Hello everyone! I recently found and brought home a 2004 MINI Cooper S. I couldn't be more excited, what a blast to drive! I was lucky enough to find a clean non-modded chili red R53 with a whopping 57k miles. Appears to be pretty clean externally and inside, but definitely needs some attention (as most 16 year old cars would) as there's a few issues that need addressed. Biggest issue I found after doing a closer check of things was a leak with the oil cooler, so those parts have been ordered.

Does anyone have any advice on things to look out for or preventive maintenance I should just get in take care of? Any advice is appreciated!

 

Cool buy. Post some pics. I also have a 2004 Chili Red S (MC40). At 57k miles it shouldn't need too much particularly if the only leak you have is the oil cooler. As far as immediate maintenance items, you should replace the fuel filter, oil filter/oil, cabin filter and spark plugs if they haven't been done recently. A brake check would be a good thing to do also. Good luck.

 

Congrats! Yup you’re in for some great driving experiences. Double check anything that holds any fluid/oil etc. leaks can show up in places that aren’t obvious. At 52k, I had oil pan gasket, crank sensor, power steering hose, cv boot, upper engine mount OEM so hydraulic fluid filled, all failing to some degree. Gaskets Seals Belts always age related wear more than the miles.

 

Thanks guys! I already went ahead and drained/flushed the coolant as that was pretty nasty... Waiting on some parts to do the oil cooler fix, then I'll change out the coolant and oil after that. Order in a new supercharger pulley, crank pulley, belt and miscellaneous filters for just preventative upkeep. So that's on the list too. Few other projects as you both mentioned about fluids being changed are replacing brakes all around, including bleeding the brake fluid. My power steering is a little noisy too but fluid level looks good, so thinking over the winter (since this just a fun driver for me) I'll get under there and change out the pump and associated parts as it appears these things have issues with those... Still looking for a decent set of wheel. Found a good set of R90 16 inch wheels, so might go with them wrapped in Conti ExtremeContact Sports.

I also noticed the other day I have a strange smell coming from the driver side when I get in and out, almost a burning plastic or a sulfur smell. It smells pretty nasty... I noted it smells stronger low on the driver side and at the front driver side tire. Not sure what that is... But I'll add it to the list of things to look into and fix.

 

Check your crank pulley. If it's stock (and hasn't been replaced) it has a rubber core that's prone to separating. When that happens you can smell the burning rubber (even though it's on the passenger side of the engine). Nice looking Mini by the way. Looks like you scored!

 

Thanks! Will do. That's on the list of things to replace anyways when the parts come in. I believe there's a bushing or seal behind there too that's prone to leaking? I need to find that part I saw somewhere and order that too for the new pulley kit when I do that install.

 

Yep, front main seal behind the crank pulley. It can be easily removed with a wood screw. Check out ModMini on YouTube for a demonstration on how to do that.

 

Thanks! I'll look that up to help figure things out. After more searching around last night after work it appears the smell is coming from the brakes. Although the outside pad is in good condition, the inside pad is worn down completely - so that would explain the pungent smell. Placed an order with ECS Tuning as they seem to be highly recommended on here for parts, went with one of their brake service kits with the Zimmerman rotors and Pagid pads and wear sensors. Unfortunately the MINI will sit until those come in.