Is R53 vs R56 still one-sided?
Is that the Maytag or Whirlpool model?
Just Kidding!
Last edited by howsoonisnow1985; Mar 4, 2012 at 04:14 PM.
I need to find an R56 WC50 for around town!!
Last edited by howsoonisnow1985; Jun 21, 2012 at 12:00 AM.
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Joined: Nov 2011
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I recently went from a 2008 R56 to a 2005 JCW R53. I like my R53 much better, it is more of a drivers car. I love the supercharger whine. The DSC is too invasive for my liking but it can be turned off easily. The only things that I like better on the R56 is it had better cup holders and it has more convenience options like hill assist, which only a 16 year old girl would need. The main thing with the R56 is it got better MPG. I averaged over 32 with the R56 and I've only got 26 with my R53 (it is a JCW however). I average my fuel mileage every time I fill up with a calculator instead of using the very generous mini calculator. Overall I am much happier with my "New" R53.
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Joined: Oct 2011
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I love the debate over the minutia.
Coming from a Miata, those guys either loved or hated the NA/NB cars. Basically the same car pre-1998 or 1999-2005. Tons of parts interchangeability, mostly looks. Mini is the opposite, mostly mechanical changes.
Now new to the Mini world, I had no preference before I bought (I was leaning towards a R53 due to cost, but got a deal on a used R56) I still can't tell a 1st gen from a 2nd gen unless I look at the front grill or dash.
Coming from a Miata, those guys either loved or hated the NA/NB cars. Basically the same car pre-1998 or 1999-2005. Tons of parts interchangeability, mostly looks. Mini is the opposite, mostly mechanical changes.
Now new to the Mini world, I had no preference before I bought (I was leaning towards a R53 due to cost, but got a deal on a used R56) I still can't tell a 1st gen from a 2nd gen unless I look at the front grill or dash.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
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I'm on a hunt for my first ever European car and its going to be a mini. Have some concerns:
1. Which is more "easier to maintain" an R53 or R56 ?
2. I understand that R53 is easier to diagnose as the R56 needs to be taken to a dealer for a computer diagnose ??
Would appreciate some inputs.
1. Which is more "easier to maintain" an R53 or R56 ?
2. I understand that R53 is easier to diagnose as the R56 needs to be taken to a dealer for a computer diagnose ??
Would appreciate some inputs.
I'm on a hunt for my first ever European car and its going to be a mini. Have some concerns:
1. Which is more "easier to maintain" an R53 or R56 ?
2. I understand that R53 is easier to diagnose as the R56 needs to be taken to a dealer for a computer diagnose ??
Would appreciate some inputs.
1. Which is more "easier to maintain" an R53 or R56 ?
2. I understand that R53 is easier to diagnose as the R56 needs to be taken to a dealer for a computer diagnose ??
Would appreciate some inputs.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rotection.html
If you can do maintenance yourself and have some mechanic's skills and a Bentley Repair Manual or access to a shiny platinum credit card for repairs then an R53 will do. 2006 is the best year. Here's more info:
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 136
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From: Queens, NY, spend a lot of time in Central NY
Coming from the Jeep world the animosity from older to newer is amazing.
When they changed from CJ's to Wrangler YJ everyone with a CJ complained about the YJ's square headlights. Then the change from YJ to TJ it was the coil springs in the TJ. Now with the JK it's the V6 engine and the availability of a four door Wrangler (soccer mom vehicle).
They are not the only ones either, because the air-cooled VW community is just as bad.
Whenever there is change some people will like it and some wont and I feel that the R53 vs R56 debate was never one sided.
couldn't have said it better !
right on
I'll give you my $.02. I had an 02 MCS (15%, Miltek, Alta RSB, CAI). I now have a 2011 JCW.
