R50/53 Save the 2002-2006 MINI Cooper!!!
Forgive me for not having kept up on this, but where does the info on this temp problem come from? I have been searching for it and can't find it.
Also do we know why the engine development partnership is ending? The argument that the end of this partnership is an acknowledgment of the current engine being a POS is, so far, unconvincing to me. The same logic could be applied to the r53 engine. If BMW was convinced that it was a fantastic engine, why would they scrap it?
The only hint at why the Peugeot partnership is ending, is that BMW is concerned with the costs of producing the engine, not quality. BMW seems determined to keep the MINI production costs low while maintaining quality.
Maybe part of the answer for scrapping the Brazilian engine is in BMW's attempts to better gas mileage. I received an e-mail today that BMW is bringing its diesel engine to the US later this year in the 3 series and X5. I have also seen that a partnership between BMW and Mercedes is expected (or is this already known by now?) in developing future engines, particularly diesel engines. BMW, Mercedes and GM have been involved in joint development of hybrid technology for three years. BMW has shown a hybrid version of its new X6 at the auto shows.
Also do we know why the engine development partnership is ending? The argument that the end of this partnership is an acknowledgment of the current engine being a POS is, so far, unconvincing to me. The same logic could be applied to the r53 engine. If BMW was convinced that it was a fantastic engine, why would they scrap it?
The only hint at why the Peugeot partnership is ending, is that BMW is concerned with the costs of producing the engine, not quality. BMW seems determined to keep the MINI production costs low while maintaining quality.
Maybe part of the answer for scrapping the Brazilian engine is in BMW's attempts to better gas mileage. I received an e-mail today that BMW is bringing its diesel engine to the US later this year in the 3 series and X5. I have also seen that a partnership between BMW and Mercedes is expected (or is this already known by now?) in developing future engines, particularly diesel engines. BMW, Mercedes and GM have been involved in joint development of hybrid technology for three years. BMW has shown a hybrid version of its new X6 at the auto shows.
Well I know a few people on this forum that will respond:
"Its because the R56 is watered down and ONLY for the masses...NO 'enthusiast' is in ANYWAY geared toward the R56...BMW just wants the masses now...oh yeah and we need no technology just give me a crate to sit on, a handheld radio to listen to, and a little fan for my face"
Personally I feel BMW is doing a great job and kudos to them for constantly trying to make the MINI different and definitely a round of applause for going for a better (yes I said better) motor
And for some of those that keep saying the MCS cold start issue being piston slap and no possibility of fixing...start checking ur sources and looking around...its not piston slap...even MINI techs are ruling out piston slap
Banned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
Forgive me for not having kept up on this, but where does the info on this temp problem come from? I have been searching for it and can't find it.
Also do we know why the engine development partnership is ending? The argument that the end of this partnership is an acknowledgment of the current engine being a POS is, so far, unconvincing to me. The same logic could be applied to the r53 engine. If BMW was convinced that it was a fantastic engine, why would they scrap it?
The only hint at why the Peugeot partnership is ending, is that BMW is concerned with the costs of producing the engine, not quality. BMW seems determined to keep the MINI production costs low while maintaining quality.
Maybe part of the answer for scrapping the Brazilian engine is in BMW's attempts to better gas mileage. I received an e-mail today that BMW is bringing its diesel engine to the US later this year in the 3 series and X5. I have also seen that a partnership between BMW and Mercedes is expected (or is this already known by now?) in developing future engines, particularly diesel engines. BMW, Mercedes and GM have been involved in joint development of hybrid technology for three years. BMW has shown a hybrid version of its new X6 at the auto shows.
Also do we know why the engine development partnership is ending? The argument that the end of this partnership is an acknowledgment of the current engine being a POS is, so far, unconvincing to me. The same logic could be applied to the r53 engine. If BMW was convinced that it was a fantastic engine, why would they scrap it?
The only hint at why the Peugeot partnership is ending, is that BMW is concerned with the costs of producing the engine, not quality. BMW seems determined to keep the MINI production costs low while maintaining quality.
