Hi guys. Skipping into section and just jumping in. Just sold my e46 and am looking for something a little roomier in the back for the dogs. Being in Chicago, mini fits the bill perfectly. Moving from community to community is pretty difficult. Been into BMW's for about a decade and know my way around pretty well. Moving to MINI is definitely a change.

I'm looking for a buyers guide/PPI checklist. I've read the motoringfile guide but it doesn't really give any insight. Through a bunch of searching I found the list at the bottom of this post, put there to keep post more readable.

Now it's not my first rodeo checking out a car and am *somewhat* competent, but I'm looking for some more common/living-with-the-car issues. I'm assuming there's at least SOME overlap with standard BMW issues, but need some more insight.

I think I read superchargers are typically good for around 100k before they need servicing? Is that a safe timeframe?
Do Minis have any subframe issues ripping out like most bimmer's?
Do headliners/pillar covers have sagging/peeling issues?
I know expansion tank is a problem area, how about the rest of the cooling system? Does it need to be replaced every ~60k like I'm used to? What's the typical timeline for expansion tank failure?
Same goes for control arm assemblies - failure rate every ~60k or so?
Any over-engineered parts to keep an eye on like VANOS or oil separator issues?
Power steering lines tend to seep and need to be replaced?

I think that's all. Any help is appreciated!





List I found on NAM
-- Lower control arm bushings (make sure they haven't stated to dry out and crack)
-- Strut towers (check for any mushrooming)
-- Door sills (the rubber door gasket is easily pulled up from the door frames and you can check for any signs of rust under there)
-- Crankshaft seal and the crack sensor O-ring seal (mentioned in the MF article; I just replaced the O-ring on my '05)
-- Power steering pump cooling fan (make sure the bearing isn't full of debris and the fan turns freely; consider getting a cover for the fan if it doesn't already have one. Here is one source <--link )
-- Battery (see if it still has the original; if so, consider a replacement)
-- Accessory drive belt (it will occasionally throw a tooth as it ages; usually can hear an extra tapping noise if this has happened)
-- Check the maintenance records to see if the oxygen sensor has been replaced (MINI has extended the warranty on this item to 10 years/100K miles recognizing some premature failures)

 

Here is a great overview and DIY: It goes over everything for a high mileage MINI, if you get a lower mileage MINI you might not have to do most of these.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...e-service.html

Get the inspection and check it out before you buy.

 

Watch the clutch if you go manual...not really designed for the upper HP of the tuned MCs..Some people go through multiple replacements on here..

 

so this is kinda petty but something I wish I knew about ... the factory halogen lamps are terrible and no amount of buying a brighter h7 bulb or polishing fixes that I would try to find one with the factory xenon projectors if you intend on doing any night driving outside the city