I've always had my eye on of these and I believe maybe I have found the right one.

I'm in Kansas City and the car is down in Austin Texas, so I'll be buying a car that I have only seen in pictures. According to the pictures it looks to be in excellent condition and it's only a one owner and clean carfax.

If the deal pans out I'll be driving down to pick it up.

I've been floating around on here for quite some time and doing misc research here and there.

Here is a link to the car: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...63870286&Log=0


I apologize for the long link.

I'm also interested in these oem wheels and what are they called?



If anyone was selling these wheels anywhere down near the Austin TX area I would buy them on my way back to Kansas City.


Anyone have any tips or anything that I should know about with these cars?

Any input would be great and thanks in advance!

 

Sooo... 2007-2010... had some real issues.. I won't sugar coat it. The N14 engine had carbon buildup issues due to the new direct injection system. They also came with very long oil change intervals. which lead to other issues such as failed turbo chargers.. Timing chains are a real big issue, which is currently under a service campaign (free). All current gen (2) cars have issues with thermostats, oil feed lines (For the turbo).. or so it seems as the car ages... 2011-current cars have a major redesign for the head.. which address some issues.. but the cars still need some real TLC. Some folks have issues with clutch life..

If you can, get the service records to see whats been done to it. 1 owner is a good sign it was fairly well cared for. Hopefully they took care of it. And at 78K, chances are those issues may have been fixed already..

Those wheels are called "R85 S-Lite (or S-Spoke)" Wheels. They will fit your 2008, but you'll want to swap over the TPMS sensors.

 

A couple things you can do. Plug in the VIN here and find out exactly what options it has. Might show which wheels.

http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

And assuming you do have the VIN, you can stop by a mini dealer and ask to see the vehicle service and repair history (I did).

 

Data for vehicle identification number: WMWMF73598TT92127
Model description: COOPER S
Market: USA
Type: MF73
E-Code: R56
Chassis: Coupé
Steering: links
Doors: 3
Engine: N14 - 1,60l (128kW)
Drive: Frontantrieb
Transmission: manuell
Body Color: Pure Silver Metallic (900)
Upholstery: Leder Punch/e1 Carbon Black (T8E1)
Production date: 13.06.2008
Assembled in: Oxford

Code Serienausstattung Standard Equipment
S214A
Automatische-Stabilitäts-Control (ASC+T) Automatic stability control (ASC+T)
S441A
Raucherpaket Smoker package
S450A
Höhenverstellung Beifahrersitz Height adjustment, passenger seat
S481A
Sportsitz Sports seat
S493A
Ablagenpaket Storage compartment package
S4AUA
Erweiterte Dekorumfänge
S530A
Klimaanlage Air conditioning
S563A
Lichtpaket Light package
S645A
BMW US Radio BMW US Radio
S693A
Vorbereitung BMW Satellitenradio Preparation BMW satellite radio
S6FCA
Radio MINI Boost CD
S845A
Akustische Gurtwarnung Acoustic belt warning
S853A
Sprachversion englisch Language version English
S876A
Funkfrequenz 315 MHz Radio frequency 315 MHz
S8SMA
Fahrgestellnummer von aussen sichtbar Car ident. number visible from outside
Code Sonderausstattung Optional Equipment
S1CAA
Selektion COP relevanter Fahrzeuge Selection of COP relevant vehicles
S249A
Multifunktion für Lenkrad Multifunction f steering wheel
S255A
Sport-Lederlenkrad Airbag Sports leather steering wheel
S2RGA
MINI LM Rad Bridge Spoke
S2TAA
Sperrdifferenzial
S2VBA
Reifendruckanzeige Tyre pressure control (TPC)
S302A
Alarmanlage Alarm system
S319A
Integrierte Universal-Fernbedienung Integrated universal remote control
S322A
Komfortzugang Comfort access
S383A
Aussenspiegel/Dach in schwarz
S431A
Innenspiegel automatisch abblendend Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S473A
Armlehne vorne Armrest front
S4A7A
Colour Line Dark Grey
S4AAA
Dachhimmel anthrazit Headlining anthracite
S4BFA
Interieur Oberfläche Brushed Aluminium
S4UFA
Sport Button
S520A
Nebelscheinwerfer Fog lights
S521A
Regensensor Rain sensor
S522A
Xenon-Licht Xenon Light
S550A
Bordcomputer On-board computer
S5DDA
Wagenheber
S694A
Vorbereitung BMW 6 CD Wechsler Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer
S6NEA
Handyvorbereitung Bluetooth + USB/Audio
S842A
Kaltland-Ausführung Cold-climate version
S8SPA
Steuerung COP Control unit COP
S925A
Versandschutzpaket Transport protection package

