Roaring Loud Mini Cooper S! The CAR WIZARD finds the source of the mysterious noise

For something so small, this 2006 Mini Cooper S's engine is screaming. CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ isolotes the sound on this otherwise mint Mini.
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[@CarWizard]

I did not see my side of the headliner sagging. But it is. Probably from heat. Thanks for finding it guys

[@alpine1600s]

It's a common thing, my '03 headliner is doing the same.

[@DUMBERTHANYOUTHINK]

I was wondering that too

[@davidstewart3868]

The headliners all sag on first gen MINIs...they are getting old...glue dries out.

[@sergiobisonte]

was easy today!!! u said 2 times before asking that u gonna do a supercharger service...!!!!

[@Night_Owl2023]

I own a 2003 Mini Cooper they are great to drive and work on, I have worked on my own. Fun oh yes they can be, so much fun.

[@gettinyolked]

I owned an ‘06 Mini Cooper S about five years ago in the same hyper blue metallic this one is in. Similar mods too, 15% reduction pulley, cold air intake, invidia cat back exhaust, blacked out grill swap. Man I miss that car, seeing one this immaculate makes me really want it back. That supercharger whine never gets old.

[@JordaneRichard]

R53 model minis are by far the best Mini BMW has made.

[@SinnerSince1962]

I disagree. Not by a lot, but I've owned both the 05 S and an '11 JCW. The JCW wins hands down. One of the most annoying things about my R53 was the rattly, squeaky interior bits, it drove me insane. Sometimes I just wanted to pull over and rip the interior to shreds.

[@applejunkie83]

I'm a Mini fanatic. Currently on my 5th, a 2020 Clubman JCW. The first gen R series models undoubtedly had their fair share of issues but the newer gen F series models are proving that Mini definitely upped their reliability game. There's a guy on a forum I follow that's currently sitting at 525k miles on an 2014 F series Cooper and still kicking strong.

[@adamculbertson7850]

Car Wizard’s voice is so relaxing to hear. He could describe horrific crime scenes in morbid detail and I would still be calm and relaxed listening to him. Lol

[@k0nstntcs798]

Wizard your candidness is so refreshing. In a world where I feel so utterly lost it brings me sanity to hear someone bring truth plainly.

[@robertcole9661]

My wife has a Mini Cooper that is a 2002 model and it only has 41000 miles on it! It has never broken down and it is also an automatic! Very good little car.

[@polarbear111000]

I bought my daughter a 2008 R56 Mini for her first car at 16 a year ago. $5000 all in, taxes, etc. What a gem of a car. Very peppy even without the super charger. I'd heard bad things about reliability so I opted for the base model. It's been flawless.

[@Dan.Chaytor]

“There’s something wrong with this car, even with such low mileage”. It’s a Beemer. Nuff said 😎

[@Highqman1974]

Actually this one is a Rover design with a Chrysler Tritec engine....

[@machtschnell7452]

And a Beemer is a motorcycle, while a Bimmer is a car.

[@hatebreed79]

Matt Bowles I believe the supercharger was built by Eaton

[@JordaneRichard]

@@Highqman1974 yep, you can buy Eaton supercharger fluid at Chevrolet dealers. R53 mini takes the same supercharger fluid as chevys.

[@aygwm]

I think only the third gen and newer minis were actually BMW built

[@carlitosantiago4893]

It’s missing the factory under shroud. Missing a couple of screws that hold the shroud. This is a John Cooper Works. It already has a smaller SC pulley already. The 15% reduction was a common mod on these year cars. I have a 2002 MCS with 42k on it. It has the 15% SC pulley and stainless exhaust manifold and all all the way back. The Borla is not stock. Exhaust mods were very common. The driving lights are an option from the factory. This is a great example of almost pristine MINI R53.

[@BrownsFaninIowa]

True, this one has the JCW air box (which is a little surprising to see, given how pricey they are compared to aftermarket options) but it is lacking the numbered JCW plaque on the valve cover and the silver JCW intercooler air diverter. Since neither are present it means it does not have the full JCW engine upgrade. Given the JCW air box, the aftermarket Borla exhaust, and the aftermarket strut bar it wouldn't be a surprise at all if this one already had a reduction pulley. And yes, this is one sweet well-optioned slicktop R53. I'd love to own it.

[@F56JCW]

I’d be dubious of this being a JCW. It’s lacking the rocker cover badge, intercooler cover and rear badge, and Id doubt the JCW exhaust would have been replaced with an arguably worse flowing Borla system, but you never know. those things could have all been removed. The colour of the injectors would likely determine it

[@igorsolovyanchik8955]

Pristine example of a money pit.

