The half term hack - R52 Mini One Convertible
Discussion
With the Lincoln tucked up in storage for the winter, I fancied getting myself something smaller and cheaper whilst I consider a proper weekend car. I also fancied working on something with my daughter during the upcoming half term.
I stumbled upon this 2008 Mini One convertible Sidewalk with some service history and 99k on the clock. It had already been discounted from £2800 to £2035 so I thought it was worth further investigation.
The car itself seemed solid, marks consummate with age as the saying goes but everything seemed to function. I had to drive to the place so couldn’t do the deal and so very out of character I returned home empty handed.
A few other buyers were looking to visit the same time so I suspected it would be gone by the time I could scrounge a lift. A few hours later the chap said that no one else had shown up, I offered £1900 and the deal was done!
The drive home was uneventful save the dipped beam headlight bulb dying on one side! The full beams work so there’s power going to it, I suspect a bulb has blown (I hope).
It needs a good clean in and out, as well as a decent service. I’ll start cataloging issues as the arise.
Pics to follow!
I stumbled upon this 2008 Mini One convertible Sidewalk with some service history and 99k on the clock. It had already been discounted from £2800 to £2035 so I thought it was worth further investigation.
The car itself seemed solid, marks consummate with age as the saying goes but everything seemed to function. I had to drive to the place so couldn’t do the deal and so very out of character I returned home empty handed.
A few other buyers were looking to visit the same time so I suspected it would be gone by the time I could scrounge a lift. A few hours later the chap said that no one else had shown up, I offered £1900 and the deal was done!
The drive home was uneventful save the dipped beam headlight bulb dying on one side! The full beams work so there’s power going to it, I suspect a bulb has blown (I hope).
It needs a good clean in and out, as well as a decent service. I’ll start cataloging issues as the arise.
Pics to follow!
So, the morning after the night before.
The Mini had not disgraced itself overnight, no alarms blaring. The heavy rain had given it an partial wash, clearing away quite a bit of dirt. The bodywork seems straight, some swirl marks here or there but solid and no rust that I can see.
Fortune smiled on me at lunch as the dead headlight was down to a blown bulb, whacked in some new Phillips ones and we have night vision once again!
I’ll get cracking with the other service items tonight if the weather is kind.
Here are some pics from the advert:
Big selling point for me is the caramel leather:
The Mini had not disgraced itself overnight, no alarms blaring. The heavy rain had given it an partial wash, clearing away quite a bit of dirt. The bodywork seems straight, some swirl marks here or there but solid and no rust that I can see.
Fortune smiled on me at lunch as the dead headlight was down to a blown bulb, whacked in some new Phillips ones and we have night vision once again!
I’ll get cracking with the other service items tonight if the weather is kind.
Here are some pics from the advert:
Big selling point for me is the caramel leather:
The weather is not playing ball, but I've done the wipers, air filter and cabin filter (which was surprisingly large).
I've given the car a clean out, the front carpets are wet
I know the cause (corner seal by the roof) so I am not too worried. My plan at the weekend is clean and lube the rubber guides to see if that helps.
Speaking of the roof, it started acting up last night, I suspect that the rear parcel shelf might have become disturbed during cleaning and so isn't sitting on the microswitch correctly.....
I've given the car a clean out, the front carpets are wet
I know the cause (corner seal by the roof) so I am not too worried. My plan at the weekend is clean and lube the rubber guides to see if that helps.Speaking of the roof, it started acting up last night, I suspect that the rear parcel shelf might have become disturbed during cleaning and so isn't sitting on the microswitch correctly.....
I reseated the parcel shelf and ensure the microswitch was depressed and hey presto the roof works fine and no more flashing red light! Really starting to like this car, I took it for a quick trip to the shops and took advantage of the brief glimpse of sun to drop the roof.
Just need it to stay dry after work this week and I can do the much needed oil change.
Just need it to stay dry after work this week and I can do the much needed oil change.
Nice.... That's a Sidewalk special edition - was a run out model right at the end of the R52's life span. The model was replaced in 2008 with the R56 based R57.
The Sidewalks get those wheels, the Malt Leather interior, plus a few other options, but no Xenons which is weird, even on a Cooper S.
Enjoy it
The Sidewalks get those wheels, the Malt Leather interior, plus a few other options, but no Xenons which is weird, even on a Cooper S.
Enjoy it
Oh, and a not very well known thing, the central locking toggle switch in front of the gear lever is also the override for the roof control. If you ever get an error with the roof (flashing red light), and you've checked the parcel shelf and that's okay, press and hold the toggle switch in the unlock (up) position, and it will also operate the roof.
I used to use that instead of the button, so you don't have to sit there with your hand in the air.
Oh, and the rear parking sensors (PDC) are on the same fuse as the fan for the power steering pump. If the PDC fails and keeps blowing its fuse, its likely the fan that's gummed up with road grime causing it to blow.
I used to use that instead of the button, so you don't have to sit there with your hand in the air.
Oh, and the rear parking sensors (PDC) are on the same fuse as the fan for the power steering pump. If the PDC fails and keeps blowing its fuse, its likely the fan that's gummed up with road grime causing it to blow.
Oh that handy to note, I did have the flashing light issue earlier but that was down to the parcel shelf alignment.
This weekend I'm planning to do the oil change, fit a new bonnet earth strap (if it arrives), and may just change the sparks and ignition leads for peace of mind.
Any ideas when the ancillary belt should be changed?
This weekend I'm planning to do the oil change, fit a new bonnet earth strap (if it arrives), and may just change the sparks and ignition leads for peace of mind.
Any ideas when the ancillary belt should be changed?
LincolnLovin said:
The glass rear screen is a very useful addition as well.
Until it breaks / cracks. Apparently it cannot be replaced in isolation, so it's a whole new roof!. Fortunately, rear screen damage is rare. But yes, it's very nice. Love the whole car, what a steal at sub £2K. . 
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff