Hello all!

Novice and new to the Miniac scene and I’ll say it’s awesome to be a part. Picked up my first mini 2 weeks back (drove from the Carolinas back home and took the drive well)

2006 Mini Cooper S with about 126k on the clock.



First pick up, ready for the 9hr drive.



New Spark Plugs and boots

New Fuel Filter (you can definitely reflect on how nimble of a person you are after this task)

New axles for both ends (that’s not jelly)

Upgraded control arm bushings (it’s like the car will go where you want it to go now, rather than “hey, let’s dance a bit”)



After all is said and done, she’s a pretty one.


*Not pictured but just completed throttle body replacement, hood struts and fresh oil change. Definitely “rejuvenated” the feel of the Mini.


Thanks for stopping by, look forward to knowing you knowledgeable miniacs out there.

 

Welcome from a fellow Maryland member

 

Congrats it looks like a pretty clean car, and nice you did some proper maint. Plus those powerflex bushings are a must can't go wrong there.

 

Thank you! Will be looking out for fellow Mini members or gatherings in the area

 

Thank you! Absolutely and can tell the difference. Definitely working on maintenance items and upgrades as needed. Stumbled upon your website and definitely glad I have that as a resource 👍🏾

 

Welcome to the forum from just up the road. I work in Baltimore when nonessential businesses are allowed to operate.

What part of Maryland are you in?

 

I hear you on that, and hello to a fellow neighbor! I'm in the Timonium/Towson area of MD.

 

I grew up in the area and now am just over the boarder. Great roads for a MINI to the North, North East and North West. Head for the hills.

 

Shoutout to @gnhovis for the wheels and words of wisdom. A knowledgeable gentleman and that I can appreciate. With the R90s off for restoration work, these sweet R85 wheels definitely speak to me



So much room for activities

Sitting pretty after a test drive with the new setup

 

Definitely going to be adventuring up north for the fun roads. Took a glance on google maps and there are some hidden gems definitely suited for some Sunday driving!

 

Welcome to the forum. Looks very nice.

 

Thank you!

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
Congrats on your R53 Mini buy!
It was a great year for Mini and the car should last you a long time!
Nice job on the bushings! The axle leakage my just be the boot failure. Many people opt for new axles and do not buy good ones and they fail quickly. You can get, or rebuild the originals, which appear to be the best ones out there.

 

Thank you! I’m hoping it will, I have heard the good and bad and I have to say, the good definitely outweighs bad. (Manageable to say the least)

Yes, the original ones rebuilt will be a nice set to keep. Granted time was of the essence, went with new ones. Definitely don’t have to worry about random globs of grease slinging all over 🥴