Maybe part of the answer for scrapping the Brazilian engine is in BMW's attempts to better gas mileage. I received an e-mail today that BMW is bringing its diesel engine to the US later this year in the 3 series and X5. I have also seen that a partnership between BMW and Mercedes is expected (or is this already known by now?) in developing future engines, particularly diesel engines. BMW, Mercedes and GM have been involved in joint development of hybrid technology for three years. BMW has shown a hybrid version of its new X6 at the auto shows.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...=bonnet%2Bheat
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=108615
....but don't worry folks, it's normal, just ask your BMW dealership. In fact it's an added engineering benefit built into the R56 - the bonnet doubles as a griddle.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
Well I know a few people on this forum that will respond:
"Its because the R56 is watered down and ONLY for the masses...NO 'enthusiast' is in ANYWAY geared toward the R56...BMW just wants the masses now...oh yeah and we need no technology just give me a crate to sit on, a handheld radio to listen to, and a little fan for my face"
Personally I feel BMW is doing a great job and kudos to them for constantly trying to make the MINI different and definitely a round of applause for going for a better (yes I said better) motor
And for some of those that keep saying the MCS cold start issue being piston slap and no possibility of fixing...start checking ur sources and looking around...its not piston slap...even some MINI technicians are ruling out piston slap
"Its because the R56 is watered down and ONLY for the masses...NO 'enthusiast' is in ANYWAY geared toward the R56...BMW just wants the masses now...oh yeah and we need no technology just give me a crate to sit on, a handheld radio to listen to, and a little fan for my face"
Personally I feel BMW is doing a great job and kudos to them for constantly trying to make the MINI different and definitely a round of applause for going for a better (yes I said better) motor
And for some of those that keep saying the MCS cold start issue being piston slap and no possibility of fixing...start checking ur sources and looking around...its not piston slap...even some MINI technicians are ruling out piston slap
If no one here is up for a round of applause, fire up that Prince engine and pretend that "normal" slapping noise is actually the sound of four chubby little metal hands a-clapping.
Whatever the problem is its some combination of things on the S motor...the non S does not have this problem (which I'm quite happy about since I got the non S)
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=128350
The latest thread in the R56 forum on this problem is "I think my hood scoop is melting"
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=128350
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=128350
Last edited by VicSkimmr; Feb 12, 2008 at 05:44 AM.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
If you had actually read the thread you linked you would see that they remedied the issue with later models in multiple ways, by adding a heat resistant padding and by having the fan run longer after the car was turned off. You'd also have noticed ClubmanS in the thread trolling around.
Do I really need to drag up threads with issues with the Tritec from its first year?
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,398
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, NY
The way that I look at is that it's still a MINI. Yes, the 07< look/drive and sound different, but there are many things that they have approved upon with the r53 predecessor. Being that im an r53 owner im used to the creaks and crack and the godforsaken dash rattle. They have made a car that is a little more "consumer friendly". It gets better gas mileage for one, and to someone that doesn't know (I.e, the mini owners that never wave back) it looks exactly the same as the prior model. Being that I have been in a r50, r53, r53 convertible and an r56. I believe that the r56's interior is made from better materials. But I would never part ways with my bone jarring ride/ loud (obnoxiously loud) supercharger and the loud a$$ exhaust
We also can bet on the r56 haveing HUGE power potential.
We also can bet on the r56 haveing HUGE power potential.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,010
Likes: 11
From: Ridgefield, CT
Banned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
The issue was that the engine is turbo-charged and therefore produces more heat. When the car was turned off, the fan cooling the turbo also turned off. They fixed that issue by running the fan longer, which cools the engine, and by adding heat resistant material to the hood scoop and by opening up the vent to help protect it. How is that not a fix?
Do I really need to drag up threads with issues with the Tritec from its first year?
Do I really need to drag up threads with issues with the Tritec from its first year?
So far, you are 0 for 2.
All the best!
Skip
Banned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
If you had actually read the thread you linked you would see that they remedied the issue with later vehicles in multiple ways, by adding a heat resistant padding and by having the fan run longer after the car was turned off. You'd also have noticed ClubmanS in the thread trolling around.
Having the fan run longer after the car is turned off still does not address people who were having this issue while tracking the car. Those scoops were deforming while the car was turned on.
