Mini Clubman [R55] Cooper S
Discussion
Well, after selling my Jag S-Type R [my STR thread - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... in December and then posting a bunch in Car Buying, I finally decided on and found an R55 Clubman Cooper-S auto. Autos are rare as hell, especially an N18.
So quite different to my Jag; but as the main aim was to buy a smaller and cheaper car to run as a daily, but at the same time be something fun and a bit different, I think I've done well
Only owned it a few weeks. Seems to be a good one [fingers crossed]. The plan isn't to do much to it, but I need to tidy up the 'de-chroming'; I'm not a fan of the alloys so may change them [I'm liking the idea of bronze]; and I wouldn't mind a fruity exhaust I guess!
Here's a few pics from the day I picked it up from the dealer...
So quite different to my Jag; but as the main aim was to buy a smaller and cheaper car to run as a daily, but at the same time be something fun and a bit different, I think I've done well
Only owned it a few weeks. Seems to be a good one [fingers crossed]. The plan isn't to do much to it, but I need to tidy up the 'de-chroming'; I'm not a fan of the alloys so may change them [I'm liking the idea of bronze]; and I wouldn't mind a fruity exhaust I guess!
Here's a few pics from the day I picked it up from the dealer...
The majority of owners do do it...I prefer the black look to mind you, so I won't be going back to chrome. The tape is starting to peal on the belt-line though and hasn't really be applied as tidy as I'd want it. Just got to decide the best method [tape/wrap, paint, or find out if Mini supply OEM replacements].
Welcome to R55 ownership.
I've had mine since September last year, so nearly a year, absolutely love it, I have a thread on it on here.
You probably already know this but there are a few things to keep an eye on, timing chain rattle being the most important.
If it hasn't already been done get rid of the run flats, make sure you keep an eye on the oil level and coolant level.
What audio does yours have?
I've had mine since September last year, so nearly a year, absolutely love it, I have a thread on it on here.
You probably already know this but there are a few things to keep an eye on, timing chain rattle being the most important.
If it hasn't already been done get rid of the run flats, make sure you keep an eye on the oil level and coolant level.
What audio does yours have?
BUG4LIFE said:
The majority of owners do do it...I prefer the black look to mind you, so I won't be going back to chrome. The tape is starting to peal on the belt-line though and hasn't really be applied as tidy as I'd want it. Just got to decide the best method [tape/wrap, paint, or find out if Mini supply OEM replacements].
Look at Kill-all-chrome.Cheers guys.
I'm not sure what audio mine has, I'll have a look at the spec. I'd love to do what you've done to yours
Yep, I've heard of Kill-All-Chrome. I'll definitely have a look at what they sell re de-chroming. I'll also going to buy the dip-stick they stock, as the OEM one isn't the easiest to 'read'.
Bobberoo said:
Welcome to R55 ownership.
I've had mine since September last year, so nearly a year, absolutely love it, I have a thread on it on here.
You probably already know this but there are a few things to keep an eye on, timing chain rattle being the most important.
If it hasn't already been done get rid of the run flats, make sure you keep an eye on the oil level and coolant level.
What audio does yours have?
I'm hoping, due to it being an N18, there's less of a risk on timing chain issues, but of course it's something to listen out for. I saw on your thread you mentioned yours developed a bit of a rattle, that ended up not being the chain?!I've had mine since September last year, so nearly a year, absolutely love it, I have a thread on it on here.
You probably already know this but there are a few things to keep an eye on, timing chain rattle being the most important.
If it hasn't already been done get rid of the run flats, make sure you keep an eye on the oil level and coolant level.
What audio does yours have?
I'm not sure what audio mine has, I'll have a look at the spec. I'd love to do what you've done to yours
Yep, I've heard of Kill-All-Chrome. I'll definitely have a look at what they sell re de-chroming. I'll also going to buy the dip-stick they stock, as the OEM one isn't the easiest to 'read'.
okv3 said:
A Hampton special edition no less, they were very rarely specified as a Cooper S never mind as an Auto as well. Very nice.
Yep, a Hampton. A previous owner of the car stated 14 sold in his for sale ad a few years ago! It's lost its bonnet stripes at some point, which is fine with me as I think I prefer without. It should have Hampton stickers on the rear side windows too, but are also missing. I think, being the spec it is, it should hold its value well. The dealer had quite a few enquiries, I was just 'lucky' to the first!Pistom said:
Great choice for the reasons you've given. It would be good to see interior shots too.
There's known common issues, some of which may well have been fixed at least once by this age.
I'll take a few interior shots and post them asap. Pretty decent place to sit...I'm 6'6" and appreciate the low driving position. I was looking at Abarth's but kept reading how high you sit [and that car would have been too small in reality].There's known common issues, some of which may well have been fixed at least once by this age.
BUG4LIFE said:
Cheers guys.