[@deadprivacy]

@@igorsolovyanchik8955 minis... beelzebubs creation,

[@boilerhousegarage]

It's not a John Cooper Works. It's just a Cooper S (still a great car) with an airbox and exhaust upgrade.

[@thomasrocker7408]

I own a 2009 Mini Cooper S JCW with 69k on the odometer. Never had an issue with this car. Absolutely love mine.

[@RedLP5000S]

I'm gonna be getting a 2006 Cooper with a manual soon. Glad to see the Wizard gives his approval of this car. 👍🏻

[@geoben1810]

Thanks Mr.and Mrs. Wizard. You guys make a great audio/ visual team. Wizard for your play by play diagnosis and inspection critiques and Mrs Wizard, you're video camera work and posing follow up questions of the Wiz is top notch interaction between him and the audience. Thanks again for the information and entertainment.👍🏻

[@Brad5161]

I've owned my 2002 R53 S model for 16 years. Pretty reliable and the upkeep and mods are very affordable. Did the 15% pulley, my favorite mod.

[@WmAHughes]

Fitted with the chrono dash pack! Really rare here in the UK. It basically moves the Speedo to the steering column

[@Mike-cd7bj]

I despise the centre mounted Speedo we usually see here, the chrono pack definitely makes it 10x more desirable in my eyes

[@joey69d]

Really rare everywhere

[@samgiray7384]

Also has a sunroof delete from factory, I bet it has the factory limited slip differential too. My dream combo. Has the JCW upgrades too ofcourse. What I would do to find a combo like that.

[@drdanphd]

I have a full set of chrono pack for sale

[@moab67]

I had an 04 Cooper S. This video has me longing for it. The cool thing about this one is the optional gauge cluster in the factory speedo location. It was pretty rare to see that setup.

[@alpine1600s]

No thanks. I'm glad mine came with the standard speedo.

[@joey69d]

Chrono package is the jam

[@CJ-ht2fd]

This is a pretty rare spec of MINI Cooper S. The stripes were part of the sport package and were factory installed. The driving lights were a dealer option for $500. Those optional upgraded seats were a $1700 option. Personally, I have driven 2006 MINIs over 230k and averaged $1300 a year on maintenance/repairs/tires.

[@MissionForward3]

I have a 2004 R53 Mini Cooper S with 26016. It does have one very, very small dent that requires effort to notice and some curb rash on two wheels but otherwise beautiful. The interior is perfect. Two-tone leather seats blue and gray. It's absolutely brilliant to drive. As for service, I would recommend taking a Mini to a Mini dealership shop. They should know your car better than anyone else. Guys like the Wizard are few and far between.

[@tm5346]

I’m so happy to see & hear a good mechanic that doesn’t give horrible review about minis I worry about mine bc of mechanic reviews I love the car it’s definitely a fun car I have not had many troubles with it yet 🤞! 2013 mini

[@BrotherMud]

Finally a mini! Thank you Wizard for this video. I do all of my maintenance on mine. Always trying to learn more so I can take on bigger projects as it ages. Your content is both helpful and amazing!

[@jakewerner6689]

The ‘06 MINIs are probably the most reliable ones that they made. Most of the original problems were fixed and the timing chain problems didn’t really exist yet.

[@TheEllis197]

Owning an 06, that’s not saying much 😂.

[@XtiansREviL]

My 05' face-lift is rock solid. Nothing wrong after 18 years.

[@mattlimberg5763]

My Nana had an 08 Mini Cooper S that she got from my uncle about 2 years old with about 14k miles; when we sold it for her 2 years ago as she could no longer drive, it only had 21k miles on it. It was the car I learned to drive manual on, and that I really like the pull of a turbo, especially from BMW. Hated the ride of it, it was on 18s chrome wheel with runflats.

[@mm-hw9ku]

I understand that low mileage being like new . Bought my Miata from an older gentleman. It has 24,000 miles and it’s a 2008. Pre purchase inspections on the lift the undercarriage has never been exposed to rain. All the paint and parts are still shiny. And the headliner is in great shape because it’s a convertible.

[@shaunportlock4924]

That was a very good point, to make about how much it takes to write them off.

