That'll do it. Good first start. 
The VVT (variable valve timing). If the solenoid is on its way out, that will affect other comments like your timing chain/gear. And with the high mileage, who knows how long it's been doing that and wearing on the system. 
Fuel filter and pump might be one to check as well.
Domino effect.

Well the coils and the sparkplugs were in oil. cleaned that up and did new seals (well my buddy did it, I'm out of town) He said it's running better, but not perfect yet. At least it stays idling and doesn't die now. He said it might needs a VVTI sensor, whatever that is.

"I guess I could VTECH swap it........ "

Now, THERE's a plan!

They are fun. Free is good too. I had a '02 Cooper'S'. Good times. Love the supercharged version 1st-Gen's though. Not a turbo fan. The labour and/or parts on these will get annoyingly costly. And with yours being so high mileage, it's good to have a plan B.
The Vtec swap is a good plan B. I have that swap in the works in my '89 Mini.
Or you can do what this guy did: https://www.motortrend.com/features/2003-mini-cooper-s-small-block-chevy-swap/
Make sure the speakers are turned right up when playing the video. There are a wack of others out there as well. 

Markiss, I'm not having bad luck, in fact I think it's pretty good luck. The car was free. I traded a free truck for it. I used the motor and tranny from the truck in another car, so even If I don't fix it, it's still a profitable deal. The car is so clean, I think I could sell it even with the problem still there. I do think it's something simple, and not anything big though. I have a code reader, so I'll look into it more at the end of the week. I would like to get it running right and enjoy it a little though. I guess I could VTECH swap it........

Being that it's a BMW product, it's not going to be cheap to mess with. Hopefully something easy as an O2 sensor, vacuum leak, faulty idle control valve, etc. If you know someone that has a code reader, plug it in and see what comes up to do a self diagnosis. Best of luck with it. Hope your luck improves

Ok, great. I haven't messed with it yet, other than starting it. It starts right up, but doesn't idle. Once you rev it up it sounds good. Oh, and it's a 6 speed, that makes me happy. Thanks for the replies. Going out of town for a few days, so I won't mess with it until the end of the week.

If you don't find your answer here, try these forums:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/

https://www.mini2.com/forums/

A classic guy too, but here's my stab at the problem:
- Faulty throttle position sensor (if it has one)
- vacuum line air leaks.

So I'm a Classic Mini guy, that being said, I kind of inherited a 2009 MINI Clubman. 200,000 miles. Pretty nice car though. It starts and runs, it's a 6 speed non Cooper "S". It won't idle, you have to keep pressing the gas pedal to keep it running. I know this is mostly a Classic site, but does anyone have any suggestions on good sites to go to so I can fix it? Or, does anyone have any suggestions on what it could be? Thanks, Dean