New member here with a 2006 R53 JCW. Around 110k on clock.

I've been noticing an occasional miss after it's warmed up. Pulled the #3 plug wire from the coil pack to find the post completely rusty -- orange rust. So it's time to spend a little money.

Searching the site, most people recommend sticking with the stock coil pack over MSD. I found the MSD price is around $77 shipped (without replacement bolts I believe). Where is the recommended place for buying a stock coil pack? Is the price comparable?

Also, I have been noticing a small puddle of coolant on the garage floor. The reservoir and surrounding areas seem to be dry. The puddle appears to be towards the front of the engine bay. I'm guessing it is probably the thermostat housing, but that is a complete guess. Do you believe I would be able to determine the exact source if I lift the car and look underneath? Will I be able to tell if it's the thermostat housing from the top-down?

Thanks so much for this site and its contributing members! Looking forward to learning (more) from everyone

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...uggestion.html

I went with a Beru from ECS Tuning. Has brass posts instead of the OE steel ones. I have a set of new Beru wires listed in the marketplace for $23 shipped, if interested.

 

I found a WMW kit that includes a Screamin Demon coil pack, NGK plugs, and WMW wires. It's $186 shipped. Any recommendations on this package deal?

 

Coolant leaks can be difficult to locate because of the cramped engine compartment; when on the road any loose fluid gets blown around making efforts to pinpoint the source difficult. I have been in your situation. I have replaced coolant expansion tanks, radiators, hoses, the thermostat and its housing. Good luck.

 

Way is a very good vendor, he also has a shop with years of experience working on Minis so you can definitely trust them.

I've used them for a bunch of different parts over the last couple years. Competitive prices too.

 

We have them here : Just get the JCW version ones for the plugs , if you factory JCW tuning kit. All the JCW , S , Cooper ( NON S ) share the same coil. Beru one is very popular. 12137510738

2006 MCS :

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2006-...gine/Ignition/

 

I wouldn't get Mini OEM coil, instead I suggest one with brass terminals such as Beru or Screamin Demon. Don't get MSD unless it comes with the proper bolts.
The WMW or ECS package is a good way to go because you should also replace your wires. You do not need any fancy wires, just OEM or basic colored wires (like WMW kit) if you want something other than black wires. NGK plugs are good.

 

Go with the stock coil -- just rub a dab of dielectric grease on the posts and you'll not have an issue with corrosion again.

 

Thats why we have it with the kits.

 

I did both...brass terminals and dielectric grease.....
I used the msd...fit fine, guess it had the bolts on it, but just be 100% sure not to tighten down the new coil too much...you will split the plastic valve cover where the bolts are threaded into it and have an oil leak....
Some tuners say buy OEM only....Jan at RMW is one, but I never had an issue with the msd unit...the OEM one DID have the nickel plated steel terminals rust...I mean really... Who uses steel in an electrical item...aluminum or brass yes...but steel...makes me wonder about the engineering of the OEM unit...
There are so many that meet the OEM specs, like the beru, for lower cost, why bother?
I do question spending big $$ on an "upgraded" coil that may need larger sparkplug gaps to function right due to coil desgin..but some vendors want a product to sell that sets them apart. A catchy name kinda helps I guess....

 

Thanks for the followups everyone. I ended up ordering the ignition kit from WMW. Hopefully I'll scrape together some time to install everything soon, right after an oil change