Test drove a MCS 2003 - couple of issues?

[cobra94563]

I'm looking for a mini S and test drove an '03 with 57k miles. The owner bought it from a dealer about 3 months ago, so it seemed to be in good shape. Drove well. Throttle response seemed to lag, maybe the supercharger?

Couple issues - 1) brake or ABS light was on. 2) starting in 1st gear, the clutch or trans would squeal for about 1 second pretty regular. ??
Could anyone comment on what worst case, that might be?
I know it probably needs to be looked at, but I wonder if anyone experienced something similar. Thanks in advance.

[tenfifteen]

I'd keep looking. Throttle lag is pretty typical. Known issue...

Not sure what the brake/ABS light looks like. If you're talking about the one that looks like a cross section of a tire:

http://goontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/tire-pressure-warning.png

That's the tire-pressure warning. It can be reset with a switch under the e-brake. It just indicates that the tire has lost pressure rapidly at some point. Make sure they hold air, and reset.

The final issue is more troubling... that noise generally indicates a bad flywheel, which was a problem point in the '02-'04 R53s. Now, you can always get a lightweight flywheel and uprated clutch, but the labor on that is going to kill you. Still... fun mod. I had that and LSD on my '02 and it was a hoot. In fact, I had mine done because it was making the squeal, and my dealer identified the flywheel as the trouble point, covered labor under warranty, and installed my aftermarket flywheel/clutch free. My wife's '04 was making the same noise (and a little rattle) when we got rid of it a couple of months ago. Again, just a big trouble point for the first three years of BMW MINIs.

If you're looking for a trouble-free car, I'd keep moving.

[bimmerE36freak]

stay away from 03' minis and mini s's. do some research and you will read about all the problems with them. better to get an 04'

[Xymox]

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

[w00ht]

Look out for oiling problems and check the dip stick because there is no idiot light indicating low oil. I am currently swapping a motor due to a faulty PCV system in a modified 05 MCS with a little over 35,000 miles on the clock.

Conversely A close friend has a 02 MCS with over 80,000 miles and has had 0 major problems.

[MINIMorgan]

Lag?? no no no..... there is zero lag on an MCS unless you have problems or a leak. Its Supercharged! The only time is for the air in the inlet to compress which is tiny and not like a turbo which takes time to spool.

I do agree that after July 2004 all the facelift models are better and have a better gearbox. Jan 2005 with the Chilli pack you should have an LSD too :)