hey folks. i'm looking to buy a mini. i found a 03msc that seems to fit into my budget. are there any known problems with O3's? does anyone know what sport pkg ozsp included? did this year include the 6 air bag system. it will be a daily driver. Can i get non runflats that will give a nice smooth ride ?( 17" wheels). any advice? Thanks!

binger

 

Hi binger, and welcome.
The 03s are less problematic than the 02s, but not totally without fault. Power window motors come immediately to mind, and there are others if you search around, but none catastrophic.
Sport pkg includes xenon headlamps, foglamps, 17" wheels, and maybe something else I'm forgetting.
All come with the 6 airbags.
Definitely look into switching to non-rf tires. Much improved drivability and not so squirrely on rutted or grooved pavement. Go with stock size or you can go up to 215/45-17s or 215/40-17s with no fitment issues (unless you are lowered). The 40s will give you a little harsher ride and are more prone to wheel damage (potholes) since the sidewall is shorter.
Good luck in your search and let us know what you come up with!

 

I'm a fan of the run-flats - my daily driver (06 MCS cabrio) has them, and I have no complaints after a year of running them. Ride is smooth and quiet, and I never have to worry about a flat (important since my Cooper S has no spare). My spare tires (all seasons) that I run in the winter are standard, and honestly I don't feel any difference in ride or noise - I don't honestly know what people are complaining about with runflats and noise/harshness personally, and I'm pretty **** about my car (shrug). For me, the added peice of mind is worth a lot, particularly with a daily driver. The drawback is that RF tires are more expensive... Might be worth it for you to carry a can of SLime and maybe even a little air compressor given the cost differential...

As for windows... Sorry to break the news, but my '06 had the same issue - it's a known thing with BMW power window motors. Many people never have an issue, but for those that do it doesn't seem to be year dependent.

Good luck on the MINI and welcome to the site!!