I'm not sure what audio mine has, I'll have a look at the spec. I'd love to do what you've done to yours
Yep, I've heard of Kill-All-Chrome. I'll definitely have a look at what they sell re de-chroming. I'll also going to buy the dip-stick they stock, as the OEM one isn't the easiest to 'read'.
Yeah, mine turned out to be water pump tensioner, not overly expensive but a pain nonetheless.Bobberoo said:
Welcome to R55 ownership.
I've had mine since September last year, so nearly a year, absolutely love it, I have a thread on it on here.
You probably already know this but there are a few things to keep an eye on, timing chain rattle being the most important.
If it hasn't already been done get rid of the run flats, make sure you keep an eye on the oil level and coolant level.
What audio does yours have?
I'm hoping, due to it being an N18, there's less of a risk on timing chain issues, but of course it's something to listen out for. I saw on your thread you mentioned yours developed a bit of a rattle, that ended up not being the chain?!I've had mine since September last year, so nearly a year, absolutely love it, I have a thread on it on here.
You probably already know this but there are a few things to keep an eye on, timing chain rattle being the most important.
If it hasn't already been done get rid of the run flats, make sure you keep an eye on the oil level and coolant level.
What audio does yours have?
I'm not sure what audio mine has, I'll have a look at the spec. I'd love to do what you've done to yours
Yep, I've heard of Kill-All-Chrome. I'll definitely have a look at what they sell re de-chroming. I'll also going to buy the dip-stick they stock, as the OEM one isn't the easiest to 'read'.
okv3 said:
A Hampton special edition no less, they were very rarely specified as a Cooper S never mind as an Auto as well. Very nice.
Yep, a Hampton. A previous owner of the car stated 14 sold in his for sale ad a few years ago! It's lost its bonnet stripes at some point, which is fine with me as I think I prefer without. It should have Hampton stickers on the rear side windows too, but are also missing. I think, being the spec it is, it should hold its value well. The dealer had quite a few enquiries, I was just 'lucky' to the first!Pistom said:
Great choice for the reasons you've given. It would be good to see interior shots too.
There's known common issues, some of which may well have been fixed at least once by this age.
I'll take a few interior shots and post them asap. Pretty decent place to sit...I'm 6'6" and appreciate the low driving position. I was looking at Abarth's but kept reading how high you sit [and that car would have been too small in reality].There's known common issues, some of which may well have been fixed at least once by this age.
If you're has tweeters in the bottom of the A pillar covers then it's the Harmon Kardon system which is actually ok.
Pistom said:
Great choice for the reasons you've given. It would be good to see interior shots too.
There's known common issues, some of which may well have been fixed at least once by this age.
Here’s a couple of snaps of the interior. Who says you can’t be 6’6” and fit two young kids in the back of a Mini?! Not sure it would be possible in the hatch though!There's known common issues, some of which may well have been fixed at least once by this age.
BUG4LIFE said:
Pistom said:
Great choice for the reasons you've given. It would be good to see interior shots too.
There's known common issues, some of which may well have been fixed at least once by this age.
Here’s a couple of snaps of the interior. Who says you can’t be 6’6” and fit two young kids in the back of a Mini?! Not sure it would be possible in the hatch though!There's known common issues, some of which may well have been fixed at least once by this age.
vikingaero said:
That's the exact reason I bought my N14 Clubman S years ago. The extra wheelbase makes the car more compliant and it turns from a B-road blatter to a stable motorway cruiser. Despite all my woes in my Clubman, I still eye up the classifieds...
Were your 'woes' N14 based by any chance Not much of an update. Bit of a boring pic but thought I’d post it as I’ve actually been able to clean her for the first time, this weekend. Having two young boys means I don’t have a lot of spare time for cleaning my car…and when I clean a car I go to town. It usually takes 4ish hours!
I had to have a few jobs carried out a few months ago (a coolant leak sorted and replacing the water pump drive unit/pulley). More worryingly though, I think I’ve noticed a ‘new’ ticking noise when idling cold. Could this be the infamous timing chain?! I bloody hope not. I know that N18’s can still suffer from this but I’d be very unlucky for this to happen within the first 6 months of ownership when the chain has been fine for the previous 14 years. I’ve got a few other jobs for my Mini guy to do so I need to get his thoughts on the sound asap. Grrrr!
21TonyK said:
^^^ This. My 2011 has had a new timing chain and still makes odd noises occasionally. Dont forget its freezing cold out there so everything sounds a bit clattery on startup.
It's just the fact it a new noise. Maybe the cold is a factor and I know even when in good health they can make a bit of a racket. I've got a video I can send to my Mini guy. I'll keep my fingers crossed MDUBZ said:
Check the aux belt. My n18 seems to chew up a belt and pulley every couple of years (the frayed belt makes a ticking noise)
When she had a replacement water pump drive unit and pulley they also fitted a new 'drive belt' [as it's called on the invoice]. Would that be the auxiliary belt?Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff