Supercharged Cooper S Question

[JulesV]

I quite fancy a Cooper S as a replacement for my rather dull A1 which I use as a day to day car for work.

I am drawn to the supercharged version mainly because I like the idea of having a supercharger!

I am aware that the hatch version was produced until 2006. However I am unsure about the convertible version. Was this produced with the supercharged engine after the launch of the turbo hatch and if so for how long?

[mon the fish]

Yes it was, a a quick google suggests up to early 2009 cars.

But you don't want an R52/3 convertible, you really don't. You want an R53 hatch

[s m]

JulesV said:

I quite fancy a Cooper S as a replacement for my rather dull A1 which I use as a day to day car for work.

I am drawn to the supercharged version mainly because I like the idea of having a supercharger!

I am aware that the hatch version was produced until 2006. However I am unsure about the convertible version. Was this produced with the supercharged engine after the launch of the turbo hatch and if so for how long?

Which version of the A1 have you got out of interest?

[Dr Interceptor]

July 2008 was the last build month for the R52 Cooper S - mine is a March 2008



Fantastic cars, wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

[JulesV]

mon the fish said:

Yes it was, a a quick google suggests up to early 2009 cars.

But you don't want an R52/3 convertible, you really don't. You want an R53 hatch

You are probably right. Fancy a Works GP really although they are more than I really want to pay. I just like the idea of the little supercharged engine.

[JulesV]

s m said:

JulesV said:

I quite fancy a Cooper S as a replacement for my rather dull A1 which I use as a day to day car for work.

I am drawn to the supercharged version mainly because I like the idea of having a supercharger!

I am aware that the hatch version was produced until 2006. However I am unsure about the convertible version. Was this produced with the supercharged engine after the launch of the turbo hatch and if so for how long?

Which version of the A1 have you got out of interest?

I've got the 1.6 TDI. I must admit that I do like the economy. I fill it up once a fortnight compared to twice a week for some of my previous cars.

I had issues with DPF warning lights which led to the car spending three weeks at the local Audi dealership. Fortunately everything was sorted with a software upgrade but I was told that I was using the car for too many short journeys. It actually regularly goes on a long run but I suspect they were trotting out the standard answer to a malfunctioning TDI.

Apart from that it is completely capable with a nice well equipped interior. It is just not very likeable if that makes sense.

[Alan16ac]

The Supercharged Tritec engine Minis were produced from 2001 to 2008.
The Hatchback however stopped in 2006. The convertible kept this engine until 2008.
The later cars 2006 onwards for the hatch and 2008 onwards for the convertible used the Peugeot Prince engine. Which unless subject to regular de-cokes is a ticking time bomb. It's not a good engine at all.
In 2005 the first gen or Supercharged Mini received a facelift, which included, shorter ratio gearbox for faster acceleration, a teflon coating on the charger blades, and power was up from 163bhp to 170bhp. They were also a little lighter, and the lights improved and looked better.
I'd definitely say go for it! I've owned 6 Minis now. I try something else, but always seem to go back, as they're so fun to drive.

Edited by Alan16ac on Thursday 10th March 00:02

[05 r52]

My fuel computer states 41.5 mpg. I do not drive stupidly but it does see 90mph in 3rd sometimes.

[05 r52]

My fuel computer states 41.5 mpg. I do not drive stupidly but it does see 90mph in 3rd sometimes.

[MrTickle]

Dr Interceptor said:

July 2008 was the last build month for the R52 Cooper S - mine is a March 2008



Fantastic cars, wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Looks like a nice spec Jon. I have a very high specced Hatch, but my wife has the cab with Recaro (which it looks like yours has too) - quite a rare option from what I have seen.

[jays16]

Could be worse - had a look at this listing by a pretty hacked off woman about her Cooper S on eBay? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Cooper-S-2004-Absol...

[Dr Interceptor]

MrTickle said:

Looks like a nice spec Jon. I have a very high specced Hatch, but my wife has the cab with Recaro (which it looks like yours has too) - quite a rare option from what I have seen.

Cheers, yes pretty lovely... Heated recaros, works aero body kit, vis pack, chilli pack...





I've since added:

15% reduction pulley
R56 S Front Brakes with braided hoses
Milltek catback exhaust
Hybrid airbox conversion
GTT Strut brace
Piggyback roof control module (allows remote opening and closing)

To go on this weekend:
OMP lower strut brace
GRS Motorsport intercooler

[MrTickle]

Here is the wife's. 2008 with 25,000 miles, JCW factory upgrade, heated recaro, nav, JCW brakes and a few other trinkets

[CTO]

My lovely black 2005MY R53 MCS on 52000 miles may be for sale shortly. Currently viewing another car with an eye to purchase.

Chilli pack, winter pack, Dave F airbox and upgraded exhaust to replace the old one which rotted, as they are well known to do!

Just in case you're still looking OP

Edited by CTO on Thursday 26th May 21:15

[mon the fish]

CTO said:

My lovely black 2005MY R53 MCS on 52000 miles may be for sale shortly. Currently viewing another car with an eye to purchase.

Chilli pack, winter pack, Dave F airbox and upgraded exhaust to replace the old one which rotted, as they are well known to do!

Just in case you're still looking OP

Edited by CTO on Thursday 26th May 21:15

That's not a lot of miles - I did that in the first 3 years I had mine! Not done much since sadly

[CTO]

It hasn't done much.

I bought it in 2013 from ArsE92, of this parish, and it was on 38k then and immaculate. Still is really.

It did a few miles in 2013-15, in the last year it has done maybe 3.5k I think.

It mainly sits on the drive these days unless I fancy going out and having some fun. The supercharger whine turns every trip into a mad max a thon

/thinly veiled ad mode

Joking aside, they are great little cars, swapped the run flats for Kumho ecstas, made a world of difference as was previously on 17" run flats. Very crashy over bumps and no give in the sidewall on corners.