1st Gen R52 Cooper Convertible 2005 Cooper S Cabrio issues...

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by TOPLESSMINI, Nov 12, 2015.

  1. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

    Sep 1, 2015
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    My 05 Cooper S has a couple of issues that I am trying to fix and I can't find the source. Maybe this will sound familiar to someone...

    1. Turning the ignition key sometimes does nothing at all. Usually the engine turns over on the second turn. Sometimes the third turn does it. I thought this could be a parking switch issue (I have an Auto) but it doesn't look like that's the problem. I just got the car in July and it started doing this a few weeks ago. Could this be the ignition switch itself that's malfunctioning?

    2. I hear a distinct "knock" when I decelerate before coming to a stop. Same thing happens when I accelerate. I had both lower control arm bushings replaced and the noise is still there. I read on here that this could be the engine mounts that are shot. Is there any way to tell from a visual inspection before I replace them? Should I replace all the mounts or is one more prone to failure than the others?

    3. Since I bought the car used, would it be recommended to reset the ECU? I find the transmission will stick in gear for a long time between shifts and this is killing my fuel economy.

    4. It looks like a tiny bit of power steering fluid is leaking from the reservoir but I can't see any cracks or damage however the two pipes under the tank are coated in fluid and I find it's dripping on the ground. Could swapping the MINI OEM hose clamps for something a bit more secure help or should I replace the tank as well.

    Thanks for your suggestions!

    Cheers,

    MD
     
  2. Canusrufis

    Canusrufis RMW Powered R53
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    Nov 27, 2013
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    1. Check the battery. These cars HATE HATE less than perfect batteries.

    2. The top mount fails on these gen 1 cars at random mileage. Most have gone to vibratechnics mount, or TSW, or continue to "roll the dice" w/ OEM. If there's oil leaking around or found under the frame rail (top mount) its probably bad. Others will need to chime in here. ME - I simply replaced it with vibratechnics mount. Problem solved FOREVER.

    3. not sure. Blimey (Paul) might have opinion here as auto guru. Although thats changed dramatically.

    4. Yes try some worm clamps from any reputable auto store or hardware. The issue here is that these hoses get old and brittle leaking no matter what clamp used. There not too expensive to replace. find them at www.eminiparts.com

    Good luck.

    And welcome to MA.
     
  3. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

    May 29, 2009
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    Welcome to M/A!

    I think there has been a recall on the power steering, so you might check with your local MINI dealer on that.

    I have the automatic trannies on both my '06 MCSes and it probably would not hurt if you got your tranny fluid changed. I did that with MY S and it has made the tranny seem like new again and it has almost 109k of twisty, track and everyday driving. My wife's S was bought used, and I had its tranny fluid changed, too, because I had no idea how much lack of service it had received from previous owners. It, too, seems like a new transmission.
     
  4. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

    Sep 1, 2015
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    Thanks for the tips!

    My car had a LOT of work done by the previous owner. He bought an extended warranty and he used it. MINI dealer replaced the engine, rebuilt the transmission (upgraded some of the components from what I was told). Steering rack was replaced and the roof motors. I have all the receipts to prove it.

    The tranny sometimes shifts hard but if I take it easy on the gas I can control it. However the long shifts just kinda happen on their own. If it looks like it won't shift then I force it with the paddles but knowing the transmission was rebuilt recently, I don't think a fluid change will do much for me.

    I'll look into the power steering hoses. Might be a good time to do that anyways since the car won't be driven much this winter. I'm up in Canada (Ontario) so I have to look into the recall. US recalls don't apply up here until the CDN government approves them so this could take a while.

    Battery is almost new but I will check the connections. You never know...

    I was reading about the solid engine mounts and seems lots of folks complain about vibrations after the switch. This isn't a track car and I'm planning to keep it as stock as I can. I bought it mostly for drives around the country roads around here. It's not a daily driver by any stretch so it won't be driven much. I have a feeling an OEM mount would probably last me a heck of a long time. Then again, it's a MINI so you never know.... :arf:

    Thanks for the advice folks...

    MD
     
  5. minintrigue

    minintrigue Active Member

    Sep 30, 2009
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    I had non OEM engine mounts and hated them. I just expect to replace the OEM mount every year or two since mine is a DD.
     
  6. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    May 4, 2009
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    Which brand non-OEM mounts? There's a big difference between them. Some suck. Others are awesome.

    For the auto shifting issue...
    First step is to find someone who can reset adaptations on the transmission computer. This will require the BMW scan tools. I'm assuming this wasn't done properly after the rebuild. Then system will need to re-adapt to the rebuilt tyranny. That can take hundreds or maybe even a few thousand miles.

    If that doesn't do it, you may have a defective rebuild.
     
  7. minintrigue

    minintrigue Active Member

    Sep 30, 2009
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    I had the TSW, and then the vibra technics. Both were too aggressive for me.
     
  8. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

    Sep 1, 2015
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    Good information

    Thanks for the info re: tranny reprogramming. Transmission was replaced in spring 2013 so you would think it's had the time to do its thing. I will look into finding someone local who may have access to the right tools to reset it. I have no idea how hard the car was driven previously.

    One more thing. This car is equipped with the HK radio and the dealer swapped it out twice. Previous owner says the dealer eventually disconnected the OEM iPod cable and this resolved the problem. I would really like to restore the iPod connection because I don't carry CDs with me anymore (does anyone still do? :)). Actually I'd like to install Bluetooth but I guess this add-on would use the same connection as the iPod. Anyone had to deal with this problem on an HK radio before? Looking for advice before I start diving into the dash.

    Cheers,

    MD
     
  9. Shifter

    Shifter Member
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    Jun 8, 2009
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    Welcome to MA!

    As far as the HK/iPod versus Bluetooth decision goes, don't be hesitant to work in the dash area; it's cramped, but not difficult.

    Long ago I replaced the OEM head unit with a Sony that has a hidden iPod tray, a tad more power and lots more EQ functionality, but no BT. Now, almost all of the new crop of aftermarket head units have BT, so if your music is on your BT phone, just pair 'em up. The Crutchfield site is good to use to learn about available features but there are better prices elsewhere.

    I find the OEM speakers to be better than the average OEM speaker, so I keep them. There's only so much audio quality that can be enjoyed in a convertible!

    Glad to have another cabrio owner on board. Please post a few photos!
     
  10. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Welcome to MA!
     
  11. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

    Sep 1, 2015
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    I would like to stick with the original HK radio as I like the sound. It packs plenty of punch and has more than enough bass for me. I still don't understand how the dealer could swap 2 radios and the only fix they could figure out was to disable the ipod connection. To me this makes no sense...

    If I read the service report correctly, the CD player would stop working when the ipod cable was connected which is why they removed it. I don't care about CDs so I may reconnect it just for laughs but in the long run I'd like to have it all working and then perhaps connect the radio to a Bluetooth adapter. I remember seeing one on Google a while back.

    First on my list is the knocking noise and then the fluid leak.

    Gotta prioritize... :biggrin5:
     

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