short stint driving a painfully horrid Toyota Matrix beater and saving up some cash I'm back in a Mini. I was searching for a long time for an S with no sunroof and Xenon's and I finally found one two weeks ago. The odometer reading is high though! 287,000km, but the previous owner had the car for 10 years and, seemingly, he did take good care of it- I think he nearly started crying when I picked it up from him last week. It was like he was sending one of his kids off to college for the first time.

The car does need a bit of work here and there, but I'm ready to turn a some wrenches when necessary. I also got a 2004 Cooper S parts car (it was in an accident) along with the black '05 in the photos. So far I'm loving the handling of the r53! The turn in is so so fast and the steering rack ratio is so fast. The whole car just rotates so well. I haven't been able to get any corner entry understeer or over steer yet. The car is definitely a lot more lively than the 1.5L F56! The complete lack of turbo lag is lovely and makes the car feel like a real hammer on corner exit

A couple simple questions have come up already:
1. Is there a decent leather steering trim DIY kit available for the R53? Something similar to what is used in this video is what I'm thinking The steering wheel on my car is really worn out, and so is the shift ****. That could do with some new leather as well.
2. How loud is the power steering pump typically on the R53? I can hear mine buzzing when maneuvering at low speed with the windows down.
3. Any favourite headlight polishing kits out there amongst the NAM community?




A bit about me:
I'm a bicycle designer working in Vancouver BC and I trained in Industrial Design. I braze steel bike frames in some of my spare time and I'm learning to use the lathe and milling machines, so I'm hoping to build a few parts for my Mini eventually. My previous cars include an '02 WRX, '05 S2000, '93 Nissan Silvia, '91 Nissan 180SX, 2015 Cooper F56, and a few other not so notable cars.

 

Congrats!

I really like the color combo you found,
it looks great!

I know what it's like to hunt for a non-sunroof R53 as it took me a good while to find one.

I'm still a noob myself so I can't offer much help, hopefully NAM'ers with more experience than me will weigh in.

Regards to the steering wheel:

there is the rather expensive JCW option:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...l/32300416250/

going with a trim specialist,
like this one in the UK:
http://royalsteeringwheels.com/mini/

or the DIY kit as you expressed interest in,
I think there's a few out there,
like this:
(scroll down)
https://www.redlinegoods.com/MINIshiftboot.php

I totally agree with you about how fun and sharp these cars are,
I've been having a blast!

 

Wow a rare slick roof S! Your Mini Looks great and must have been cared for!
You can usually hear the power steering pump when going slow or stopped and turning the wheel. Electric hydraulic systems will do that. Make sure the cooling fan in front of pump, is still working and they whine also.
I just love the drive a gen 1 brings to the table. None of the newer "more refined years" feel as good. We have tight twisties here and nobody is able to keep up with my 06 MCS JCW in them, as yet! I think an Audi TT would do good also, but have never driven one where I drive.
YA gotta Luv a Gen 1 Mini!

 

 

Congrats, love the slicktop