A mini cooper question.

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Gunk

Guru
Location
Oxford
I wouldn't mind a MK2 clubman diesel.

Had ours for 5 years, probably the best out of the 4 R55/R56 Mini’s we’ve owned, great torquey engine and over 50mpg and in hindsight we should have kept it. As its replacement was an absolute nightmare.

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CXRAndy

Guru
Location
Lincs
Just taxed my mini for 6 months

Damn it's pricey £120.

I'll enjoy it for trips whilst weather is good
 

CXRAndy

Guru
Location
Lincs
My daughter has expressed an interest in a BMW mini. So I've done some research and it seems the later F56 build design are far more reliable than earlier R models.

They still suffer with some issues and are GDi engines. If we were to get one it would be a petrol engine. I would fit two PVC catch cans for the turbo and idle inlet return pipes. This would reduce the oil vapour into the inlet, lowering carbon build up and increasing octane levels for slightly better performance
 

Fastpedaller

Über Member
My daughter has expressed an interest in a BMW mini. So I've done some research and it seems the later F56 build design are far more reliable than earlier R models.

They still suffer with some issues and are GDi engines. If we were to get one it would be a petrol engine. I would fit two PVC catch cans for the turbo and idle inlet return pipes. This would reduce the oil vapour into the inlet, lowering carbon build up and increasing octane levels for slightly better performance

I worked on gasoline direct injection research for a major manufacturer over 20 years ago - All competitors' vehicles had severe carbon build up within the inlet valves apart from one, which had an additional fuel injector in the inlet manifold that occasionally functioned to minimise the problem. Fuels have detergents in them designed to clean the inlet valves, and direct injection is straight into the cylinder, thus bypassing the valves. Not a great 'technology leap' - a google search may show it was also used in WW2, testament to its minor 'benefits' which were consequently not used again for over half Century! From my experience, I'd go for something more mainstream.
 

gbb

Squire
Location
Peterborough
Not relevant to OPs specific question (because of the age) but a former colleague brought a Cooper Works for his wife around 2005 iirc.
He was not impressed with the build quality and showed us how the rubber window seals were disintegrating...and the car was only around 6 months yo a year old at that point.
Great fun
Way back in 1973, a pal of mine ( who I'm still in touch with ^_^ ) had a Mini Cooper S. Dropped suspension, spaced wheels & twin Weber carbs.
Went like a s**thouse door in a gale and was a blast to drive - ! :eek:
Sadly it eventually succumbed to rustosis, but great in it's day and many happy memories of trips out with our respective girlfriends of the time. :laugh:

Mid 70s i had a mini countryman, with an 1100 engine and 12 inch wheels (among other bits). It was fast.
A friends sister had a mini saloon fitted with a 1300, no idea if any other mods but it was a classic sleeper look barring the wider 10s she had on. I drove it one day...bloody thing had so much power you couldn't pull away quickly without the front end literally bouncing as it tried to get traction :smile:
 

CXRAndy

Guru
Location
Lincs
Mine 99 Mini isn't quick(1300 SPi), but it goes around bends very well. That's without any suspension setup. Next year I hope to have full adjustable front and rear suspension with 10" wheels to give a more comfy ride
 

Jameshow

Veteran
Not relevant to OPs specific question (because of the age) but a former colleague brought a Cooper Works for his wife around 2005 iirc.
He was not impressed with the build quality and showed us how the rubber window seals were disintegrating...and the car was only around 6 months yo a year old at that point.
Great fun

Mid 70s i had a mini countryman, with an 1100 engine and 12 inch wheels (among other bits). It was fast.
A friends sister had a mini saloon fitted with a 1300, no idea if any other mods but it was a classic sleeper look barring the wider 10s she had on. I drove it one day...bloody thing had so much power you couldn't pull away quickly without the front end literally bouncing as it tried to get traction :smile:

My brother's first car was a slammed mini.... hit a puddle in Chorley wood and aqua planned and into a ditch, his head went through the screen. He was found walking down the middle of the road with blood everywhere!
 

Jameshow

Veteran
What about the Mini 😉

Toast!!

Went on to astra GTE!
 
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