R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

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  #426  
Old 03-06-2017, 03:31 AM
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Originally Posted by ChiR52
Hi MC40 Peeps!

I'm looking for an R53 without a sunroof. I wouldn't be surprised if there are more MC40s than the other sunroof deletes put together. Any a few questions about the MC40. Sorry if these are answered elsewhere but my searches didn't find answers.

Is the MC40 part of the facelift 1st gens? It has three spoke steering wheel, what else?

Related to question 1. How is the rustproofing on MC40s? My R53 will be my winter car here in Chicago so this is important. was told by a Mini tech that the '05-'06 and some of the '04s have better rustproofing.

Is the MC40 part of the facelift 1st gens? It has three spoke steering wheel, what else?

What features/packages do the MC40s lack? I get that they were trying to make a stripped down sports version. At the same time, it was also a premium cost. No automated HVAC, what else is missing?

thanks in advance!
2004 was a bit of a pre-facelift adjustment year. It did not get the facelift (new bumpers, grill, demons, tail lights) but did have some improvements that IMHO make it more desirable of a year than 2002-2003. My 2004 MC40 has been a reliability dream but looking back and knowing that I know now, I MAY have purchased a 2005 S. I always tell people they are looking for R53s that 05-06 are the sweet spot and 04 should be a second best. Avoid 02-03 and auto.

When it comes to what the MC40 lacked in equipment?

No roof
no cruise
no heated seats
no steering wheel controls
no upgraded sound system
no automatic transmission
no dark headliner
no auto dim mirrors
no bluetooth
no auto ac
no aux port
thst is all I can think of at the moment. There are not all bad things not to have. And I love my MC.

feel free to email me if you want to discuss more. I'm not very active on here anymore.

email is my username at aol dot com (used for junk then I will respond from real email.

✌🏼
 

Last edited by Newdl; 03-06-2017 at 03:39 AM.
  #427  
Old 03-06-2017, 12:20 PM
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The only thing they lack for your needs is an LSD and heated seats. However the driving lights, front and rear fog lights and xenon headlight said are great for winter driving. I use my car all year round and have had I think for over 10 years. Much of the things missing(cruise control, heated seats ) can be retrofitted, ecs tuning can post related to those items.

The mc40 is not a facelift, however that only mattered 10 years ago. There's no benefit these days of having an 05-06 vs an 02-04. If it's part of your search criteria, 100% of 02 and 03 cooper S models are manual so that gives you more variety. There are some variances to the 05-06 models but at this age the cars will all need the same work unless meticulously cared for.

The rustproofing is is very good imo, although I have seen lots of rusted out minis around the lower doors and rear tail lights, and rear hatch handle.just depends on how well the prior owner or owners cared for them. You would be putting your best foot forward to find one from an owner that's had it a long time and preferably garage kept, there are tons of these still out there.

The mc40 is mainly an appearance package, the leather seats and 2 piece wheels are the largest ticket items. Outside of the seats everything else can be purchased if you wanted to recreate the look of one. Good luck on your search.
 
  #428  
Old 03-06-2017, 03:30 PM
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Mine is a abnormality, lol. I have cruise and radio controls on the steering wheel. Also I have the JCW full engine and aero kit with 18 inch R95 wheels. As far as I have researched on my car, it was loaded up at a dealer in Kansas when it arrived from the factory. Supposedly it sat in the showroom a long time because the price was much higher than a regular Mini and without a sunroof and all the other options mentioned earlier.

There are some signatures on the intercooler cover, but I can't figure out whose signatures they are.










An MC40 with cruise and radio controls. Rare!
 
  #429  
Old 03-06-2017, 05:24 PM
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Cruise and radio controls factory option or retrofit?
 
  #430  
Old 03-06-2017, 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by ChiR52
Cruise and radio controls factory option or retrofit?
I didn't buy it new. Not sure if the cruise and radio was installed upon delivery at the dealer. But I'm glad I have it
 
  #431  
Old 03-09-2017, 05:58 AM
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Yea, must have been retrofitted. 65710395006

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...71#65710395006

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/65710395006/
 
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  #432  
Old 03-09-2017, 06:02 AM
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Bernard Barbour -
"Best life" Glen ... something, I would call the dealership out there and see what they might know.
 
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  #433  
Old 03-09-2017, 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Cone Assassin
The only thing they lack for your needs is an LSD and heated seats. However the driving lights, front and rear fog lights and xenon headlight said are great for winter driving. I use my car all year round and have had I think for over 10 years. Much of the things missing(cruise control, heated seats ) can be retrofitted, ecs tuning can post related to those items.

The mc40 is not a facelift, however that only mattered 10 years ago. There's no benefit these days of having an 05-06 vs an 02-04. If it's part of your search criteria, 100% of 02 and 03 cooper S models are manual so that gives you more variety. There are some variances to the 05-06 models but at this age the cars will all need the same work unless meticulously cared for.

The rustproofing is is very good imo, although I have seen lots of rusted out minis around the lower doors and rear tail lights, and rear hatch handle.just depends on how well the prior owner or owners cared for them. You would be putting your best foot forward to find one from an owner that's had it a long time and preferably garage kept, there are tons of these still out there.

The mc40 is mainly an appearance package, the leather seats and 2 piece wheels are the largest ticket items. Outside of the seats everything else can be purchased if you wanted to recreate the look of one. Good luck on your search.

Cruise control posted above and heated seats are here: 61110145996

ttps://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/electrical/252414-r52-retrofit-bluetooth-heated-seats-powerfold-mirrors-aux-gauges.html

Also if you want warmer or cooler seats.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...seat-burn.html


 
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  #434  
Old 03-09-2017, 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted by ECSTuning
Bernard Barbour -
"Best life" Glen ... something, I would call the dealership out there and see what they might know.

