Came across some interesting tidbits here and thought I'd open a new topic rather than taking my old post way off track:

Seems folks are a bit down on the R56 in regards to reliability when driven hard... I don't track my cars reguarly (1-2x / year typically), but I do autocross semi-regularly and generally drive harder than the average individual. I understand that this kind of driving does increase the probability of component failures that will have to be addressed, but at the same time, there is a reasonable limit to what I'm willing to endure (I cannot stand working on German cars...). My R53 has seen 2 track days (granted one was wet) and 2 seasons of autox, and has held up fairly well until recently (73k). I'm getting to the point where it makes sense for me to replace it, and the R56 has been right at the top of my list all along. HOWEVER, I might have to reconsider if the consensus it that the R56 holds up worse than the R53 when driven hard. Do y'all think I'd be OK into the 70k-range like I was on my '05, or will I experience regular headaches sooner? Unfortunately, my price point does put me in the early end of the model cycle ('07-'09)...

*Edit: I should also add that I fully intend to run a 200+ whp setup (My R53 makes 196).

Thoughts?

 

Well.... Faced with the same choice (but at 126k miles) I chose to rebuild my R53 - for what that's worth.

Thread here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-hard-way.html

Cheers,

Charlie

Ps: and no regrets - now at 162k miles...

 

I can tell you only from my experience. I’ve tracked my mini (HARD) and never had a problem. (track related) I’ve got 35K miles on it and my suspension is still tight, (I have a few upgraded parts)

As far as the engine, I think the turbo version does just fine at the track.

Mark

 

Some of those later posts seemed to be a little bit speculative based on people that don't own a R56. I have 46K on my R56 S and have 5 track days under my belt with the car. The R56 loves the track! The only engine related issue I had was the crappy timing chain/tensioner and that's been fixed under warranty. If engine issues are a concern based on observations off the track, they should always be looked over before hitting the track. I would say this is true no matter what car is going to the track. Having a good vehicle inpection before going is also crucial. Yes the R56 is a different animal compared to the R53, but I wouldn't let that stop you from buying one and enjoying it on the track

 

I don't know what kind of "problems" your having with the R53 but if you still like the car other then that, I'd say spend the money to redo what you already own instead of getting a more expensive car to then have to modify to your liking..

 

I love my R56. Just took it to the drag strip for the third time this year. Running about 6 times down the track each time I went. Sunday I have my first Auto-X event. I drive my car fairly hard on the daily, but then again I drive a lot of highway also. I have 65,000 miles now and not a problem yet. Car handles great and drives flawlessly.

 

I didn’t say that but I was thinking the same thing. The R56 does just fine at the track but if you still like your R53, I’d say fix whatever your problem is even if it meant rebuilding the engine.

My .02 worth...

Mark

 

I'm not in objection to fixing up the R53; in fact, there's not really even anything dramatically wrong with it - the body-control module is farked up and there's a few odd clunks and clanks, and maybe it's not as tight as it once was - but it's solid overall. The reason I'm looking to move on is that when I consider the big picture over the next 3-5 years, now is the most sensible time for me to get into something with low miles and many years of trouble-free operation already built in.

I genuinely believe these cars offer one of the best mixes of performance, practicality, and affordability out of everything on the market; so while I'm ready and willing to move on from my R53, I'm hesitant to move away from MINI entirely... It's just that I don't want to end up half-way through Vet-school and find myself stuck with something that needs work reguarly (25+ intense credits a semester + broken car = epic disaster). My competing temptation is the 350Z (I've had an original 240Z since I was 16, so there's nice symmetry there), which offers compelling reliability and performance stats (plus RWD) - But I'd have to sell my soul to foreign oil and live with a shotty interior and reduced practicality...

 

I sympathize.

How about this -- go with the 350Z, and start watching drift movies, and move in to the Nissan Forums, and really go native. Deep end.

But then, one favor.

Post back here - tell us if it's better, if some of us should take the plunge. Register your experience as an explorer on some foreign strand.

And we shall salute you for your courage, and sense of responsibility.

Kind regards,

Charlie

 

You are a strange man Charlie, strange I say....

 

... you sound like my wife ...

kind regards,

Strange

 

I considered a 370Z before putting a deposit on a JCW. I couldn't figure out where to fit my dog. There seems to be so little compelling competition currently for the MINI Cooper in North America. Once I win my first billion dollars, I'll get a rear wheel drive track day car (to play with on my own private track, of course), until then, the R56 seems to suit me fine.

 

When somebody mentions "240" to me, I, of course think of the original Z-car. Most of your "drift crowd" could only associate those 3 numbers with the 240SX... I'm a MINI person through-and-through, but my roots are in Z-cars.

Interestingly, I drove a JCW back-to-back with a (well-worn) 350Z, and there was no comparison - even though the Z is much faster on paper. Unfortunately the JCW was out of my price-range, so I figured I'd have to settle - untill it occurred to me that a regular 'ol R56 can easily be built beyond the specs of a stock JCW...