So now I bought ANOTHER Cooper S (expensive TEST vehicle for sure - but girl needed car) 2006 S model. 92k miles. Automatic. And now I KNOW there's something wrong with my 03. Her 06 Automatic S (with nearly twice the miles on ODO) blows me away. I got mine.....times 7. Bought a 2003 S about 3 months ago......not my first MINI experience.....I've owned 7 Coops and 3 S models. My question is this - the 2012 S Coupe and the newly purchased 2006 S Hatch are SUBSTANTIALLY faster than the 2003 S Hatch I bought. I "get" that the 12 S Turbo is not a valid comparison, but the 2006 S Supercharged AUTO I just bought for my daughter is WAY quicker than the 03. Facts are these - the 03 S is a 6 speed manual. The 06 S is a 6 speed auto. the 03 only has 50k miles on it; the 06 has 90k plus. The performance is literally night and day; her 06 auto will BLOW AWAY the 03.Years notwithstanding....why? I had (erroneously) thought the CAT was plugged on the 03, so I bought a full manifold to post CAT exit exhaust replacement. No difference. I have ZERO CELs, but it does get rather crappy MPG (29). So the question here is - what the hell is wrong with the 03? HP is supposed to be reasonably close, but I know for a fact the performance is literally night and day. I keep reading about crank pulley "slippage" = what's that about? Also - any additional "check this" comments are REALLY welcome. I'm stumped - and can't have my 15 year old girl's 06 AUTO beating my 03 6 speed manual off the line!!!
Crank pulley slippage is caused by the pulley's internal rubber core tearing and the inner section separating from the outer section allowing the inner to spin faster than the outer. If that was happening you would definitely notice a burning smell. Does the '06 have an underdrive supercharger pulley. Makes a heck of a difference in horsepower (15-20)?
4th Gear
I would first inspect the new automatic vehicle to determine if it has any modifications - specifically a reduction pulley on the supercharger.
4th Gear
The facelift R53 did get a gearing change to make them a little quicker off the line. Not sure if the auto transmission also got this? Could explain the difference between your '03 and the '06.
When we were test driving cars, the facelift cars we drove were all quite a bit quicker than the taller geared pre-face lift cars. One '05 we test drove had a pulley and it was very quick off the line. Owner had no clue whether or not he had a pulley, Needless to say, we ended buying an '05 (not the one with the pulley) since we preferred the shorter gearing and better pick up off the line.
When we were test driving cars, the facelift cars we drove were all quite a bit quicker than the taller geared pre-face lift cars. One '05 we test drove had a pulley and it was very quick off the line. Owner had no clue whether or not he had a pulley, Needless to say, we ended buying an '05 (not the one with the pulley) since we preferred the shorter gearing and better pick up off the line.
All that was mentioned by the follow up posters makes sense. I was not aware that the 05 and 06 models had different gearing and slightly higher power / torque numbers. I am now, and that explains a LOT. So now I don't need to tear into something that essentially isn't even broke. Thanks all. The link below really explained what you've all said very well.
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...-buyers-guide/
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...-buyers-guide/
2nd Gear
Quote:
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...-buyers-guide/
I saw that article before, makes a lot of sense but playing devils advocate here, anything different on your S since you got it? lack of power low range, hesitations etc?Originally Posted by bfjohnso63
All that was mentioned by the follow up posters makes sense. I was not aware that the 05 and 06 models had different gearing and slightly higher power / torque numbers. I am now, and that explains a LOT. So now I don't need to tear into something that essentially isn't even broke. Thanks all. The link below really explained what you've all said very well.https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...-buyers-guide/
6th Gear - An Official NAM Greeter
Change the supercharger pulley and get a tune. It will make a huge difference!
Yes for sure the gearing is the biggest difference. an 03 S with a pulley often is like a stock 05-06 S just because of gearing off the line. Then the Auto even seems to have a slightly lower 1st and will usually take a manual from a dead stop in the first 60ft as it's gearing is just good for that.
Adding a supercharger pulley will for sure help the most as it will give you more low end and power across the board.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-pulley-package.html
And the 03 crank pulley is heavier so going to an ATI will replace a known to fail part, while giving you performance as it is a few pounds lighter.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/super-...ulley-r53.html
Adding a supercharger pulley will for sure help the most as it will give you more low end and power across the board.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-pulley-package.html
And the 03 crank pulley is heavier so going to an ATI will replace a known to fail part, while giving you performance as it is a few pounds lighter.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/super-...ulley-r53.html