Cooper S reliability?

[TheMo]

Well I'm thinking of maybe getting a mini, not this very moment but in the not too long future.

So I just wanted to know hows the reliability? Does it still run good with mileage over 100 000km.. and what about the supercharger etc.

Will be looking for one prob a 2002 model, because do not want to spend too much buying the car.

Any info will be appreciated :=):

Thanks Guys :thumbs:

 

[BMW M]

Mo,

Id say check service history like with any car. I know of a few guys who had gearbox issues, both the auto and the manual, and not just on the Cooper 'S'. other than that they are great.

I have a friend in Balito, hers is a 2004 and in January it only had 38000km on the clock. Told her if she ever wants to sell, I'll take it.

 

[msm]

There was an update on the supercharged versions around 2004/5. Apparently quite a few little things were fixed, including some of the annoying rattles. There was a small increase in power too. If your budget can stretch, try one of those models instead.

I'm sure one of the forums members can provide a bit more detail on the updates.

 

[BlueBeastie]

+1

Rather try and find an upgraded model. I've also heard that the pre-upgrade cars also had problems with electric windows failing.

The upgrades included a new gearbox too if I'm not mistaken.

 

[StK]

I would suggest if you go for one then replace the thermostat housing for an uprated one.The ones standard ones are notorious for cracking and leaking...

 

[wickey]

+1

Rather try and find an upgraded model. I've also heard that the pre-upgrade cars also had problems with electric windows failing.

The upgrades included a new gearbox too if I'm not mistaken.

+2 The later models had all the niggly faults fixed and a 6speed gbox i think the pre- 05 models had a 5 speed box. But that said if the car in question at the time you really looking for one has been taken care of and has a service history intact then it might be ok.

 

[SER1ES ZA]

My wife has a 03' Cooper S with 107 000km on the clock [One owner from day 1]. It has never ever given her a day of trouble and still going strong. True BMW reliability. Took out the CAT and replaced the standard air-filter with a K&N, exhaust note is much nicer now! And it gives my 130i a run for it's money in the lower rev range!

 

[Willy]

I have a 2004 Cooper S, 140 000 KM on the clock, no problems what so ever.

The update came in late 2004, think september or october as said above it's got more power and some other things like rear lights that changed, interior updates.

in 2003 they changed the gearbox to the 6 speed and also changed the gear linkage as the 02-03 models had a bit of an issue with it.

So no problems, I haven't even had a thermostat issue and my car gets used like it was designs to.

Point being, they are all good, the post october 2004 ones are just a bit better.

 

[Dean ///M]

If R53 go for it bullet proof try from 2006 onwards. If R56 Turbo crap no go I can give u my Vin number & u can see what I mean. Handles better than most BM'w though..,.