2017 F55 Mini Cooper S
Discussion
Afternoon 
I've been using my E28 5 Series as my daily since October. It has behaved itself for the most part, but has had the occasional hiccup. A couple of weeks ago I'd just been to my Grandads funeral, jumped in the car, started it and went to pull away and had no power whatsoever. I had been watching the temp' gauge on the way there and it had gotten quite high. Anyway, the long and short of it is that it would appear the head gasket has gone and the engine has lost compression on a couple of cylinders. I have parked the car in my Nans garage and will get around to stripping the engine and getting it sorted, as well as doing a bit of tuning while I'm in there.
Anyway, this has all led to me needing another car to use daily. I've been using Mrs Sammos Audi A1 for the last couple of weeks but on a couple of occasions she's unexpectedly needed the car in the middle of the day and I've had to drop it home for her and then make my own way back to work, which isn't ideal. I started doing a bit of searching a few days ago to see what I fancied. I looked at the usual Golfs, 1 Series, A3s etc and just wasn't drawn to any of them. They all look the same and are quite dull to me. Then the other night I was out walking the dogs and spotted a newer shape Mini Cooper S. I liked the look of it so did some reading up, watched some YouTube reviews and kept an eye on AutoTrader, eBay, Pistonheads for anything that caught my eye. This one popped up on one of the sites so I spoke to the dealer, got more pictures, videos etc and then today I have left a deposit on the car
It's a 2017 F55 Mini Cooper S 5 Door. It's done around 75,000 miles, one owner from new and full MINI service history. It's got auto lights/wipers, DAB radio, sat nav, cruise control amongst a host of other bits and bobs that I can't remember right now
I'm currently waiting for the dealer to call me to arrange delivery of the car, so fingers crossed I'll have it by this time next week 
These are a 2L four cylinder engine with 192bhp as standard. That should drag it along quite nicely.
Mrs Sammo is aware I've bought a car but has no idea what it is as yet. She doesn't like MINIs so hopefully that'll mean she's going to leave it alone and not scuff the wheels, bumper corners, windscreen (your guess is as good as mine on how she managed that one) etc.
I'll update again once it's arrived with some more pictures
I've been using my E28 5 Series as my daily since October. It has behaved itself for the most part, but has had the occasional hiccup. A couple of weeks ago I'd just been to my Grandads funeral, jumped in the car, started it and went to pull away and had no power whatsoever. I had been watching the temp' gauge on the way there and it had gotten quite high. Anyway, the long and short of it is that it would appear the head gasket has gone and the engine has lost compression on a couple of cylinders. I have parked the car in my Nans garage and will get around to stripping the engine and getting it sorted, as well as doing a bit of tuning while I'm in there.
Anyway, this has all led to me needing another car to use daily. I've been using Mrs Sammos Audi A1 for the last couple of weeks but on a couple of occasions she's unexpectedly needed the car in the middle of the day and I've had to drop it home for her and then make my own way back to work, which isn't ideal. I started doing a bit of searching a few days ago to see what I fancied. I looked at the usual Golfs, 1 Series, A3s etc and just wasn't drawn to any of them. They all look the same and are quite dull to me. Then the other night I was out walking the dogs and spotted a newer shape Mini Cooper S. I liked the look of it so did some reading up, watched some YouTube reviews and kept an eye on AutoTrader, eBay, Pistonheads for anything that caught my eye. This one popped up on one of the sites so I spoke to the dealer, got more pictures, videos etc and then today I have left a deposit on the car
It's a 2017 F55 Mini Cooper S 5 Door. It's done around 75,000 miles, one owner from new and full MINI service history. It's got auto lights/wipers, DAB radio, sat nav, cruise control amongst a host of other bits and bobs that I can't remember right now
I'm currently waiting for the dealer to call me to arrange delivery of the car, so fingers crossed I'll have it by this time next week These are a 2L four cylinder engine with 192bhp as standard. That should drag it along quite nicely.Mrs Sammo is aware I've bought a car but has no idea what it is as yet. She doesn't like MINIs so hopefully that'll mean she's going to leave it alone and not scuff the wheels, bumper corners, windscreen (your guess is as good as mine on how she managed that one) etc.
I'll update again once it's arrived with some more pictures
Edited by Sammo123 on Wednesday 3rd August 15:17
I've got a '66' F55 Cooper S which I bought 4 months ago for similar reasons to you.
It's not the prettiest of things, however it does everything I need of a daily driver, it's fun and decent on fuel too. I've no regrets taking the plunge.
It's not the prettiest of things, however it does everything I need of a daily driver, it's fun and decent on fuel too. I've no regrets taking the plunge.
Edited by Alfahorn on Wednesday 3rd August 20:02
Alfahorn said:
I've got a '66' F55 Cooper S which I bought 4 months ago for similar reasons to you.
It's not the prettiest of things, however it does everything I need of a daily driver, it's fun and decent on fuel too. I've no regrets taking the plunge.
Lovely looking car!It's not the prettiest of things, however it does everything I need of a daily driver, it's fun and decent on fuel too. I've no regrets taking the plunge.
