Hey everyone
I had an 03 R53 that I absolutely loved, until I didn't anymore. The service got a little insane once I got above around 80k miles, and then its death blow was when the dealer reported that the head gasket was pretty close to toast at around 115k. Since then, I've had a Fiat 500 Abarth (I know, went from the reliability of a Mini to an Italian vehicle? Don't judge, it was dumb, but so much fun), then went to an MX-5 RF. Loved the MX-5 as well, but sadly my ability to get into and out of the car became severely limited, and I had to sell. Went to a Mustang Mach-e. While I do like it, I miss my convertible. Electric convertibles aren't really a big thing really, so I thought maybe its time to get back into a Mini. I know the driving dynamic between the MX-5 and the Mini is gonna be different, but am hoping the fun aspect that I loved so much in my R53 is still there. From what I can tell the '25s have some redesigned features, but the drivetrain is largely the same as its been for a bit. I know my '03 was a second year model, and as a result was bound to have some issues with higher mileage. However, I am wondering, how well is the new drive train holding up? Will I still have the miles and miles of smiles? Its tearing me up that they yanked the 6-speed, but I hear the automatic they use is very nice. I am doubtful that I'll go with the JCW, but am leaning toward an S convertible. Any word on their reliability with a few miles on them?

Thanks so much for the help.

 

I am a new owner of a 2025 Cooper S. Before this car, I owned a few Porsches (2014 Carrera base, 2019 Carrera T) and a 2023 BMW M3 manual, and was an active member of a few Porsche and BMW forums. The biggest disappointment in the Mini so far is the forums. The Porsche and BMW forums were super active and engaging. This one seems rather...quiet. So let me at least reply to you by saying that from what I've seen, the BMW sourced B48 engine in the Mini is known to be a very reliable engine that can last 200,000+ miles if well maintained. As for the transmission, it is a Getrag 7DCT300 rated for up to 221 lb-ft or torque, which, shocker, is precisely the max torque figure for the B48 in the Cooper S.

So far it's been a great transmission from a drivability and performance perspective - although I haven't pushed it because I am trying to follow the recommended break-in guidelines of staying under 4,500 rpm with no full throttle kick downs for the first 1,200 miles. Once I am through that, I'll have a lot more to say.

One thing I will say is that the lack of paddle shifters is just a stupid decision by Mini, especially on the S. I could see it on the base version, but it's a glaring omission on the S.

As for being fun and engaging, despite the lack of control over the transmission, yeah, it's a lot of fun to drive. I wanted the 17" tires as I wanted a more comfortable drive. The car had zero steering feel and felt like it was riding on marshmallows with the standard all-season tires it came with (Hankook Kinergy XP). I ended up putting on a set of Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02s and, wow, what a transformation. Now it handles great, has much sharper turn-in, and MUCH better feel. Definitely loving it. I leased mine, so I simply stored the OEM tires and will pop them back on when I return the car in 3 years so I don't get dinged for the excess tire wear and pay for a new set at that time.

Good luck with your decision!

 

Thanks for the reply… I noticed the mini subreddit seems a bit more active… this group was active a few years ago, but I think it’s fallen off now.

thanks again, I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a mini soon!

 

I'm driving a 2018 JCW with the B48, and am well past 150,000 miles.

Cheers,

Charlie

High Mileage Lessons

 

What you need is a low mileage, well maintained 2005 or 2006 R53. Get in line...it's a long one!