[@CaptainFeathersword]

love the rally lights reminiscent of 1967 mini cooper at le mans

[@jkk244]

Uh, I think you mean the Monte Carlo rally, not Le Mans

[@quietwatch]

267,000 miles on my 2005 Cooper S. It's the same here in Virginia with shops not wanting to work on it or getting work done and it ends up being done wrong. I have spent A LOT of money keeping it going but I just can't get rid of it! I get it to the Wichita area a couple times a year. May be I should make an appointment next visit. Needs more work (always).

[@dil6969]

I love driving Minis, but the little experience I've had working on them was not great. Comparatively, I prefer working on Fiat 500s (still a pain in the ass compared to your average car), but somehow it feels like there's way more space to do basic services and maintenance. Plus I think the Fiat 500s fit the original ethos of the old-school minis better. They're still small, fun and affordable. Minis can easily nudge 40K if you spec one how you want it.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

I own three Mini Coopers a 2012 Cooper S, 2013 Paceman S ALL4 and a 2015 Cooper Convertible. Just a blast to drive not boring like almost every other CUV/SUV out there. Never had anything go wrong with any of them yet. I put snow tires on two of them and plow thru Alberta winters with little drama, but you have to be careful or you will be stuck for sure. The All4 Paceman is a beast in the snow with its winter tires....

[@jonnysorto9631]

How is the reliability I heard they aren’t that good but if you have three you would know lol thanks!

[@TheAmazingMrMcFlyy]

Gotta love those 1st gen JCW R50/R53s, especially with JCW touches.. the last remnants of Real John Cooper Mini’s

[@josephbard7429]

Low miles like the 2007 Honda fit sport I bought 2 yrs ago. 32,000 miles and absolutely clean and unbelievable on how good it was being so low mileage. My last Honda was bought with 100,000 + miles and I had I for 8 yrs.

[@johnjamescraven300]

Such a cool car and a nice lot of extras I’ve had two Cooper S on 06 such a fun car

[@pddixon]

I had a Cooper S as a courtesy car for 2 weeks last year. Drove like a go-cart. Loads of fun!

[@andyholdmybeer]

awesome content again wizard . i think a brief test drive would be a nice addition to the repaired mini !

[@evantebay500]

That is a really nice example of an r53 mini. It has the rare r90 wheels, the optional heated seats, the optional navigation system, the optional harmon kardon speaker package. And some JCW parts hidden in there. All that plus it only being a 26k mile car. That is a phenomenal example of what is probably the best generation of the new style minis.

[@dadsaidno]

I thought you didn’t work on BMW’s car wizard? ;)

[@SerbanCMusca-ut8ny]

This is even a bigger POS than the BMWs of that era. I mean 26000 miles & the pulley is toast. smh

[@michaelbradley7529]

@@SerbanCMusca-ut8ny Time can have as big an impact on cars as mileage and nothing is impervious to failure.

[@altergreenhorn]

Aint BMW its Fiat at least engine

[@michaelbradley7529]

@@altergreenhorn The w11 motor in the R53 (02-06) was built and engineered by Chrysler.

[@Zerinsakech]

@@michaelbradley7529 and it's the best part about this car

[@jonesehr5312]

The best generation of the BMW minis ! If it’s overheating related it’s probably the expansion tank or the oil cooler o rings on the oil filter housing. Also on another note , this car has the Cooper Works Airbox , which inputs some of the supercharger noise into the cabin. I would strongly advise changing the Coolant Expansion tank before it cracks 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@alpine1600s]

Actually once you remove the bumper cover and aluminum bumper, everything is accessible. I had the entire subframe off my 03 Cooper in less than an hour, power steering pump had to be swapped.

[@MrManBuzz]

Power Steering pump? You can drop that from underneath without even touching the subframe from what I can remember. For the average mechanic who doesn't have much experience working on them they're a bit esoteric, hence why a lot don't like working on them.

[@alpine1600s]

MrManBuzz it's attached with star bolts. i also had to swap the right and left bushes.

[@alpine1600s]

PM 👌

[@alpine1600s]

MrManBuzz well, as someone who learned to do oil changes on a Peugeot 505, my late 90's Honda's oil filter is harder to get at! 🤣

[@fiestamatic5736]

​@@alpine1600s C'est une unique manière d'apprendre que de travailler sur une 505 ! C'était une très belle voiture, qui a également eu un modeste succès aux Etats-unis :)

[@SinnerSince1962]

The Wizard even dressed in matching attire. How quaint!

[@Big31sky]

I heard there are some shops in your area that when you drive up with a BMW and describe the problem they say aww, hell no! I’m not working on a BMW.

