If you plan to drive the car, you should plan to be fixing all the normal 2006 problems that I have outlined in previous posts because they probably were never taken care of under warranty since the car has only 5000 miles.

The thermostat gasket and engine mount seem to start leaking around 30,000 miles. My crank position sensor started leaking around 40,000 miles but that is an item that can leak for a long time before it really needs to be replaced. The lower control arm bushings and top strut mounts may not wear out for a long time depending on your driving so I would not worry about them. The coolant recovery tank will probably not have a problem.

 

With only 5k on the odo, I would hope that no major maintenance issues will bite me in the short term. What kind of oil filter and oil do you recommend. I've read that the authorized dealer stuff is not nearly as good as aftermarket filters and other brands of oil like Motul, Redline, Castrol, Mobil1 etc. What are your thoughts?

 

I have used the OEM oil filters but now use WIX oil filters because the WIX filter appears to be made better.
I use Redline oil. On my previous Mini I also used Royal Purple oil.
I use the Mini Madness JCW reuseable air filter.
I use charcoal cabin filter from WMW.

 

Same. I've owned another R53 before my GP and I tried STP filters and other filters I can find at my local Autozone. Most of them leaked within the first hundred miles or so due to a bad fitting gasket. I'd stick with OEM although I'd love to know how the WIX Oil Filters do. I guess I'll find out when I finish with my batch of OEM filters.

I've used Mobile 1 oil and Royal Purple. I think I'll stick with Royal Purple. The engine just seems to run smoother with Royal Purple. I've also heard great things about Red Line.

To keep everyone in the loop. I got my car back last night. Crank sensor, Oil Pan Gasket and PS Steering Lines all have a tiny leak. Nothing serious at all. My 06' GP is at 51K miles at the moment.