Hello! New member here, just joined so I could put this by you experienced Mini owners.

Getting ready to purchase my first Mini, looking at 2 cars and I was hoping to get some quick advice & opinions from you all.

Car #1: 2007 hatchback, automatic, 68000 miles. N12. Red w/ white accents. Oil changes religiously at 4000 mile intervals since new. Body & interior very good to excellent. Windshield replaced w/ cheap Safelite glass, the lower cowl under the wipers is worn out & damaged (easy & relatively cheap fix, apparently). The auto trans has the option to switch to a pseudo-manual (shifts via paddle switches on the steering wheel and/or slap-shifter - is this a standard feature of the auto trans, or is it a completely different tranny than the regular auto?) This car has been babied by the previous 2 owners. 1st owner was old lady who drove it 2000 miles and decided she was too old to drive. 2nd owner was very conscientious on the maintenance. Very clean under the oil fill cap. No vibration in front wheels when tires are kicked. Most or all service records included. No obvious signs of rust. No signs of the death rattle. Priced @ $5000 US.

Car #2: 2007 hatchback, manual, 104,000 miles. N12. Red w/ Black accents. 1st owner probably followed the 15,000 mile oil change interval for the first oil change, not certain. 2nd owner bought it 7 years ago at 18,000 and has done the oil changes at no more than 6000 mile intervals. Body & interior is just a little cleaner, aside from the original windshield having one large rock chip, and a small crack in the top left corner. Clutch is original and feels good. Also babied by previous owners but not quite as well as car #1. Pretty clean under the oil fill cap. No vibration in front wheels when tires are kicked. Some service records included (2nd owner did his own maintenance, didn't save every receipt but he did save some). No obvious signs of rust. No signs of the death rattle - previous owner has the chain tension checked a few thousand miles ago and they reported no slack on the chain at all. Has the "Mood Lighting" option (really?!?). Priced @ $4500 US.

Both are leather, standard stereo package, dual sunroof, and both test drove GREAT. Will hire a local expert to do a pre-purchase inspection on the one I choose.

It is now 7:30 pm here on 1/25/20, I have to make a decision by morning, so please don't hesitate to reply to this message if you are reading it tonight. I really want your opinion.

I'm leaning towards the automatic due to the lower miles - and at my age, an automatic is easier for a daily driver. But I'm a bit concerned about the longevity of the auto, the manuals seem to be pretty bulletproof, and I'm pretty sure replacing a clutch for the manual will be FAR cheaper than having to replace the automatic. Again, this auto has the option to switch to a pseudo manual via paddle or slap shifters, is this the standard automatic or some 3rd kind of trans available back then?

Opinions?

My thanks to all who answer.

 

By the way, original asking prices:

Car #1: original price was $6500, dropped to $5000

Car #2: original price was $5500, dropped to $4500

Both have been for sale for at least a month - perhaps many months.


My eternal gratitude to any who can help before I commit in the morning. :-)

Note that I live in a VERY remote area, where most solid used cars go for 10 to 25% ABOVE blue book's maximum private party value.

 

OK, lower miles is always a draw but auto or manual? for me manual is the money saver, as you say, auto boxes can be flakey and expensive (depends on maintenance - changed filter and oil?) Even on a manual I would change the box oil at 50K.
Both are at a stage where the timing chain should be done anyway (or at least measure the slack yourself, do not take anyone's word on this as it is a vital component and is a known weak point not just from slack but the plastic guides failing). My N12 chain and guides were done at 50K (measured slack at 69mm but no death rattle so it was out of spec but quiet). Look for oil leaks on the N12, particularly the front crank seal. Cars this age will also need a lot of care, water pump, ancillary belt, thermostat housing, coolant changes and brake fluid changes 2 yearly. Only you can decide.

 

First, thank you for your quick & VERY knowledgeable reply. I knew I signed up on the right forum. ;-)

So -

yes, the auto had a trans flush + filter replacement at 60,000 by a local and very reputable specialist shop, they definitely know their Mini's. When I get a chance to see the full documented history in a day or 2, I'll find out if it had been done previously. (hopefully.)

Great advice on the chain tension check - I plan to have the same trusted local mech show me the play in the chain so I can judge for myself. (But I'm no fool, I'll take his advice too, perhaps above my own. He does this all day, every day, and I have spent about 60 mins driving Minis - which is EXACTLY why I am here right now, and also EXACTLY why I appreciate your input as much as I do.)

Thank you, Scudder44. This is VERY valuable (and TIMELY) information, and EXACTLY why I came here to ask. I will pay my trusted pre-purchase inspectors extra to focus on these EXACT issues.

I REALLY appreciate your taking the time to help and to offer your opinion.

 

You're are doing the right thing by getting a local expert to check it out before purchase.

Like Scudder44 says, the manual transmission would be the better one long term if you can drive manual cars.

