Curious, what are the R53 common issues

[markcoopers]

I found an old thread on here recently about a chap who chose and enjoyed a later Cooper s, but in his initial post he said something like "avoided R53's after reading the internet and discovering their issues"

Well I am curious as to what these issues may be? I ask as I had an original new 52plate S all those years ago and have a growing itch to re acquire one.

Cheers,

[E-bmw]

They didn't really have any major ones, especially when compared with its successor.

Clutches can be heavy, sorted out by a replacement.
Belt/charger need regular service that was never recognised by BMW.
Suspension bushes can be a weal spot as can strut towers.
The ride is hugely improved by non-run-flat 16" wheels.

Apart from that they wear well if looked after but are now getting on a bit, so don't expect truly modern motoring.

[DaveyBoyWonder]

I'm looking for a cheap, fast Mini at the minute as a bit of an ongoing project and the R53 wins by a mile over an early R56. R56 only becomes a reliable option in the LCI/N18 engined but they're twice the price of a reasonably good R53.

[markcoopers]

Internet folk law and scaremongering then.

I'll continue on the quiet to find one then.

[CO2000]

Try a facelift one, I found the gearing/final drive far better than the pre ones + slightly more power

[E-bmw]

Good point, I forgot about the early 5 speeds, but weren't they only in the non-S?

[esuuv]

Yes - chocolate midland boxes in the non S non facelift cars (basically anything pre 54 plate) - Getrag boxes on the S and all the facelift cars.

[CO2000]

Yes 5 speeds are non s but there was changes in the 6 speed S's

[Challo]

E-bmw said:

They didn't really have any major ones, especially when compared with its successor.

Clutches can be heavy, sorted out by a replacement.
Belt/charger need regular service that was never recognised by BMW.
Suspension bushes can be a weal spot as can strut towers.
The ride is hugely improved by non-run-flat 16" wheels.

Apart from that they wear well if looked after but are now getting on a bit, so don't expect truly modern motoring.

As E-BMW says they are pretty reliable. The list above is the main issues I can remember, but the early cars are getting on a bit in terms of age. The do suffer from rust on the boot lids, and unfortunately some of them have had suspects mods added.

Look for a post-facelift car, and like any car check for service history, and MOT to see what its failed on.

[Slashmb]

Did the R53 suffer from the airbag light always being on and the power steering pump issues? I had a Cooper and both of these occurred in my ownership.

[E-bmw]

Slashmb said:

Did the R53 suffer from the airbag light always being on

Never heard of that one, of course if there is a fault it will be on, but I don't think it is a common issue.

Slashmb said:

and the power steering pump issues? I had a Cooper and both of these occurred in my ownership.

Also a known one yes, although if it is removed, degreased, cleaned & refitted every few years it will likely last for the life of the car due to its position on the car.