What is the digital gauge cluster and why does it matter? Let’s dissect.įor years MINI had planned to introduce a digital gauge later in the life-cycle of the F56. The MINI digital gauge cluster will debut with the all electric Cooper SE before being available on all MINI production from March 2020 onward. Best you stump up the difference and go for the proper size.The biggest revision to the interior of a MINI since 2014 is launching in just a few months. Some opt for 205/40/17s for more choice and lower prices, but the shorter sidewall will make the ride worse and give a bigger wheel arch gap. Just to give a heads up, you’ll be paying more than you perhaps might expect when it’s tyre change time given the unusual recommended tyre size. There’s a little more life in the centre point of the steering and a decent increase in traction in all weather conditions. We’re currently evaluating a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4s, which have made a noticeable difference to the handling compared to the Nexen N Fera front/Bridgestone Potenza rear combination fitted previously. You may be best of being lead by price - they’re priced similarly but are discounted by major retailers from time to time. As for which is the best, that’s not easy to say - according to Tyre Reviews, they’re very close indeed. The Continental Premium Contact 6, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 can all be purchased in the Mini’s 205/45/17 recommended size.
The R53 being on 17-inch rather than 18-inch wheels precludes ‘Ultra Ultra High Performance’ (UUHP) options like the Continental Sport Contact 6 and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, but thankfully, the premium tyre makers each has a ‘UHP’ tyre suitable for the car. Upgrading your only contact point with the road, particularly if you’re coming from budget or lower mid-range boots, can make a huge difference to the way a car drives.
If a car you’re going to see claims to have a full-service history, pay particular attention to the work done at 100,000 miles if it’s exceeded that figure.Īs with any car, if you’re only changing one thing, make sure it’s the tyres. Flushing and renewing the coolant (along with the thermostat) is always a good thing, and going the whole hog means it’ll be easier to change the water pump (another potential failure point) since it’s attached to the supercharger.īecause it’s a pig of a job which is going to eat up either a lot of money or a lot of the owner’s time, it’s commonly skipped in favour of a more basic service. Syringe kits are available to allow for a supercharger oil change without taking the front of the car apart, but it is worth being thorough and doing it ‘properly’ if you have the time and inclination. Many owners choose to replace the standard plastic expansion tank (prone to cracking) with a stronger metal part, and while you’re at it, you may wish to change the coil packs and any suspect-looking radiator hoses.
While you’re at it, you’ll also need to change the engine oil, switch out the sparkplugs and swap the auxiliary belt for a new one. Gaining access is only possible by taking off the front bumper and the radiator, which garages will charge about five hours of labour for. It’s sometimes referred to as the ‘supercharger service’ as one key part of the big list of jobs is changing the supercharger oil.
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Here’s a third job that requires a full face removal. Finally, you’re much less likely to encounter electrical issues - electric window regulators and central locking solenoids, for instance, are known to be weak points on earlier R53s. The facelift interior is better built and looks a lot nicer thanks to the three-spoke steering wheel (have two-spoke wheels ever looked good?) and a reshaped dashboard. It was also fitted as standard to the Checkmate limited-edition. Plus, facelift cars potentially put their power down more effectively depending on spec a limited-slip differential was added to the options list and bundled with the Chilli Pack from 2005 onwards. On the engine front, the supercharger was upgraded to a stronger unit with Teflon-coated blades, while the ECU and exhaust were tweaked yielding a 7bhp power boost along with an increase in pops and bangs from the tailpipes.
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Outwardly, they might look damn near identical, but the list of changes under the skin is extensive. You’re better off upping the budget to at least £2000 and aiming for an 04 plate-onwards facelift R53 Mini. Tempting though an early, bargain-basement Cooper might look (particularly with prices starting at just over £1000), these are best avoided. Before you even embark upon your hunt, it’s worth thinking carefully about what R53s you go to see.
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