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This is my first MINI, bought it cheap because it didn't start. Everybody gave up on it and was sold at auction. I thought it was in good shape so I'm giving it a second chance, will document the journey here. The current plan is to make it a reliable daily driver but it may become a track car in the future.
'06 MCS with Sport Package
165k miles
MD car
1 owner
very little rust considering where it lived
The paint is not perfect and it has a little dent.
The tires are shot and every single wheel has bad curb rash, have a solution for that already.
Known problems:
- didn't start -> EWS was bad, replaced it and it started right up
- tires are shot -> replacing with 205/45/17 Continental Extreme Contact Sport
- front left wheel speed sensor fault -> replacement on the way
- brakes are old -> replacement rotors and pads on the way
- driver seat is torn at the top
- missing 1 shock for the hatch, the other shock was leaking -> replaced shocks
- BCM has corroded pins -> got replacement BCM and plug, need to replace and reprogram
- dent on the hood
- e-brake handle is missing a piece
- intake box is broken -> ordered stock replacement
- snorkel is pinched on 1 end -> ordered a replacement
Maintenance due:
- spark plugs -> changed
- windshield wipers -> changed
- engine oil
- transmission oil
- cabin air filter
- fuel filter
- brake fluid needs to be changed
- clutch fluid needs to be changed
- alignment needs to be checked
- SC needs to be serviced
- belt needs to be changed
- AC needs to be checked
I actually bought it from a small local dealer, they got it at auction because the owner couldn't fix it. The guys at the dealer couldn't fix it and just wanted to get rid of it. I've owned the car for 2 weeks, had to wait a few days for diagnostic tools and parts to be delivered but got it running today.
My current challenge is taking the lug nuts off... whoever put them on last used all the ugga duggas, just broke my 1/2-in extension.
Nice to see the progress, and that the issues haven’t been putting up much of a fight.
Regarding the BCM issues, make sure to check the sunroof drains and the seals on the exterior A pillar trim as leaks from those two are the most likely cause of the corrosion.
Congrats as it looks good for so many miles. Hope we can help you bring it back to life as we have done several restorations on R53s already.
You will also want some front powerflex control arm bushings as those will be worn out as the stock ones wear out every 40k miles.
Nice to see the progress, and that the issues haven’t been putting up much of a fight.
Regarding the BCM issues, make sure to check the sunroof drains and the seals on the exterior A pillar trim as leaks from those two are the most likely cause of the corrosion.
Checking the A pillar is on my to-do list. I did have my first struggle today though... it took a great amount of effort to remove the bolts on the wheels and 1 of them was completely stripped. I broke 2 extensions, 2 1/2 to 3/8 impact adapters, and my 3/8 rachet but managed to get it out. New wheels look pretty good
Congrats as it looks good for so many miles. Hope we can help you bring it back to life as we have done several restorations on R53s already.
You will also want some front powerflex control arm bushings as those will be worn out as the stock ones wear out every 40k miles.
I'll get to this eventually, this will be a long-term project. For now, I want to get it running so I can sell my BRZ. In the future this might turn into a track car so a full suspension overhaul will be done then.
Dayum! Those suckers were on there! Working with old bolts on an old Mini, I would suggest getting yourself a 30" 1/2" drive non-ratcheting breaker bar. I had some bolts laugh at impact, laugh at the 3 types of penetrating oil I had on hand, laugh at my normal ratchet (broke the gear in a 1/2" drive ratchet - a nice one too) even with a pipe extension. Got myself a 30" breaker bar, that did the trick on multiple stuck bolts now.
Nice looking wheels. Those 2 piece ones that you took off are also pretty desirable, so don't let em got dirt cheap if they're in good shape.
Checking the A pillar is on my to-do list. I did have my first struggle today though... it took a great amount of effort to remove the bolts on the wheels and 1 of them was completely stripped. I broke 2 extensions, 2 1/2 to 3/8 impact adapters, and my 3/8 rachet but managed to get it out. New wheels look pretty good
Those Sparco’s look great on there!
Dont forget to check the sunroof drains as the rubber drain tubes slipping off of the sunroof cassette is the most common reason I’ve seen regarding water damaged BCU’s. There’s nothing holding the tubes on from the factory and securing them with a small hose clamp is the fix. Some use a wire tie, but I think a hose clamp is the safer way to go.
Dayum! Those suckers were on there! Working with old bolts on an old Mini, I would suggest getting yourself a 30" 1/2" drive non-ratcheting breaker bar. I had some bolts laugh at impact, laugh at the 3 types of penetrating oil I had on hand, laugh at my normal ratchet (broke the gear in a 1/2" drive ratchet - a nice one too) even with a pipe extension. Got myself a 30" breaker bar, that did the trick on multiple stuck bolts now.
Nice looking wheels. Those 2 piece ones that you took off are also pretty desirable, so don't let em got dirt cheap if they're in good shape.
I have a 20" breaker bar, had to put the jack handle on it.
All the wheels have bad curb rash otherwise, I would have kept them. 1 of them has a small dent on the inside, not sure I can get a lot for them
Dont forget to check the sunroof drains as the rubber drain tubes slipping off of the sunroof cassette is the most common reason I’ve seen regarding water damaged BCU’s. There’s nothing holding the tubes on from the factory and securing them with a small hose clamp is the fix. Some use a wire tie, but I think a hose clamp is the safer way to go.
Still need to check that, I have a replacement BCU I need to install. Do you happen to know if the car will start\run if I swap the BCUs? I need to change a plug and some of the wires that are corroded, want to know if I can still drive it to the dealer so it can be reprogrammed.
Well, I got my answer. The car won't start if you change the BCM. Fixed the wiring and replaced the unit, the AC works now. Currently being towed to the dealer so it can be programmed. Also received in the mail:
- brake rotors
- brake pads + sensors
- front wheel speed sensors (it has a code now)
- floor mats
- Cravenspeed phone mount
- wheel stud conversion kit
- new hand brake cover\plastic thing
Windows tinted at 20% and front clear film installed to reduce heat and glare at night. Black Flag shift boot delete installed, tried to install the Billy Club shift **** but it just won't stay in place. Waiting to see what they say.
well done! Seat looks fantastic! I also really like the expansion tank. Normally I am fan of the bare metal, but the black on yours may have changed my mind! Too bad for the ding on the front fender, sure you will find a suitable fix! Great little car.
well done! Seat looks fantastic! I also really like the expansion tank. Normally I am fan of the bare metal, but the black on yours may have changed my mind! Too bad for the ding on the front fender, sure you will find a suitable fix! Great little car.
Thanks. Right now I'm looking at what is required for the timing chain and supercharger service, it has a bunch of scratches on the driver side and a couple of small rust spots that warrant a full re-paint. That will happen eventually.
Over the weekend I noticed a slight hesitation during partial throttle starting at 4k rpm so I ordered plug wires and a new coil.