[@Zyo117]

He was saying 'they're not very reliable'...i was just here saying "of course not, it's a BMW"

[@geekyzebra91]

Bmws are hard to work on an you have to have special tools to take most of the stuff off i work in a salvage yard i take them apart all day i would never work on one for anything

[@jorgengabrielsson6660]

😂😂👍🏼

[@300DBenz]

My shop does work on Minis, but typically only oil changes, brakes, and tires. Any “big” problems come up, the owners in my area prefer to take it to the Mini dealership.

[@TheSixfinger1]

That’s true Wizard! Over here in the Uk it’s the same! No garage will touch a clutch! They’ll refer you to a Mini specialist! They’re bad cars for gearbox and clutch failure!

[@mclarenjohnf1]

Wrong I had a Early Cooper the thing is second gear had gone I got a recon box and had it fitted with a new clutch. I was lucky it was the Peugeot engine not the BMW i was told if it had been the BMW they would have told me to scrap it.

[@MrManBuzz]

It's the early Mini One and Cooper 5 speed boxes that are junk. Typical Rover parts. The 6 speed Cooper S gearbox is virtually bulletproof.

[@shaunportlock4924]

@@mclarenjohnf1 so he was right then, nobody wants to touch it.

[@mclarenjohnf1]

@@MrManBuzz I managed to get a 5 Speed Getrag Gearbox, worked like a dream right up until the day the whole car was sold and with everything that was fixed I got my money back and a tiny bit more. I will never buy another one I would rather have the ones I had in the past, MK1 1275 Cooper S, Mini 850, Mini Clubman, and my superb Mini 1275GT, Obviously the Cooper S was better for out and out speed but the 1275 gt was better on country roads.

[@1chish]

@@MrManBuzz Rover had nothing to do with these cars ....

[@mikeo2420]

Hopefully these videos will inspire a whole new generation of Auto Mechanics!

[@F56JCW]

I’ve had my R53 Cooper S for 4 years now and that’s the first example of a stock supercharger pulley going bad, they’re a shrink/friction fit and are a huge pain to remove. I wouldn’t be surprised if this has an Alta or Cravenspeed pulley fitted as they’re in 2 parts and can come loose, hopefully it hasn’t attacked the input shaft and written off the whole supercharger

[@ssc00p]

Yeah, I agree... all the Forge reduction pulleys which I've installed are still intact I believe. One piece design, needs quite a bit heat expansion before install. Done those ~12 pcs.

[@jc3report149]

Love the car wizard I'm a at home mechanic built a few engines and re did a old hot rod but still picked up tricks from the wizard you can tell he knows his stuff

[@dajuanandonly1]

When the Wizard's shirt matches the car he's working on

[@84imreplica]

I bought a 2006 Cooper S new and really enjoyed driving it. We owned it for 3 years and would have kept it longer, but my wife grew tired of driving a car with a manual transmission.

[@woofer2121]

I briefly owned a 2010 cooper s. Unless you have hoovie money I dont recommend them. $1300 fuel pump.

[@chrisdrake7352]

I have 2008 Mini Cooper Sidewalk, owned for the last 6 years, (bought at 48k) it just turned 105k, it has been extremely reliable. The only work it has had other than regular maintenance is a leaky valve cover that was fixed by the dealer when I bought it. I also love interiors, it was the reason I chose this particular version..

[@Zerinsakech]

I just did my fuel pump on my 2003. Literally $100 and I did in 30 minutes. These older ones are easy to replace

[@joey69d]

@@chrisdrake7352 your 2008 convertible sidewalk is supercharged. 2007 was the first year for the turbo motor for everything but the convertible. Turbo convertible was introduced in 2009. That's why.

[@joey69d]

@Taelor Wiles turbo minis have the high pressure fuel pump. You're is not a turbo. That's why it's cheap. Glad I could help.

[@secretguy8673]

$1300 for a fuel pump wow

[@minimanadam]

My 04 S is STUPID LOUD, full bolt ons,tuned, no cat headers with pacesetter exhaust..loud is an understatement

[@fredzton]

Wizard, it would have been awesome if your had showed us the pulley replacement process as well. Felt the video was incomplete without that

[@austo52000]

I just did the supercharger replacement on my 04 Cooper s. It took about 13 hours, but was well worth it! The clutch and rear main seal are next, almost to 100k miles.

[@jkk244]

Bit of trivia: the Focus SVT in the background and the R53 Cooper S featured use the same Getrag 6 speed manual gearbox.

[@SamBao]

Car manufacturers share transmissions like how PC manufacturers share cpu and graphics card

[@pierce324]

And that Getrag is amazing, I have an SVTF myself!

