2006 Mini Cooper S (R53)

Highlights

• Very low mileage
• Extensive history file
• ‘Chilli’ option pack
• Milltek exhaust
• Four brand new Michelin PS5 tyres

Overview

How do you make your supercharged hot hatch even hotter? By ticking the box marked ‘Chilli’ on the options list of course. Although the make-up of the Chilli pack has varied over time, the most important part of the options bundle when this car was specified is the limited-slip differential, which really adds to the car’s performance.

Not that the underlying Cooper S is any kind of slouch. With a 168 bhp supercharged engine and six-speed manual transmission it provides all kinds of entertainment when you want it to. Despite the cute retro looks, it packs a surprising punch.

And looking at the smart leather interior in this particular MINI, you wouldn’t believe it’s been on the road for the best part of two decades. The leather upholstery appears to be barely used and everything has a crisp, shiny finish.

This is largely due to the car’s low mileage — around 35,000 — and the car comes accompanied by a huge folder of invoices for parts and servicing, and even a pretty complete run of old MOT certificates.

BMW’s Mini is now a respected pillar of the automotive landscape, a familiar sight on our roads which has undergone many revisions and iterations. But if you want to experience the original version which established the brand, then we reckon this Cooper S is one of the best examples you’ll find.

History and documentation

• Registered 26 Jun 2006
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Sep 2008 @ 11,434 miles, Oct 2010 @ 18,042 miles, Jun 2012 @ 20,829 miles, Jun 2016 @ 30,527 miles, Aug 2016 @ 30,960 miles, Jun 2018 @ 32,350 miles, Jun 2021 @ 32,829 miles, Jul 2022 @ 33,752 miles, Aug 2024 @ 34,895 miles
• Full original document pack in leather wallet
• Large collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Two keys
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 25 Sep 2005
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Two-tone grey and black leather upholstery
• Recaro Gravity heated front seats
• The upholstery remains in very good condition throughout, with very few signs of wear
• Manual seat adjusters
• Slight creasing to the driver’s seat bolster
• Black carpets, in very clean condition
• ‘John Cooper Works’ branded carbon fibre gear knob and handbrake lever
• Door cards trimmed in leather, with no obvious signs of damage
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel
• Air conditioning
• Large, centrally-mounted speedometer
• Prominent tachometer in front of the driver
• Toggle switches in tribute to the original Mini
• Chrome trim pieces
• Stereo CD player
• Rear seating for two passengers
• Black headlining with no apparent rips or stains
• Small boot to the rear

Exterior

• Unmissable modern Mini styling
• Finished in smart Astra Black Metallic paint
• Chrome trim pieces
• The paint is very well finished
• Some small, unobtrusive chips and scratches
• The body panels are in good condition, with no obvious dents or damage
• 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
• The rims are free from scuffs and scrapes
• A set of four Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres were fitted in Jan 2025 at a cost of £620
• Chrome Mini badges front and rear
• Headlight lenses clear and bright
• Windscreen and window glass looks well preserved
• The underside of the car is clean
• Plastic trim pieces in smart condition

Mechanical

• 1,598 cc supercharged four-cylinder engine
• Produces 168 bhp and 162 lb ft
• Top speed 138 mph, 0-62 mph in 7.2 seconds
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Front-wheel drive
• Optional limited-slip differential reportedly fitted
• The engine bay is very clean
• The underside of the car is also clean and tidy
• In Aug 2024 the engine oil and filter were changed and the brake fluid was topped up
• In Jul 2022 the engine oil and filter were changed, along with the spark plugs, air filter, cabin air filter, serpentine belt and coolant; the seller tells us that the gearbox oil was also changed and that OEM parts and fluids were used throughout, purchased from Cotswold Mini
• There is an invoice on file for a full set of brake discs and pads, purchased in Aug 2021
• Milltek resonated exhaust system purchased in Apr 2020, which remains very well presented
• Coolant expansion tank replaced

• As someone who strives for perfection, the owner tells us that following some cosmetic damage to the air con condenser when replacing the radiator assembly, he also replaced the air con condenser and associated components, all using OEM parts, and had the air con professionally regassed

• No reported mechanical issues or warning lights

Summary

With its desirable Chilli options package, this Cooper S is the kind of car which could easily take you by surprise. Knocking the six-speed transmission down a gear, mashing the accelerator into the carpet, and making the most of the limited slipperiness of the differential all combine to make a powerful cocktail of fun. With very low miles and in great condition, we’re confident that the next owner will be very happy.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Winchester, Hampshire.