R50/53 Am I a fool?
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Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
You're not a fool
Well....
My 2018?? MINI Countryman S picked a fight with a Volvo last weekend...and lost. It is toast. So I decided to reduce the fleet down to one car....My 2005 r53.
I initially thought that I should trade the r53 for a newer car..spending hours looking on auto trader, etc. I have a budget of $30K, plus whatever the r53 is worth (I don't want a car payment). I narrowed my search down to a 2018ish Mercedes C300, certified. But....I can't pull the trigger! I really like my r53. The r53 is very clean, and highly serviced. The miles are around 78,000. Never seen snow/salt, mostly original paint, detailed weekly, waxed monthly, always dealer serviced, I've owned it for 14 years as my daily driver..a pampered machine. Zero rust.
Yet.. I am slightly nervous about having an older car as my only vehicle. Now the r53 is due for a clutch replacement (per the dealer $3500.), and it does have a couple of slight oil leaks (one is the oil pan...the other is the upper gasket on the motor (can't think of what the part is called...). And I would like the clouded tail lamps replaced. I do occasionally have issues with the body control module ( the brake lights will stay on), and I'm getting close to needing new tires.
So, I've decided to spend around $5,000 to $6,000. bring the car into perfect shape. This is probably odd, as the car is probably worth about that much..or less...haha. I have never serviced the supercharger. The interior is near perfect, and the exterior is very!! very!! clean clean. All other services have been done long before they were due. I don't do any of my own wrenching... I lack the tools and a mechanical brain.
Am I foolish to spend this on the old 2005?? , knowing that other expensive issues could arise? My commute to work is about 5 miles each way. Or would I be better off yanking $30k out of my abused savings account and replace the car?
I am turned off by the expensive dealer fee (usually $1000.) and the 7% sales tax that I would be paying for a newer model..and the new model would only have 3 years of full factory certified warranty.
I know that I have already made my decision to bring my r53 up to snuff...I am probably just venting.. I just need one of you to reassure me that I am making a wise choice. The r53 is (and will always be ) my favorite car that I have owned....which were mostly BMW's and Mercedes...and 1 Volkswagen, and the Countryman s.
Also..my air conditioning system is about three years old, brakes are new. Cooling reservoir replaced three times.., strut mounts and all suspension are fairly new (expensive!!)...all fluids are fresh, replaced wheel bearings, etc. Oh and I had the headliner replaced (anthracite), and new all weather floor mats. I religiously wax and drown the interior and rubber parts in Aerospace 303 protectant (South Florida sun is brutal). The navigation system works fine. No modifications to anything. A highly pampered machine.
My god....kind thoughts welcome. Am I a fool? Do I need therapy??
pictures upon request.....
Best,
Mark
ps I am having an issue with one side of the rear fold down seat. The release latch isn't working..so only one side of the rear seat will fold down..and the car battery (optima) is nearly new.
My 2018?? MINI Countryman S picked a fight with a Volvo last weekend...and lost. It is toast. So I decided to reduce the fleet down to one car....My 2005 r53.
I initially thought that I should trade the r53 for a newer car..spending hours looking on auto trader, etc. I have a budget of $30K, plus whatever the r53 is worth (I don't want a car payment). I narrowed my search down to a 2018ish Mercedes C300, certified. But....I can't pull the trigger! I really like my r53. The r53 is very clean, and highly serviced. The miles are around 78,000. Never seen snow/salt, mostly original paint, detailed weekly, waxed monthly, always dealer serviced, I've owned it for 14 years as my daily driver..a pampered machine. Zero rust.
Yet.. I am slightly nervous about having an older car as my only vehicle. Now the r53 is due for a clutch replacement (per the dealer $3500.), and it does have a couple of slight oil leaks (one is the oil pan...the other is the upper gasket on the motor (can't think of what the part is called...). And I would like the clouded tail lamps replaced. I do occasionally have issues with the body control module ( the brake lights will stay on), and I'm getting close to needing new tires.
So, I've decided to spend around $5,000 to $6,000. bring the car into perfect shape. This is probably odd, as the car is probably worth about that much..or less...haha. I have never serviced the supercharger. The interior is near perfect, and the exterior is very!! very!! clean clean. All other services have been done long before they were due. I don't do any of my own wrenching... I lack the tools and a mechanical brain.