[@TermiCobraKid]

I drove my buddy’s SVTF in high school, probably my favorite MTX of all time along with a 911 or S2000 box

[@SbMini79]

and the noble m600 with the volvo engine. it can handle over 800 bhp aswell.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

The parts on the SVT Focus are not cheap like the newer ST Focuses are.

[@martinius1234321]

Pop some colder plugs (1 stage cooler) in for a 15% pulley, also in a hot environment you want a better intercooler, the standard ones are prone to a lot of heat soak and take an age to cool off. 👍🏻👌🏻

[@GamerNRetro]

I am also an interior snob if you will. It is literally what you interact with when you drive.

[@BigArch6564]

Fantastic detailed vlog. You are clearly a natural with a calming manner. Thanks again for sharing buddy!

[@zapalskic]

I have 180,000 miles on my cooper. Only thing I have ever had done to it was an alternator. I guess I am lucky.

[@alfredvalrie5541]

Christopher Zapalski the alternator is the only thing that hasn’t broken on mine

[@emmasmith8367]

Mines only had the coolant pump go, thanks to a very particular past owner who got lots of work done before it really needed doing 😂

[@oliverdelgado6952]

@@alfredvalrie5541 🤣🤣🤣

[@shanesgettinghandy]

I assume you don't have an R53 or you would have had to deal with the supercharger by now. Mine took a dump on the PTO side at 110k. I put a Sprintex in it, did the work myself, still cost $2500, but it's WAY faster now.

[@ConnorEtch]

2002 mini cooper s. Power steering barely worked, made a high pitch squeek when turned to left, boot wouldn't unlock most of the time (had to actually unlock it using the emergency unlock under the rear seats) over heated quit a bit, rear wheel bearing was loose which was due to sitting for a while my sister had to lend the car and we found that out, that was scary. Probably had many other issues that I didn't find. All in all i think my first car was great. Had to sell it to someone who was willing to fix it up. Now I am in need of a new car but with lockdown and me finding it really hard to find a job atm it's not looking promising.

[@bbearhug]

Hey CW, when you pause to ask people to make their guess you should just ask them to type in their guess below instead. This will help the algorithm because it means more interaction with your page and will drive traffic to your videos.

[@jeffzekas]

The cool mini coopers are the ones they built back in the 60s- Most modern minis are low mileage, because they spend most the time on the back of a tow truck

[@linginfelterh]

Love ya Wizard, but I have to call “Shenanigans” on your diagnosis. “Bad Supercharger Pulley” is not a diagnosis. It’s pressfit to the shaft. If there’s play in there, the Supercharger is toast or the bushings are smoked. Either that or you meant to say “Bad Belt Tensioner”, which is likely the culprit and what is the source of the noise. “Heart” this when the pulley is replaced and nothing changes.

[@Uksus131]

i though that as well , supercharger pulley cant be bad coz its pressfit to shaf , only way to diagnose this problem is take a belt off and spin every pulley by hand 🖐 but sounds more like belt tensioner or worst case scenario bad bearing on supercharger

[@Wheelsanstuff]

I’ve never heard of a supercharger pulley going bad on these, of course everyone puts smaller ones on. Typically it’s just the tensioner pulleys that go bad.

[@ne2i]

Its actually a common problem. Check out ModMini on KZbin. He has a pile of them in his shop.

[@Wheelsanstuff]

ne2i that’s interesting I never read of that one.

[@sharkythesharkdogg9732]

It's not AS common for the front pulley/gears to go out, but the oil reservoir in the front can leak out and that's one way that noise happens. It's even more common for the oil reservoir for the gears at the back of the supercharger (between the supercharger and water pump) to have the oil leak out. IMO, the noise from a failed timing chain tensioner, belt tensioner, or at the front or back of the supercharger can all sound pretty similar, so a stethoscope like the wizard was using is crucial.

[@MrManBuzz]

@@ne2i That pile is from him putting reducer pulleys on customers cars. I've never heard of an OEM supercharger pulley failing. It must be a pretty rare failure.

[@stevo8829]

Very clean r53 super rare to see with out a sun roof i work on them all time with same complaint of other shops turning them away...

[@moiseshdz170]

mini without double sun roof is not a mini

[@adypurdy3791]

Over here in the UK they go for next to nothing second hand ,nothing but trouble and the cost of replacing the clutch etc is expensive for what they are .Pretty much nothing but a throw away car once they start going wrong .

