The entry-level MINI Cooper has a lot going for it. You don’t need to go for the more expensive supercharged Cooper S to get a car that handles amazingly well, gets great gas mileage, and has a healthy aftermarket. In fact, we think the base Cooper is closer to the concept of the original Mini, since it uses its small …
This content is available for GRM+ members and Grassroots Motorsports magazine subscribers only.
Read the rest of the story
What about suspension? My 2011 shocks are starting to go. Should I just replace them, or upgrade to something more adjustable? Are any of the coilover kits worth considering?
Holy zombies Batman!!! 15 year old canoe, that's an antique.
It's a canoe? This article is posted on the home page as a TBT.
I wonder how many of these Minis are left... I like the idea of them so much, but the problems were, plentiful. Are the NA ones less problematic than the turbo?
In reply to CyberEric :
I think a some of issues come from the extra heat coming from the SC on this gen. I have no personal experience but taking a look around, the naturally aspirated, or R50, is super inexpensive. Or at least is for initial buy in.
Oh that's right, this gen S used a supercharger, I shouldn't forget because I can hear the pulley in my mind!
SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) said:
Holy zombies Batman!!! 15 year old canoe, that's an antique.
Its not a zombie thread, its something to do with the way they post/lock/resurrect old articles. This was pushed into the feed today prior to that post.
In reply to CyberEric :
They just have standard bmw problems. There are fewer mind blowing mini-specific problems on the manual n/a hatchback. The clutch is a little small, strut mushrooming requires a strut top plate, and regular bmw oil leak/coolant leak/fuel pump/window regulator issues.
A broken convertible top pretty much totals the cars these days. I am low key looking for one for a challenge build.
In reply to ojannen :
Not sure how true it is, but they seem fairly simple to work on. I feel like FCPEuro built or had a feature on one for Sundae cup. Maybe a gen newer.
Glad someone resurrected this post. I've been looking for a new project and my son keeps pushing the R50/53 on me. Might have to see........
