Hi all

Just thought I'd introduce my 2007 R56 S.

51.6k miles.

Chili Red/Black
Chili Pack
Flame Spokes
DSC
Limited Slip Diff
Darkened Rear Glass
PDC
Brushed Alloy Dash
Anthracite Roof Lining
Hi-Fi
Heated Front Seats
Multi-Function Steering Wheel

Since I've had it, I've added
fJCW Backbox
ITG Air Filter
Facelift Side Scuttles.









But after 3.5k miles and 2 months, she is going back to the dealer for good! I have had problems with;

Timing Chain Tensioner
Diesel Noise when coming on Boost
Lacquer Peel on freshly refurbed wheels
Lighting issues
Windows with a mind of their own
ABS Shuddering
Clutch/Flywheel squeel
Wipers sometimes don't work (front and rear)
Rattles (4 different locations)
Squeeling fan on cold mornings
Window seals continuously squeeking

And a couple of other bits I'm sure I've forgotten about!

I'm a big fan of the MINI brand, and have been since I was 10 years old when the R50 came out. The R56 was a 21st Birthday present to myself (sad I know, but I have had a terrible year), and I have been dissapointed by the reliability and build quality of the car. I sold a 2001 Cooper to make way for this, and it never gave me a moments hassle in 2 years, and it was still rattle and issue free after nearly 100k miles.

So I am now on the hunt for a late R53

 

This saddens me, partly because that car is beautiful, and partly because I bought almost the exact same car yesterday... a 2008 R56 with 23k miles on it. Hoping I don't have any problems with it. :D

Best of luck looking for an R53, though. Be sure to post lots of pictures when you get it.

 

Sounds to me like the previous owner/s didn't take too good of care of it.
I bought my 07 MCS with 57K on it and the only things I've had done is the timing chain and thermostat replaced. Other than that, I'm now at 64.5K and no other issues.
It still amazes me to find so many people, even on NAM, who don't change their oil regularily and don't even check it on a regular basis. A little maint. goes a long ways.
Anyway, good luck on your next purchase.

 

maybe try and track down your old (or something like it) trouble free mini?

 

Sorry to hear you've had such rotten luck. Having had nothing but used cars up until my Mini, I found that to be the case with every used car I've owned (some worse then others).

 

Excellent I'm sure yours will be fine, I think I managed to find a lemon though! All the best with it, you'll love it

I've now been to the Roadster launch here in the UK and I am now tempted by one of those... Whatever I chose, I will definately get some pics up

It's only had one owner from new, which is quite odd over here as most sell after 2/3 years, and it's not far off of 5 years old now. If a car has had 3 or 4 owners at that age you'd usually run, but on the test drive nothing showed up. I changed the oil as soon as I got it, and I am checking the level every 4-5 days, so since I have been looking after it, it has got worse, I even run it on expensive 99 Octane!

I've just sold it, to a guy that works at MINI incidentally, don't think I'm getting it back in a hurry :(

Strange, as my 2001 Cooper was never a moments bother, and early 2001 cars like mine should have been unreliable, and it was almost faultless, so perhaps I had it coming to me! We will see what happens, as you say, I am unsure whether to buy an R53 through fear of getting another duff car!

 

Kinda sad how it seems to be hit or miss with mini. I have a 2007, bought it used with 29000 on it and the fuel pump had to be replaced, someone put the wrong kind of fuel in it and it had been sitting on the dealer lot for a while, also the timing tensioner thats it. now it has 52000 on it and its had no other problems.

 

This is it, I had a lot of plans to keep this for a long time and get it looking/driving spot on. My parents had an even earlier R56 Justa from new which was no hassle at all. Never mind, as long as it can be rectified and I'm in another MINI then I shouldn't be too upset.

 

Hope it all works out for you.

 

hope c u back