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So, finally got my new (to me) ride today. Near-mint 2006 Cooper S with the aero kit, LSD and 72k well cared for miles on the clock. Last owner had her for 6 years and only put 7k miles on her. It has a 17% reduction with JCW belt, CAI, one ball mod, custom center arm rest, viper alarm, and few other goodies. Everything checks out mechanically. I plan on upgrading/refreshing the suspension, new wheels, cat-back (looking at Invidia), strut bar, and then maybe some injectors and a tune. I just love the thrill of driving her, and the license plate is growing on me This is without a wash-- still looks pretty good.
Last edited by jkluesner; Jan 15, 2019 at 08:31 AM.
Reason: update
Congrats it looks great and love the body kit as they always look the best. We also just got the Invidia back in stock so that is good timing. Enjoy it.
Thanks all-- I have wanted a mini since 2002, during my first year of college when the new generation came out. Life happened, and now that I just had my first kid (4 weeks old!) I guess I had a mid life crisis
Also, how often should I change the JCW belt on the supercharger pulley? I have read every year, although this belt has been on for 3-4 years, however it only has about 6k miles on it.
Thanks all! I also found out last night by running the VIN that this has the stock LSD. I thought it might, as when I got on it in the lower gears it pulled from side to side when it was starting to slip. Bonus!
That's a really nice MINI, and an aero kit and LSD to boot!
i would probably go ahead and change the belt since it's not expensive and can do some damage if it breaks. Also, check with WMW or ECS for the correct belt size as I think a JCW belt is too big for a 17% pulley. I think it's even too big for a 15% pulley. How much of the spring tab showing on the belt tensioner? Another thing is the belt is supposed to wear faster with a 17% because the diameter is a lot smaller so you'll need to keep your eye on it a little more.
With the correct sized belt, you might find your MINI has more power than you thought.
That's a really nice MINI, and an aero kit and LSD to boot!
i would probably go ahead and change the belt since it's not expensive and can do some damage if it breaks. Also, check with WMW or ECS for the correct belt size as I think a JCW belt is too big for a 17% pulley. I think it's even too big for a 15% pulley. How much of the spring tab showing on the belt tensioner? Another thing is the belt is supposed to wear faster with a 17% because the diameter is a lot smaller so you'll need to keep your eye on it a little more.
With the correct sized belt, you might find your MINI has more power than you thought.
Great advice! How do I measure the spring tab? I have seen/read conflicting information about being able to see a hole a the top...
Change the belt! It is not expensive and could cost you, if it flys apart!
Just so you know, the 06 MCS is arguably the best model made!
You have important options, that makes you car special and unique!
The chrono gauges are great, but I am not big on the navigation instead of the gauge package.
Great advice! How do I measure the spring tab? I have seen/read conflicting information about being able to see a hole a the top...
The conflicting information is probably because the tab is not specifically a gauge to determine belt tension. From what I've read, one hole showing is generally ideal and half to none is usually an indicator the belt has stretched, or is the wrong size. More than 1.5 holes and the belt is probably too small.
I wondered what the tab was showing because you said the car came with a JCW belt and a 17% pulley. The JCW pulley is a little less than 11%, that's why I think the belt is too long and might be slipping causing a loss of boost
Change the belt! It is not expensive and could cost you, if it flys apart!
Just so you know, the 06 MCS is arguably the best model made!
You have important options, that makes you car special and unique!
The chrono gauges are great, but I am not big on the navigation instead of the gauge package.
I am a gauge kinda guy!
Yeah, I would like to have a boost gauge. I guess I will have to add one somewhere not making it too tacky.
The conflicting information is probably because the tab is not specifically a gauge to determine belt tension. From what I've read, one hole showing is generally ideal and half to none is usually an indicator the belt has stretched, or is the wrong size. More than 1.5 holes and the belt is probably too small.
I wondered what the tab was showing because you said the car came with a JCW belt and a 17% pulley. The JCW pulley is a little less than 11%, that's why I think the belt is too long and might be slipping causing a loss of boost
Ah, I see. I went ahead and ordered the belt for the 17% pulley, and also the big tool for the tensioner. I watched a few videos and looks pretty easy. I rebuilt my 1973 BMW motorcycle from the frame up (cafe racer), so I should hopefully be able to handle this job
Those are good looking tips on the stock exhaust. Do you know what brand they are? Also, not sure if your NAV firmware has been updated, but the latest(last?) version has the warning time out so you don't have to press the button everytime.
Those are good looking tips on the stock exhaust. Do you know what brand they are? Also, not sure if your NAV firmware has been updated, but the latest(last?) version has the warning time out so you don't have to press the button everytime.
Not sure on the tips, but the exhaust is stock with the "one ball mod". Not a huge fan of this, so I bought the Invidia exhaust as I like the design, sound, and titanium tips.
Good suggestion on the firmware-- I still have to hit the button every time. Is this a dealer update?
Yep, updating to v32 will eliminate having to accept the warning. It also has a 3D map mode and updates some other things I don't remember. If you're lucky the dealer or one of the techs will still have a disc laying around and will update the firmware for free since you just pop it into the NAV unit under the seat and let it do its thing for a few minutes. If you can't find a disc, or a dealer who still has one, hopefully one of the links ECS posted will help.
This is without a wash-- still looks pretty good.
