Hello new friends. I just stumbled upon a 2004 mini, it seemed like an awesome car so I picked it up. I came here hoping to learn more about it and maybe ask a few questions.

First, details:

-2004
-Blue
192k
-S model
-6speed, Are all S models manual?
-Xenon headlights, this was a nice surprise
- Brown leather interior. good looking too, except for a tear on the drive
bolster
-Run pretty great. I've been wearing it out for the last 3 days LOL
-Someone put an aftermarket intake on it. I'm not sure of
any other mods though. Was hoping I could get some key things to look for
to find out.

The car has an airbag light on, I assume this is like many other cars and I'm just stuck with it.

The car is pulling code p0455. I'm pretty sure it's tied to the gas cap filler light. The previous owner replaced the gas cap 2x, and I replaced the purge valve already. Maybe could get some help on this? car runs fine, no smell of gas. I'm going to do a deep detail on the car this weekend so I'll poke around the engine and look for hose leaks.

- Tell me about lowering this bad boy....just a little bit.

I'm sure I'll think of more. I'll post some pics once it's clean.

 

This is a decent place to start. It has 2,116 replies at the moment. You should learn a thing or two there.

Noticed you didn't mentioned anything about the chassis. Definitely have some suspension components checked if you haven't already.

- Are the strut mounts torn?
- Are the strut towers mushrooming?
- How are the control arm bushings?

Obviously, driving hard round corners will wear suspension components faster, so at 192k, just ask yourself if you can afford that (if so, go nuts).
Always check for fluid leaks and low oil. At LEAST weekly (I'm conservative). At 192k you're likely burning a bit of oil. Just be mindful is all.

Welcome to the club.

 

Congrats and welcome! Now, how about some photos??

 

Thanks!

i will check the engine well for leaks once I get a chance to wash it (hopefully tomorrow!)

Yeah the suspension is unknown to me as of right now. I checked the strut towers, look good to go. I will look into the rest tomorrow as well.

I have a few parts on the way already: I ordered a new door mechanism since the passenger side lock won't move except manually. a new cabin filter, some new front and rear emblems since mine are worn.

thanks again!

 

I only have one LOUSY potato picture currently. I plan to take a ton more once it's clean

 

Congratulations on the purchase of your R53. We need pictures! We love pictures. For lowering options, the best bang for your buck coil in my opinion would be ST here. You can go with just the basic ones that give you dampening adjustability or the XTA, which give you a much larger range of adjustability. I've had these installed on many different makes and models, all from daily drivers to big HP builds. They're quality and they're manufactured by KW. Along with coils, I'd probably recommend a rear sway bar and rear adjustable control arms to compliment them.

Anyways, if you plan to mod and fix up your new-to-you MINI yourself be sure to check out our tech articles on our site under the "tech info" tab at the top. They have a lot of great detail about common issues and all kinds of repairs/mods. If you have any questions just let me know.

 

Thanks for th coilover suggestion. Im on thw fence between shocks and springs v coilovers.

Low is great, but now that im 33 comfort is more important. I also dont want to deal with rubbing issues, etc.

So what im asking for is something that will give me a stock or better ride quality primarily, then handling, then lower. Is this kit something that could do that? Or do i have to give up the comfort. What if i only lowered it a little bit.

I have looked at pelican parts tech pages already. Fantastic resource!

And im going to deliver pics!! Lol soon.tm

 

33 is the new 22!! I get what you mean though. Yes, I'd say a spring option is a good alternative too. I'd probably recommend the H&R sport springs here myself as they don't give you a harsh ride and are comfortable for a daily use. I've also had good experience with Swift springs. Might look into those as well. Do note, that a really good coil over set up can be just as good, if not better/more comfortable than a stock set up too. Just depends on how much you want to spend. Glad our articles will be a good resource to you and I'm always here if you have any questions!

 

TRU DAT!!!

actually if I can keep the ride comfort similar to stock, I think an entry level coilover kit may be the way to go. The price on the ones you posted are more than reasonable IMO. I'm still a ways off from that purchase, but it's in my sights

also, should the car beep when I use the key? I get no beeps from lock and/or unlock functions.

 

Pics please, automatics became available on late 04 models and on. Your airbag light may be covered under recall ask your dealer.

 

oh that's good to know! I think the nearest one is about an hour from me, I will call them though! Thanks!

 

Congratulations on your new to you MINI xanderxone.

Autos weren't available until Jan '05 builds so any S before that would be a manual. What was the production date of your '04? They switched to Getrag from Midlands in July. The Getrag has closer gearing for better drivability and is supposed to be more reliable.