[@stevedickson5853]

I dont see minis going cheap unless it's a fucked one, it's a premium brand, not like Vauxhall or ford or Hyundai ,which people buy as cheap run abouts second hand

[@bruceelliott4822]

A slick top, very nice. Lots of expensive options leather seats, auto climate, JCW intake, driving lights, exhaust, strut bar, HK audio, chrome everywhere, chrono pkg, and hyper blue just like my 06 cabrio.

[@Wheelsanstuff]

I had one of these, tons of mods. They make good power but have many failure points. Give it time that car will leak oil at every seam.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

They leak power steering lines too and they are not well built.

[@DaGhostQc]

As someone who owns a '05 S with 207,000 km... maintain your shit better? I'm not kind with mine and the only mechanical failure I had was the power steering pump, everything else is maintenance and preventive maintenance for stuff like the infamous BMW plastic overflow tank, etc.

[@minimanadam]

Those clear bras are a must..my minis front end is sand blasted pretty much after 200k miles and im on the 3rd windshield too from how it sits,no slope to it really so it takes the blunt force from every rock that hits it

[@tangydiesel1886]

Got to take it easy over the railroad tracks in Newton with a Mini Cooper. Friend of mines family took out the radiator driving over too fast.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

The early ones had horribly stiff suspension. They were great fun, no doubt, on smooth twisty roads however.

[@emmasmith8367]

I have a 07 cooper S and I’m very lucky to have a really amazing local garage that work on it. They saved me when my coolant started vanishing on 5 minute drives.

[@brianlego98gaming]

1st generation minis are the best models ever, I should think of the JCW models, they scream louder than the Cooper S

[@julianh9347]

These are not Minis, they are BMW in disguise, that's why the engines suck.

[@ast5515]

If your definition of good includes reliable and well built, first gens are absolute garbage. Superchargers go bad all the time, oil consumption, interior creaks and rattles, etc. At least it’s not the Prince engine...

[@TheRetr0Miner]

@@julianh9347 Its not a BMW engine...

[@julianh9347]

@@TheRetr0Miner I know, which makes it even worse! The worst of all worlds.

[@SofaKingTouge]

@@julianh9347 it's a dodge neon engine.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Wizard gets a thumbs up 80% of the time. Mrs Wizard cameo gets a thumbs up 100% of time

[@lorenzomacias7338]

I want to see what's going on with the SVT Focus in the background!!!

[@CarWizard]

Locked up engine. Ruined

[@lorenzomacias7338]

@@CarWizard ugh.... someone didn't change their timing belt in time... I drive one and that is the one thing that is always monitored.. that's so unfortunate

[@neilmurphy845]

@@CarWizard that's a pitty those cars are awesome are they like the RS or st but just rebaged for the USA

[@konstantindufnik696]

@@neilmurphy845 actually its the equivalent of the ST, the RS had a turbo and we never got it here

[@neilmurphy845]

@@konstantindufnik696 ow that's cool I really like those old Ford's I think they look better than the new ones

[@mikesshop]

My Son hit a raccoon with my 2004 Mini Cooper S. Damage to front spoiler, bumper cover, radiator support, and A/C condenser. Still love the car.

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

My Sister In Law had one. It was so expensive to fix every time something went wrong, and things went wrong a lot, that she had to get rid of it. I would never own one, or a BMW for that matter. No thanks!

[@deadprivacy]

the newer ones with the bmw centre dash console ? seen loads of em fail. 2k british pounds for essentially a radio, sent many to the scrapper

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

@@deadprivacy My Sister In Law's had the passenger side door lock go bad. It unlocks the other door when you use the key in it. Total to fix it $2300. My brother asked if he could get one from a auto dismantler and put it in himself. They told him no. it hast to be synced with the engine ECU. She traded it it on a Hyundai and never looked back.

[@deadprivacy]

@@romeoalphafoxtrot9517 yep those are the issues and why you dont like working on em,,,,a lot of stuff is propietary and coded on em. i get told off for booking em in for more than brakes and aservice, the gaffer of where i work has been burnt before on em.

[@shatbad2960]

BMW's have an underserved reputation for being costly to run. Just avoid turbo charged engines and M cars!

[@deadprivacy]

@@shatbad2960 thats nonsense, they have that reputation for good reason, mainly the parts costs, there are thousands up on thousands of them in scrapyards the world over, put there because they're worthless when they fail and an absolute shit to work on. the words "not economically viable to repair" personify the modern bmw. same as audis. shite.

