2006 MINI Cooper S

Purchased from original owner with only 68,000kms and no winter driving. Amazingly clean slate to start my next adventure.

Stock Specs:

  • 2006 MINI Cooper S
  • 1.6L Supercharged
  • 6 Speed Manual
  • Chili Red, with matching roof
  • Xenon Headlights
  • Heated Leather Seats
  • 17″ R97 Wheels – summers
  • 16″ R103 Wheels – winters

Cosmetic / Convenience Modifications Planned:

  • 15% Tint w/ brow – DONE
  • JCW style grill – DONE
  • Stubby Antenna – DONE
  • Interior chrome delete – DONE
  • Craven Speed dipstick – DONE
  • Autometer Boost gauge – DONE
  • OEM Aero Kit – DONE

Performance Modifications Planned:

  • Craven Speed Strut defenders – DONE
  • Milltek Cat back Exhaust – non resonated – DONE
  • DDM intake with silicone hose – DONE
  • Hotchkis Competition Rear Sway Bar – DONE
  • Craven Speed 17% SC Reduction Pulley – DONE
  • 1-1.5″ lowering springs. – TBD
  • Lower control Arms (rear) – TBD

Stereo System:

  • Kenwood 709s Headunit – DONE
  • Alpine ilx-w650 – DONE
  • Sirius Satellite Radio – DONE
  • Steering wheel integration – DONE
  • JL Audio HD900/5 Amplifier – DONE
  • JL Audio C3-650 Components up front – DONE
  • Backup camera – DONE
  • JL 12W3 Sub-woofer – DONE
  • JL HD Bass knob – DONE
  • Custom built sub box – DONE

Dream/Long term Plans:

  • Limited Slip Differential
  • Milltek header
  • Larger intercooler
  • JCW Front/rear bumpers
  • Nicer wheels for summer – DONE

Vehicle History:

  • April 30, 2021 – Deposit made.
  • May 15, 2021 – Paid in full and picked up the car. 68,220km
  • May 17, 2021 – Registered and officially on the road!
  • May 26, 2021 – Tinted window 15% all around including visor.
  • May 27. 2021 – Installed JCW style front grill.
  • June 19, 2021 – installed Milltek catback exhaust
  • June 23, 2021 – installed grey dash rings
  • June 27, 2021 – mounted boost gauge and ran plumbing to engine bay and roughed in wiring
  • June 29, 2021 – installed DDM Works air intake.
  • July 11, 2021 – completed plumbing for boost gauge. All done but lighting.
  • July 25, 2021 – installed Hotchkis competition rear sway bar
  • July 30, 2021 – 17% pulley, plugs and belt installed @71,000
  • September 23, 2021 – Bought set of used 16″ wheels with fresh winter tires
  • October 23, 2021 – Started stereo install. Bluetooth mic and SXM antenna installed.
  • July 22, 2022 – Had help from Mike to build brackets to hold new headunit
  • October 8, 2022 – Picked up OEM Aero skirts!
  • February 5-6, 2023 – Finished headunit wiring and installation.
  • February 7, 2023 – Finished backup camera install
  • February 18, 2023 – Removed Alpine HU and sold it. Did not like
  • February 22, 2023 – Purchased Kenwood HU
  • March 3, 2023 – Finished headunit. Kenwood DMX709s. Finally happy with choice
  • March 31, 2023 – Built and installed sub box
  • April 14-28, 2023 – Aero skirts painted
  • July 1, 2023 – picked up some 17″ wheels and new stickier tires
  • September 2023 – Finished bass knob install. Stereo COMPLETE
  • March 2024 – Sold MINI w/123,900km 10k$

Repair History:

  • June 8, 2021 – had minor dings removed by Stevie Rays Paintless Dent Repair
  • June 14, 2021 – first R53Life Issue. P0326 – knock sensor.
  • June 17, 2021 – MINI was inspected at Wildcard. Great process, highly recommend to any MINI owner or buyer. With the exception of some very minor issues to keep an eye on, the car came out with very good marks. Cleared knock code (P0326), so far so good. Keeping the replacement parts in case it returns.
  • June 21, 2021 – oil change @ Smouts. 70,000km
  • November 25, 2021 – oil change @ Smouts 80,000km
  • May 25, 2022 – oil change @ Smouts 90,000km + tightened power lead on starter
  • October 11, 2022 – oil change @ Smouts 100,000km. Rear pads changed
  • March 10, 2023 – oil change @ Smouts 110,000km.
  • August 2, 2023 – oil change @ Smouts 120,000km
  • January 4, 2024 – replaced antenna mast 122,000km
  • March 5, 2024 – rear rotors, wiper blades, safety inspection @Smouts 123,900km