 

When I was shopping, I wanted a manual for the fun of it. Found one similar to your #1. Figured i would be in for a new clutch at some point. Called the dealer & they quoted $3K for a clutch replacement. So the manual isn't hands down cheaper.

If you want a MINI for a daily drive, buy a newer one. If you are getting it for a weekend joy ride, one of these will satisfy that itch. At those prices you can financially plan for the expected repairs.

 

A new clutch from a dealer? Why would anyone go to the dealer even for an estimate is beyond me? A decent Valeo complete clutch kit is around $200 max. Fitting costs vary but if you can DIY even better.

 

If you had an automatic, try getting a quote from the dealer and see how much it'll cost. Referring more to the gearbox costs rather than clutch.

 

Once again, my thanks to all of you who took the time to share your opinions and advice.

Ended up choosing the automatic, despite the fact that the replies above had originally convinced me otherwise.

The deciding factor ended up to be the history of the cars. Car #1's previous owner is a mature adult and a person of high integrity, well-known in the community as a straight shooter - and I doubt she ever hammered on it. Car #2's previous owner also seems to be trustworthy and mature for his age, but he's owned the car for 7 years and he can't be a day over 25 - so I have to guess that he drove it pretty hard at some point.

It really was a tough decision, both cars are great & both sellers are good people.

Glad I found this place, I have a better idea of what I'm getting myself into. Thanks everyone!

 

Welcome to NAM, and congratulations on the purchase! Our usual greeting to new members: Post some pics!

Check out the Gen2 FAQs and read the forums - there is an incredible amount of information here.

 

Congrats on your Mini. I have had mine for about a month, a 2015 4 Dr. I absolutely love it. It is so much fun to drive. Happy motoring!

 

Hope that you have a great time with your new MINI. Glad to hear that you're getting a pre-purchase inspection - always a good idea. Welcome to NAM! This forum has helped me out more times than I can say....also, I'm congenitally inclined to think and talk about cars....my MINI is my outlet and NAM is my connection to other souls with the same affliction :-)

 

The car got a clean bill of health from the mechanic. Brought it home yesterday. Very pleased with it so far.

I'd like your opinions on a few things.

1: The car has no center armrest/console. Definitely want to add one. Is there an aftermarket armrest worth buying, or just go OEM?
2. Only came with one key. :-( Didn't take much research to find that the vast majority of aftermarket replacement keys are garbage or difficult to get programmed to work with the ignition. Anyone out there know of a quality key that's worth buying, or just bite the bullet and pay the dealership?
3. Also missing was the owner's manual set. Saw a complete set with the slipcase (used but in good shape) for just over $30. Seem like a good deal to you?
4. What is the best oil to use in a n12?

Thanks! All opinions are welcome and appreciated!

 

you should be able to find an owner's manual in pdf here
https://www.minimania.com/pdfile/2007_MINI_Hardtop.pdf


replacement keys .... good luck anywhere else other than a dealer ..... and there is little way around paying out the nose. This is not unique to MINI. As keys have gotten more sophisticated they also got more $$$$. I just bought a MAZDA and they pushed special insurance coverage for the KEY!

I've used Mobil 1 0w-40 European formula in all my DIY changes since 2002 <Wally World usually has it> .... bigger question is often filter choice and many of us recommend you stick with the MINI ones with MANN a safe second. Others get . . . . iffy .... NOTE: MINI says use FULL SYNTHETIC ... in truth this is probably to support the extended oil change schedule but I'd run other at risk . . . .



Armrest
https://www.outmotoring.com/armrest-...2_armrest.html

or

https://www.outmotoring.com/fliptop-...-for-gen2.html

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply, and for the link to the pdf manual.

As far as the key goes, it's about 200 miles to my closest Mini dealership, and the local BMW dealership can't order Mini parts. I'm just going to go with the Mini Key Hotline option, have them pre program it based on the VIN, and have them mail it to me.

Any first hand (really first elbow) experience with either of the armrests? The first looks like it might be more comfortable, but I saw a deal on the second one and am tempted to grab it before someone else does, plus I like the fact that it is OEM.

As for the oil, your choice is noted. Never heard a single complaint about Mobil 1, it seems to be pretty widely regarded as the best. And I'll definitely stick to the OEM filter, have read that before.

 

frankly ... our roadster is the first MINI with the armrest and I'm not a fan ..... but the car is Mrs daily driver so I can live with for the rare times I drive it.

 

Just ordered that second armrest you displayed above. It is used but in really nice shape, the deal was too good to pass up.

I do understand your predilection for the lack of an armrest, I guess I'm just old & tired and need certain, specific luxuries to be comfortable - and apparently, dual armrests are a must for me. :-)

 

If you have insurance against theft: Make sure your insurer knows that you have only one key (and clarify whether they want to see some sort of evidence for that). I would also want BMW to de-activate any other, potentially still active, key(s) for the car.