Yeah sorry I dont mean to be its just I keep reading the comments from a certain poster and it seems like he just is soooo hard headed its annoying me you know? Like it seems to him nothing AT ALL is good with the R56 and only the R53 is a true MINI...idk its people like that person that make this entire unique community that owning a MINI offers not so unique anymore...it kinda sounds like a honda or toyota forum 
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 1
This piston slap that we keep hearing about apparently is not an issue in the forums for the other car which this exact engine is used in. Perhaps that is because some of the posters here do not also have one of those cars ?
Banned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
This thread is 29 pages long and deals with the mystery noise.
http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-f...n-cold-28.html
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,382
Likes: 0
Long, but so be it
I have been reading this thread from the start, and have now read all the posts to it. I also have posted to it, and yes some of the things I have said were more emotion driven/personal, than trying to help as it has evolved from what the OP started.
I now see this thread for what it is, a place to honor what was, in all it's versions, a great car. All the parts that made the whole will go down in automotive history. First the heritage/history,then the buying and redesigning of a famous brand. Then the release of a very well built, wonderful little car.
If we could stop time, which we can't, as my hair line shows me every day, that car would just continue on. But many factors come into play as time marches on. Safety, fuel economy, keeping designers on staff to show off what they come up with. Some of this is good for the brand, some not. Automotive design is something that will always evolve, be it mechanical, or aesthetic.
As I think back to my classic Mini, sliding windows, large center mounted speedo, 10 inches rims, little heat, harsh bone rattling ride, exposed door hinges, home made roof rack to haul goods to do carpentry jobs, I REALLY miss that car, and wish somehow I could still have it.
Thinking back to getting my 03 MC, I hated the fact it had power door locks and windows, the up/down jump the windows do when you open the doors made me nuts
, computers in a car
I have gotten over this and see how it makes my driving experience enjoyable.
Now as we start to look toward replacing one of our MINIs, my rock solid 03 will not be the one to go, even with 95k miles on it, more than that when we do move on. It will be our 05 cabrio that will go, which is on it's 3rd roof, new clutch, new rear suspension, new battery.
So, what I'm trying to say here is, things change, and as they do lets try and help each other with the changes. If you find a link to something, give us the link to the page you are referring to, not the site link, some of us don't have time to search other sites. But the input is great, keep it coming, as one of the Stage2 JCW ClubmanS that will be coming on a boat someday will be ours, and I would like all the info I can get.
Mark
I now see this thread for what it is, a place to honor what was, in all it's versions, a great car. All the parts that made the whole will go down in automotive history. First the heritage/history,then the buying and redesigning of a famous brand. Then the release of a very well built, wonderful little car.
If we could stop time, which we can't, as my hair line shows me every day, that car would just continue on. But many factors come into play as time marches on. Safety, fuel economy, keeping designers on staff to show off what they come up with. Some of this is good for the brand, some not. Automotive design is something that will always evolve, be it mechanical, or aesthetic.
As I think back to my classic Mini, sliding windows, large center mounted speedo, 10 inches rims, little heat, harsh bone rattling ride, exposed door hinges, home made roof rack to haul goods to do carpentry jobs, I REALLY miss that car, and wish somehow I could still have it.
Thinking back to getting my 03 MC, I hated the fact it had power door locks and windows, the up/down jump the windows do when you open the doors made me nuts
, computers in a car I have gotten over this and see how it makes my driving experience enjoyable.Now as we start to look toward replacing one of our MINIs, my rock solid 03 will not be the one to go, even with 95k miles on it, more than that when we do move on. It will be our 05 cabrio that will go, which is on it's 3rd roof, new clutch, new rear suspension, new battery.
So, what I'm trying to say here is, things change, and as they do lets try and help each other with the changes. If you find a link to something, give us the link to the page you are referring to, not the site link, some of us don't have time to search other sites. But the input is great, keep it coming, as one of the Stage2 JCW ClubmanS that will be coming on a boat someday will be ours, and I would like all the info I can get.
Mark
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,010
Likes: 11
From: Ridgefield, CT
I have been reading this thread from the start, and have now read all the posts to it. I also have posted to it, and yes some of the things I have said were more emotion driven/personal, than trying to help as it has evolved from what the OP started.