 

Model Cooper S - USA
Development Code R53
Chassis COUPE
Color Indi Blue Metallic - 862
Upholstery Stoff Space/panther Schwarz - S4PN
Production Plant OXFORD
Production Date 2003-12-17

228 Sports Suspension Settings Plus
253 Leather Steering Wheel Cooper S
470 Child Seat Isofix Attachment
481 Sport Seats F Driver/front Passenger
823 Hot Climate Version Heissland-ausfuehrung
502 Headlight Washer System Scheinwerfer-waschanlage
522 Xenon Light Xenon-licht
674 Hifi Loudspeaker System Harman Kardon Hifi-system Harman/kardon

Looks like a really early build :(

I also was excited about the HK system when I got the car, but after reading a bunch on here apparently it's quite undesirable. I'm nothing of an audiophile luckily I guess.

 

Nothing wrong with an early car, or the HK system. I used to be into custom stereos and competing, but i don't think the MINI is really the car for that. I didn't want to load up the car with sound deadening, subwoofer boxes, and amps. I'm ok with a good factory stereo, the whine of the supercharger, and being more nimble without the extra weight.

I like the HK system, but main drawback to the it is the unconventional wiring and the amps going bad. The wiring is only an issue if you want to change the radio or add a subwoofer. If the amp goes bad, you can replace it with an aftermarket 6 channel amp.

Indi Blue wasn't available on the later cars so I had to settle for Hyper Blue.

 

I got mine about 6 months ago 2006 Mini cooper S with 145k. My brother owns a BMW repair shop and we went through the car together. Here are some immediate things you should look for:
1-Make sure the coolant reservoir is not leaking. Mine was i replaced it. I would buy a metal tank instead of the cheap plastic they all leak.
2-Disconnect and clean all connector with electrical cleaner and reconnect with dialectic grease. They all work loose and you will have limp mode issues and weird lights. Specially the connector to the throttle body(i had this issue was pulling a p1125 code and would go into limp mode in the middle of driving)
3-Check your crank pulley to make sure that is not making any noise and that you don't smell any burning rubber smell. (Mine destroyed itself pulling onto traffic. Battery light came on EML light and CEL all on A/c quit working) I replaced mine with a Alta crank pulley that eliminates this but opinions on here vary. I have had no issues with their pulley.
4-Look for deformation on the strut pillars. Mine didn't have any but i had his shop weld the plates from underneath.
5-Do an oil change with synthetic Mobil one 5w30. You will be surprised how much smoother your Mini runs after.
6-Change your serpentine belt they are notorious for stretching and slipping and breaking. If that happens the tensioner pulley will plunge into the crank pulley and you will destroy everything around it. Buy the Alta tensioner limiter its only like 20 bucks and you will be fine.
7-Check the belt tensioner and idler pulley make sure they are not making noise. If they are replace them.
8-Check your clutch make sure its not making any noises and that is not slipping. These cars are notorious for clutch issues and premature wear. Baby the clutch unless you have a ton of money on the side. A clutch replacement on these cars is 1800 to 2500. The car has to almost be taken apart to do it.
9- Turn the car on and listen for chain rattle noises on the left side of the engine. If you hear something don't mistake this with pulley noises. Its your timing chain tensioner. (mine is doing that right now and I am replacing it in the next couple of days. Its a 20 dollar part and one bolt)

Things I would do to make it perform better:
1-15% pulley from alta
2-Msd ignition and wires and plugs
3-sprint booster throttle response
4-Lighter wheels
5-Alta air intake
6-exhaust

I wouldn't do anything else. Unless you want issues and this car is not your everyday driver. The car already sits very low and handles great. It just needs to be quicker. There is only so much you can pull out of a supercharged 1.6l engine before you start not being reliable anymore. I hope this helps

 

Started to get this code as well, but i think i pulled something loose. If you find your problem let me know. I'm going to start at the tank side and see what happens.

 

Congrats and welcome

Since you asked about lowering check out our TSW springs they are approx 3/4 inch drop, and ride better than stock. But also perform better and the linear rate makes them more predictable.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/tsw-mi...e-springs.html

But if you want coilovers the Megans are very cost effective and actually we have a $50 rebate on them
https://www.waymotorworks.com/megan-...coilovers.html

 

 

I shot 2 car shows, and a 1on1 shoot this weekend so the Mini didn't get any love :(

I should have more shots of her incoming though. thanks for all the help so far ! you guys have been great!

 

Good look'n MINI!

 

Looks BRAND NEW !!!!

Love it !!!!

Good Luck with repairs...