Hi there, looking at a few used cabrios, not sure if there is anything that should sway me more towards one or the other when we're talking about 2005 or 2006? Also, I've been reading 95% good things, but have seen a few issues related to the S and trannies.

Hoping people who own them and know more about them than I do can offer some advice. Is it not worth it to get the S? Or is all the talk about them an issue only for those few who posted about it?

It will be manual, definitely not automatic if that makes a difference with the transmission issues that I've read about.

Thanks!

 

All things being equal, it is generally preferable to get the later year of the same model because incremental fixes may have been applied. 2005 was the first year of the cabrio and there were some adjustments in 2006 to avoid roof wear. That said, there were no significant changes between 2005 and 2006, and other factors (mileage and condition of car) may be more important for your choice.

It depends your driving style and how important power is to you. The S delivers almost 50% more hp, which is a pretty significant difference.

 

Since you are in cabrio forum, the 2007 and 2008 are the same as 2005-2006 except for various upgrades to the top as stated above. A 2008 will get you the newest but you will pay more.
The S is more fun. I would rather a 2006 S than a 2008 justa for the same money, but I like the power. If you can live with the performance, a justa will be less money, get better mileage,lower insurance cost, softer springs and larger tire sidewalls for more comfort and maybe a little more reliable.

 

The first generation supercharged Minis' are more reliable than the second generation turbocharged models.
The fist generation automatic CVT transmissions are problematic but the second generation automatics are ok.
The clutches on the standard shift models are known to be weak and need frequent replacement which is very expensive.
Hands down the most reliable Mini Cooper out there would be the second generation non-turbocharged with the automatic transmission.

 

'06 S Cabrio
The SC whine is intoxicating!
The 6 speed Getrag gearbox is near bullet proof.
KONI FSD struts and a very stiff rear swaybar make the twisties give up in shame.
Topless motoring is motoring at it's very best.
Acquire a wind deflector without a doubt.
Change the oil and rotate the tires at 5K intervals regardless and check your fluid levels at least weekly.
Top Tier and 91 - 93 octane fuel only.
Topless motoring yadda yadda.

 

+1 from my point of view

 

thanks for the help!

 

The 2007 is the same as the 2005 and 2006. The convertible wasn't changed to second gen style until 2008. Base models are far more reliable than the "S" models. First gen CVT transmissions had problems. I have heard of no issues with clutches. I own two base models - a 2008 and a 2012 both 6 speed manuals and have had no issues with either. My 2008 has 85,000 miles and my 2012 has 27,000 miles. Both have been reliable. "S" timing belts are the only other consistent issue that I have read about. A base convertible would be my choice. Plenty fast and corners as well as the "S" and is reliable too.

 

The timing belt/pulley issue is unique to the 'Prince' engine. The R52 (S and Justa inclusive) is blessed with a very reliable lump.

 

Keep it fed with 91 octane on a just-a..(non sc, non a) and you have a reliable, good mpg car....2006-2008 are very similar for cabrio's....even the 5 speed tranny (the ONLY ONE YOU WANT ON A NON-S. PERIOD) IS BETTER...a getrag...the midlands unit was discontinued in 2005 just before cabrio production started...but run from an non s auto...RUN!!!

 

While the s has the sc....the gen1 cabrio was built till 2008...
It is a blast to drive...
No real major issues....is a gen1 car...SO NO TIMING CHAIN/TENSIONER issues like the turbo cars....not as good mpg, but no carbon buildup issues either....trick is finding an adult driven s that has not been abused.....

 

I have just started shopping for a MY 2008 R52. Quick question: are there R57 MY 2008s or will R57s only have a MY 2009 designation? From what I can tell, R57 production began in late 2008, but my assumption is that these early production models are still MY 2009 vehicles. Thanks.

 

The R52 is 1st Gen. The R57 is 2nd Gen with all its ensuing issues like timing chain failure, carbon buildup caused by brilliant injector design requiring walnut shell blasting for crying out loud, and no supercharger whine. It has that turbo that gets too hot and melts things...or at least it did on the earliest production.

Adult supervision is an issue in other ways too. I've only been driving British sportie cars since the mid 60s and when one of those crooked road signs appears, I'm a child again. Just do what wisdom dictates. Keep it between the lines at all times and keep the greasy side down. Crossing the center line except to pass those less inspired is considered poor form.

 

I have a 08 MCS JCW Cabrio R52 for sale. 33,000 miles chili red with every option including navigation. Look in Maine Craigslist for more info.

 

Thanks, but I am looking for a non-S model. To clarify my question, I am asking if there are any MY 2008 non-S models with the N12B16A (2nd gen cabrio engine) rather than the W10B16 (1st gen cabrio engine)?

 

No.

 

The N or Prince engine is the one you DON'T want. Cold start rattle, failed timing belt tensioners, carbon buildup needing walnut shell blasting and etc. The W series engines are rock solid only requiring proper care and feeding.

 

Yes. In my (somewhat) shotgun introduction to the R52 over the last week or so, it seems to be reasonably clear that the non-S MY 2008 W series engine is pretty solid. My wife will be driving this car and she will be content with the non-S. I have only driven one MC and it was such fun. Really cool cars.

 

For non-S R52, I hope you understood that manual transmission is preferable (the auto is the CVT). If you need auto, S would be preferable.

 

Yes, thanks. My wife thinks that learning to drive a manual will be fun, but she is a little hesitant because her only experience has been in Bimmers with me behind the wheel. My current Bimmer has a high HP NA engine mated with a Getrag and, admittedly, my shifting could be smoother. Is the Getrag mated with the base 1st gen W engine pretty smooth? This is off-topic, so I will search the board, too, if no one chimes in. Thanks.

 

Thanks so much for all these posts. This was really helpful. From what I can tell from all the input, the first generation 2008 W series base model (not the S) with manual transmission (to avoid the CVT) is the most rock solid option.

Did I interpret your input correctly?

Thanks!

 

Now, Grasshopper, go out and find one for yourself.

 

I love my 2006 Manual S. You can't beat the supercharged urgency.

 

The Justa's are underrated IMHO - more like the experience of driving some of the early non-s Classic Coopers (Ours was a 1071cc Morris). Of course, this is coming from a person whose 2 R52's were an S and now a JCW.

 

Crossing the center line to get a better view before a corner (when safe and legal to do so) is part of British police driver training.