Went and test drove a 2k6 R53 with 56k, and ready to be a track car (LSD, no sunroof, cloth seats, sports plus suspension, chrono package, anthracite roof interior, that is it) It is a nice car, very clean with minor issues (tires, PS pump hose, PS fan) and only 56K. I do have some questions: how hard is it to install aftermarket projector housings/lights? Took it to mini for a pre purchase inspection and he found the same issues plus he noticed the strut mount started to crack slightly, how hard is this to fix? Clutch, motor mounts, and bushings all were great shape and there are no oil leaks, but the owner said it burns about 1 QT every 6-7k, is this normal?

 

my projector lenses, from halogen to halogen was 10 min. its 2-3 bolts, and reconnecting the wiring which was already done in the clip they provided, plug and play


strut mount, drop the mount disassemble the shock assembly put a new one on. theory: easy... actual: depends on the condition of the suspension and what its been thru (salt, winter, track)


I would be impressed theres no actual leaks of oil, the oil pan is notorious for weeping oil, and a couple of other places do as well. depending on the driving, temps ill see .5-.75 quarts every 5k miles. I drive my car mostly hard and its a daily driver. im not saying we don't burn oil. I would say some leaks out and some gets burned, but that seams like a reasonable amount. its also a very easy area to clean. the PS pump and assembly should still be covered by warranty

 

The extended warranty on the power steering pump doesn't apply to any 2006 models as it was upgraded sometime in February 2005.

 

did the light housings change in 2006? On fleabay, all the aftermarket projector housings are for 2002-2005, it looks like a decent projector swap (aftermarket) can be had for around $500. Ive never used these, do they work or would i still have to get them programmed by MINI? Thanks