Hi all, my wife & I just picked up our first Mini. We've been thinking about it for a number of years (she's wanted one pretty much since Italian Job lol), but just couldn't justify it as we already have a bunch of other vehicles. I work on and restore some of our cars myself, so we decided to pull the trigger on an older Mini & put some elbow grease and TLC into restoring it to the tip top shape we want.

Anyways, long story short, we picked up a 2006 R53 Cooper S Checkmate edition in space blue/silver with the blue/silver two-tone interior color scheme which we think looks pretty slick. It has 118k miles. The upholstery is a bit worn, and the mechanicals need some work, but I'm hoping to have it in top shape in another month or so.

So far, here's what I've done with it:
- oil & filter change
- brake fluid flush
- replaced valve cover gasket & spark plug seals in the valve cover
- replaced air filter, cabin filter, and spark plugs
- replaced damaged side scuttle light

Coming up soon (parts all ordered, will do work over next few weekends):
- replace both axles (both inner CV boots are torn & have coated the suspension & engine in grease :( )
- thorough suspension rebuild (new shocks, control arm bushings, new drop links, shock tower bushings, etc...)
- motor mounts
- transmission mount & inserts
- supercharger oil change
- timing chain tensioner

Also thinking of ordering the Katzkin reupholster kit & redoing the seats to freshen them up.

Then replace the tires (they are in bad shape) and an alignment & the car should be running strong! Can't wait

 

Nice! It sounds like you've got some work ahead of you, but it'll all be worthwhile - the first gen is becoming a classic. I admire your mechanical skills. I wish I had some - it's the best way to make sure things are done right. I too fell in love with the MINI since The Italian Job movie.