Hey all,

Really sorry if this comes up a lot - searched and didn't find much but bits and pieces...

I'd like to buy an R52 ASAP, and have been looking at all of the years (2005-2008). Here's the question: Were there any major (or minor) differences between the years of the R52?

I can't find anything newer than 2006 that has what I'm looking for, but I'm afraid to jump on an older one for fear that they fixed issues in later years.

My brain has been soaking up info like a sponge since I decided to buy a 'vert in December. Finally made the decision last month to go for an R52, and I'm getting antsy to pull the trigger on one.

Thanks!!

 

There really aren't any differences in the R52's. One big one is on the very late 08's had the euro radio which I don't think is as nice as the earlier radio. Otherwise pretty much the same car

 

Oh Way... always coming through with the answers for dumb people like me.

I gave up trying to make the R60 into something it's not, so here goes with an R52.

The radio doesn't matter to me a bit. I've heard that some parts inside the engine were refined through the years. I'm planning on swapping the head & cam, etc. and I read that there were cheaper parts on the 2005-2006 (nylon/plastic pieces).

Were there any mechanical issues with the 2005 or 2006 that would cause an issue? The R53 was already a mature platform by 2005, so I guess that's a plus. The top motor is also a worry - not sure if those got better over time, or if they worked the first go around.

 

I can't think of any major differences other than available option packages and that sort of thing (colors?). On the radio front, my Sept 06 build has a factory aux input that I think started to come standard in later 06s, as I opted not to get the dealer accessory one and was happily surprised that a factory one was there. Other than that, starting with the sidewalk edition I believe that it was possible to get the English Lounge Leather seats, which I wanted but missed out on by a few months. Also, I heard a rumor that the last of the hardtops in 06 started to get the R56 standard brakes (aka the JCW ones without the red paint and JCW logo), but I've not heard anything on whether the R52s of similar or later vintage got that same treatment.

 

Interesting about the last of the R53s and the brakes. Haven't seen anything like that on the R52s.

Planning on that as my first mod for the R52 (swap to 294mm fronts from the R56S).

Sidewalks are so beautiful. I've lost two in the last two weeks. Even had a deposit on one and got it sold out from under me...

 

All years of R52 have some problem with rubbing and fraying of the cloth top when driving with the top down, but it was worst in 2005.

 

I'll need to read about that - hadn't run across any top issues in my reading journey.

I know on the other 'vert I was about to buy (Sky Redline) there were really bad roof rub issues from the steel supports. Same deal here, I assume...

 

White wear marks in the top are common. In the worst cases the fabric is frayed or even a hole worn through! The problem was worst during the R52's first year in 2005. MINI improved it by changing adjustment settings in the roof mechanism and adding spacers.

 

Ah! I do know what you're talking about now - I've seen quite a bit of that (sadly even on 2007s).

I read quite a few stories on here about getting 2 or even 3 replacement tops before the warranty ran out... Not cool at all. Looks like an aftermarket fabric top is around $700 if worst came to worst...

Thanks for the heads-up on that for the 2005s!

 

One item I haven't seen mentioned yet is that the R52 designation applied to both the 'justa' (normally aspirated) and 'S' (supercharged) versions, but since you say you've been tuned into the car for a while now, I'll assume you're hip to that, and it's in the 'needless to say' category. If not, go for the S. You will not be disappointed.

 

Nice of you to mention - a lot of people don't know that.

As for me, still looking for a nice JCW 2006 or above. Seen a few and noted some issues thanks to the replies here (top damage).

 

The two minor changes that come to mind (not sure of date changes, but as most mini things, it was by production month rather than model year) was the change from standard thickness lugbolts to the thicker ones used in gen2 cars. The other change was the tpms...was rpm based on all r50's/53's, but due to regs, some r52's got a psi based system...but not compatible with gen2 cars.
the s motors are strong, simple, and later builds (05+) are pretty darn good...the motor is one thing i would take off the list mechanicly, just add the usual r53 items. Make sure it is a low mile, unmolested motor, run on premium fuel, if you can surmise, and have fun!!