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View Full Version : high mileage an issue?


bav 325i
04-26-2012, 02:12 PM
looking at several 2003 mini cooperS, is 100k miles an issue??
the prices are around 8k from dealers.
Partsman109
04-26-2012, 02:29 PM
Not as long as all the common(high dollar) stuff has been done already...control arm bushings, ps pump and fan, flywheel, and a water pump drive service.
Also make sure it has the FACTORY spark plugs in it...NGK BKR6EQUP are the stock ones, or BKR7EQUP if it has a smaller(aftermarket) pulley on the supercharger.

If all that checks out, then you should be good. Mine has close to 140k and no issues.
bav 325i
04-26-2012, 02:42 PM
k thanks.

anything else to look for that would be a red flag?
Partsman109
04-26-2012, 02:53 PM
Check for the expansion tank leaking at the seam, and make sure the radiator fan works. Just turn on the AC and if there are no issues in that system the fan should turn right on.
If the AC is not working, then you will have to let it idle for a while to see if turns on, the factory setting for the fan to come on is 220*.
bav 325i
04-26-2012, 02:54 PM
k
bav 325i
04-27-2012, 05:06 PM
would u advise against one thats has been modified?
KeysCoupe
04-30-2012, 09:21 PM
I prefer the early ('03) S model as it has a bit taughter suspension that was softened up by '04 and later. The previously mentioned items are spot-on for required maintenance.
One other big-ticket maintenance item, usually done with the waterpump drive, is an overhaul of the supercharger.
Due to age more than miles, the seals in the S/C wear and the S/C sucks the oil from the reservoirs at each end, and if one (or both) goes dry, then the rotors end up eating each other. That can be big $$ to repair/replace.
You can add oil to the S/C front reservoir with minimal effort, but the waterpump end is impossible to lube without pulling the S/C and waterpump out. This is also the end with the gear reduction to drive the waterpump. Guess which one was dry on my '03 car with 82,000 miles?
Also, be sure to change the belt tensioner assembly and idler pulley along with the drive belt.
The early S cars ('02-'03) maybe later, had radiator fan issues with the low-speed resistor. The low-speed fan should be on any time the A/C is on if things are working correctly.
-Donny