I now see this thread for what it is, a place to honor what was, in all it's versions, a great car. All the parts that made the whole will go down in automotive history. First the heritage/history,then the buying and redesigning of a famous brand. Then the release of a very well built, wonderful little car.
If we could stop time, which we can't, as my hair line shows me every day, that car would just continue on. But many factors come into play as time marches on. Safety, fuel economy, keeping designers on staff to show off what they come up with. Some of this is good for the brand, some not. Automotive design is something that will always evolve, be it mechanical, or aesthetic.
As I think back to my classic Mini, sliding windows, large center mounted speedo, 10 inches rims, little heat, harsh bone rattling ride, exposed door hinges, home made roof rack to haul goods to do carpentry jobs, I REALLY miss that car, and wish somehow I could still have it.
Thinking back to getting my 03 MC, I hated the fact it had power door locks and windows, the up/down jump the windows do when you open the doors made me nuts, computers in a car I have gotten over this and see how it makes my driving experience enjoyable.
Now as we start to look toward replacing one of our MINIs, my rock solid 03 will not be the one to go, even with 95k miles on it, more than that when we do move on. It will be our 05 cabrio that will go, which is on it's 3rd roof, new clutch, new rear suspension, new battery.
So, what I'm trying to say here is, things change, and as they do lets try and help each other with the changes. If you find a link to something, give us the link to the page you are referring to, not the site link, some of us don't have time to search other sites. But the input is great, keep it coming, as one of the Stage2 JCW ClubmanS that will be coming on a boat someday will be ours, and I would like all the info I can get.
Mark
I now see this thread for what it is, a place to honor what was, in all it's versions, a great car. All the parts that made the whole will go down in automotive history. First the heritage/history,then the buying and redesigning of a famous brand. Then the release of a very well built, wonderful little car.
If we could stop time, which we can't, as my hair line shows me every day, that car would just continue on. But many factors come into play as time marches on. Safety, fuel economy, keeping designers on staff to show off what they come up with. Some of this is good for the brand, some not. Automotive design is something that will always evolve, be it mechanical, or aesthetic.
As I think back to my classic Mini, sliding windows, large center mounted speedo, 10 inches rims, little heat, harsh bone rattling ride, exposed door hinges, home made roof rack to haul goods to do carpentry jobs, I REALLY miss that car, and wish somehow I could still have it.
Thinking back to getting my 03 MC, I hated the fact it had power door locks and windows, the up/down jump the windows do when you open the doors made me nuts
, computers in a car I have gotten over this and see how it makes my driving experience enjoyable.Now as we start to look toward replacing one of our MINIs, my rock solid 03 will not be the one to go, even with 95k miles on it, more than that when we do move on. It will be our 05 cabrio that will go, which is on it's 3rd roof, new clutch, new rear suspension, new battery.
So, what I'm trying to say here is, things change, and as they do lets try and help each other with the changes. If you find a link to something, give us the link to the page you are referring to, not the site link, some of us don't have time to search other sites. But the input is great, keep it coming, as one of the Stage2 JCW ClubmanS that will be coming on a boat someday will be ours, and I would like all the info I can get.
Mark
Dean.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, NW Burbs
I have been reading this thread from the start, and have now read all the posts to it. I also have posted to it, and yes some of the things I have said were more emotion driven/personal, than trying to help as it has evolved from what the OP started.
I now see this thread for what it is, a place to honor what was, in all it's versions, a great car. All the parts that made the whole will go down in automotive history. First the heritage/history,then the buying and redesigning of a famous brand. Then the release of a very well built, wonderful little car.
If we could stop time, which we can't, as my hair line shows me every day, that car would just continue on. But many factors come into play as time marches on. Safety, fuel economy, keeping designers on staff to show off what they come up with. Some of this is good for the brand, some not. Automotive design is something that will always evolve, be it mechanical, or aesthetic.
As I think back to my classic Mini, sliding windows, large center mounted speedo, 10 inches rims, little heat, harsh bone rattling ride, exposed door hinges, home made roof rack to haul goods to do carpentry jobs, I REALLY miss that car, and wish somehow I could still have it.
Thinking back to getting my 03 MC, I hated the fact it had power door locks and windows, the up/down jump the windows do when you open the doors made me nuts, computers in a car I have gotten over this and see how it makes my driving experience enjoyable.