[@MaliciousSRT]

I have a fiat 500 abarth I use to daily drive with similar miles in like-new condition that's in climate controlled storage right now, so much fun to drive I had to preserve it and keep it as a toy!

[@Quagmire925]

You should get another one and then you’d have a pair of shoes!

[@MaliciousSRT]

@@Quagmire925 Lol literally, I daily drive a 4runner now and it took longer than usual to get use to driving and parking a normal size vehicle again.

[@areghakobyan3818]

you said the answer of the quiz question before asking... you said before, that the car came for supercharger service))

[@mj_aussie_coaster_travels8310]

Areg Hakobyan plus if it was timing chain there’s no way he would have been revving the snot out of it when it parked on the hoist.

[@husseinadib7666]

It's a MANUAL!!!!!!! Respect 😎

[@ghostwrench2292]

R53 were only available with a manual.

[@kevinbarry71]

Chrysler engine in this car, oddly more reliable than something fromBMW

[@richardhammer187]

BMW / Peugeot, no defense for its total lack of reliability, but it wasn't really a BMW engine.

[@joey69d]

Chrysler/Opel. Beast of a 4 pot.

[@kaneemmison1609]

Absolutely love these when they have the chrono gauges👌🏻👌🏻

[@cigarjefe]

The R53 is the best Mini. I have this same car in an automatic...same color too.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

My girlfriends 2010 R56 Diesel manual (yea, yawn) just clocked 500,000 Km (310,000 mi) and still on the original clutch, pump, injectors, turbo. Blows my mind. A CEL came on at 400,000km and BMW Au had to email Germany to find out what the code meant. Ended up being some service thing. When they asked BMW why this code isn't listed they said no one ever expected anyone to actually go that far. 🤣 We're thinking it might just be the highest mileage R56 on the planet now.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Wizard it's the "Black Ice" air freshener under the seat...

[@jonmccarty3116]

Love Mini Coopers. Good to see The Wizard is no car snob!

[@toddrobertson1398]

I know they aren’t reliable but god I love driving mine..lol just the most fun you can have on 4 wheels

[@Stackali]

i can think of 100 cars that are more fun. and I've driven a 1st gen mini 100mph on the highway. was pretty fun. but not as fun as at least 100 other cars. if not more.

[@steelspoon123]

@@Stackali try driving it on a windy road then come back to us 🏎️

[@jacobt1027]

Miata

[@therealpeterburke]

when you do the supercharger service, also replace dip stick o-ring and crank position sensor o-ring, as both are usually toast after 30k miles and you got your standard Mini Cooper oil leaks. going into front end service mode makes both parts easily accessible, especially when you do a full SC oil service (take off the SC). Replace the belt tensioner (cheap insurance) while you're in there and to round off a 14-year old Mini service, replace the engine top left mount, as it leaks black goo out by about 30-40k miles. Oh, and check the crank pulley rubber parts for cracks - another weak spot that can cause expensive problems down the road. I wonder of the fan resistor on that car still works, given the low miles.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

My 2010 Yaris has almost 160k miles and have done nothing to the drive train, even the iridium plugs are original.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Yeah, and you drive one of the worst vehicles known to man as far as looks and fun-to-drive factor. Try comparing apples to apples. Driving a Yaris is like eating pablum instead of a steak & crab dinner at a nice restaurant.

[@2kcars507]

And yet, still nobody cares about your toyota.

[@jarhead9690]

The only people I know that has ever had a Mini Cooper are of the LBGT community. So that may tell you something about the people talking about your Toyota.

[@machtschnell7452]

But it is still a Yaris. Park by the curb on trash day and it will be recycled.

[@nakoma5]

Don't listen to the haters, I think the Yaris is cute and they're just jealous of your happy ownership experience.

[@JohanBrand_vanillaj]

I have a 2011 Cooper S with the about the same low mileage. Been very reliable apart from a recent bad timing chain on about 45 000km. Hoping not to have allot of age related issues in the future.

[@ghostwrench2292]

LOL! I would certainly hope a car with 25,000 miles/45,000km has been reliable. That's practically brand new!

[@timothycoyne5874]

I always liked the Mini Clubman, before they started making it a 4-door hatch.

[@BA-gn3qb]

BMW = Bust My Wallet. Even Ohio State University got rid of their John Cooper years ago.

[@pablostark1665]

Excellent wor, as always and thanks.

[@stuartstuart866]

Really neat car. Too bad about their reputation regarding reliability

[@nicknamecharlston]

Nobody cares when u see the prices of spareparts. Until u realize that in order to do ANYTHING, EVERYTHING has to come of/out first. Its a tight package.