Am I foolish to spend this on the old 2005?? , knowing that other expensive issues could arise? My commute to work is about 5 miles each way. Or would I be better off yanking $30k out of my abused savings account and replace the car?
I am turned off by the expensive dealer fee (usually $1000.) and the 7% sales tax that I would be paying for a newer model..and the new model would only have 3 years of full factory certified warranty.
I know that I have already made my decision to bring my r53 up to snuff...I am probably just venting.. I just need one of you to reassure me that I am making a wise choice. The r53 is (and will always be ) my favorite car that I have owned....which were mostly BMW's and Mercedes...and 1 Volkswagen, and the Countryman s.
Also..my air conditioning system is about three years old, brakes are new. Cooling reservoir replaced three times.., strut mounts and all suspension are fairly new (expensive!!)...all fluids are fresh, replaced wheel bearings, etc. Oh and I had the headliner replaced (anthracite), and new all weather floor mats. I religiously wax and drown the interior and rubber parts in Aerospace 303 protectant (South Florida sun is brutal). The navigation system works fine. No modifications to anything. A highly pampered machine.
My god....kind thoughts welcome. Am I a fool? Do I need therapy??
pictures upon request.....
Best,
Mark
ps I am having an issue with one side of the rear fold down seat. The release latch isn't working..so only one side of the rear seat will fold down..and the car battery (optima) is nearly new.
Hi Mark. I dont think you are a fool. I love my R53 as well. I bought it as a project car, and have put so much money into it as well. I believe in the love/hate relationship with Mini's, when they are running great, wow; but when they arent, agh!
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 313
From: The Netherlands
Correct, the Eaton m45 supercharger has 2 oil chambers which are closed units. There is a connection on the supercharger for the pcv valve (red thingy on the 1st pic below). It helps if you are able to work on your car, as a lot of the maintenance can be done by yourself. Also, the Mini has some weak points which can be tackled with some ease. I create pictures for almost all the work that I do on the Mini, hoping to help others.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 971
Likes: 145
From: York PA
All of us MINI owners are fools and that is ok.
Sounds like you would not be happy without the MINI. The right independent shop should cut you maintenance cost in half and increase the quality of the maintenance. Cost of ownership should be a fraction of what you are paying without reducing the quantity.
Have you thought about keeping the MINI and and buying a low maintenance cost fairly fun to drive daily driver? I would recommend a third generation Mazda3 (2014-18).
Sounds like you would not be happy without the MINI. The right independent shop should cut you maintenance cost in half and increase the quality of the maintenance. Cost of ownership should be a fraction of what you are paying without reducing the quantity.
Have you thought about keeping the MINI and and buying a low maintenance cost fairly fun to drive daily driver? I would recommend a third generation Mazda3 (2014-18).
Thanks miniCPA.
Well... I would prefer to drive the MINI. I sure look forward to its return.
Best, and in great anticipation.......
Mark
Well... I would prefer to drive the MINI. I sure look forward to its return.
Best, and in great anticipation.......
Mark
Last edited by Monkey Juice; Sep 11, 2020 at 06:01 AM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 71
Likes: 13
From: Defiance Ohio
I think you are doing the right thing. I had a 98 chevy Pick up traded it for an 09 instead of spending 5 or 6 thousand to put it up in top shape. I have regretted that decision for 6 years now. Would love to that old truck back now.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I am in this exact situation. I have a 04 with all the maintenance done but want to make the paint perfect and just can’t justify it yet. But I know any more modern MINI won’t be the same as this one. Really debating about whether the power of the R56 would be worth stepping into or not in particular...
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 171
Likes: 36
From: South Florida
Just found an Indy mobile mechanic to replace the clutch/coil on my a/c compressor and make sure it’s fully charged for $100. I’m supplying the clutch/coil. Since you’re in Palm beach, I’ll let you know how it goes. Could be a good option for you for certain repairs down the road.
Many thanks!!
I pick up the beast tomorrow morning..work is complete, except I'm still awaiting the new tail lamps from Way Motors (maybe today??). I didn't have time to pick up on Friday evening. I did pay the repair bill (over the phone), ... less than I was expecting. A squeak under $4800. About what the car is worth. haha. That price includes tail lamp installation. Then I need to sniff out 4 new tires.
