Mini (2000-2006)

Despite the same name, the modern Mini has nothing to do with the famous British car produced from 1959 to 2000. It was created at a time when the brand was already owned by the German concern BMW, which is why many fans of the first Mini refuse to call it a successor that car. The truth is, however, that model continuity has been preserved. The BMW Mini, also known as the "New Mini", began rolling off the production lines in 2001 and immediately gained a cult following, just like its predecessor. Mainly due to the extraordinary beauty of the body, pleasing the eye with its original shapes.

The interior also looks nice, especially the dashboard with three circular indicators - two in front of the driver and one in the central part. But the appearance is one thing, and the quality of workmanship and functionality are another. Mini, regardless of the version, comfortably carries only two people. The rear is cramped, the trunk has symbolic dimensions (150 l). The finish of the passenger compartment is at an average level.

The technical side of the car is as interesting as its appearance. The undercarriage, which drives the car like a string, is especially noteworthy. This is certainly one of the most important advantages of the Mini. You just have to remember about a small ground clearance so as not to damage the chassis or the exhaust system. The petrol engines also make a great impression, with the exception of the weakest. She's a bit lethargic. The fun of driving the Mini is the greater the more powerful engine we have under the hood. Turbodiesels lack vigor and should rather be chosen by calm drivers. Mini sets the bar quite high in terms of operating costs.

You pay a lot for servicing and repairs, especially at an authorized service station. The bills in the garages remind us that we are not dealing with a popular, cheap car. That's why it's a good idea to make friends with an unauthorized workshop that knows Mini. Then we can save some money.

When launched in 2001, the Mini engine range consisted of only two petrol engines. Both had a capacity of 1.6 liters and power of 90 or 115 hp. The weaker one was installed in the One version, the stronger one in the Cooper version. In 2002, the Cooper S version appeared with a supercharged 1.6 engine with 163 hp. In 2003, a diesel engine came under the bonnet of the Mini for the first time. The One D version received a 1.4 turbodiesel with 75 hp. A year later, the engine power of the Cooper S version increased to 170 hp and in 2005 the most sporty version of the Cooper S John Cooper Works Kit with a 210 hp 1.6 engine was offered.

Also in 2005, the power of the turbodiesel was increased to 90 hp. All petrol engines are a joint Rover and Chrysler design (BMW took over the Mini brand from the Rover Group). The turbodiesel is a Toyota design. The weakest petrol engine is a bit too weak, it is definitely better to reach for the 115-horsepower version. More powerful versions have excellent performance, but we warn against the costs of their operation. High fuel consumption is just one problem, significantly higher maintenance and repair costs are another. Sports varieties are often heavily exploited and after their purchase you have to reckon with high expenses.

Turbodiesels have poor dynamics, but they are economical and low in failure.

The power of the engine in the One version is easily increased only by changes in electronics not only to 115, but even to 125 hp. Tuning workshops offer such a service, advertisements are easy to find on the Internet.

Exploitation

Engines

Mini's petrol tanks don't cause much trouble. If they weaken or choke, it is usually the fault of the electronics of the ignition system (breaks, replacement of high-voltage wires) or a clogged strainer in the fuel tank. It is very important for petrol engines to check the oil level frequently and regularly. Due to leaks in the area of ​​the oil sump, the lubricant is depleted and, if the user does not react, the engine starts to run either at or below the minimum oil level. From here it is a step to serious damage and an expensive visit to the workshop. Turbo diesels are easy to troubleshoot and are considered extremely reliable.

Transmission

Mini is famous for its fast-wearing clutch and fragile pads in the engine mounting points. If these components are not replaced in time, gearbox damage occurs. Particularly susceptible to failure is the Midland Gears gearbox, installed in copies from 2001-2004. From 2004 it was replaced with a more robust Getrag gearbox. This example shows the importance of constant and expert service for the Mini in order to avoid costly repairs. Voices are divided on continuously variable CVT automatic transmissions. Those who were painfully disappointed with them (read: expensive) sincerely advise against them, others praise the use of the "automatic". Practice shows that with constant workshop supervision and maintaining the maintenance activities recommended by the manufacturer, continuously variable transmissions perform well. However, in the event of a failure, you have to reckon with high expenses. Sometimes the repair is even unprofitable. However, if we decide to restore the efficiency of the transmission, let us entrust it to a professional service that will know what they are doing.

Chassis

Mini is sensitive to how you use it. Driving fast on rough roads quickly ruins the suspension. Then you have to take into account the need to replace the bushings and pivot pins and tie rod ends. You could say "chassis standard", which is usually repaired quickly and cheaply. But in Mini it will not be cheap, parts and labor cost a lot. The most serious problem lies in the steering system. This is the power steering pump, or rather its electrical sector. A short circuit occurs in it and the pump starts to run continuously. It doesn't hold up and crashes after a while. Problems with the pump are usually signaled by various sounds that appear when the wheels are turned. Users underestimate them, because this kind of "concert" lasts a long time without any consequences. Eventually the pump stops working and a service visit is required. Fortunately, the car remains steerable, allowing you to reach the mechanic.

Electrical installation

Mini's electrical and electronic circuits are prone to fickle things, not just the power steering pump or the engine stalling and stalling. Users also complain about the unreasonable switching on of the controls on the dashboard and the failure of the window controls in the doors. Xenon headlights, or rather the system responsible for self-levelling, are sensitive to shocks. It is worth mentioning that problems with electronics are often the result of sloppy restoration of installations during accident repairs. The vast majority of Minis on the Polish secondary market have an accident history and hastily made bodywork repairs.

Bodywork

Factory corrosion protection does not raise any objections. Even in the oldest copies, rust is not a problem, at most it is just starting to appear (fastest on the back lane). Unfortunately, most of the minis offered have undergone more or less professional post-accident repairs and corrode precisely in the places of tinsmiths' intervention. Typical Mini body flaws are the notoriously broken trunk lid lock and the jamming mechanism for folding the backrests of the front seats

Important dates

1959 - Premiere of the first Mini

2000 - premiere of "New Mini", 3D hatchback body

2001 – production starts, One and Cooper versions

2002 - Cooper S version

2003 - diesel version (One D)

2004 - Minor model upgrade (new bumpers and headlights, dashboard modifications, new transmission), Cabrio and Cooper S John Cooper Works Kit versions

2006 - premiere of the second generation "New Mini"

Advantages

+ Attractive exterior and interior design

+ excellent chassis

+ dynamic petrol engines

Cons

- cramped interior

- small trunk

- small clearance

- high purchase price

- poor price-to-equipment ratio

- high maintenance costs

Selected technical data:

Approximate prices in PLN thousand

Summary

Mini is perceived as a car that allows its owner to stand out and therefore has to pay dearly for it. The originality of the bodywork is indeed a great advantage of the Mini, but we must not forget that in the case of this brand we also pay for a great chassis and dynamic petrol engines (from 115 hp and above). Mini cannot be compared with typical city cars, because it presents a much higher technical and aesthetic level. Unfortunately, in terms of reliability, it disappoints. In addition to numerous, minor failures, there are also serious ones that cost a lot.