Mini Cooper S (R53) Buyers guide review - Avoid buying a broken R53 project (including JCW)

Hi, I'm an original owner of an R53 GP and can attest to the coolant expansion tank issues (I've replaced 4!). Actually here looking for help/advice on replacing the reverse light switch myself as they have stopped working and I've ruled out fuses and bulbs (my aftermarket reversing camera is not working as well). I cannot find a video or tutorial anywhere on how to get to it, can anyone out there help or point me in the right direction?

Most of all R53 are now broken R53 project cars. No matters what.

Be good to see this video replicated with R56 😊👍🏻

Oil leaks seem to be an ongoing problem:
Sump gasket (twice in 60 000km)
Crankshaft position indicator
Oil/water intercooler
Camshaft cover
All are generally easy to fix but access for the intercooler made it a very difficult job.
Timing chain had to be replaced at 100 000km and was starting to rattle again at 160 000km despite fitting a new tensioner at 150 000km
Oil consumption was about 2 000km per litre after I changed to a 5w40 oil. much worse on the 0w30 oil recommended.
Changing the fuel filter (under the back seat) was one of the more interesting jobs! It took 3 attempts before it was fuel tight.
It was a great car to drive but it never managed to run for more than a couple of months before something else went wrong. As my local Mini spares dealer said, "they are a little delicate"!

I disagree that this car is difficult to work on. If youre a semi-decent mechanic you can do many of these repairs yourself. Once you put the car in "service mode" by removing the front fascia/bumper (which takes minutes), repairs arent too bad at all. The supercharger service is pretty straight forward. There are plenty of helpful videos out there.

2005 S owner here and have done all the major repairs myself save one, my fuel pump/ filter cracked and didn't want a fire hazard in my garage. Here are what I've found to be issues you should look for in addition to what you list;
1 control arm bushings
2TPMS sensors
3 window motor ( esp driver side)
4 valve cover gasket.
They are not that hard to work on but you do need a little R/R DNA and a good set of tools

Sc service is not even a couple hours job for a competent mechanic

Or just buy an MX5

I have a 2002 R53 with 252,000kms. Had a lot of modifications but what a fun car.

I have one and awesome car just wanted to add some other cheap repairs that always show up, gas cap, abs/brake sensors

I have a 06 r53 jcw checkmate and the lsd still optional in my country… (i have it) add it cost 569€ in 2006

The 2005/06 (and 07 for the convertible) are the ones to have. These last two years sorted out the problems that plagued the earlier cars, particularly the weak Midlands transmission that was originally used in the R50 (replaced with a much better Getrag). There are some styling improvements (e.g., the reverse lights were moved into the rear lights, and the gaps in the dash trim over the glove box were eliminated), and overall the fit and finish is just better with the 05/06 cars.

I’ve had conflicting info on supercharger service intervals and have just done mine at 100k, please could you confirm this is correct

Thats quite a nice guide that will hopefully come in handy once i start to watchout for those, thanks!

The R53 mini is grate fun I would definitely buy one again 👍