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My buddy and I have decided to part with both of our pristine low mileage, yet uniquely different 2006 R53 examples. Posting these here and now as opportunities in advance of planned listings on Bring a Trailer (BaT), thus no prices shown. Images below from a few years ago but numerous available of chassis, engine etc., taken recently in advance of listing on BaT. Both R53 are currently kept in my oversized garage, prox 225 miles and 4 hours driving time one way from our preferred MINI dealer / MINI specialty shop, thus our primary reason for selling. Contact us via Private Messages, only on serious inquiries. All other questions will be responded to here by either of us as pertains to specifics.
1) His (forum member "yattr"):
2006 factory JCW / Checkmate Edition in "Space Blue"
Highly factory-optioned example, incl; Pano roof, Ext & Int Chromeline, Cruise, Chrono, H-K Audio, Auto AC, Armrest, Park Control, F&R Fogs
Total mileage as of today: 10,955
One of just 301 produced for worldwide markets with both option codes P7ANA (Checkmate) and S3ALA (JCW) as confirmed by BMW Germany
2nd owner (purchased at ~ 6k miles from original owner July 2022)
Kept in Arizona dry-climate garages since new
OEM factory stock (with these exceptions; new Koni Special Active struts / shocks, new M7 strut tower plates and new OEM R52 Cabrio strut braces)
All service records since new, (2) chipped remote keys plus valet key
Window sticker, JCW Tuning Certificate, Owners Manuals and sales brochures
CarFax report available
2) Mine (forum member "MCS4FUN"):
2006 S-spec in "Black Eye Purple" / "Purple Haze"
Minimally factory-optioned "slicktop" example with just Chrono Pkg and LSD
Total mileage as of today: 9,737
2nd owner (purchased at ~ 4k miles from original owner May 2021)
^^^ Items sourced from MiniMotors (later acquired by Mini Mania in NorCal) are unknown, with those perhaps being 1-off development items. The 4:1 header has no tag or markings visible from underneath (perhaps so with the top heatshield removed) but sourced and installed early in 2006 confirms (for me) either sourced from a Euro or USA manufacturer. The other aftermarket product manufacturers are known well enough to verify countries of origin. For any with enough interest or curiosity, all related aspects are fully outlined in my (sig) forum topic. Although my rural AZ location requires no emissions testing, the previous original owner did have it tested in advance of my purchase (Phoenix area in Maricopa County) which passed. A copy of that test will be included, however compliance requirements might be different elsewhere.
^^^ Items sourced from MiniMotors (later acquired by Mini Mania in NorCal) are unknown, with those perhaps being 1-off development items. The 4:1 header has no tag or markings visible from underneath (perhaps so with the top heatshield removed) but sourced and installed early in 2006 confirms (for me) either sourced from a Euro or USA manufacturer. The other aftermarket product manufacturers are known well enough to verify countries of origin. For any with enough interest or curiosity, all related aspects are fully outlined in my (sig) forum topic. Although my rural AZ location requires no emissions testing, the previous original owner did have it tested in advance of my purchase (Phoenix area in Maricopa County) which passed. A copy of that test will be included, however compliance requirements might be different elsewhere.
Thanks - I noticed tin your signature you refer to a car with 4k miles on it - but in your description you refer to a car with almost 10k miles on it. Two separate cars or the same car?
My buddy and I have decided to part with both of our pristine low mileage, yet uniquely different 2006 R53 examples. Posting these here and now as opportunities in advance of planned listings on Bring a Trailer (BaT), thus no prices shown. Images below from a few years ago but numerous available of chassis, engine etc., taken recently in advance of listing on BaT. Both R53 are currently kept in my oversized garage, prox 225 miles and 4 hours driving time one way from our preferred MINI dealer / MINI specialty shop, thus our primary reason for selling. Contact us via Private Messages, only on serious inquiries. All other questions will be responded to here by either of us as pertains to specifics.
1) His (forum member "yattr"):
2006 factory JCW / Checkmate Edition in "Space Blue"
Highly factory-optioned example
Total mileage as of today: 10,955
One of just 301 produced for worldwide markets with both option codes P7ANA (Checkmate) and S3ALA (JCW) as confirmed by BMW Germany
2nd owner (purchased at ~ 6k miles from original owner July 2022)
Kept in Arizona dry-climate garages since new
OEM factory stock (with these exceptions; new Koni Special Active struts / shocks, new M7 strut tower plates and new OEM R52 Cabrio strut braces)
All service records since new, (2) chipped remote keys plus valet key
Window sticker, JCW Tuning Certificate, Owners Manuals and sales brochures
CarFax report available
2) Mine (forum member "MCS4FUN"):
2006 S-spec in "Black Eye Purple" / "Purple Haze"
Minimally factory-optioned "slicktop" example with just Chrono Pkg and LSD
Total mileage as of today: 9,737
2nd owner (purchased at ~ 4k miles from original owner May 2021)
Nope, not submitted to BaT at this point. Recent storms brought snow to the local roads (yes, in Arizona) along with chems applied to the highway leading up to the mountain top location planned for our BaT-worthy photo shoot. We've already taken sufficient representative of all aspects, however driveway pics won't cut it. These Arizona R53 have never been exposed to Winter driving conditions and won't during our ownership. In the meantime, both still kept in my insulated garage on battery tenders. Please PM any questions on either one if interested in a private purchase.
Last edited by MCS4FUN; Feb 13, 2026 at 04:25 PM.
Reason: Clarification
Both are available now by private party sales vs planned separate BaT listings. Both with reserve price point objectives, thus not posted publicly. Actually, we would prefer avoiding listing on BaT and welcome serious inquiries by private messaging with specific details and images on either one shared to the level required to convince prospective buyers on the quality of each R53. Both are uniquely different as might appeal to those preferring a highly factory optioned JCW (or) a minimally optioned S-spec, subsequently tastefully modified for performance exceeding that of factory JCW specification.
After much consideration, my buddy (forum member @yattr) and I have decided NOT to list either 2006 R53 on Bring a Trailer as previously planned but instead, do so here on NAM and perhaps also on Craigslist. So then, unless any questions subsequent to this update, this will be the last post before advertising them separately within a few days along with representative fresh images and prices on each one. We believe this will be easier for us while a great opportunity to buy directly without associated buyer's fees. Also noting that we bought both R53 examples strictly for fun recreational driving and not as investments, thus won't be attempting to set pricing records. Both cars, along with all pertinent documentation, will remain in my insulated garage until sold.
Honestly, you’re crazy not to list them on Bat. One and done. Let the winning bidder worry about the buyer fees. It never stopped anyone from bidding on a car they really want. You’re going to need a lot of luck and patience here and on CL.
Exceptional cars. Please reach out to me via PM with details as the site doesn’t want me to PM you for some reason. I may be interested in the purple car.
Pretty sure I saw at least one of these sell on BaT yesterday. Is the JCW still up for sale?
Oops, forgot to close this topic, which I'll do next. Yes, my R53 sold on BaT this Wednesday and my buddy's sold on a private party transaction nearly two weeks ago. Neither is available at this point. Thanks for asking...
