So I picked up thus little dude for my daughter. 05 MCS, Manual, 117K. Could use some recommendations on what to do next.

Here's what I know:

• Engine feels and sounds good. Oil level good. Don't know about compression.
• Power steering was stiff. Added fluid.
• Driver's window doesn't go down, just clicks.
• One headlight out, low beam Xenon.
• Several other exterior lights.
• Needs new tires. Need to decide on run-flats or not.
• The car rides low, suspension looks stock. Maybe just low-pro tires.
• Exhaust is aftermarket and sounds awesome, except there is a nasty rattle.
• Horn not working. Checked all fuses in the foot-well and they are all good.
• There is some aftermarket stuff under the hood: expansion tank, CAI
• Don't know if it has the pulley upgrade, chip, or ECS tune.
• Previous owner said clutch and passenger motor mount were recently done.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Love the yellow. WRT the horns, they do burn out. I had to replace one on my R52. They are not that expensive to get the pair. Make sure you get the ones with the right connector or you will be splicing into the wiring.

 

• Power steering was stiff. Added fluid.
  • Double-check and see if the power steering pump has been replaced under Recall 15V660. It's still covered under warranty.
• Driver's window doesn't go down, just clicks
  • It's probably the window motor. They commonly burn out because the window is so big. If it's not the motor/regulator, it could be your alternator
• Exhaust is aftermarket and sounds awesome, except there is a nasty rattle.
  • Look at the exhaust hangers in the back.

 

If your daughter is not into changing flat tires, I'd recommend run flats, specifically Bridgestone DriveGuards. Although many on this forum poo poo run flats because of the noise and the ride( not as rough as low profile tires!), the DriveGuards are much better than the older generation run flats. Since I do 8K-10K annual road trips, I use them tom get me back to civilization when I'm out in the middle of nowhere without having to carry a spare. A can of slime won't get you going if you have major tire damage.My 2003 S has been extremely reliable since I bought it new. Original clutch, water pump, and supercharger and 165K miles

 

Thanks for the reply!

How do I check this? I think the warranty is up because it was 150K or 13 years.

Alternator? Wouldn't that affect the other window? Would I need a new regulator or just the motor?

 

I've been running run-flats on my R60 and have no complaints. Still need to decide what size to get. I kind of like it low but maybe not quite as low as it is. What do you like so much about the DriveGuards?

 

My car has been somewhat of a tire eater since new, replacing every 30K miles or so. Although the DriveGuards are only " touring" tires, not performance tires, the harder compound have them last in the 40K mile range, but not the 60K they advertise. They are noticeably quieter and last longer than the previous Dunlop and Continental run flats I purchased in the past.

 

That CAI is not "cold" because it's pulling warm air from inside the engine compartment. It's probably doing more harm than good. The only way they work is if they're pulling outside air. Runflats are awful - hard ride and noisy. Plus, when is the last time you had a flat? It's been decades for me so I have non-RFs and carry a 12v compressor and tire patch kit just in case.

 

Congrats, most that sounds pretty normal.
The horns do go bad all the time. We have these direct replacements that are very cost effective and just plug in.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/hella-...-horn-kit.html

Post a pic of the supercharger pulley and we'll tell you what it is.

for the window it is likely the motor, as when its the regulator you usually hear crunching sounds.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/window...0-r52-r53.html

having the aluminum coolant tank is good as the plastic ones fail all the time.

In the pic it looks like the pass strut mount is broken

Also I'd recommend a scangauge as it is a great tool, and gives you a real coolant temp gauge as you'll find the stock one is more of a dummy gauge and won't move till it's too late.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/scangauge-ii.html

 

Hope your daughter will have a great time with her new car.

We went with regular non run flats since we already have AAA. If my kid gets a flat he’s getting a tow home, end of story. His car has some Sumitomo all seasons and they are holding up fine. Probably get 25-30K miles out of them.

Depending on your comfort level, why not base line all the fluids now and then do all the stuff it needs based on the records you got with the car. You did get records? I don’t remember seeing that you did.

While it’s great you got the aluminum tank, the one installed leaks from the cap as evidenced in your pic. The better tank is aluminum and uses a factory cap. I made that mistake and had to buy twice.

 

AAA is a good idea. I've done that in the past when I drove older cars.

No records with the car. I don't even know when the last oil change was or if anything has been flushed.

Nice catch with the tank!

 

Do I just need this?
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-megan-ra...ke/hsmini~mgr/

 

PS Pump/Fan is a recall outside of warranty - I just did it on my 05 with 127k... Set it up with a MINI dealer, not just BMW, give them a call with her VIN # and they can get it taken care of. Just don't let your daughter drive the loaner - She'll want a brand new MCS!

 

I entered the VIN here and it says there are no outstanding recalls. Does that mean it has already been done?

https://www.miniusa.com/owners/tools...rt/recall.html

 

Yes i would at least do that, this would help you seal the area so that you do not get the heat from the engine, as long as the top edge of this one matches the hood. I would also recommend a slimmer filter like the Alta set up, or you can go for a sealed set up up like DDMWorks cold air intake or the AFE set up but you are starting at $260+