Hello all!
My name is Sebastian, I'm in my mid thirties, and I've bought a 2006 R53 MCS last fall. Before the Mini I had a 2013 Mustang GT with the 5.0 V8, so it's been quite a change. As far as the fun factor is concerned, I'd say the cars are on par.

As I said my R53 is a 2006 with HID, leather, chrono package and the limited slip diff. It's got a good service history, with recent timing chain change etc. Only issue I have with it is an oily sump and a little bit of oil consumption, but that seems to be the norm with these. I'm planning to change the seal on the crank position sensor for good measure and see how that helps things.

Other plans are retrofitting the MFSW and cruise control as well as eventually bringing the car to JCW spec engine wise.

Hoping to get some help and inspiration on the forums for all the Mini related projects!

Cheers,

Sebastian

 

Welcome to the forum and the MINI experience. I would suspect the MINI and the Mustang are a different kind of fun.
The last year of the first generation (2006) is a great MINI in my humble opinion.
Do you have any pictures to share?

 

Hi and welcome to NAM, Sabastian!
The 2006 is very special to many of us. It is the last of the raw "new" Mini Coopers.
They are fun cars with plenty of character, to go along with your own,
They are not for everyone, as they do require good maintenance, especially due to there age now. Many things need service and it sounds like you have done these things to your Mini!
I have owned many Mini Cooper S models and chrono package is a must for me! I like to keep an eye on pressure, temp, etc.
You have owned it long enough, to know if you like it or not and guessing it works nicely for you.
We like to see pics of our members cars, so take a few and post them here!
I am an old fart, but I still enjoy a good handling car!

 

Thanks all for the warm welcome! I've specifically chosen the R53 because of the supercharger and general concept, even though they have their issues. It also helps that it's a small enough car that allows me to put 2 motorcycles into the garage :P

Here's some pictures:

 

Welcome Sebastian !
Beautiful R53, very nice find.

Cant go wrong with JCW mods.
Brakes/Suspension were the first on my list.
Then upgrade kit including Airbox, 380cc injectors.

I read some of your wish list. Adding cruise will be an easter egg hunt and some hours of work. Here's a thread which will guide you in the process.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...02-cooper.html

Good luck !!
Motor Safe!

 

Thanks for the link, I'm sort of halfway there ;-)

I've added the buttons to my steering wheel (it was already a three spoke) and have changed to clockspring to one that supports the buttons. Both jobs were quite simple.






Now all that's left is to run the wiring harness. I've retrofitted the reversing camera to a F11 5 series, it can't be that bad :P

 

Nice job and congrats on the MINI.