[@jimmygrant3212]

They’re not that bad. They have their faults and they’re all at least 14 years old now.

[@alpine1600s]

The reliability is fine. My firend's Charger stranded him before my MINI did. If you're basing that off a magazine like Consumer Reoprts, they're scale and criteria is total Bs.

[@mistersomaru]

@@alpine1600s there are always outliers

[@alpine1600s]

Niclas Lundberg no it doesn't . As a person who owns and works on a 2003 MINI, the only thing that "has to come off is the bumper cover and the aluminum bumper. And then you have access to everything.

[@stephencahill1840]

spot on Wizard and Mrs Wizard love the content of your videos

[@CaptainFeathersword]

Hey Wizard you know that you can just nonchalantly kick nonchalantly those pads under the car and lift er up...you're being way too careful :)

[@andrewdomenitz2970]

I have a 2006 MCSa (6 speed automatic made by Aisen} and I could tell a few things that go wrong. All in all I am pretty happy. I bought mine new and loaded except for the JCW package and the aero kit.

[@KninskaKapija]

Looks like headliner need fix?

[@lindenblvd25]

Not this version but my mini cooper s clubman at 60k the timing belt guides will fail mine failed before that, replaced oil pump and water pump. the infamous timing ticking noise when it starts. Still was a nice car to drive

[@bmwloco]

I know the reason. Too many freaking BMW emblems on it. My wife absolutely HATES her Mini Cooper S Countryman All 4. She has never before "lost a clutch". Clutch $3000. Now the AC has gone out with no reason to believe it will be fixed , though $1200 compressor to start? Nope. She would love to throw a match on it, but will trade it in the winter.

[@BRED510]

Not watched the vid all the way through, but our old 06 Mini Cooper S used to eat Dual Mass Flywheels. Car was 3yrs old with 30k on, and was on Flywheel nr 3. After a few months it would start chattering again.

[@JamesWoodTN]

Let's do a walk-around of the riding lawn mower sitting in the background. Thanks for the Mini viewing.

[@thegearknob7161]

I had one for a bit. Briefly lived somewhere with crap parking so borrowed one for a few months. Great fun. It had a full stainless exhaust on it and had every option ticked. It was for sale, If I hadn't have found a Jag distract myself with, I'd have bought it. The biggest problem was the heater matrix. They have small passages and it had blocked up. Replacing the matrix requires attaching stupidly designed pipe connectors and its basically impossible to do when you are upside down in the footwell. I blame BMW since Rover aren't here to defend themselves, and they never did that on their other cars that I know of. Oh, and the clutch is too heavy. Its not nice to drive in traffic. The car ended up being sold to a friend though, so I still see it. The heater still hasn't been fixed yet, just bypassed with a hose for now.

[@ericstoddard9866]

"I don't find them hard to work on," says the guy that tore a lambo apart and flawlessly put it back together.

[@Zerinsakech]

He's right though. I learned on this kind of cooper. It inspires good habits in maintenance and repair

[@MrManBuzz]

Fair point, but these cars are not that difficult to work on. I own one and I've done big jobs on the car by myself, and I'm far from a mechanic.

[@bryanhampton6135]

I wouldnt exactly go with flawless...he cut a hole into the carbon fibre tub.. reminds me of the people that cut access holes in there trunks to do fuel pumps on 3rd gen camaros?

[@MrManBuzz]

@@bryanhampton6135 To be fair to the wizard, that was under the orders of Tyler. It was either cut the hole or add another few grand onto the bill to take the engine out again.

[@bryanhampton6135]

MrManBuzz im aware.

[@houseofno]

I consider MINI Coopers to be a mechanics IQ test. If you can fix a modern MINI, you can fix anything. If you can't, please find another line of work and leave room for competent mechanics to fill the need.

[@sleepyvtek9]

I like the Mini Coopers and was tempted on getting one but the reliablity and maintenance on it is ugh..

[@NaNa-wj8tw]

No they aren’t. Don’t listen to that rubbish. Get a cared for car with sensible mileage and they get very few issues at all. If you buy some race tuned crap or high mileage abused shed then what do you seriously expect from a 1600cc?

[@Highqman1974]

Thats VERY dependant on the version. First gen R53s (2002-06) are great cars

[@nakoma5]

I see Minis with blown engines under 100K miles on the market not uncommonly and working on them will make you cry. Even the oil filter is barely accessible behind the engine next to the exhaust manifold. You made a wise choice. If you really want one, lease a new one.