Compared to other cars you've worked on. Are basic maintenance things reasonably easy? How about changing a clutch? Timing belt? Is there much difference between the R50 and R53, or is the supercharger pretty easy to remove and install? Many special tools needed?

 

Do you like self abuse?

Have you ever worked on the worst of English and German engineering?

Have or are you willing to self medicate?

If you said yes to all three working on a MINI is a good weekend activity.

There's so many things they got right, but so many things they got wrong.

 

Not fun at all

mQubed Motorsport, Manic Tuning Dealer

 

Geez you guy are going to scare him.

I have no issues working on the car at all, once in service mode which takes about 30-40 min you can access the whole motor no problem.
Clutch is no different than any other FWD car really. It is actually easier to work on than my 90 and 94 Talon AWD amd FWD cars, that is IMO and no special tools needed that I have come across so far.

Oh and Timing chain not belt so unless it's making noise there is no need to change it, chain tensioner takes bout 10min to change easiest I have ever seen.

 

Some good info from Finhead above. If you're DIY capable and have a good set of tools/garage, you should be alright. Take a look at some articles here. At the top, each one gives you an estimated time and difficulty ranking as well as a full process on how to go about the repairs. They should give you some good insight.

 

I agree this is cake compared to my EVO

Front end disassembly is a snap and you can access motor top to bottom and accessories easily.
Very clever design tricks throughout ..some were very helpful

Make sure you buy specialty tools needed
Torx
Tensoiner tool
Clam puller....
Then your set
They are the cheapest specialty tool set I've bought compared to other BMW

 

If you've ever casually worked on a car, then equip yourself with a Bentley manual, Pelican's excellent articles, YouTube (and if you're really into it - the BMW TIS) and a good set of air and normal tools you'd be good to go.

I even go so far as to get some of the BMW specialty task-specific tools - I've saved hours of labour having the right tool and knowledge from research (but obviously that cost quite a bit).

I've learned pretty much everything from the sources listed above - and I had very limited car experience before I started 4 years ago.

The main thing is YOUR Interest level. The car will require work, and it can be a challenge - but doing it yourself gives quite a bit of satisfaction, and you know it was done right.

I love the R53 JCW's and will continue trying to keep them alive.

I remember one great quote someone said: Enjoying the ride, whilst waiting for parts.

 

Agreed everything except the tensioner tool, if your only going to do it a few time a socket and a pry bar worked perfectly fine for me. Want to do it right go with the tool though.

And I forgot along with Pelicans awesome tech articles, this guy is a fantasic source of "How to" anything on a Mini. Tells you tips and trick throughout, I used his vids just to find out little tricks.

https://www.youtube.com/user/khammo01/videos

 

As finhead said, prybar is just as good as special tool to take the belt off.

And as spencer said, doing a clutch on a mini is much easier than an evo. I've done a few evo clutches and it's a pain the ***.

If you've worked on a bunch of other cars the mini is no big deal. Lots of torx bolts but not very many special tools needed. Cam holder tool is one of the few that come to mind. Has a timing chain so that's one less hassle to worry about.

Supercharger pretty easy to get at. Bumper, radiator, intercooler, belt, throttle body and that's about it.

Pelicans articles are decent. Mod-mini easily has the best videos though. Lots of stuff can go wrong but there's always a good write up somewhere on how to fix it

 

The special tools to replace the LCA bushing are wicked if you have more than one Mini to replace LCA bushings on. Yes you can make the barrel like tool, but the tool to pull and insert the LCA is worth it's weight in gold (when it works for you). Once you know how it works it makes the job much less of a headache. The price of the tools are similar to the labour cost to replace one pair of LCA Bushings at an indie mechanic - so only do it if you have to do it more than once.

Also, the two ball joint removers (inner one especially) are very well worth it if you plan on doing any jobs down there more than once.

Yes, more experienced mechanics can use alternate tools (forks and prybars) along with their knowledge/experience, but the special tools makes it easier for less experienced guys like me (or those who want to better "enjoy" working on their cars)

 

I've been elbow deep into my mini several times......suspension bushings, shocks, brakes, oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, dropped the subframe a few times.

I don't feel that it's any tougher than any other car I've worked on. When you really get down to it.....it's all just nut and bolts.

 

Its not that bad to work on them , you just have to know there quirks and somethings require a special tool.

I have torn apart many of them and if you have tools and able to try a DIY or are capable then you can complete simple to complex job.

The best thing is to use this forum as many people have done there own write up and DIY's that most of the time are far beyond the DIYs posted on vendor sites.

If you need any help let me know and were carry all the parts you need.

 

Make sure the fridge in the garage is well stocked with beer ;-)

 

What's the deepest you guys have gone? Rings? Honing? Bearings?

 

Head gasket, clutch, supercharger. Fortunately have not had to work on the bottom end at all

 

Haven't had to get into the motor....but it would be just like any other motor goes (as far as rebuilding it).

 

Don't forget that many of the MINI's plastic fasteners are not reusable so don't waste time trying to save them. One of the biggest drawbacks is the size of your hands.

ISAMIN

 

I don't mind it and I've a ton of work on my '05 MCSa. I feel everything outside of the power steering pump is pretty accessible. Oil changes and other maintenance jobs are simply enough. Taking off the front end (not as daunting as it sounds) really opens up everything... especially if you are looking at replacing the alternator or AC compressor. Just have access to a floor jack, jack stands, a creeper, and take your time. A few projects will frustrate a DIYer. Only thing I would suggest against is transmission work for those with the Aisin Warner.

I just changed out the crank pulley and that was harder on my nerves than it was a project. As the old saying goes, the right tools makes every job easy.

 

+1 , just dont drink too much or you will never get done.

 

Or you will get it all back together and then find a few extra parts the next morning that didn't get put back.....don't ask me how I know that