Year: 2006
Make: MINI
Model: Cooper
Price: $14900
Mileage: 72000
Color: Dark silver / black roof
Private or Dealer Listing: Private Listing
Location (Region): NorCal

It has taken me several months to finally decide to sell this car - a rare highly optioned 2006 MINI Cooper Dinan S (comparable to JCW). I apologize in advance for the length, but I will try to provide as much detail as possible and anticipate all of your questions. I am a meticulous owner and take great pride in my vehicles. Typically, my vehicles are sold quickly and often to the first or second person who sees them.

Specifics:
* 2006 MINI Cooper S (Dark silver metallic / black roof / no stripes)
* Delivered new January 2, 2006
* VIN: WMWRE33516TL18389
* 72,000 original miles (currently 71,9XX)

Factory options as listed in order directly from window sticker:
* MINI Cooper S Base MSRP $20,600
* Dark silver metallic
* Panther black gravity leather
* Anthracite headliner
* Combo #3 Cold Weather Package (heated washer jets, heated mirrors and heated front seats)
* Combo #1 Premium Package (multi-function steering wheel with cruise, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, Auto A/C, on-board computer)
* Combo #2 Sport Package (DSC, front fog lamps, 17" alloy wheels, RF tires, Xenon headlights)
* 17" alloy wheels web spoke with performance run-flat tires
* LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (rare and desirable factory option)
* Chrome line interior
* Door mirror caps in chrome
* Center armrest
* Rear fog lamps
* Rain sensor / auto headlights
* Harmon-Kardon sound system
* Total factory MSRP as optioned $28,600 (see photo of actual window sticker)
* See additional upgrades below

History:
- I am the second middle-aged owner, and I have owned it since January 2007.
- I searched far and wide for over six months for a MINI with these specific options before purchasing this car with 9,000 miles from its original owner.
- It has been a California car since new, garaged and/or covered.
- Non-smoker since new
- Clean CARFAX
- Clear CA title in hand, ready to sign over to the next enthusiast owner.

Dinan S2/S3 upgrades installed at 14,300 miles:
* Dinan Stage 2 (S2) engine upgrades, including
* Dinan Stage 5 engine management software
* Dinan high flow cold air intake
* Dinan boost upgrade kit (15% reduction supercharger pulley and upgraded fuel pressure regulator)
* Dinan throttle body
* Dinan free flow exhaust
* The Dinan engine upgrades raise the output to 206 HP (from 168 HP for a stock Cooper S), with the car weighing only 2,690 lbs.
* Dinan Stage 3 (S3) suspension (includes Dinan custom valved Koni front struts and rear shocks, Dinan sport springs, adjustable rear sway bar 19 mm, and adjustable camber plates).
* I did not add the strut tower bar as I did not feel that it was necessary.
* All Dinan upgrades were installed by Dinan at their Morgan Hill, CA headquarters facility. All have performed flawlessly. The ride quality and comfort is clearly superior to stock. I have had no issues, and these are a fantastic addition to the car.

Exterior:
- Original paint is in excellent condition. No dings or dents (see link to photos below).
- The only imperfections are some rock chips on the front end (see photos) typical for this non-aerodynamic body, and a small 3/4" scratch on the rear bumper.
- Has never been in any accidents or had any paint work.

Interior:
- Excellent condition, still looks new.
- Two sets of mats: MINI all-weather and factory carpet mats. I have used the all-weather mats exclusively to preserve the factory set (see both in photos).
- Added all-weather mat and cargo net in trunk

Tires, wheels and suspension:
- The centers of the R98 web spoke alloy wheels were powder coated in color-matched dark silver metallic and the lips were polished (at a cost of $170 per wheel). It gives this MINI a very unique look that receives lots of compliments.
- On its second set of Michelin Pilots. Current Pilot Super Sports have 9,000 miles on them and plenty of wear left. The ride is so much better than the rock-hard ride of the factory run-flats.
- NO curb rash on any of the wheels (there are some normal small nicks from rocks, etc).
- See details of Dinan suspension above.