Now as we start to look toward replacing one of our MINIs, my rock solid 03 will not be the one to go, even with 95k miles on it, more than that when we do move on. It will be our 05 cabrio that will go, which is on it's 3rd roof, new clutch, new rear suspension, new battery.
So, what I'm trying to say here is, things change, and as they do lets try and help each other with the changes. If you find a link to something, give us the link to the page you are referring to, not the site link, some of us don't have time to search other sites. But the input is great, keep it coming, as one of the Stage2 JCW ClubmanS that will be coming on a boat someday will be ours, and I would like all the info I can get.
Mark
I now see this thread for what it is, a place to honor what was, in all it's versions, a great car. All the parts that made the whole will go down in automotive history. First the heritage/history,then the buying and redesigning of a famous brand. Then the release of a very well built, wonderful little car.
If we could stop time, which we can't, as my hair line shows me every day, that car would just continue on. But many factors come into play as time marches on. Safety, fuel economy, keeping designers on staff to show off what they come up with. Some of this is good for the brand, some not. Automotive design is something that will always evolve, be it mechanical, or aesthetic.
As I think back to my classic Mini, sliding windows, large center mounted speedo, 10 inches rims, little heat, harsh bone rattling ride, exposed door hinges, home made roof rack to haul goods to do carpentry jobs, I REALLY miss that car, and wish somehow I could still have it.
Thinking back to getting my 03 MC, I hated the fact it had power door locks and windows, the up/down jump the windows do when you open the doors made me nuts
, computers in a car I have gotten over this and see how it makes my driving experience enjoyable.Now as we start to look toward replacing one of our MINIs, my rock solid 03 will not be the one to go, even with 95k miles on it, more than that when we do move on. It will be our 05 cabrio that will go, which is on it's 3rd roof, new clutch, new rear suspension, new battery.
So, what I'm trying to say here is, things change, and as they do lets try and help each other with the changes. If you find a link to something, give us the link to the page you are referring to, not the site link, some of us don't have time to search other sites. But the input is great, keep it coming, as one of the Stage2 JCW ClubmanS that will be coming on a boat someday will be ours, and I would like all the info I can get.
Mark
Now good luck getting people to have that same level of respect and keeping it civil as your last paragraph suggests.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
A couple of things to keep in mind:
(1) To say that the R53 was more of an enthusiasts car is debatable. I think that it was. Some may disagree. But in the end, it's a matter of personal opinion.
(2) Implying that the R53 was trouble free is not. There were a bevy of tranny and electrical issues, assorted rattles and issues with cheaply made components. The R56 has piston slap and melted bonnets - I'll see that and raise you bad body and engine wiring harnesses, electrical fires and self -destructing trim pieces. One aspect of the R53 was rock solid - and that was the Tritec.
(3) I find it hypocritical that many of the respected NAM veterans (and I'm not referring to Lotsie) have a major issue with someone bashing the R56 but will happily call Hondas and Mitsus and Subies "ugly" and "ricey". I've even seen thread where Nammers made fun of wrecked Evos.
A week ago I saw that one of NAM's biggest post ****** **** off yet another member into leaving by snarking on his Lexus. That's apparently acceptable behavior but poking fun at the R56 is not.
(1) To say that the R53 was more of an enthusiasts car is debatable. I think that it was. Some may disagree. But in the end, it's a matter of personal opinion.
(2) Implying that the R53 was trouble free is not. There were a bevy of tranny and electrical issues, assorted rattles and issues with cheaply made components. The R56 has piston slap and melted bonnets - I'll see that and raise you bad body and engine wiring harnesses, electrical fires and self -destructing trim pieces. One aspect of the R53 was rock solid - and that was the Tritec.
(3) I find it hypocritical that many of the respected NAM veterans (and I'm not referring to Lotsie) have a major issue with someone bashing the R56 but will happily call Hondas and Mitsus and Subies "ugly" and "ricey". I've even seen thread where Nammers made fun of wrecked Evos.
A week ago I saw that one of NAM's biggest post ****** **** off yet another member into leaving by snarking on his Lexus. That's apparently acceptable behavior but poking fun at the R56 is not.
Last edited by Skiploder; Feb 12, 2008 at 08:30 PM.