Hey guys im new to the site and soon to be a possible mini ownership, it seems that i have found a solid deal on a 2005 r53 that could be a john cooper works, i have not been able to verify that, it is however atleaste an S.

it has the navigation, magnaflow exhaust, although i think they are just tips, the mufflers look stock and its not even loud. it does have the john cooper works badges on the outside, i dont recall seeing the supercharger faceplate have john cooper works on it, is there any details that i should look into this mini esspecially to see if its an actual JCW?

PS it only has 26k miles and i do plan on modifing

 

Is there a way to perhaps use the VIN decoder.? I don't recall if whether it's factory JCW would come through on there but just an idea- perhaps another member can verify.

 

As you can see from the pic it says JohnCooperWorks on the valve cover. On the valve cover it will have a serial number visible. Normally you would also get a certificate for it as well.

 

great i will look for that

 

so i got to take another look at it, including the underside, there is super minimal rust, the only rust is a bit on the bolts. somone had the hood repainted to get rid of the stripes..... who does that?! but on the serious note, there were two things i have a bit of concern with:
1) there is some oil on some of the piping underneat the tranny, i think this just may be from sitting for a long period of time

2) there is a bit of powersteering fluid on the bottom half of that pipe

neither of which drip on the ground, i was wondering if this is fine, and on my purchase ill have a 30 day warranty which i do believe also includes a complete refund to the dealer, i should have taken pictures when i have the chance but it totally passed through my brain after the fact.....

and for the JCW factor... the valve cover was not a JCW valve cover, and there doesnt seem to be a certificate.... so ill assume thats its not a true JCW

 

Just because it sat, it should not leak oil. They are known to leak from the valve cover, crank sensor o ring, and oil pan.


Check the hoses under the power steering tank.

Purchase an extended warranty. This not be an option as it will pay for itself.


What made you think it was? Get some pics and post it for us. Then we can help you with the options on it. Good luck

 

there was no leak from the valve cover, the top of the engine was clean, even though the dealer would have cleaned it, it has been driven a few times since then and its still clean. i figured to could be the pan, or possibly from a guy giving it an oil change.

as for the power steering i think it could be just an old hose, the top of the hose under the tank is clean, just the bottom has a bit

as for the JCW it has the name plates on the dash and the exterior but not in the engine bay

 

Take some pics.