R50/53 2006 r53
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2006 r53
Hello everyone. A little background. I've been on here for awhile - participating in threads here and there - learning from the threads as I visit. You all have taught me so much about these cars. I have been looking for a Mini for awhile and knew what options I wanted but was ok without those options if the right one came along. I've test driven here and there, looked at tons (online and in person) but haven't found anything I wanted to purchase .. until now.
As of this morning, I am the new owner of a 2006 R53, with most of the options that I wanted .. that odd enough, lived the first few years of his life about 15 minutes down the road from me (Frederick, MD). From there, he went to a new home in the Leesburg, VA area and eventually came back to MD and ended up on the other side of Baltimore.
I found him online about 3 weeks ago and went to visit him to see what kind of shape he was in .. and after a few more visits and some tests, took him home.
Here he is (he doesn't have a name yet).
As of this morning, I am the new owner of a 2006 R53, with most of the options that I wanted .. that odd enough, lived the first few years of his life about 15 minutes down the road from me (Frederick, MD). From there, he went to a new home in the Leesburg, VA area and eventually came back to MD and ended up on the other side of Baltimore.
I found him online about 3 weeks ago and went to visit him to see what kind of shape he was in .. and after a few more visits and some tests, took him home.
Here he is (he doesn't have a name yet).
Last edited by MiniTigger; 04-28-2016 at 07:28 PM.
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Oh, OK, I thought they all got them in 2005 or 2006. Of course, my fan died anyway but it did survive 10 years in the salt and slush.
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I thought it was standard starting with the face lift R53's. My FL '05 R53 came with the duct from the factory. In the pics above it does look like the intake venting is missing from the splash shield though. Maybe those aren't all of the original front end parts. The OP does have another thread questioning the hood alignment on his car.
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There is a reduction pulley - I just don't know what kind or size.
Not knowing if the coolant tank is original, you may consider replacing it as a time item with a metal tank and eliminate all worries and future associated expense. I just did. The plastic tank has the reputation for failing at the most inopportune time and places. Nice find!
I thought it was standard starting with the face lift R53's. My FL '05 R53 came with the duct from the factory. In the pics above it does look like the intake venting is missing from the splash shield though. Maybe those aren't all of the original front end parts. The OP does have another thread questioning the hood alignment on his car.
Where can I get one from?
Last edited by MiniTigger; 04-29-2016 at 09:20 AM.
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At one point the duct kit was $80 new..two parts, the tube and a different part that would snap into the plastic splash guard....
Now the few left are stupid $$....
So look at a junkyard....time a r52 getting parted out...most of the plastic parts are usually tossed out as an expense... So should be cheap.
Now the few left are stupid $$....
So look at a junkyard....time a r52 getting parted out...most of the plastic parts are usually tossed out as an expense... So should be cheap.
Last edited by ZippyNH; 04-29-2016 at 10:31 AM.
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I purchased a metal tank using the oem cap since I don't flog the MINI. Prices vary for about $100 on up. Ebay has good pricing. The removal of the plastic tank is on youtube and very easy. Installation of the metal tank is easy. It does require small to average sized hand to screw in the driver's side bolt. Helped a friend install his metal tank and it took about an hour. Well worth the money for the peace of mind.
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Be sure to change out the coolant...the most often neglected fluid...needs to be done every 4 years..
Check out a few diy's for the locations of the 2 bleed valves...one by the rad, one by the thermostat.
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