BMW Mini

[mrscalex]

Having brought a couple of Z3s back from the dead and a 3rd one on the way I've promised my daughter I'll look into buying and doing up an early BMW Mini for her.

It will be a write-off or with knackered engine.

Has anyone worked on these cars and can give me some general guidance? Are all the external panels and the slam panel bolt on like a Z3? Does the engine go in and out easily enough like a Z3?

What is availability and cost of parts like compared to a Z3?

Thanks!

 

[5harp3y]

Parts are cheap and plentiful as they made so many. loads of breakers etc on eBay and they have a good following so enthusiast parts avialable too.
Early ones use the worlds worst gearbox (Midland) and should be avoided, 2004 onwards they swictched to Getrag and were better. my Mum's 2001 MINI has had a new box already at 75,000 miles
Steering racks can be a problem

they are massively spec dependent and came with very little unless optioned at the factory with one of the packs (Salt, Pepper, Chili packs)

saying all of that, i think they look ace (and before they got masive and lumpy) and my mum loves hers

 

[GazHyde]

I can only comment on the R56 diesel powered Cooper (2007), which I had for over 4 years and needed nothing other than servicing. The only fault on it was a rubber seal on the turbo hoses. Cost £20 and took me 10 minutes to change over.

Build quality was superb, no squeaks or rattles and was a fun car to drive/own.

It was the 1.6 PSA engine and was a little agricultural, but would easily give 55+ mpg without trying. If I ever buy myself another daily, I'd be hard pushed to find something I'd rather have again.

 

[t-tony]

Early Minis various "faults " include rear brakes prone to callipers sticking and generally poor. Exhausts including rear mounting regular repair. Front lower suspension arm rear bushes fail and are a pig to change, if you are removing the motor do them then. Electric "power" steering often very noisy and as Tim said prone to rack failing.
I like the clamshell bonnet on the early ones as it gives good access from the top, like a Z3. Personally I wouldn't give one garage space, I'd much rather have a Fiat 500.

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

Thanks all. And what about those external panels/slam panel such that they may be on a Mini? Are they bolt on or welded? Just trying to assess practicalities of repairing a bent one.

Don't see any point arguing with a 17 year old girl about her wanting a Mini. Pick your fights you can win etc

 

[t-tony]

Pick your fights you can win etc

Fair point, you have to live there.

Tony.

 

[Dino D]

As it's a hatch I'd imagine only the bonnet, doors, sills and front wings are bolt on, the rear quarters are probably connected to the roof and welded like most cars.
Unless you talking about a convertible?

 

[Althulas]

I'm sure the wings are welded on, avoid early super charged ones especially if noisey. The super charger has a sprocket that drives the water pump. This sits in a bath of oil to lubricate and in BMW wisdom they said it was a non service item like our gear boxes and you can guess what happens if the oil runs dry.

 

[mrscalex]

All good info. Thanks everyone.

 

[madleemark]

i have an r53 cooper s, a convertible, i have just replaced the timing chain, one of the plastic guides snapped, it sounded awful, but easy enough to change, i bought a kit to do it, both the s and my daughters regular cooper have had steering pump failures and they both use engine oil, about 800/1000 miles a litre maybe. i did have a newer mini a 2009, got it new, had a head on crash in it, not my fault, a mondeo swerved onto our side of the road, impact speed 70mph, mrs, daughter and myself all hurt but survived, killed the mini but ive allways had a good respect for the strength and build of the mini to have saved us from such an impact. there good fun to drive and they do have something about them