So, guys, just brought home this little bundle of joy, a mint 2004 R50 with 111k on it that I got for a steal. I'm looking forward to a lot of fun with it.

So, that being said, it's got a few, issues, shall we say.
It's got a loud whine coming from the engine compartment that I'm hoping is only the belt, the belt tensioner, or the alternator, and it's got some steering problems (loose steering, and another whine that changes with which way I turn the wheel) that I hope are covered by the upcoming recall.

My question (apart from the above) is with a 06/04 build date (and a replaced ECM and an R title), what issues can I expect down the line?

 

Hello and welcome.


The steering whine is normal, https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hose-pics.html

Get a bit louder when you turn it side to side.

when its super loud or makes a loud changing tone pump noise , it might be low on fluid. Check the fluid, takes CHF 11s onlye and check those P/S lines for leaks, those wont be covered by MINI, only the pump and fan down the road. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hose-pics.html

So the ECM was damaged and it has a salvage title ?

 

I'd have that loose steering checked first thing. Steering and brakes are the number one safety systems in your car. Where are you located?

 

Thanks for the input, guys, I'll check all the fluids.
Yes, it's a rebuilt title with a replaced ECM. When I bought it I thought, new ECM, big deal, but with the mini it seems a little bigger deal than I thought. The previous owners had bought it with the rebuilt title and new ecm, and have run it for about 4 years, so I figured, how bad could it be?

I'm in the Philly area.

 

Alright! Another Philly MINI. Stop by the shop sometime, and also check out PhillyMINI.org. They are a great resource for all things MINI.

 

Welcome to NAM! Congratulations. Definitely check the fluid of your p/s as low fluid can make that pump whine. You'll also probably want to investigate to see if it's leaking. Not sure if you saw the motoringfile buyers buide, but it goes over the basic issues and has some good info - http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/. If you ever need anything while working on your new to you MINI just let me know. Enjoy!

 

I feel weird saying welcome since I just got here too, but in any event, welcome!

What % is the tint on your MINI, do you happen to know? I happen to be an IT Analyst at the plant where all Llumar and Suntek window and PPF is manufactured and I can get free product and installation so it is a no brainer that I am going to get tint. Never really been a fan of super dark (limo) tint, but do like some tinting. Problem is here in VA our max is 35% on front(side) windows. I could get darker on the back, but have no idea why I would. I think a lighter tint that is even is way better than 2 different %'s.

 

Thanks for the welcome.
Re: The tint, I wish I could tell you. It was put on by the first owner. It's actually lighter than it comes off in the photo, so 10%-15%? I'm not a big fan of tints, but I like it!

 

It does look good, though tint goes the opposite direction...10-15% would be REALLY dark Don't worry though, I used to think the same way before I started working here. The percentage is actually the amount of light let in after the tint is applied. Honestly from your pic, it looks about like 20%-30%.

In any event, it looks good!

 

I am duly chastened. But thanks!

 

Update: Replaced the alternator and belt, both front wheel bearings, and a bushing. Also got the steering pump recall stuff replaced at the dealer.
Runs and sounds like buttah.

Next up: a new cat! (shudder)

 

Nice , glad its coming together.