R53 MCS Strengths
Go kart feel
lower stance
supercharger whine
interior design
exterior design
R53 MCS Weaknesses
Poor MPG compared to R56
Cheap interior feel
big hp tuning VERY expensive (HP per dollars)
R56 Strengths
Improved hp
Improved tq
Easy to tune via ecu ($900 ALTA AP nets HUGE HP/TQ improvements - units can be had for as little as $650 used)
Upscale interior compared to R53 (nicer, more updated materials)
Effing awesome exhaust sound, even a non JCW R56 sounds better (epecially minus the resonator)
R56 Weaknesses
Less go-kart like feel in my 2011 JCW (sans SS) flavor compared to stock R53 w/SS+
No SC whine
exterior design (when compared to my R53, I still prefer the looks of the R53)
I'd say overall my R53 edges my R56 JCW out in the "fun to drive" category. I think the main thing I'm missing in my current MINI is proper suspension tuning. I think i'd be able to replicate my R53's fun factor by simply doing a RSB and lowering springs. That said, it would be hard to give up the HP/TQ that I have with my R56 JCW, especially post ALTA AP. There's no real comparison there, to get that kind of juice out of an R53 you have to go well beyond the basic pulley, intake, exhaust mods.
I'll always miss my R53 but right now, wouldn't give up my R56 JCW for one (save for a JCW GP). The only way I can see myself owning an R53 again was if I could afford to have one as a garage queen/weekend fun ride.
Good luck.
R53 MCS Strengths
Go kart feel
lower stance
supercharger whine
interior design
exterior design
R53 MCS Weaknesses
Poor MPG compared to R56
Cheap interior feel
big hp tuning VERY expensive (HP per dollars)
R56 Strengths
Improved hp
Improved tq
Easy to tune via ecu ($900 ALTA AP nets HUGE HP/TQ improvements - units can be had for as little as $650 used)
Upscale interior compared to R53 (nicer, more updated materials)
Effing awesome exhaust sound, even a non JCW R56 sounds better (epecially minus the resonator)
R56 Weaknesses
Less go-kart like feel in my 2011 JCW (sans SS) flavor compared to stock R53 w/SS+
No SC whine
exterior design (when compared to my R53, I still prefer the looks of the R53)
I'd say overall my R53 edges my R56 JCW out in the "fun to drive" category. I think the main thing I'm missing in my current MINI is proper suspension tuning. I think i'd be able to replicate my R53's fun factor by simply doing a RSB and lowering springs. That said, it would be hard to give up the HP/TQ that I have with my R56 JCW, especially post ALTA AP. There's no real comparison there, to get that kind of juice out of an R53 you have to go well beyond the basic pulley, intake, exhaust mods.
I'll always miss my R53 but right now, wouldn't give up my R56 JCW for one (save for a JCW GP). The only way I can see myself owning an R53 again was if I could afford to have one as a garage queen/weekend fun ride.
Good luck.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Tehachapi, CA
While I really can't compare the way the two feel, having never touched or ridden in a second gen, I can say that I still prefer the looks of the R53 over the newer generation entirely, everything from the little things like my single center-mount reverse light, to the way the front end looks. I like how mine is smaller than the newer ones 
and even though I'm a die hard turbo fan (got one tattooed on my chest even!), I LOVE that supercharger whine, and personally the thought of a turbo in an engine bay that small scares me 
too little space to dissipate all the heat that comes from a decent turbo I think
and even though I'm a die hard turbo fan (got one tattooed on my chest even!), I LOVE that supercharger whine, and personally the thought of a turbo in an engine bay that small scares me too little space to dissipate all the heat that comes from a decent turbo I think
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
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still making a hard decision on this as i prefer an R53 due to less issues but finding a used one @ lower mileages is a bit tricky.
R56 are more plentiful with the prices are definitely higher as the ones available are 2010-2012 editions.
Time will tell.
R56 are more plentiful with the prices are definitely higher as the ones available are 2010-2012 editions.
Time will tell.
Truth is you can't get a lot of power out of an r56 no one has really figured out direct injection modding. If stock power is all you need to be happy r56 isn't bad but if not you can't beat the r53 also all versions of the r53 S and JCW came with forged internals. In the r56 the JCW was the only version that got forged internals.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
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Truth is you can't get a lot of power out of an r56 no one has really figured out direct injection modding. If stock power is all you need to be happy r56 isn't bad but if not you can't beat the r53 also all versions of the r53 S and JCW came with forged internals. In the r56 the JCW was the only version that got forged internals.
Regarding the issue with forged internals, kindly please enlighten, does this have an advantage over the non-forged internals ?
