Mini Cooper S Review - Can A New Mini Still Be An Iconic Mini?

The R53 Mini had big boots to fill from its 1960's origin, but how well did BMW do at making a car for the modern age from British underpinnings?
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[@honestreviewer3283]

The 2005/06 MINIs are the best. Best looks. Best mix of old and new tech. They still look great today.

[@mandismith89]

dont agree, i think the new f56 lci2 looks absolutely stunning

[@honestreviewer3283]

@@mandismith89 Good for you.

[@michaelmorley7678]

love my 06, just got a new cam, things romping around with 250hp as fun as can be

[@shankarbalan3813]

My 2012 R56 Cooper S is lovely. It is timeless in its styling and I love its happy nature. It is a great car to keep for the long term.

[@TheEllis197]

I just gave my 06 an entire rebuild and upgrade so hopefully it’ll last forever

[@marcovandegoolberg4401]

I really love my r53 Parklane, it is so much fun, it has still some features that are not standard on the newer models, like front window heating and the mirrors. And it’s like the car start to laugh when you drive in corner of the speedway with 100km an hour, or faster, and other cars slow down. But maintenance can be costly.

[@romulusachim9781]

R53 THE BEST

[@equaliser2265]

Shooting up in price now, especialy with milage 60k or under.

[@dadcars]

Well done chaps 👏

[@CarSoul]

Thank you sir!

[@briancornish5857]

2005 Black Cooper S JCW ❤👍

[@keiranspence1648]

I bought a 2006 MCS Checkmate Edition last week. H/K, manual, pano roof, chrono pack, and 79k miles. CA car so no rust!

[@billcunningham8485]

Okay - agree to disagree. I would argue do not buy the highest Spec Mini R53. I have owned three high spec Minis and currently own a lower option 2006 Cooper S and I like it better. The sunroof… after 15 year they tend to leak and that water runs down the A pillar and takes out the expensive electronics housed in the kick plates. I own a slicktop due in part to this issue. The Harmon Kardon radio? Want to upgrade to a Bluetooth enabled music streaming or phone calls - you have to jump through a few hoops to get it all to work correctly. My R53 with a simple Alpine? Upgraded to a Kenwood which was under $100 US… now the wiring harness to get the steering wheel radio / phone call buttons to work seamlessly… another $120. I have read the Harmon Kardon swap will cost 2X that. If you buy an R53 DO NOT wait until 100,000 miles to service the Supercharger. Service it at 50 or 60,000 miles. Why? After the engine itself the supercharger is the second highest priced item to replace on the car. Service it frequently and it will cost you hundreds - wait and it will cost you thousands. Change the engine oil every 3,000 and check the level weekly top up as needed. Do NOT go off the service reminder within the car… BMW wants to sell you a new Mini DO NOT wait until 15,000 miles to change the oil. I serviced mine at 42,000 miles. Also serviced the gear box, changed the lower control arm bushings (installed poly bushings), the ball joints and the struts. Went ahead and upgraded the brakes and swapped in stainless steel braided lines. Why? Because the car was 14 years old when I bought it and it gives me peace of mind to know everything is fully sorted. The brake fluid was likely original… why not change and upgrade the rubber brake lines when I have to bleed the brake system anyway. The Mini R53 is a wonderful car. A blast to drive and will indeed put a smile on your face each time you drive it. Just know it isn’t a Honda that can be neglected. A Mini needs care and attention to keep it in good nick.

[@NikoMoraKamu]

thanks , i'm looking for one and i had the doubt about if the extras worth it

[@markyb3575]

Agreed, particularly on the sunroof. Not only prone to leaking, but puts about 65lbs of extra weight right where you want it least (well, next to in the wheels).

[@lsear2905]

I love my double-sunroof, you just have to clean out the rain channels and you'll be fine. You talk about maintenance but seem to have neglected this 5 minute job. The Harmon Kardon isn't just about the headunit, it also gives you a car full of better speakers, so when you do upgrade/update your headunit the extra cost is offset by the fact that you don't have to upgrade your speakers, too.

[@billcunningham8485]

@@lsear2905 it is nit simply about cleaning out the tracks or drain tube. The drain tunes can and do get dry, brittle and will detach themselves from the sunroof frame allowing water to simply drain into the interior of the car. The natural route with gravity and surface tension of water is to find its way down the A pillars past the dash and into the two kick plates on each side of the car which is exactly where Mini routed the wiring. I have owned four Mini R53’s. Two with sunroofs two Slicktop. The Slicktop R53 model handle just that much better with the lower center of gravity given there isn’t the added sunroof weight above your head. You love it… that is great. I have experienced both and have witnessed the expensive and frustrating damage water does the Mini R53 from compromised sunroof drains. I will keep my slicktop.

[@estudioburguener]

Excelente .... en busca de uno de estos "iconicos" .... sobrealimentados..... saludos Pablo Argentina SUSCRIPTO

[@christurner5725]

R53 JCW one of the best cars they ever made. Terrifically enjoyable but terrifically prone to breaking lol

[@equaliser2265]

No its not , just the Automatic.

[@honestreviewer3283]

Agree with all, but they're very reliable if you maintain them properly!

[@mandismith89]

1 of the best cars ever made is not one that is prone to breaking...donut

[@timsutherland4033]

@@mandismith89sensible cars aren’t iconic you twat

[@trentonhryndej8205]

My 06 jcw is getting delivered today! I'm so excited!

[@chamberlin1]

S was rumoured to stand for Sport (not Supercharged), but it really was just a meaningless moniker to differentiate from the standard models....

[@pauljeffries]

The S in cooper s does not stand for supercharger........who told you that?........also, the classic minis were fitted with 1275 engines from 1992 onwards.

[@markevans2280]

James, your one sexy dude, love the dark hair & beard 🥰

[@God-Almighty]

My 2002 cooper s for sale , only 57000 miles ! Stunning im electric blue. Only 3500£ msg if interested.