Hi All,

It has been quite some time since I have been around the forums, but I really do want to get back into a S/C MCS.

I found a few nice R53s, similar to what I had, but have also come across a few interesting R52s. I never really looked into convertible MINIs, but am not against them.

Aside from the typical drawbacks of convertibles (rattles, visibility, etc..), is there a big difference in characteristics between the R52 and R53? Is the same go-kart enjoyment found in the convertible, or is it a bit toned down?

Looking forward to checking a few examples out in person - thanks in advance!

 

There is some lost of go-kart handling in the convertible. It is a couple of hundred pounds heavier, and the body and chassis flex more because it loses structural integrity without a hard roof. These are generic issues with convertibles in general. However, if you enjoy the convertible experience you will overlook these issues.

 

Cabriolets tend to be lower miles due to the fact many folks park them all winter, or use them as 3rd cars...
If your climate allows year-round use, and you are not a hardcore track junkie where the weight makes a difference, getting a r52s might be a good option, especially since they were made as a gen1 for an extra 2 years (2008). Sure, some extra complexity for the top, maybe wear issues if opened and closed lots, but an inspection, top up and down should catch any issues there. Good luck!!

 

Attentive care of the canvas is a must. Two rules to follow: Use Ragg Topp or 303 regularly. Don't run the top down when it's dirty - if the boot door is dirty, the top is dirty.
Adding a stiffer sway bar really amps up the handling.
Best part of the R52 is topless motoring.
If you decide on the R52 you definitely want to get the wind deflector.

 

On the R52, make sure you're comfortable with the visibility with the top up.
Not a deal killer by any means, but it is different than the hardtop.

 

"convertible experience you will overlook these issues" +1 on that.

Convertible is more fun. Cant beat top down summer motoring.

If you an find a "sidewalk edition" , JCW, or a "last of the supercharged editions " You scored big.

 

+1

Agreed

But if you are like me... You'll end up with both ... Doh!

Motor on!

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/08/...ble_1st_drive/

 

+1
There is most definitely a difference in visibility but you overlook and grow accustomed to the terrible blind spots w/top up...didn't take long for me at all. I LOVE my R52 MCS!



I just told my wife today, "If I ever talk about selling this car, slap some sense back into me".

 

I went from an 06 R53 to an 08 R52 - both JCW. When I rescued the 08 last year it had 3300 miles on it. So basically a Brand new car, with the motor I wanted. My biggest gripe is the interior noise on the highway. Drives me crazy sometimes.e And if you live in a colder climate like me, it's surprising how cold it is with only that canvas top overhead.

I do drive it like a truck, leaning up to look in the mirrors when changing lanes, but that's not a big deal. There's a bit more flex over bumps, but I don't notice it in the corners. But by and large it's still all MINI... And you'll love it just as you did your R53.

 

[QUOTE=ECSTuning;4033415
Convertible is more fun. Cant beat top down summer motoring.[/QUOTE]
...or winter top down motoring either. There are those who have 'How cold was it' bragging rights. BTW, 18°. (not on the highway though)

 

Just don't do the top down windows up thing. I never have understood that... With the Cabrio you'll learn to park so you can pull out and not have to back into traffic.. Back window looks pretty big from the outside but less then half of it is useful from the inside of the 1st Gen models. They helped the 2nd Gen models some with the pop-up roll bars instead of the fixed position ones..

 

Yes.

 

The sound of the supercharger and slot car handling are priceless.

 

I had a wobble in December. I had some big bills come in for suspension. I looked at new electric cars. Then last weekend we had the top down, and all was forgiven.

 

Im getting ready to remove my stock suspension with only 22,000 miles on it if you want it

 

Interesting coincidence. I've also been considering replacing my R52 with an EV, and it's looking like I may actually do it.

 

But can you go places with an electric. We're heading West from East of Colorado for the West coast on a 3 or 4 week road trip in our R52. We did a 5500 mile road trip back east last year. A couple hundred miles then a 5 or 6 hour recharge - if you can find one - sounds like a poor trade from the 'Motoring' point of view. But, for just local metro driving, electric sounds like a winner. Guess you got to weigh the differences and the application. BTW, we'll be spending a couple or three days in SF poking around.

 

Absolutely true. I wouldn't consider an electric for road trips. 80% of our driving is in traffic on congested San Francisco streets, often on hills. We've enjoyed our 2006 R52 during the past 9 years, but with a manual transmission and the poor low end torque of the Tritec engine, it isn't ideal for these conditions. All of this city driving has also been hard mechanically on the car. Test driving the 500e with its instant, responsive torque on San Francisco hills was a revelation.

 

If you see a couple of old hippies in a pure silver R52 following Frank Bullitt around some time late May or early June, wave real big.

 

Do not forget the other Bulleit whilst you are out there.

 

That stays well secured for 'emergencies'. There are suitable substitutes in case the supply is exhausted.

 

I never understood that until I got a convertible and started doing it myself. The main reason I can think why I do it (I live in the city with lots of traffic) is it makes inside the cabin quieter, yes even with the roof down, so I can have a conversation without raising my voice.

 

Convertibles are great, but here in the northeast, the trade-off isn't worth it for me. The reduced visibility and scuttle shake take away the quintessential MINI experience. In a perfect world, you could get a sweet tin-top R53 and a beater Miata for those summer days.

 

Scuttle shake: Solution - a bit of electrical tape over the snap-in posts. They haven't moved in 7 years.