 

Thank you very much for that info and good looking out! The car has 73k and I was looking at the carfax and it looks like it had most of it's service done at the BMW dealer so that's peace of mind.

Thank you for the name of the wheels, I'll definitely keep my eye out.

 

Perfect, thanks for that. Doesn't look like it has seat warmers.. Which is ok I suppose

 

Now that's interesting, it has the 'Smoker Package'. Was that an option for a mini destined for the US?

 

I also wondered about that myself.. Hmm

 

Pros and cons to not having the sun roof option?

Is there an AUX or bluetooth audio?

 

We have the panoramic sunroof. I don't like it. Mainly the noise, so it never gets used. Also, here in AZ, it can get dang hot in the mini. There are also a few posts about them exploding, but seems to be somewhat rare.

According to the option list provided by Dan, looks like it does have BT and USB. I have it also, I don't use the BT, but do use the USB. I have a 16GB USB drive holding a good portion of my music. Stays plugged in all the time.

 

I just noticed it also has 'comfort access'. I don't have it, wish I did. Just keep the key in your pocket, will open up and start for you.

 

Awesome! Is the BT audio? Or just for phone calls?

 

I think the BT is just for the phone. I could be wrong, but I seem to remember to stream BT audio you needed another/different option.

 

Good deal. I also planned on buying the black taillight / headlight trim. Know of any good DIY for black housing the headlights?

 

It might -

S842A
Kaltland-Ausführung Cold-climate version

I thought they called it 'cold climate package', but again I could be wrong. I tried looking closely at the pic of the toggle switches directly in front of the shifter. I believe two of them are supposed to be for the heated seats, but I can't tell from the pic. We don't have it on our mini, not needed in AZ. But when we were shopping, I saw several mini's that had that option.

 

R85's.. Are they hard to come by?

 

Not really.. the biggest issue would be making sure you install TPMS (the correct year) if you want them to work. The Gen 2 cars (R56 cars) need 16" wheels if you have an "S" model to clear the front brakes..

 

Are the sensors difficult to install? The r85's are 17's aren't they?

 

No, they bolt right in. However you'll need to get the tire demounted.. And/Or reuse your old ones... The good news is they don't need any special programming to work, just reset the TMPS monitor (done inside the car).

Note: sensors are not the same for 2007-2009 model years. 2010-2014 use other sensors they are not comparable with each other.

You'll also want a TMPS rebuild kit - which is new externals and seals.. needed when you resuse them.

 

Anyone down in Austin TX that could take a look at the car before I make the 11 hour drive? Any help would be appreciated!

 

That's a good price, but you should be able to negotiate a bit once you're in front of it. The S-lites look nice, but are very heavy. I would just save up for lightweight wheels. My only concern would be the timing chain, if it hasn't been done expect to bring it in soon. It is covered by a campaign (recall).

 

Good call! I'm going to have the car inspected at a MINI/BMW dealer down in Austin before I purchase, just to be on the safe side.

 

Having the car inspected at the dealer is a very good idea! They can also check that recalls & service programs have been addressed.

Don't be afraid to say no & walk away if the car doesn't measure up, there many MINIs for sale.

Good luck!

 

Have you looked at the R104 Crown Spoke wheels? They have basically the same spoke pattern but came on the R56 series - your gen car - rather than the R85s which are from the R53 (last gen). There's a set for sale for real cheap in the Marketplace right now too.

Here's a pic for reference this is from my MINI.

 

I do like these too! Can you post the link?