Can't say no to a free MINI! R53
 

Afternoon everyone! Recently I was blessed (if you can call a severely maintenance deficient R53 a blessing)with a 2006 chili red Cooper S. Car has 163k miles and is in a pretty sad state at the moment. While the car itself is rust free, it does have a bit of bubbling under both taillights and some overspray from an apparent fender bender some time in its past. The previous owner basically dropped it in my lap after the car refused to go into gear and being quoted by an auto shop upwards of $5000 to have a new gearbox installed. He felt it really wasn't worth his time or money being that the resale value even after the repair would have been quite low. So here I am, with a fun little project!

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Being the optimist I am, I thought quick work of the symptoms and immediately ordered a new clutch slave cylinder and feed line along with the correct slave bleeding tool. After spending a few hours bleeding the clutch and even leaving the pedal depressed overnight I still couldn't get the clutch fully disengaged. I know knew I had a bigger issue on my hands. While I wasn't certain what exactly was going on in that bellhousing, I knew while the transmission was out, It would be beneficial to replace a good amount of things while i was in there. Placed an order with FcpEuro for a valeo clutch kit, various o rings, seals and gaskets and got to work that weekend.

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This car was definitely leaking oil from a few placed for a good part of it's life. There was an inch of caked on oil right below the Crank position sensor. It even looks as though all the grime sealed the leak up itself. Once I pulled the trans, it was pretty evident what the issue was. Check out that pressure plate!

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I've since buttoned it all back up and have the car running but still need some more work before the car is fully driveable. Wish me luck!

WOW :eek2:

Congrats, and no one can say you overpaid.

The previous owner really killed that pressure plate, but glad you are getting it back on the road. It will be fun once you do.

Wow is right!
I do have that going for me!

Congrats and glad you will bring it back to life.

Hi and welcome to the NAM family.
The price was certainly a good one! I wish someone would drop one like that on me, for the same price!
Congrats on your acquisition! I hope you are keeping it for you, as once you drive it, you will see why so many people like them.
I am glad you have saved it from the crusher! It looks like a nice car, that has the American no maintenance attitude!
Keep us posted!

You lucky dog! Don't you just love freebies! I've yet to have anyone just give me another MINI yet, but been given a '67 Bug and an NA Miata. A little tinkering and clean up and both came back to life...the old VW is currently entering garage hibernation for the winter, and the Miata went on to help find another MINI project.

Happy motoring!

free...NICE!

That clutch is toast. Here's to brighter days ahead!