Edited by Alfahorn on Wednesday 3rd August 20:02
Mine is arriving next Tuesday so I’m looking forward to taking it out for a blast Tuesday night
Had a new Mini Cooper S for the day last month and it was a great drive for a small car and very well equipped. It’s quick off the mark as well. Suspension is a little firm around town but to be expected in a “Sport” variant - and also means better handling on country roads.
It has made me even contemplate getting one although wouldn’t at this moment in time. Boot is a decent size for a Mini and rear passenger space can comfortably take two adults in the five door variant (at least with the drivers seat in my position).
It has made me even contemplate getting one although wouldn’t at this moment in time. Boot is a decent size for a Mini and rear passenger space can comfortably take two adults in the five door variant (at least with the drivers seat in my position).
OP Congrats that looks a good buy
My suggestion as an F56 owner is crank the seat right down to it's lowest position and then set the wheel how you want it to get the perfect driving position. You can sit really low in these and makes you feel really connected to the chassis through the bends
My suggestion as an F56 owner is crank the seat right down to it's lowest position and then set the wheel how you want it to get the perfect driving position. You can sit really low in these and makes you feel really connected to the chassis through the bends
Sammo123 said:
I got a nice surprise when insuring the car today. Only £300 for Mrs Sammo and I
Oh and I double checked the spec today. It has the Chili Pack, Media XL pack and tinted rear glass. About £5k worth of options when it was bought new!
Thats a nice spec. Oh and I double checked the spec today. It has the Chili Pack, Media XL pack and tinted rear glass. About £5k worth of options when it was bought new!
Mines an odd spec.
It's got the auto wipers but not auto lights. I've also got heated seats, heated screen, electric folding mirrors, JCW steering wheel and black headlining. I don't have the media XL, which I would have liked but it's not a deal breaker.
I've added the blackline and beltline kits, so it's got a bit less chrome.
I just had to have the windscreen replaced due to a crack, however the insurance paid for a dealer part.
Looks like yours has the LED lights, I don't have them but that the standard candles are fine.
It's hoot to drive and as someone said sounds great in sport mode. I got some stick at work when I first got it for being a bit 'girly' however, I do quite a few longer journeys so tend to average about 43 mpg overall, which I'm more than fine with.
At the current prices it's about £75 to fill up, which is sufferable.
I'm also fortunate enough to have a BMW service pack on mine which is valid for another 2 years roughly depending on mileage.
Good little cars. However, the later ones (2021+) are scary prices for used let alone new. Glad I got a good low miles earlier car for sensible money.
You'll enjoy it and I really like that grey.
Alfahorn said:
Thats a nice spec.
Mines an odd spec.
It's got the auto wipers but not auto lights. I've also got heated seats, heated screen, electric folding mirrors, JCW steering wheel and black headlining. I don't have the media XL, which I would have liked but it's not a deal breaker.
I've added the blackline and beltline kits, so it's got a bit less chrome.
I just had to have the windscreen replaced due to a crack, however the insurance paid for a dealer part.
Looks like yours has the LED lights, I don't have them but that the standard candles are fine.
It's hoot to drive and as someone said sounds great in sport mode. I got some stick at work when I first got it for being a bit 'girly' however, I do quite a few longer journeys so tend to average about 43 mpg overall, which I'm more than fine with.
At the current prices it's about £75 to fill up, which is sufferable.
I'm also fortunate enough to have a BMW service pack on mine which is valid for another 2 years roughly depending on mileage.
Good little cars. However, the later ones (2021+) are scary prices for used let alone new. Glad I got a good low miles earlier car for sensible money.
You'll enjoy it and I really like that grey.
I can't wait for it to arrive! I was trying to convince the dealer to deliver it today or tomorrow so I could have it for the weekend but it was a bit too short notice Mines an odd spec.
It's got the auto wipers but not auto lights. I've also got heated seats, heated screen, electric folding mirrors, JCW steering wheel and black headlining. I don't have the media XL, which I would have liked but it's not a deal breaker.
I've added the blackline and beltline kits, so it's got a bit less chrome.
I just had to have the windscreen replaced due to a crack, however the insurance paid for a dealer part.
Looks like yours has the LED lights, I don't have them but that the standard candles are fine.
It's hoot to drive and as someone said sounds great in sport mode. I got some stick at work when I first got it for being a bit 'girly' however, I do quite a few longer journeys so tend to average about 43 mpg overall, which I'm more than fine with.
At the current prices it's about £75 to fill up, which is sufferable.
I'm also fortunate enough to have a BMW service pack on mine which is valid for another 2 years roughly depending on mileage.
Good little cars. However, the later ones (2021+) are scary prices for used let alone new. Glad I got a good low miles earlier car for sensible money.
You'll enjoy it and I really like that grey.
