Are these models in “s” series a better buy than the later R56 with known Timing Belt issues.? What known problems emerge in the R53 versions after 100k kilometres?
I’m looking at buying a Mini Cooper S 2004 model for my daughter with 85,000km on clock I have read some good and bad reviews this will be her first car are these a good car? Are they expensive to service? Does this model have many issues?
A pretty risky gamble buying a 2004 model with 85K on the clock. In my opinion, it's not worth the gamble and would be akin to throwing away good money after a bad investment. These cars are expensive to maintain and the older they get the more expensive the maintenance, due to the number of issues that increase as they get older. Again, this is just my opinion...
For a first car I would look at a Honda Jazz, they are cheap, hellishly reliable and a great car. My wife has had one for 5 years and it has not had one single problem. Mini's of that era are unreliable at best and were frought with problems.
Is it good for first time drivers?
It would be perfect. Ticks all the boxes... cheap to run, great handling, good safety record etc
European car for a first car, nope. Expensive insurance due to expensive parts and repair costs, go asian for your first car, Suzuki Swift, Honda Jazz, Mazda 3 etc.
Anyone can help ?? I had a 2010 R55 Clubman S recently the car had Lightning System fault most of the light (head light, indicators, room lights even the windows not working) anyone can tell me how to repair this??
Suggest you get your service agent to check the bolt holding the electrical harness in place underneath the car...I had to replace my harness at great expense and when they reinstalled the new one, the bolt was left loose and threw up an endless array of electrical faults for two years before they finally resolved the problem with a wrench (even got locked out for awhile). Repairers came up with an endless list of phantom electrical faults to replace in the interim but it was just the harness bouncing around shorting everything out. MM
Did you check the fuses & relays ? If these are not the issue take it to a non BMW mini spesialust - BMW quoted me $4000 to replace the stereo. The non BMW specialist charged me $1400
Brand new mini, less than 12 months old, first service and am told the rear brakes need replacing. Under 13000kms and a cost of $500? Seems outrageous that brakes would last 15000kms and I would think the fronts would have worn more? Something faulty?Anyone have any similar experiences ?
I had a Mini for 4 years. the brakes do wear quickly. if you want to avoid excessive cost don't take it to a Mini dealer or BMW - Find a good reputable mechanic. I never took my mini to BMW - my mechanic did a great job looking after its servicing. BMW quoted me 3 times the price. - they tyres also wear quickly.
Had my Mini for 8 years (110,000kms) and changed brake pads three times to the best of my recollection. Have you been driving with the park brake on? Doesn't sound right in any event.
Apparently it's the cruise control. To slow you down going down hills, the car applies the rear brakes. Same thing happened with my car..
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