Hey Gang,

Bought a used '08 Convertible S Monday w/ 71k.

What do I need to watch out for? What should I start saving my $$ to fix? What should I do today to make it still be a happy part of my life in 10 years?

Also, so I can get used to the terms, I own an R52, correct?

Thanks!

John

 

Congratulations - Welcome to the family! You have the last year of the R52, which in the S model has a supercharged engine. Many consider it to be more reliable than the turbocharged engine that came after it. The R50/52/53 cars are known to need front control arm bushings as they get older, so that's something for you to plan for.

 

Do you have past maintenance records? That would be first on my list, compare those to what should have been done. Are fluids recent, flushes done, etc.

 

Yup you have an R52 Cabrio.

Control arm bushings are the most common item to wear out. With 71k you prob already need them if they weren't already done. Go with the powerflex control arm bushings as they will last forever.

The Harmonic Balancer is a big chunk of rubber and over time drys out and will just fall apart throwing the belt and leaving you stranded. We replace these with the ATI Damper as we do about one a week in our shop.

Thermostats are pretty common coolant leak.

Other than that other problems normally can be found with regular inspections when doing your maint.

 

Thanks all.

I have some of the maintenance records, but not all.

What are the symptoms I should be looking for as the control arm bushings wear?

Do I have anything to worry / plan for in the timing belt / chain department? I know as some vehicles age this becomes an expensive wear item.

Thanks again!

-JB

 

The kick test is the easiest way to know if the front bushings are shot. Just kick the front tire from the front of the car toward the back. If they war worn out you'll see it move or wiggle back and forth. Just imagine when kicking it you put 50lbs of force maybe on it, so when you hit the brakes to stop you are put thousands of pounds of force on it. So you know they will be shot.

On an R52 timing chains are not a common failure. Normally if anything goes wrong with them the guides wear and give you a rattle noise which is normally a warning they need replaced. rarely if ever do the suddenly fail.

 

Thanks!

 

Welcome. I would check those LCAB first and then if they are bad, check all the rest off on the front suspension.

On the front end here are the items to check out and replace:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ll-joints.html






On the LCAB recommend the PF as its a once and done thing.


The R52 is the Gen 1 MINI Convertible.


Other the that the biggest issues with the convertible is the sunroof function and those cable, by 2008 it had the most updated part, but I have seen then separate due t the seize and dirt the rail. Make sure the top works and grease all the moving parts, pivot points of that top .

Good section to learn about the convertible.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mechanism.html



When it comes to MINI Convertible ECS Tuning is your MINI part place .

 

Welcome! Great purchase. As stated above by Way and Charlie the control arm bushings are a good thing to replace. I also support the Powerflex option. We have a lot of Powerflex options for bushings here. I also support the harmonic balancer statement. We have an awesome DIY tech article here that can help with the replacement. Common to see is a leak in the coolant expansion tank too, which a good read up and DIY replacement article is here and the part here. If you need any help be sure to check out our tech articles here otherwise feel free to ask!

-Luccia

 

Again - thanks for the continued help and support!

I bought the car.. and 4 days later threw out my back.. can't walk and can't push in a clutch... :(

Hope to get back out in it next week..

Hope.....

 

Welcome, John! The best thing to do would be to bring it to a qualified MINI mechanic and have them go through it with a fine-toothed comb. You can then prioritize the repairs and maintenances based upon budget and goals.

 

You are welcome. That stinks.
I hope you feel better soon.