I've informed Mrs Sammo about what I've bought and she's actually quite excited that we're getting a MINI 
My poor wheels are going to be ruined in no time
Sammo123 said:
I can't wait for it to arrive! I was trying to convince the dealer to deliver it today or tomorrow so I could have it for the weekend but it was a bit too short notice I've informed Mrs Sammo about what I've bought and she's actually quite excited that we're getting a MINI
My poor wheels are going to be ruined in no time
I bought mine on a distance sale delivered to the door as well. The first time I saw the car was when it arrived and it was spot on. I've informed Mrs Sammo about what I've bought and she's actually quite excited that we're getting a MINI My poor wheels are going to be ruined in no time
The process was so straight forward, the dealer answered all my questions and provided lots of photos and videos. The car was exactly as expected.
I wouldn't trapse round garages again it's a waste time. Just ask lots of questions, when you're satisfied, pay your money and wait for it to turn up. sorted!
Let's hope Mrs Sammo doesn't trash the wheels!
It’s arrived
I’m very happy with it. It’s nice to drive, plenty of grunt and handles like it’s on rails! Unfortunately the dealer failed to mention the curbed wheels, small dent on one of the rear quarter panels and the excessive scratching on the rear bumper so I’ve already emailed them to question those bits.
I’m very happy with it. It’s nice to drive, plenty of grunt and handles like it’s on rails! Unfortunately the dealer failed to mention the curbed wheels, small dent on one of the rear quarter panels and the excessive scratching on the rear bumper so I’ve already emailed them to question those bits.
I’ve been driving the car for a few days now and I’m really enjoying it. However it doesn’t feel quite as quick as I was expecting it to. I know it’s “only” 192hp but considering I’ve been driving a 37 year old automatic barge with 125hp for the last year I honestly thought this would feel like a rocket ship! I’ve spoken to my friend Bruno at BDS Motorsport and made initial enquiries about getting it mapped He reckons we should be able to get at least another 50hp and plenty more torque out of it.
I also wasn’t happy with the awful Nexen run flat tyres that were fitted. The road noise was absolutely ridiculous and was ruining the car. I had a set of wheels in my garage with brand new Uniroyal Rainsports fitted. They were for another project that isn’t happening so I thought I could make use of the tyres. They’re a different profile (225/45/17 compared to standard profile 205/45/17) but a quick Google confirmed they won’t rub, so yesterday I had them swapped over. It’s now so much quieter in the cabin! I actually think they look better than the standard profile tyres. The car was looking a little “under wheeled” with the 205 profile fitted.
He reckons we should be able to get at least another 50hp and plenty more torque out of it. I also wasn’t happy with the awful Nexen run flat tyres that were fitted. The road noise was absolutely ridiculous and was ruining the car. I had a set of wheels in my garage with brand new Uniroyal Rainsports fitted. They were for another project that isn’t happening so I thought I could make use of the tyres. They’re a different profile (225/45/17 compared to standard profile 205/45/17) but a quick Google confirmed they won’t rub, so yesterday I had them swapped over. It’s now so much quieter in the cabin! I actually think they look better than the standard profile tyres. The car was looking a little “under wheeled” with the 205 profile fitted.
I made another little change to the car today. The gear knob was quite worn and didn’t feel great either. I picked up a lovely carbon fibre ball from Killallchrome.
This is what I started with.
It pulled straight off and then I could get on with fitting the new one.
The new knob has a collar that gets cable tied into the gaiter, you then refit the gaiter and then push the knob onto the gear stick and tighten the grub screws. I added a small amount of locktite to the grub screws to stop them backing out.
I tightened the grub screws as much as I could but they were still sitting proud of the surface very slightly. This was stopping the collar from pulling up to cover them. So I had to use a small file to take the tops off the screws.
With the screws now sitting flush the collar pulled up nice and tight and that was it. Job jobbed.
This gear knob feels so much nicer. It also sits ever since slightly higher than the original which puts it in a much more natural position than the original!
This is what I started with.
It pulled straight off and then I could get on with fitting the new one.
The new knob has a collar that gets cable tied into the gaiter, you then refit the gaiter and then push the knob onto the gear stick and tighten the grub screws. I added a small amount of locktite to the grub screws to stop them backing out.
I tightened the grub screws as much as I could but they were still sitting proud of the surface very slightly. This was stopping the collar from pulling up to cover them. So I had to use a small file to take the tops off the screws.
With the screws now sitting flush the collar pulled up nice and tight and that was it. Job jobbed.
This gear knob feels so much nicer. It also sits ever since slightly higher than the original which puts it in a much more natural position than the original!
While perusing Facebook marketplace this Airtec induction kit popped up. It’s brand new and never fitted. The guy bought it for his Mini and didn’t fit it straight away. When he eventually went to fit it he realised he’d ordered the incorrect kit, by which time it was too late to return it. I managed to get it for a very reasonable price
t. I don’t see how they could open the doors or boot though as they should remain deadlocked? Shuff4 said:
Ah that’s a bugger! Scum! Was this on a carpark or at home?! Let’s hope the insurance cover the expense of the contents.
In a car park. No cameras unfortunately. Another car in there had been broken into as well. I’m waiting to hear back from my insurance company. I hope they cover the contents as that’s a £1000 worth of stuff that was stolen!
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