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← Mini Cooper · 2001-2006 · R50/R53

Mini Cooper R50/R53

Headline trim: Cooper S R53 1.6 SC — 168 bhp, 0-60 in 7.2s.

Mini Cooper R50/R53 press photo
Verdict
B
BHP
168 bhp
0–60
7.2 s
Top speed
135 mph
MPG
32.0 mpg
Used
£1,200-£8,500

Strengths

  • Supercharger whine
  • First BMW-era Mini
  • Hydraulic steering still

Weaknesses

  • Cabin small even by Mini standards
  • Power steering pump failure
  • Rust

Notable tech

  • BMW R50/R53 platform (Brazilian Tritec engine)
  • Three-door only
  • Cooper R50, Cooper S R53 with Eaton supercharger
  • Five-speed manual, six-speed Getrag on S
  • One, Cooper, Cooper S, JCW R53 (separate page)

Common issues

  • Power steering pump
  • Supercharger oil neglect
  • Tailgate rust
  • Clutch slave cylinder

Engine derivatives

UK trims and engines offered across R50/R53's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.

Pick two engines to compare
One 1.6
BHP90
Torque140 Nm
0–6011.5 s
Top111 mph
MPG40 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT / CVT
Cooper 1.6
BHP115
Torque149 Nm
0–609.2 s
Top124 mph
MPG40 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT / CVT
Cooper S 1.6 SC
BHP168
Torque220 Nm
0–607.2 s
Top135 mph
MPG32 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox6MT
One D 1.4 diesel
BHP88
Torque180 Nm
0–6012.0 s
Top108 mph
MPG57 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT