1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: New Guy Here!

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  1. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #7 Newbie6, Apr 7, 2015
    So what are some things I should know about these cars, I know with my Audi their is a lot of maintenance and things to look for so how about these little guys?
     
  2. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #8 Newbie6, Apr 7, 2015
    Mainly where do you guys buy your parts and stuff, brand of oil you guys use, things that tend to go out a lot?
     
  3. Savvy

    Savvy Well-Known Member
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    #9 Savvy, Apr 7, 2015
    Dealer, amazon, and helix for parts. Mobil1 for oil... Mahle filters off of amazon. Belt tensioners, lower control arm bushings, power steering lines and fans, low speed fan resistor... spend some time searching through the 1st Gen section of the forum.
     
  4. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #11 Dave.0, Apr 7, 2015
    Welcome to M\A the FUN MINI site.
     
  5. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #12 MCS02, Apr 7, 2015
    Welcome to MA!
     
  6. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    #13 mrntd, Apr 8, 2015
    Welcome Aboard!

    Castrol GTX for oil. Mod parts, Outmotoring, Way, Detroit Tune, Helix or I make my own.
     
  7. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #14 Newbie6, Apr 8, 2015
    Now when you upgrade the supercharger pulley when do you have to get it tuned, I'm guessing every time you drop a pulley size, have a boosted mustang and had to re tune every time I dropped the pulley
     
  8. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    #15 fridayxiii, Apr 9, 2015
    Savvy's spot on here. I've had all the above done in the past year on my '06. She'll be a full 10 years old in November, so it just comes time.

    As to your question about retunes for a reduced pulley...I went from stock to a 15% reduction, and then to a 17%, but didn't tune the car (it has been tuned since adding a cam, header, and bigger fuel injectors). Just make sure you get the proper size belt and colder spark plugs when you go with a smaller pulley. After the install just reset the ECU, and away you go...
     
  9. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #16 Newbie6, Apr 9, 2015
    Well I was in a website that has a 19% pulley, new belt and colder plugs for like $200 so I was just wondering if I went that route if I would have to re tune?
     
  10. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #18 Newbie6, Apr 9, 2015
    So what does everyone recommend then? Also where is some places to get tuned from and how much is it for a tuner and tune or do they make hand held tuners to do it yourself?
     
  11. Red Bull

    Red Bull Active Member

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    #21 Red Bull, Apr 9, 2015
    Welcome! 15% or 17% depending on track use and octane available in your area. We only have 91 around here. :(
     
  12. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #22 Newbie6, Apr 9, 2015
    Ok that's pretty good info I don't baby my cars at all. I didn't really want mod this car too much since I have a modded mustang and Audi S4 this is just supposed to be a fun car that's saves gas LOL
     
  13. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #23 MCS02, Apr 9, 2015
    I have a 17% I recommend a 15%. I leave in the south and the 17% makes a lot of heat. Now if you want to use meth, well not you the car, then you get a much lower heat delta.
     
  14. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #28 Newbie6, Apr 9, 2015

    15% seems to be what everyone is saying so far....and I'll look into this Jan tune as well
     
  15. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    #29 fridayxiii, Apr 10, 2015
    Just to help fill in the blanks, Jan is the man behind RMW. He does GREAT work with first gen MINIs, and also tunes race cars. (You can find him on Facebook under Revolution Motor Works). If you visit his website, don't panic :wink: but do register & get in on the forums -- tons of very honest, straight-forward info there from guys who know their shizzle & pull no punches.

    Jan does remote tunes, and is usually at the Dragon (MOTD), does tunes there too. Unless you're near SoCal, the best thing is to get in on a tune party where you can dyno the car & get a custom tune. Well worth the time, effort, and money. :Thumbsup:
     
  16. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #35 Newbie6, Apr 15, 2015

    Oh alright I was just driving the Audi yesterday and it's just two different cars all together wasn't sure if something was wrong with my car or something?
     
  17. TheModFather

    TheModFather Well-Known Member

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    #36 TheModFather, Apr 15, 2015
    I haven't yet driven an S4 to give a good comparison... But if your R53's PS hoses aren't leaking, the tank is filled, and there are no abnormal noises, chances are you are good... Or you could try and have the PS replaced under last year's recall. ;) (Not sure how the recall works, but plenty of people here do.)
     
  18. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    #38 R53Junkie, Apr 15, 2015
    I let my mom drive it yesterday. Chatted a little on the drive, then she parked it, got out and said "Does it have power steering?"
    I love that heavy steering though. :D
     
  19. Newbie6

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    #39 Newbie6, Apr 16, 2015

    Ha ha that's funny well at least I wasn't the only one thinking it LOL [emoji28][emoji23]
     
  20. Newbie6

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    #40 Newbie6, Apr 16, 2015
    Ok so another question, my fan didn't turn off right away when I turned the engine off, it was on for like 10 mins so is that normal or is a relay switch going bad?
     
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