Hey everyone,

After a four-year absence from these forums and some life changes, I'm looking to buy another Mini. I've been lurking, reading, and seeing what's been up. It's great to be back here.

My first was a 2005 base Mini Cooper; bought it new and sold it in 2010 in Massachusetts with 58K miles. Loved every mile.

Now I have a little money to pick up a second-hand R50 or R53 with a stick shift.

Is there anything I should know? I've been thinking of going R53 this time, just to experience the supercharger, but I wouldn't mind another R50 either. This time around, the car could be 10 years old w/150K when I get it. I just really miss driving it and want another one.

UPDATE: Bought one! See below.

 

Welcome back...

 

Thanks!

Oh, and never mind. I pulled the trigger and put a deposit down; I'm picking it up Tuesday. 2006 Mini Cooper S with 135K. Red/white w/black leather and 6-speed.

Pics to follow soon!

 

Congrats OP - good to have you back in the MINI fold! Enjoy your new-to-you R53. Look forward to seeing some pics!

 

You know the drill, post the pics Welcome back and congratulations on the new MINI, it sounds nice.

 

Will do--thanks everyone!

I'm supposedly picking it up tomorrow. I won't stop fretting until the title and keys are in my hands.

Anxiously waiting...

 

Congrats and welcome back!!

 

congratz!

 

Ditto!

 

Thanks for the kind words everyone! So I took her home. Went to pick up the plates and registration today. 2006 MCS w/135k, 6-speed manual, and seemingly all options except nav:







I am psyched. Fast, tight, smooth. Seriously fast compared with my '05 MC; I didn't realize what I was missing. Holy cow. Everything seems to work inside, too; one turn signal bulb is out, and I just got in the new one for Amazon.

I do have a few issues I need to work out:

- She's *really* loud on the highway. I think it's either tire or bearing related, since engaging neutral or different gears has no effect. Just a very loud roar you have to raise your voice over, which even in a sport-tuned MCS seems excessive. It starts at about 25mph. Much, much louder than my Cooper ever was, and that car wasn't quiet.

- I'm getting a frequent burst of three dashboard lights: ABS, TPM, and DSC. They go out when I restart the car, and come on about five minutes later. Tire pressure is fine. A quick forum check looks like it's something with the sensors at the wheels, but I don't know yet if it's affecting actual systems in the car. I know whoever had the car put on Bridgestone G019 non run-flat tires, which I think could also be the cause of problem #1 if they're out of balance.

Anyway, I am very much looking forward to driving, and to sorting out the above. Very happy here!

 

sounds like your abs sensors are starting to go, and the loudness could be wheel bearing cupping the wheel, wheels are out of balance, but youll feel a shake, just bad tires,

even with my exhaust its still fairly quite in the cabin

 

That's what I thought; thanks. I feel no shake, though; it seems to track perfectly. I feel a very slight vibration through the wheel at speed, but nothing commensurate with the amount of tire roar.

 

Roar might just be worn tires....some are known for being lot as they age...bearings tend to kinda whirr...at any speed, and rapidly worsen....but a "complementry" check at many shops will rule out a bearing....
Sounds like a wheel speed sensor (trifecta) of lights....sucks...but not $$. Get a warrenty? Even a 30 day, 3000 mile one? If not...not a huge $$ in most cases, just a pain...
But could be bearing related..both can go at the same time due to bearing wear...so get it looked at.
I do recall those grid109(or er 019?) tires a e very loud when worn from posts...

 

Thanks for the tip. I'm starting to think I could take care of all of this in one shot, i.e. just replace the tires, and maybe look at the sensors while doing so. I'm in NYC and paying for a parking spot in Queens--city life is grand--so I'm going to have to find a shop, since I no longer have a driveway and garage like I did in Massachusetts.

I did buy the car already, so I don't think I can get a guarantee anywhere. I'm alright with that; from the ratty and sometimes shady selection of Minis on craigslist during my particular search, I *really* wanted this particular one.

 

Finally got the pics working--see above if interested! And thanks again for all the nice responses. Very glad to be back here.

 

Tire roar, yeap..most likely cupped tires, new tires and a four wheel alignment just to ensure the new shoes last.

A quick scan from a OBD reader should pinpoint the warning light issue again most likely wheel speed sensor as stated above.

Best part... It's a MINI, and I like the color!

Motor on!

 

Thanks JABowders! The above is sounding more and more likely. Thinking I'll order new tires from Tire Rack, and then ask them for a shop nearby to deliver the tires that also could handle replacing the speed sensors if I order them separately.

Will post with results.

 

I had those tires a few years back - had been on the car for about 4-5 years I think at that point. I couldn't believe the difference in noise and ride quality when I put new Yokohama AVID Envigor tires on.

+1 on getting some new tires.

 

Thanks--just wanted to update and say it looks like the tires did the trick at low speeds, but not high speeds. I replaced the old ones with Continental ExtremeContact DWS, and now it's much quieter and smoother-riding than before up until about 45 to 50mph.

At higher speeds, I still hear something strange, and by the time I get to 70mph, it's very loud again, almost like a whirring, and I feel some vibration--maybe a bit more pronounced than before, now that the tire roar is gone.

The weirdest part: if (in my lane, without endangering anyone), I quickly dart a bit to the left and then straighten out again, the noise *stops* for that split second, and then resumes when I'm headed straight.

Could be a wheel bearing?

 

Sounds like it could be a wheel bearing. Have you put the car up on jack stands and spun the wheels by hand to listen for sounds yet?