I posted this in the Gen 2 forum as well, but I'd love to get input from you guys too.

Any thoughts on which one to go with? Biases welcome

Without a doubt the 2006. IMO the N14 engine is a bomb waiting to go off & empty your wallet.

Personal preference.
I'm an SC guy, and am not a big fan of the R56 body style. Small changes, but not insignificant.

First generation engine is rock solid and the supercharger whine is very intoxicating to say the least. I own a pre-facelift first generation so my preference is for the 06 but drive them both and you too will be a first generation owner.

R53 all the way.

Although I haven't driven an r56, I can't imagine enjoying a mini without the sc whine or WITH turbo lag.

The turbo lag is really nonexistent in the N18s. I would say the turbo lag was bad in the new gens of the MS3.

The r53 motor is solid. I know people with over 250whp on the stock bottom end. The motor will take a beating and say thank you. The quirks are well known and permanent solutions are available.

Really it comes down to what YOU want to do with the car. Maybe up the power a bit and make it handle a little better, either will do. Want to make kinda stupid power and make it handle.... R53.

...what they said. W11 lump is near bullet proof.

I hope the OP is now convinced.

Haha, working on it. So let's say I get an 06, one of the first things I'd want to do is up the hp and torque (low end torque preferably?). What would be the first steps, and what gains can I realistically see?

I'm a bit of a "spirited" driver in that I'm heavy on the pedal when there is an open road ahead of me, and I enjoy some solid acceleration when the guy in front of me clears out of the way. I won't take sharp turns too fast (but a road-hugger is nice), I don't race, I just like to feel my car move when I want it to.

Pulley, then cam, then header. Along with a tune.

I would go with an R53 again myself.

Also with torque matching a nice exhaust will help too. I would recommend a Stratmosphere from Way Motor Works.

A 19 or 22 MM adjustable RSB and KONI FSD dampers, best handling bang for the buck. Never leave home without them.

'06 for sure. I'm biased as I have an '05 R53. I have driven a R56 also, but I just love the rawness of the R53, combined with the whine and burble and pop, it makes for an awesome car with a ton of character.

R53 is more raw. R56 has a softer ride if everything is stock. The SC whine is very nice to the ears. Good luck, Make a list features and price.

DIYability, moddability, reliability....hands down, R53. If you want dealership-dependence, r56 wins by miles.

for spirited driving and being rewarded: R53
for having a turbo spooling a grenade: n14 R56

my GF has a non S r56 and i have the r53, and i just like the interior better as well, more classic looking too

Friend's don't let friends drive cars with French engines. Go for the 06:-)

05-06 --(if you go pre, do NOT get an automatic)...or skip up to a 10 and newer.
Look up common problems for all the other years, you will understand.

(and yes, I am biased, I have an 06.)

Size matters... I'm 6'5" and "cough" 280 lbs, I'm much more comfortable in the R53 than the R56... The door panels in the R56 cramps my shoulders/arms.

My only disappointment in the MINI is the rear view mirror, it sits at my eye level, so at times it is a big blind spot.

But I prefer the R53.

For about $7K you can get the complete 210HP JCW package.

Motor on!

Have you driven one yet? With all the torque steer that the stock setup produces, I found it not worthwhile to put any go-fast bits on my car. I always thought it was quick enough from the factory. With that being said, there are many other improvements the car needs first (REAR SWAY BAR!) if you decide to go down the go-fast rabbit hole.

So much hate against the R56/N14. I've owned an '08 MCS 6 speed for 18 months with 98K miles and I've had NO PROBLEMS. Not even a check engine light. I change the oil every 5-7k with LIQUI-MOLY 5w-30, new Redline gear oil and new OEM spark plugs. Techron before every oil change. Engine runs extremly smooth and has a TON of power. Just the other day a driver in a 350Z thought a MINI would make a tasty snack. Guess who got dusted? On the Highway no less, at speeds I probably shouldn't mention. He gave me a thumbs up as I passed him. Respect I guess

The only item I've had to replace has been the valve cover. When Jesse from Banchwerks in Providence, RI removed the valve cover he was impressed with how "clean" the engine was. No build-up, no gunk. Timing chain and tensioner was still OEM spec after 90K miles. You know why? The Previous owner ALSO changed the oil every 5-7K with synthetic oil. With diligent maintenance and YES SPIRITED DRIVING, the N14 is a great, trouble free motor.

People get in trouble when they conform to BMW's 15K mile oil service, don't check their oil level and generally drive too gentle. That's how they get build up and gunk. You have to burn that crap off occasionally. My 2 cents.

Ian

^ not EVERY r56s has issues. you may be one of the luckier ones, for most it's only a matter of time.