Thanks for having me - Long story but I soon will be the proud owner of a 2003 R53 Cooper S. My older brother, who was a BMW cycle rider, ordered the car in 2003 to his liking. In 2004 he had a motor cycle accident in New Zealand and can home in a box. I immediately sold my three motor cycles, his BMW and took up golf. The Mini has been in his wife's possession since then but well cared for. It's has been garage kept - driven about 1K a year - some service done and now has 38500 miles on the clock. I am sure you will see my future posts as I will have plenty of questions going forward. First to do is new shoes - still has 2003 Potenza run flats - but they look great. This photo is the day brother Bill brought it home. Still looks the same - very clean car. Wheels are not white :-)

 

Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing the not-so-happy story of your brother's former and now your R53. Moto accidents can be and too often are life changing events, as said by this long-time BMW and other brands rider. Looking forward to more to follow. So then, the R53 and you as well, are still in NZ? If so, Auckland being the most populated area?

 

Thanks for that- The wounds have healed and I look forward to the journey. I'm 70 and plan to play with for a while and pass it on to my son. The Mini is and has been in the southern California area. Nice and dry -

 

^^^ I've got a half dozen on you and even fewer miles on my own R53, so it'll be impossible for me to ever wear it out.
This baby boomer refugee from SoCal isn't missing there whatsoever. Well yes the ocean but then, not gonna go back!

 

I hear you on "not gonna go back" looking to get out soon myself. I live/work on a boat so it could be worse. Redondo Bch. Where did you park ?

 

Grew up in the SFV, lived near the coast in Camarillo 35 yrs until 2013 when the RE market rebounded enough to sell and relocate.
There is no Utopia, however living in a small town of 16k at 5k' elev surrounded by nat'l forest (literally, my backyard) appeals to me.
Buddy and I went out 2nd time this week in our rock crawler side-by-sides - starting and ending from our home garages. Fun stuff!

 

Welcome Sto...Very sorry for your loss, Nice looking Mini!

 

I read our post on the Unicorn- I yet to know what all those upgrades are but holly smokes. Nice ride Sir. My back ground prior to 30 yrs in Redondo was fishing camps in N.W. Ontario. Sure do miss clean air, the outdoors and being able to take a leak outside :-) Hope that changes soon.
Best Regards

 

jealous man nice super clean! sorry to hear about your brother