Hello there fellow drivers, i've just bought a cheap 03 R53 with 110k miles for the following summers months. Unfortunately i discovered a few issues just after a bought it.

First one : Steering feels like it pulls to the left as soon as i let go of the gas while in gear(seems like it kinda dies?) warranty still available for the PS till next year
Second: Noise while in gear, sorta like a bad supercharger but only happens in gear.. Ill link to a video at the bottom
Third: The usual control arm bushings. FR wheel is really bad rest are okay

And the final: Check engine light for p2096 (has aftermarket exhaust and seems to not be welded but rather just joined together)

Also, Airbag codes 50 and B0 from an autozone reader


If anybody knows anything about any of these problems, i'd really appreciate any help.

video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LLv...ature=youtu.be

First picture is Mini Mania's Plasma Booster, not connected to anything

:




Also, does anybody know the owner? It seems to be modded with lots of parts but badly done.

Pulley a lot smaller than my 15% one in my older mini as far as i remember, 19% maybe?

 

Your first and third problems are probably related, fix the bushing, get an alignment and the steering should correct itself.
I can't tell what you second problem is in the video.
Your fourth problem could be caused by many different things; bad O2 sensor, exhaust leak, clogged injectors, etc. You'll need someone to look at it to properly diagnose it.
Not sure about your airbag, sorry.

 

Sounds like it was cheap for a reason...
And saying "done badly" will ensure if the owner is around, they won't help....
Fix the brushings...that should fix the steering...your tires will be worn badly if you wait.

 

Have your car checked for exhaust and vacuum leaks, and have them put the car up on a lift and shake the wheels see what's loose in your suspension. None of this is too scary: a few hundred bucks and you'll be off to the races. Oh, and put that Plasma Booster (or as we say here at Helix: Basma Plooster) where it belongs, in the metal recycling bin.

 

+1 with MrBean...

Hopefully you have time to inspect and repair correctly and if not you have a great Indi shop that can sort it out for you. Get that suspension checked for geometry.

Looks like you did the right thing inspect the whole car, see what is there, find out what is not correct, make a list and prioritize then start the job.

And if you are doing the work yourself you can't go wrong with getting advice and help from this site.

Motor on!

 

Thanks for the help guys, i got it lifted yesterday at a friends shop and i've found this out:

Exhaust has a leak and needs to be welded so easy fix

Control arms are 100% shot, and is why the car dances around when cruising
Rear suspension has negative camber somehow, so will have to sort that out

So i'll start with doing safety mods and go from there.

I got the car for 1/2 the price i sold my R53 for last year, same mileage but cleaner car overall.
Will post more pictures of the pulley hoping someone can chime in on what % is it, since the car feels really quick--200+hp quick