02-04 MY Cooper S - what are they like to run? Costs etc?
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm considering a second car soon to run alongside my weekend toy and a Cooper S is one that's piquing my interest. I want a smallish car that's comfy, quick, fun and above all reliable with reasonable running costs (not fussed about MPG)- plus I'd also like it to be capable of occasional track use as well.
Looking in the classifieds there are cars ranging from 02 through to 04 with mileages from 50k to 100k - how do they wear the miles? Is there anything that's well known on these cars in terms of issues or concerns? Waterpumps are one I've heard banded about but how common is this really or is a lot of it 'My mates car did this'? My budget is circa 4.5k.
I'm considering a second car soon to run alongside my weekend toy and a Cooper S is one that's piquing my interest. I want a smallish car that's comfy, quick, fun and above all reliable with reasonable running costs (not fussed about MPG)- plus I'd also like it to be capable of occasional track use as well.
Looking in the classifieds there are cars ranging from 02 through to 04 with mileages from 50k to 100k - how do they wear the miles? Is there anything that's well known on these cars in terms of issues or concerns? Waterpumps are one I've heard banded about but how common is this really or is a lot of it 'My mates car did this'? My budget is circa 4.5k.
I had a 2003 car for 14 months and did 24k miles in it. It was a fantastic car and had 94k miles when I sold it but it didn't look it.
Whilst I had it the routine maintenance included a new set of tyres, an inspection 1 service and break fluid change. I bought a new expansion tank from BMW that was about £40 just in case.
The only things that were unexpected was a new power steering pump which I got an indy to replace for roughly £500 and a stone went through the radiator. I got a new one fitted by BMW for £300.
The gear ratios on the prefacelift are longer than on the facelift. This will help if you are planning on doing a few miles in it.
I loved my car and I really miss the sound of the charger!
Whilst I had it the routine maintenance included a new set of tyres, an inspection 1 service and break fluid change. I bought a new expansion tank from BMW that was about £40 just in case.
The only things that were unexpected was a new power steering pump which I got an indy to replace for roughly £500 and a stone went through the radiator. I got a new one fitted by BMW for £300.
The gear ratios on the prefacelift are longer than on the facelift. This will help if you are planning on doing a few miles in it.
I loved my car and I really miss the sound of the charger!
Thanks - I hope it's not a daft question but what year did the facelift come out and what did that give?
With the PAS and expansion tank - is there an updated part that should have replaced the original by now and what do I need to look out for? Also anyone know mroe about the waterpump issue I keep hearing about.
The Cooper S is top of the tree at present but I do want to be sure it's not going to be a money pit, particularly at the price they go for.
With the PAS and expansion tank - is there an updated part that should have replaced the original by now and what do I need to look out for? Also anyone know mroe about the waterpump issue I keep hearing about.
The Cooper S is top of the tree at present but I do want to be sure it's not going to be a money pit, particularly at the price they go for.
Facelift happened during 2004 (around '54' plate) Easy way to tell the difference if looking on-line, is the position of the reverse light/ fog light.
No huge differences, but I believe the Cooper S did have a small power hike. I didn't think the facelift improved any of the reliability issues (except the gearbox on the One and Cooper)?? Happy to be told differently!
Mike
No huge differences, but I believe the Cooper S did have a small power hike. I didn't think the facelift improved any of the reliability issues (except the gearbox on the One and Cooper)?? Happy to be told differently!
Mike
I don't think there are OEM revised parts for the pump or expansion bottle.
Pretty much all the 54 plates onwards are facelift. The lights are the biggest giveaway, the facelift has reverse lights in the external fittings where as on the original reverse is in the centre above the exhaust.
Off the top of my head the more subtle changes are:
Pretty much all the 54 plates onwards are facelift. The lights are the biggest giveaway, the facelift has reverse lights in the external fittings where as on the original reverse is in the centre above the exhaust.
Off the top of my head the more subtle changes are:
- The xenon lights change to projector type.
- Bumpers on the One and Cooper are different on the facelift.
- Cooper S has teflon blades in the supercharger.
- Gear Ratios are revised to make them a closer ratio, not sure on the cooper or one
- Power is increased to 170bhp on the S, up from 163
- LSD became an option
- Clock is moved to within the speedo rather than being above the rear view mirror
- Dash trim is 3 pieces rather than 5 (to help stop rattles)
- Wheel on the S is 3 spoke
- Door card handles bow out so that you can actually rest your arm on them
- There is a storage tray under the HVAC controls
- A coin tray under the handbrake handle
This should help re: facelift differences: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-gui...
Along with this: http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f29/r53-cooper-s-p...
I bought a '52 plate pre-facelift in Feb. First things that come to mind are:
1. Compared to my R32 its ruddy slow. Easy to sort though, 15% pulley, Dave F induction, GRS intercooler = 200bhp easily. Add a newman cam, remap & 4-2-1 manifold and your looking at 240bhp. Parts are mega cheap, a cam is £175 lol.
2. The gearbox on the pre-facelift has daft ratios, 65mph in 2nd or something daft, probably helps the mpg on the motorway though.
3. Retrofitting stuff is far harder than with VAG, i want to cruise retrofit/climate and its an utter nightmare. So if you want options, buy a car with them already fitted.
4. The standard brakes are borderline dangerous. Get R56S ones fitted asap (i have these in the shed).
Before i bought mine, it had just had the PAS pump done at BMW. Rad's are a common fault as well iirc, just like all BMW's of that era.
Along with this: http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f29/r53-cooper-s-p...
I bought a '52 plate pre-facelift in Feb. First things that come to mind are:
1. Compared to my R32 its ruddy slow. Easy to sort though, 15% pulley, Dave F induction, GRS intercooler = 200bhp easily. Add a newman cam, remap & 4-2-1 manifold and your looking at 240bhp. Parts are mega cheap, a cam is £175 lol.
2. The gearbox on the pre-facelift has daft ratios, 65mph in 2nd or something daft, probably helps the mpg on the motorway though.
3. Retrofitting stuff is far harder than with VAG, i want to cruise retrofit/climate and its an utter nightmare. So if you want options, buy a car with them already fitted.
4. The standard brakes are borderline dangerous. Get R56S ones fitted asap (i have these in the shed).
Before i bought mine, it had just had the PAS pump done at BMW. Rad's are a common fault as well iirc, just like all BMW's of that era.
I had my R53 facelift for 2 and half years as my daily and did 40,000 miles in that time. Brilliant cars would highly recommend, especially as a weekend car, always put a smile on my face when driving.
Aside form wear and tear items such as tyres and breaks, the main ones for me were water pump developed leak and almost cooked engine but caught it just in time. Timing chain tensioner had cracked as they are plastic.
Clucth release baring was rattly when in neutral.
Aside form wear and tear items such as tyres and breaks, the main ones for me were water pump developed leak and almost cooked engine but caught it just in time. Timing chain tensioner had cracked as they are plastic.
Clucth release baring was rattly when in neutral.
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