Forged internals are simply more durable and are made of a tougher material. This is essential for people looking to reach high horsepower numbers. If you aren't going to race it or modify it forged internals won't matter. However most people like the piece of mind knowing they have the stronger forged parts.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
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Forged internals are simply more durable and are made of a tougher material. This is essential for people looking to reach high horsepower numbers. If you aren't going to race it or modify it forged internals won't matter. However most people like the piece of mind knowing they have the stronger forged parts.
In theory yes however there is no solid data to prove it. Either way the best thing to do with either to get all maintenance done on time. The "I will keep an eye on it" attitude can cost you I have seen $200 oil leak repairs turn into $1000 new turbo swaps because of it and that's if your lucky to have a good mechanic.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
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In theory yes however there is no solid data to prove it. Either way the best thing to do with either to get all maintenance done on time. The "I will keep an eye on it" attitude can cost you I have seen $200 oil leak repairs turn into $1000 new turbo swaps because of it and that's if your lucky to have a good mechanic.
When you say, get all the maintenance done on time , would you mean something like:
5,000 miles or 6 months whichever comes first-- if 6 months comes first and the engine clocked only 2,000 miles, do the maintenance anyways ?
With full synthetic you go by mileage and 7500 is the right number there. Synthetic doesn't break down the additives in synthetic do. So unless you put your Mini in storage for a couple of years time is not a factor. Just don't ignore issues that come up and hopefully you have an honest mechanic who will be honest with you there.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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With full synthetic you go by mileage and 7500 is the right number there. Synthetic doesn't break down the additives in synthetic do. So unless you put your Mini in storage for a couple of years time is not a factor. Just don't ignore issues that come up and hopefully you have an honest mechanic who will be honest with you there.
sorry to bother you with theories or scenarios:
ok, lets go with 7500 miles. what if because of the short distances we travel, we can only travel 3,000 miles in a years time, mostly stop and go traffic.
Based on estimates, 7500 miles would take me 2 years to reach. With this scenario, would it be "safer" to change oil every 3000 miles or 1 year whichever comes first ? yes, syntethic oil is what i plan to use.
Thanks!!
sorry to bother you with theories or scenarios:
ok, lets go with 7500 miles. what if because of the short distances we travel, we can only travel 3,000 miles in a years time, mostly stop and go traffic.
Based on estimates, 7500 miles would take me 2 years to reach. With this scenario, would it be "safer" to change oil every 3000 miles or 1 year whichever comes first ? yes, syntethic oil is what i plan to use.
Thanks!!
ok, lets go with 7500 miles. what if because of the short distances we travel, we can only travel 3,000 miles in a years time, mostly stop and go traffic.
Based on estimates, 7500 miles would take me 2 years to reach. With this scenario, would it be "safer" to change oil every 3000 miles or 1 year whichever comes first ? yes, syntethic oil is what i plan to use.
Thanks!!
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Joined: Mar 2012
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thanks for the info and advice.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,705
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From: Chattanooga, TN
sorry to bother you with theories or scenarios:
ok, lets go with 7500 miles. what if because of the short distances we travel, we can only travel 3,000 miles in a years time, mostly stop and go traffic.
Based on estimates, 7500 miles would take me 2 years to reach. With this scenario, would it be "safer" to change oil every 3000 miles or 1 year whichever comes first ? yes, syntethic oil is what i plan to use.
Thanks!!
ok, lets go with 7500 miles. what if because of the short distances we travel, we can only travel 3,000 miles in a years time, mostly stop and go traffic.
Based on estimates, 7500 miles would take me 2 years to reach. With this scenario, would it be "safer" to change oil every 3000 miles or 1 year whichever comes first ? yes, syntethic oil is what i plan to use.
Thanks!!
If you are only running that few miles each year the time is less of an issue than the contaminates and water that will be in the oil. If you are only driving short distances you will not be burning off the water vapor and your oil is compromised. However, if the 3,000 miles includes regular trips of 15 miles or more you have an even different story.
So, short trips would be the factor that would cause you to need to change the oil more often, not really the time and aging of the oil.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2014
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What is driving me here, is the R56 reliability. I love the 34 MPG, but I hate the nervous oil level check EVERY. SINGLE. FILL-UP. I also just had the timing chain replaced ($1500) and I don't think I can swallow that again. I too think the R53's lines are better with it looking smaller. but I prefer turbos over superchargers. I am going to test drive a 06 JCW and we will see.