Maintenance:
All maintenance is documented on a spreadsheet with date, mileage and work done. All maintenance (other than free included MINI maintenance) has been done by Dinan. Recent significant items include:
- Full synthetic oil and filter changes on average every 6K to 7K miles during my ownership. It does not use (or leak) any oil between oil changes.
- 51,938 miles: Inspection 2 performed early
- 51,938 miles: Front brake rotors and pads replaced
- 62,977 miles: Four new Michelin Pilot Super Sport 215/45 ZR17 tires installed
- 67,647 miles: Oil and filter service and four wheel alignment performed
- 71,215 miles: Rear brake rotors and pads replaced
- This MINI has been one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned, as evidenced by the complete service history.
- Hand washed and waxed only
- CA vehicle registration is paid through January 2014
- Passes bi-annual CA smog certification easily as part of registration renewal. All Dinan upgrades are California Air Resource Board (CARB) smog-certified. No check engine lights ever.
- Factory keys & remotes, factory books and case, original window sticker, original factory jack. Also includes iPod adapter cable and jack in glove box.

Available at extra cost: I have the original set of four (4) factory silver web spoke wheels on worn out run flat tires. Good for a spare tire/wheel or use the wheels for a Winter set if you don't live in CA. I will make these available to the buyer first, if desired, before selling them separately.

In summary:
- A stunning car, and truly one of the nicest last-year R53 MINI S cars that you will find anywhere. I constantly receive compliments on its looks and condition. Over $7,500 in upgrades.
- Never tracked, raced or abused.
- No expense spared in maintaining it. Fully documented maintenance history.
- It drives incredibly, is very quick and handles like a go kart. If you have driven others, you will very quickly notice the difference.
- Averages 23-25 MPG in city and 32-34 MPG on highway

The FAQs (please read this first to prevent any misunderstandings or hurt feelings, as that is not my intent):
1. Please arrange and obtain your own financing, if necessary, ahead of time.
2. I am not interested in any trades.
3. I will be happy to drive the car to a MINI dealer or reputable independent mechanic of your choice within a reasonable distance from me for a pre-purchase inspection, at your prearranged and prepaid expense.
4. Out of state buyers must set up their own shipping arrangements after car is paid for in full.
5. I'm located 20 minutes from the San Jose, CA airport (SJC). Fly in, drive home. Have a great road trip and bond with your new car.
6. I understand this particular MINI will likely appeal to a small and specific demographic.

I have tried to cover everything honestly and to the best of my knowledge. Now, what did I miss?
Thank you very much for your understanding, your time and your interest.

Link to 36 detailed photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24088817@N08/sets/72157632842957629/

 

Nice !

 

What is your asking price??

 

Price is listed at the top of the ad, fourth line.
And, I forgot to add that car cover is included
Thanks for your interest.

 

Price adjustment.
Dinan S2 is comparable to (and some argue better than) a JCW. Not trying to start a debate, because everyone has their opinion. But if you are not familiar with Dinan, here's some additional info:

Some of the quotes from MC2 magazine comparing the Dinan S2 MINI to a factory installed JCW package in their September-October 2006 issue:

"This exceptional performance, which can only be called addictive, results from two factors. First, the engineers were working with a defined system of top quality components. Second, they had the time and resources for the hundreds and hundreds of dyno pulls and on-road miles to reprogram the ECU so that the engine delivers the torque efficiently and smoothly throughout the entire rev range."

"...the exhaust note has a great sound appropriate to this high-performing MINI."

"It was the handling of the Dinan S2 that really distinguished it from the JCW.....In our view, this really rounds out the whole upgrade in a way that isn't currently possible with John Cooper Works upgrades. On high-speed runs, the Dinan felt completely solid, with no hint of front end wander, and on curves the car turned in easily with no hint of understeer, and stayed planted through the turn without rolling or threatening to break loose."

"...I'd frankly trust the Dinan engineers and testing procedures before I'd want to start mixing and matching springs, shocks, and sway bars and then installing them on my own without the benefit of alignment specs or equipment."

It's a total sleeper....
Thanks for your interest.

 

Bump

 

Price drop to $14,900.
I'm getting serious about selling this. You will be hard-pressed to find a cleaner, nicer MINI with the Dinan upgrades.

 

It is a beautiful MINI weekend (at least here in CA....)

 

I had the exact same car except with JCW pkg. Beautiful car. Maybe taking a trip up there if someone doesn't grab it this week and the Mini I am looking at locally here in SoCal doesn't go through.

 

Let me know, car is still here. Would love to see it go to a real enthusiast before putting on autotrader, etc.

 

SALE PENDING -- to the first person to see it (after it took us 3 weeks to coordinate our schedules...)

 

SOLD -- and off to a great new family who seems excited to own it (after recently losing their MINI S in an accident). It will be well cared for.

Thanks for your interest.