Wow, thanks so much. I have been trying to decipher this for months. I'll call them and post up what info I find.
 
  #435  
Old 03-10-2017, 05:04 AM
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Welcome, you need to contact someone who has been on the dealership for a long time. Otherwise they might not know anything about it. Some MINI dealership still have the same people from 2002 era.
 
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  #436  
Old 04-10-2017, 05:56 AM
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And the beat goes on! Update on the Mini. Since purchasing this car in November of 2016 I've performed a lot of work, took a few road trips and am really enjoying the ride.

Did the spark plugs the other days and found oil on the plugs coming from bad o ring seals, guess I will do that when I change the valve cover gasket. Also want to do the fuel filter, brake fluid flush too. Otherwise, I've put about 7,000 miles on the car and have been happy with the Mini. Oh, I had a new windshield installed and it's cracked again! Have a great day MC40 Club.










 
  #437  
Old 04-19-2017, 09:14 AM
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Just wanted to give my MC40 guys a heads up we have some R90 wheels on Clearance with free shipping. 17" and 16".

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-only-ecs.html





 
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  #438  
Old 04-26-2017, 08:57 AM
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Car looks great next to the C-130, ( I use to jump out of them).


The supply of MC40 parts are starting to get harder to find.


Keep them on the road!


Motor On!
 
  #439  
Old 04-26-2017, 09:43 AM
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Yes, they are pretty much most gone.
 
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  #440  
Old 05-01-2017, 11:14 AM
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I did my part for reliving ECS with a lot of what they had... <smiley face>


Motor On!
 
  #441  
Old 05-03-2017, 08:20 AM
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Saw a couple on craigslist one in Tampa and the other somewhere in the Midwest in poor condition. There is one in CO that is in good condition for $7k
 
  #442  
Old 05-03-2017, 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by JABowders
Car looks great next to the C-130, ( I use to jump out of them).


The supply of MC40 parts are starting to get harder to find.


Keep them on the road!


Motor On!
Airborne! Same here and the C-17.
 
  #443  
Old 05-08-2017, 06:55 AM
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Originally Posted by JABowders
I did my part for reliving ECS with a lot of what they had... <smiley face>


Motor On!
Yep, get it before its gone. Sad thing is the JCW cover over the fuel rail for the R50/R52 Cooper JCW kits just went NLA. :(
 
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  #444  
Old 05-12-2017, 07:18 AM
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MC40 Model

To add a bit to the presentation of Monte at British Car Shows, I mounted a model of the car on a piece of PVC board. It always created interest.

My search to find an exact model lead to Europe, were there were a couple available. They crossed the pond and found their way to Florida. The mounted one was included in the sale of my MC40. Have another one and thought I would offer it to those on this thread before trying ebay.

The box is in very good shape and the model has never been removed from the mounting. I would like to get $55.






 
  #445  
Old 05-12-2017, 07:49 AM
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Nice find I remember the corgi model. Funny it has BMW 5 lug M parallel BMW E38 7ser wheels. I have seen R90 wheels on the IJ die cast cars.
 
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  #446  
Old 05-18-2017, 10:25 AM
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#22

Hi All,

Just picked up #22 from Circleville OH. First post, first MC40, first mini. So take it easy on me.

The to-do list:
Spark Plugs - Done
Wires - Done
Oil Change
Fuel Pump
Fuel Filter
Spark plug tube seals
Thermostat
General detailing and waxing
New decals/magnets needed (any link to these would be helpful)

Will post pics when I get it presentable.
 
  #447  
Old 05-18-2017, 12:24 PM
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Welcome to the Crew.


I'll send a PM with a link to where you can get the Decals and Magnetic Numbers


Motor On!
 
  #448  
Old 05-19-2017, 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by HillbillyChili
Hi All,

Just picked up #22 from Circleville OH. First post, first MC40, first mini. So take it easy on me.

The to-do list:
Spark Plugs - Done
Wires - Done
Oil Change
Fuel Pump
Fuel Filter
Spark plug tube seals
Thermostat
General detailing and waxing
New decals/magnets needed (any link to these would be helpful)

Will post pics when I get it presentable.
Love that creative name.... Hillbilly Chili, lol. Welcome aboard with #22. Once you get it sorted it's a very good reliable car. Mine now has 170,000. I bought it with a little over 160,000 and did about the same things that you are doing and it's been running very good. Please post up some pics even in it's current state, we all get it.

Thanks for keeping #22 on the road. Cheers!
 
  #449  
Old 05-24-2017, 12:48 PM
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UPDATE on #54 JCW ,

I still have her. Had the O2 sensors done, new windshield and power steering serviced under recall items. She runs so well with the 70k 2006 motor. I have only added 6k since April of 2015. Still needs the 5 piece dash replaced, bumper clear coated and Passenger airbag sensor replaced.

If someone is interested, let me know I have tried selling on Craigslist, but nobody understands what the car is all about.



Original magnets. Also have repop decals.



Unused shifter

 
  #450  
Old 05-24-2017, 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by MyMC40
UPDATE on #54 JCW ,

I still have her. Had the O2 sensors done, new windshield and power steering serviced under recall items. She runs so well with the 70k 2006 motor. I have only added 6k since April of 2015. Still needs the 5 piece dash replaced, bumper clear coated and Passenger airbag sensor replaced.

If someone is interested, let me know I have tried selling on Craigslist, but nobody understands what the car is all about.



Original magnets. Also have repop decals.



Unused shifter

What was your asking price on CL?
 


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