Neither of the pictures shown here are of an OEM armrest. Here is what that looks like:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=03_0477

Installation procedure with plenty pictures in a german forum:
https://www.mini2.info/showthread.php?tid=52278

Regarding engine oil: I would get the cheapest (fully) synthetic engine oil I can find which is approved by BMW to meet BMW LL-98 or BMW LL-01 (the two universally applicable engine oil specifications for the N12 engine).

 

Good advice as per reporting to insurance - but this is an older car with relatively low dollar value, so not worth the theft coverage. But I will most certainly see about deactivating any active keys not currently in my possession - thank you for this valuable tip!

Technically, you are absolutely correct on the armrest - but apparently there are 2 different "OEM" armrests - the one you link to is the factory installed armrest, and the 2nd one Capt bj showed above which I bought is the dealership installed (i.e.: afterthought) armrest. Both are manufactured by Mini, as far as I can tell.

Much thanks for the info on BMW's oil specs for the N12. Will definitely keep this in mind.

 

I have serious doubts as to whether it is "mady by MINI" as the shop claims on their website. I have never seen it on any official BMW/Mini parts or accessories list.

Also, how come they do not list the BMW part number(s) for it? They do for the actual MINI armrest they also have on offer:
https://www.outmotoring.com/MINI-Coo...mpartment.html

More disturbingly, a very (!) similar item can be found on aliexpress.com:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3282...chweb201603_53

Edit:
Both of the non-genuine armrests from OutMotoring have the rest area quite far back compared to the OEM armrest. Considering the rather small price difference, I would not not hesitate to get the OEM one: Installation is done in about an hour, with perfect fit and finish, sturdy built quality, no protruding parts taking valuable leg space and (due to the longer armrest area) more comfort.

 

Thank you giorgos for your frank and honest reply. I will most certainly keep your firsthand experience and your well-thought out observations & opinions in mind as I proceed.


On a similar note, another question for the community-at-large:

I plan to do my own oil changes, and I do not want to delay in acquiring OEM filters. (About 1000 miles from next due date.)

I am finding that there are conflicting opinions and experiences with sourcing OEM parts for Minis online, including (and especially) the OEM oil filters - and I live VERY far from my "local" dealer, so that option is off the table.

Who can I REALLY trust to buy genuine OEM oil filters from online, at a somewhat reasonable price?

My thanks to all who can offer any positive guidance - but you can refrain from the negative reports, I've read them - that's why I am asking. ;-)

Thanks!

 

Can get genuine MINI/BMW OEM oil filters from ECS Tuning, Pelican Parts, Outmotoring, Way Motor Works, and several others.
They also sell other brands, so click on the product that says it's the Genuine MINI brand, and make sure you've selected the
Gen 2 (R56, etc.) product. These sites let you shop by your make, model and year MINI to make this easy.

 

Can't say anything about legitimate sources in the US, however, the BMW/MINI part number for the filter element for your N12 egine is:
11427622446

Besides this forum and the wealth of information found here, the following two sites are also very useful for Mini owners (just in case you do not know them yet):

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select
Full BMW parts list (with diagrams, part numbers, etc.) for an actual car, based on the last 7 digits of its VIN.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r56-cooper-hat/
BMW repair manual, technical data, functional descriptions, diagnosis, etc. with pictures and required preliminary work.

 

I am trying to find out what OEM packages this car came with from the factory - and how truthful the sellers were with me on the maintenance history of this car. Does anyone here with ASAP access still run VINs to determine the factory options/packages installed, plus the car's recorded maintenance history?

VIN = WMWMF33597TL77960

Many thanks to all who reply.

 

WOW, this is a GREAT forum!

Thanks to the automatically-generated link to the VIN, I found most of the info I was looking for, within minutes.

Based on the report, I still can't tell whether this was a true base model with no packs, or it came with the "Pepper" pack. Not sure about the dual climate control, chrome line exterior, interior lights pack, "excitement" pack, automatic lights & wipers, or storage compartment packs - as I'm not knowledgeable enough to determine whether these packs exist in my car - but they either might, or probably do.

I can confirm that my car has the exterior chrome trim around the bottom rim of the car's glass line, "mood lighting" option, sport mode, leather steering wheel, tie-downs & boot net in the rear compartment, passenger seat height adjustment, and it *might* have the automatic lights/wipers option, as I am still trying to figure out why my lights are sometimes "always on" and sometimes not - plus I'm still trying to work out the wiper controls which seem to start up on their own at times.

But, at the moment, I feel MUCH better about my purchase.

I still seek opinions on the recorded maintenance history, and specifics about which Mini packs came with this car - if any. Check out the free Carfax report based on my VIN and tell me what you think - a good buy, or not?

(By the way, literally within 2 minutes of buying this car, I read the news of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Affected me in a profound way. Looking for "2", "8", and "24" vinyl decals, or any other in any sizes, to commemorate the moment in time. Any suggestions?)

Again, my thanks to all who offer opinions. :-)