Well worth it.
Best,
Mark
ps I've been renting a 2019 Mercedes small suv glc300...very smooth.
I pick up the beast tomorrow morning..work is complete, except I'm still awaiting the new tail lamps from Way Motors (maybe today??). I didn't have time to pick up on Friday evening. I did pay the repair bill (over the phone), ... less than I was expecting. A squeak under $4800. About what the car is worth. haha. That price includes tail lamp installation. Then I need to sniff out 4 new tires.
Well worth it.
Best,
Mark
ps I've been renting a 2019 Mercedes small suv glc300...very smooth.
Last edited by Monkey Juice; Sep 13, 2020 at 10:23 PM.
Yikes...
I couldn't figure out how to add text.
I will get flamed for this,,,, but I had an OEM dual mass clutch installed, only because I want the car to remain as close to bone-stock as possible. Probably foolish...but mostly, I appreciate all advice to go with single mass, etc. The new clutch is very different, in that it doesn't grab until the pedal is much more released. The axel replacement really didn't do much change to anything. The mechanic feels that I am not nearly ready for new tires, not even close....and the tail lamps still have not arrived. I made an appointment to have the forthcoming tail lamps installed next Monday morning. Also, the headlamp person has moved his business about an hour away..so I need to find somebody closer, as they will need the car for the entire day (I am told).
The fluid leak has stopped!! I put a slice of cardboard under the motor (on my parking space..), and no drips. Maybe I was over reacting, and there really was no drip. I don't know.
Next week I hope to post before and after pictures of the new tail lights.
Oh..and the mechanic spotted a slight drip leaking from my roof mounted antenna onto the slightly damp headliner! I was shocked. He removed and re-sealed.
The car is still as new...thankfully.
My best,
Mark
I couldn't figure out how to add text.
I will get flamed for this,,,, but I had an OEM dual mass clutch installed, only because I want the car to remain as close to bone-stock as possible. Probably foolish...but mostly, I appreciate all advice to go with single mass, etc. The new clutch is very different, in that it doesn't grab until the pedal is much more released. The axel replacement really didn't do much change to anything. The mechanic feels that I am not nearly ready for new tires, not even close....and the tail lamps still have not arrived. I made an appointment to have the forthcoming tail lamps installed next Monday morning. Also, the headlamp person has moved his business about an hour away..so I need to find somebody closer, as they will need the car for the entire day (I am told).
The fluid leak has stopped!! I put a slice of cardboard under the motor (on my parking space..), and no drips. Maybe I was over reacting, and there really was no drip. I don't know.
Next week I hope to post before and after pictures of the new tail lights.
Oh..and the mechanic spotted a slight drip leaking from my roof mounted antenna onto the slightly damp headliner! I was shocked. He removed and re-sealed.
The car is still as new...thankfully.
My best,
Mark
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 171
Likes: 36
From: South Florida
About to have some work done on mine by the mobile mechanic I found. I’ll let you know how it goes of course.
- Replace crank damper pulley with 2% ATI damper
- replace clutch/coil on a/c compressor and charge system.
- replace belt tensioner and belt
- full timing chain and guide replacement
- CPS seal, timing chain cover seal and oil pump seals, and crank seal that’s on the timing cover
$700 is what he is charging for the labor. Parts are in the $800 range I think.
as far as the headlight restoration. I did mine with the 3M kit and a drill. Waxed after to seal. Unless they are re clear coating the lights after, you can do it yourself.
- Replace crank damper pulley with 2% ATI damper
- replace clutch/coil on a/c compressor and charge system.
- replace belt tensioner and belt
- full timing chain and guide replacement
- CPS seal, timing chain cover seal and oil pump seals, and crank seal that’s on the timing cover
$700 is what he is charging for the labor. Parts are in the $800 range I think.
as far as the headlight restoration. I did mine with the 3M kit and a drill. Waxed after to seal. Unless they are re clear coating the lights after, you can do it yourself.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 176
Likes: 94
$4600, ugh -- that's basically the going rate for a R53 right now.
There's a ton of places you could have saved money, but I understand the desire of going to the dealer and spending the extra for OEM parts.
But, are you happy with how it turned out? Do you feel it was worth the money? If so, then that's all that matters.
