Hello all,
A prospective mini that I am looking to purchase was found with some potential problems. 03 Mini Cooper S with 66,000 miles. Drives and handles well but a compression leak down test discovered that one of the cylinders has a loss of 20%. My mechanic advised that the valves are probably not closing all the way. Being a old-school MB, BMW, Porsche mechanic, he did not have enough adequate info about the new Minis. Question he didnt know is whether or not a valve adjustment procedure is possible on these cars?

Also if anyone can help:
Do these cars have timing belts or chains? If belt, what is schedule maintenance and labor costs are for it? Same with the water pump.

Anyone know what the labor hours needed for a clutch replacement?

Great site- Thanks for all your help in advance!

 

Welcome to NAM.

I'm not sure if valve adjustment is possible judging by this pic...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...96&hg=11&fg=25

The MINI uses a timing chain...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...95&hg=11&fg=25

The water pump is driven off the back of the SC...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...90&hg=11&fg=35

You'll have to call the dealer to get the labor.

 

try cleaning the valves of all deposits and try leak down again.

 

I'd have to say my advice is yes get a MINI. Just don't get this one.

If you already had it then yes try cleaning the deposits off the valves, but since it's not yours take a pass. There are lots of MINI's out there for sale. Keep looking you'll find the right one. You are very smart to have any prospective purchase checked by a mechanic. Money well spent.

 

Thanks everyone. The current owner is a friend and is willing to part with it thousands below the kbb trade-in price so i am considering taking a chance. My mechanic indicates this should not give me any issues for at least until 100k miles at which time I might be looking at doing a valve job. What are your opinions?

 

Now that you've provided more info I'm changing my opinion. Have your mechanic seafoam your engine. That should help with dirty valves. Enjoy your new MINI.

 

As the others have said look for a mini without any known problems and less mileage...there are plenty out there...autotrader.com. kbb.com, or even Ebay (use caution and the escrow feature)...thorough investigation is the key.

The Bentley service manual has also tought me lots about this strange little beast!

I bought my first MC (an 03 with 21k miles on it last march) got tired of the girls in our group goosing me so I sold it and bought a nice 04 MCS with 18k on it and loaded in July....Lots of nice ones at auction too if you know your stuff...I only buy used when all service records are available and both the cars I bought were under warranty and the current 04 still is for 1 1/2 more years
The 04 MCS developed a bad window regulator...2 leds burned out in the HK Head unit....the sunroof developed a squeak (common problems) cost to me was zero, since it was and still is under warranty. Would have cost a bundle save the warranty, especially a $1400 head Unit!

Advice: locate a Mini dealer that seems flexible and easy to work with for warranty work too! Depending on where you are, mention the dealer's name and folks here on NAM probably will either say yea or nay!!!

 

I say do what you want. If the car is cheap enough, then by all means get it.

 

Sounds like the kind of car destined to ruin a good friendship. How come your pal has not fixed it? Or was he unaware it has "problems"?

 

maybe he doesnt have the money and is willing to give it to his friend at a great rate. I dont see it as a major problem. Fix it early to prevent any major screw ups!

 

Don't buy an '02-'03, they have alot of documented problems. Get at least an '04.

C.O.S. I to have an Element

 

I disagree!!! I have an 2002. I have had it from new and I havent had any problems.

 

NOW THAT's a FUNNY Signature Pic from a current MCS/Element owner...

 

You are deffinately one of the rare ones. There are more problematic '02-'03 MINIs out there than there are that have few problems.

 

I disagree with statement re " Not to buy an 03" we have owned our 03 MC
since 03/01/03. It has been a great Car, very reliable & trouble free.

2003 MC. PW/B,CVT,DSC, Premium Pkg, Fog Lamps,After Mkt. Spoiler.

 

Runa few cans of Techron through there with really good gas and re-check the compression - could be carbon buildup on the valve seats and a minor issue. Could also need a valve job (or JCW head...). If you're getting a really great deal, spend the difference on upgrading any components that are questionable - get a better clutch, valve job, etc and you should be fine

...BUT...

only buy the car if it's the car YOU want. Do NOT buy it if you're doing your bud a favor, and end up screwing yourself in the process because you really wanted a blue one and this one's yellow (or something silly like that). Good friendships are worth more than cars.

 

All good advice and thanyou all. I actually purchased it a week ago. I am sorting out the issues right now. I have some follow up questions that will be under a separate thread.

FYI- i did run a can of techron through. I am going to put in a can of seafoam on my next fill up as I hear good things about that.

Thanks again. I has been a thrill to drive so far. Now I know what the hype is around these cars. It is so different from everything I drove before. I previously owned a Porsche 944 Turbo. Although the power is not the same i would say it is definitely fun.