Two months ago, I purchased our first MINI, a 2007 Cooper S in Pepper White with the 6 speed manual, and just a tad under 97k. My wife and I needed another car for commuting, and we're looking for something with decent gas mileage. I wanted something fun for the commute, so I started looking at MINIs. We have a Ford Fusion for the family car, so 2 doors was fine. I had Turbo Volvos in the past, starting with RWD ones, and I maintained those myself, learning along the way. Saw some of the problems of the various Minis as I'd research ones available on Craigslist. I was a little worried about access in the engine bay.

I found this white one for sale not far from where I live, made arrangements for a test drive and went to see it. That car was such a blast that I decided to buy it, a couple days later it was mine. The man selling it had purchased it to tow behind an RV, but he ended up getting a smaller RV that couldn't tow a car.

I plan on changing the timing gear, I'm not noticing a rattle, but I also don't know if it's ever been done. The first oil change I did I was a little surprised at how to access the oil filter. The brake service reminder comes on so plan on doing the brakes next before anything else. It's throwing a code for coolant too cool, and the passenger seat wiring for the airbag/seltbelt sensor needs fixing, the final two issues I'll need to resolve.

Been enjoying the car so far and I am looking forward to driving it for awhile.

 

congrats on that nice mini

 

I knew I'd eventually have to replace the timing chain. Two weeks ago, the rattling started and was getting loud. I went to check the oil and I couldn't get the dipstick back in, a sign that a piece of the guide had broken off. Parked the car, ordered parts and waited for everything to arrive.

Last Friday, I took the day off work, and tore the car apart. One of the frustrating parts of this was the exhaust cam locking tool. It had an extra piece that extended piece, but the bolt it was attached with had a stripped out head. Watching YouTube videos, tear down was pretty straight forward. Started putting everything back together, torquing the camshaft bolts etc, but realized I hadn't pulled the plastic pieces out. Had to take everything back out, thank goodness only got to the step right before removing camshaft locks. Was able to fish the two broken plastic pieces out without having to drop the pan. Had to get new bolts to torque. Also discovered the motor mount was shot and leaking fluid, so replaced that, along with spark plugs, coils, and tension belt.

Most nerve-wracking moment was firing up the engine. Success! I'm back motoring!

Upper guide rail with broken pieces

Old timing chain and guides

 

Nice job! Sharp looking car - my wife has a PW R53. Really like the stripes and the mirror covers!

 

Thanks! Unfortunately, the Arizona sun has cracked the black stripes, so at some point I'll want to replace those.

 

They're pretty easy to DIY so long as you can take good measurements and get the 'air release' type of vinyl. Totally DIY-able!

 

Yep, get them hot and peal them off, you have alot of sun so it should not take long to get hot, then clean with WD40 and rubbing compound. Then lay down new stripes and squeegee off.

 

Thanks for the advice. My buddy has a heat gun, so maybe at some point this summer I'll pull them off.

 

Welcome.