hello, my r50 CVT just died. i may now be in the market for an S. I was going to get an automatic r53. Is there a sport button or just the manual/sport mode when you push the gear selector to the left?

 

The sport button came about with the GEN2 in 07 didn't it?

 

No "sport" button -- at least not on my '05 R53.
The gear selector goes to the right for Steptronic mode, however.
The R53 Aisin tranny is pretty much bulletproof, so I'm sure you'll enjoy the upgrade from the r50 CVT.

 

I believe the Auto R53 has the "S" mode as same as the CVT does,which improves handling,throttle response,and also shifts @ higher rpm.

 

Im in between a 2006 MCS in metallic silver in auto or a 2009 BRG MCS in stick.. im really close on this. i really love the r50/r53 and honestly i think they look nicer than the r56, but the stick is also a deal breaker.. idk im really torn. any thoughts?

 

I'm an R53 guy myself so I'm biased, but definitely get a manual.

 

Go with the '09 BRG MCS! I went from a 2005 r50 which I loved to a 2007 MCS and it is such a huge improvement. The look will grow on you and I even like the looks of an r56 over r53 now. There is so much torque in the 2007+ that driving a stick isn't a burden at all. You can leave it in 3rd or 4th and do everything.

Just my $0.02. Good luck with your decision and keep us informed (along with pictures :-) )

 

thanks for the input. ive always wanted a mini in stick, especially after driving my friends r53 JCW. I think the r53 is more refined in design, i think the r56's rear headlight trim and front headlights can make it look a little bulky, but its starting to grow on me. even before i got my r50, i thought this was one of the nicest mini's eve ever seen (PIC BELOW) and now i can if i go with the r56 BRG

 

The R53 didn't need a sport button, they only need that on an R56 to make it feel like a MINI again.

 

That is a tough call. I prefer Gen1 over Gen2 as well, and I am wary of some issues on the R56.. however, I'd rather have a stick.

 

does the r 53 auto use more gas when its in manual mode? I swear on a stack of bibles that my mini uses alot more gas when it's in that mode. I drive normal too. I do like it my only gripe is it loves to hunt gears sometimes.

 

I was a turbo guy until I actually DROVE a supercharged car, they just have better power delivery than turbo cars IMHO so I might be a little bias.

R53 series positives:

Cheaper than R56, More durrable running gear than R56, Better looking insterior than R56, Has that true performance car feel right out of the box, Lots of aftermarket support, The first '02s are 10 years old and styling still looks up to date. You get some beautiful noises coming from the engine bay.

Negitives:

They are aging fast, Most are getting up there in miles, Some have quite a few problems to look out for. Fuel mileage not verry good for the size of the car, built heavy, could use a bit more power than it comes with.

R56 positives:

Torque EVERYWHERE, Some better styling cues, Still track ready, Lower mileage ones can be found, Better fuel mileage, lighter suspension components, FASTER than stock R53s.

Negitives:

More problems (ENGINE/ELECTRICAL) than 1st gen, Needs to have a button to feel like you are driving a sports car, seats still suck, still too heavy, no S/C noise.

The choice is really yours.

 

Get an AP tune and the sport button no longer needs activated

...plus, it will bump you up 'near' jcw levels

 

I like that!

 

Looks nice, but OMG Wheelgap!