There's a ton of places you could have saved money, but I understand the desire of going to the dealer and spending the extra for OEM parts.
But, are you happy with how it turned out? Do you feel it was worth the money? If so, then that's all that matters.
Well..hell.
Yes I am happy with the outcome...I guess. As long as I don't have a similar repair bill for at least one year. I have so much more to say...but I need to get ready for a dinner party.
But what a fabulous old car my MINI is! So predictable. Just like me.
Best,
Mark
Yes I am happy with the outcome...I guess. As long as I don't have a similar repair bill for at least one year. I have so much more to say...but I need to get ready for a dinner party.
But what a fabulous old car my MINI is! So predictable. Just like me.
Best,
Mark
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 165
Likes: 47
From: WA State
From what I’ve been able to gather, that Tritec engine and manual gearbox in your 2005 R53 is the most reliable engine and transmission combination available in a Mini Cooper. (I admit I don’t know about Mini’s latest offerings)
So long with that, your car has been well taken care of - it sounds like you made a wise decision to me.
Another way to look at it is considering the money you’ve already spent, what would that have bought you on some car lot?
Enjoy your R53!
Dan
So long with that, your car has been well taken care of - it sounds like you made a wise decision to me.
Another way to look at it is considering the money you’ve already spent, what would that have bought you on some car lot?
Enjoy your R53!
Dan
My god!!!
With the current repair bill...I've spent nearly $30K in service repairs since the factory warranty expired!
At least the car is in good condition! Maybe I'm a fool!! hahah.
With the current repair bill...I've spent nearly $30K in service repairs since the factory warranty expired!
At least the car is in good condition! Maybe I'm a fool!! hahah.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 171
Likes: 36
From: South Florida
Just stay away from the dealership and you’ll be fine.
I used to be in that industry. A lot of times, when people bring in a car over 10 years old, they give outrageous estimates to repair them, so they either make a lot of money or scare the person away.
I used to be in that industry. A lot of times, when people bring in a car over 10 years old, they give outrageous estimates to repair them, so they either make a lot of money or scare the person away.
Thanks Errk.
I guess spending about $3k per year in car service really isn't that bad. Tomorrow, the new tail lamps are to be installed. I am also having a slight issue with the roof mounted antenna leaking into the car (I noticed it after this mornings car wash...about 3 drops). Hopefully, some silicone sealant will correct the leak.
And speaking of leaks...whatever was done during my recent clutch repair totally stopped the fluid leak under the motor. This is good.
Best to all,
Mark
I guess spending about $3k per year in car service really isn't that bad. Tomorrow, the new tail lamps are to be installed. I am also having a slight issue with the roof mounted antenna leaking into the car (I noticed it after this mornings car wash...about 3 drops). Hopefully, some silicone sealant will correct the leak.
And speaking of leaks...whatever was done during my recent clutch repair totally stopped the fluid leak under the motor. This is good.
Best to all,
Mark
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 171
Likes: 36
From: South Florida
Maybe your rear main seal was leaking and they probably replaced that when doing the clutch.
I thought you said they noticed the leak where the antenna was at the shop?
I’m sure I’ll be up there around $3k in maintenance my first year. Doing a decent amount in a short amount of time. But the labor charges from the dealership are easily doubling the cost.
but you found an independent shop now and maybe their labor rate is a little better. Your car is very clean and definitely looks like money has been spent on it over the years.
I thought you said they noticed the leak where the antenna was at the shop?
I’m sure I’ll be up there around $3k in maintenance my first year. Doing a decent amount in a short amount of time. But the labor charges from the dealership are easily doubling the cost.
but you found an independent shop now and maybe their labor rate is a little better. Your car is very clean and definitely looks like money has been spent on it over the years.
Yes Errk, you are correct! The repair facility alerted me of the leaking antenna. The manager mentioned that the mechanic removed and resealed the rubber gasket surrounding the antenna base...but he must not have used enough sealant...as I noticed a few drips this morning. Hopefully they will be able to address this when I return tomorrow morning for the tail lamps install. But I may need a new antenna, we'll see!
I shall post before and after tail lamp pictures!
Thank you for all of your positive comments (everyone). They mean a lot.
Best,
Mark
I shall post before and after tail lamp pictures!
Thank you for all of your positive comments (everyone). They mean a lot.
Best,
Mark