new supercharger 1 year ago, kinda boy racer car with 4 large fog lamps, carbon fiber bonnet, boot lid and bumper covers. covers are both cracked and chipped on front and back so i think i will have these replaced, can get a pair for $200 on ebay. but it has nice sport wheels with good falkens and also a set of 4 snow tires. thanks for the input. they have an aftermarket alloy coolant overflow tank, owners dad who maintained it told me these were a common failure point with cracked plastic.

Aloha Jimmy Z,

I own a beautiful 2004 MCS from new. A common failure on the 'Gen One' MINIS, (2002-2006), was the power steering pump and fan. They generally went out around 50K miles, so yours has probably already been replaced. The Factory paid for all parts & labor to repair this known defect. They did not replace or include the power steering lines though in the repair, of which there are (3). The lines usually start leaking and need replacement at some point, but it's more of a nusiance than a hazard. The oxygen sensors are also known to go out, (another free Factory repair), but I've never had any problem (at 75K miles). Hope this helps. Our MINI has been an amazing ride right from the start. Welcome and enjoy!                          Mini Estate

Hi Jim,

Nice car good year not much for problems if maintained, one area of concern is the super charger the oil should be changed it can get low if never serviced then the bearings go. If no record of service you might want to do that right away.

Jeff

Hi Jim,

I have an 87 Classic and 2 BINIS....09 & 2012. No real problems to speak of. Both Binis are DD's; the '09 with 115k.

www.northamericanmotoring.com is the largest Bini forum I know of.  GOBS of people there.  Even a few that know something.

Don't have any real knowledge to answer your questions to speak of.

HTH

Mike

looking at a used bini for my daughter, 2004 s, high miles but solid service record and regular mobil 1 oil changes. it is a 6 speed which is good since i know the problems with the automatics, second gear seemed fine to me when i test drove it. any other items in particular with this year i should look for? and i tried to click the new mini site and than forum and it keeps sending me back here? dont they have a forum on that side? thanks