MINI Convertible (2004 – 2008) Review
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MINI Convertible (2004 – 2008) At A Glance
Good looking and highly desirable. Cooper S version is fast.
Horrible chrome plastic covers on roll bars. Rock hard ride on 17-inch wheels. Glass rear windows can shatter.
The Convertible version of the MINI arrived in 2004, some three years after the launch of the hatchback. It was the final piece in the MINI jigsaw and one that proved to be both highly successful and profitable for its maker. Although it looks like a simple roof chop, there are many engineering changes in order to beef up the car's structure enough to maintain the original car's excellent dynamics.
Styling elements that set apart the Convertible are the retro looking external boot hinges and the chrome-look roll-over hoops. Unlike the original new-generation MINI, the Convertible was developed from start to end by BMW and the end result is a car that's roof is a superbly-engineered two-stage arrangement that gives the option to be run in full open-top mode or partially retracted.
The Convertible was powered by the Tritec 1.6-litre engine in naturally-aspirated Cooper form, or Supercharged Cooper S. As it ran alongside both the original new MINI and its replacement, the original Convertible was facelifted to coincide with the newer car's introduction, with a revised range of colours and upgraded interior and equipment levels. Strong image and residuals are a positive, but a relative lack of quality compared with the later Convertible is a downside.
MINI Cooper S Convertible R52 2005 Road Test
Reviews for MINI Convertible (2004 – 2008)'s top 3 rivals
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MINI Convertible (2004 – 2008) handling and engines
- Engines range from One to Cooper
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 27–41 mpg
When I tested a MINI Cooper back in 2002 I reckoned it was the most fun car there was. Not the fastest by a long way. It didnt need to be. The combination of size, grip and handling simply made it hugely enjoyable to drive at any speed it was capable of, even fairly slowly.
The MINI Cooper S convertible is not the same thing at all. Its a lot faster. Its a lot stiffer. And, with the top down, its more like driving a very powerful go-kart.
Some aspects are quite nostalgic. The supercharger whines at about the same pitch as the gearbox did on an original Mini. Its very cute to look at. You sit close to the ground. And on 17 wheels it bangs and crashes almost as badly as my old Mini van with full race suspension and 10 wheels.
Of course, with 163bhp through a six-speed box it gets to 100 faster than my old Mini gasped to 50. The engine has a lovely linear power delivery. No all or nothing like some turbocharged engines. The torque is there for you from very low revs in all gears, making the car easy and pleasant to drive in all conditions, including traffic.
And you can whack it round corners at the same astonishing speeds you used to be able to do in a Mini Cooper 1293S. Except, whereas in the old S you'd be drifting slightly sideways, the new S will grip a lot longer and assuming you dont go completely bonkers theres never any fear of understeering straight on into a ditch, a tree or, worse still, an oncoming car.
It's quite hard work, though. The steering is very high geared and heavy, so you only have to twitch the small, thick-rimmed wheel to make a turn. And it takes a while to get comfortable with the relationship between the controls. Even though the short gearlever changes neatly and precisely, the car would be much better with a DSG transmission and steering wheel button shifters.
I'm not sure what mpg I got, but after a partial re-fill I reckon well over 30mpg, maybe 35mpg partly due to the reasonably long gearing of 24mph/1000rpm in sixth. Instead of just a tiny bonnet, the whole front lifts up like those fibreglass conversions you used to be able to get for original Minis. Everything underneath is easily accessible without scraping your knuckles.
The convertible top works brilliantly, in two stages, and all you have to do is press a button, twice. Up, its very solid indeed with what looks like a roll bar over your head and a solid piece behind the screen, I guess to protect against anything penetrating the canvas. Top lowered, I just caught the last of the summer sunshine. It feels and looks nicest with all the windows down, but on a return trip from the coast my hands went blue, so I dont recommend long-distance topless winter drives.
Don't be deceived by those neat looking rear passenger roll hoops. Up close, theyre cheap and nasty chromed plastic. (Why did they do that?) But you can get a couple of people in the back, which you can't with an MX5.
And that's the MINI convertible's only real rival. The Beetle convertible looks good too, but its an altogether softer, far less sporty conveyance. I guess in some peoples eyes the new Micra CC has enough cuteness to compete against MINI One and plain Cooper convertibles. The 206CC is there too, but again nothing like as sporty and just doesnt have the MINI's cuteness.
But beware rich dads buying these cars for their daughters. Though you get away with Group 6 insurance for the MINI One convertible and Group 9 for the Cooper, the more aggressive Cooper S is an expensive Group 16.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper | 39 mpg | 9.8 s | 174 g/km |
| One | 40 mpg | 11.8 s | 168 g/km |
Real MPG average for the MINI Convertible (2004 – 2008)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
90%
Real MPG
27–41 mpg
MPGs submitted
45
MINI Convertible (2004 – 2008) interior
- Boot space is 120–605 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3635 mm |
| Width | 1688 mm |
| Height | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2467 mm |
Full specifications | |
Access is good, with an excellent driving position, and perfect pedal positioning. Switchgear is an acquired taste, with the toggle switches for items, such as the electric windows a nice styling touch, albeit a bit fiddly.
But they have gone and modernised the original R50's retro dash, so the speedo and rev counter are now on a binnacle half hidden by the steering wheel and the circle in the centre contains the fuel gauge, boost gauge and oil and water temperature gauges. At night, though, the instruments have nice, warm orange glow.
MINI Convertible (2004 – 2008) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3635 mm |
| Width | 1688 mm |
| Height | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2467 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1240–1250 kg |
| Boot Space | 120–605 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | - |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £13,640–£18,000 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | H |
| Official MPG | 38.7–40.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Cooper Convertible | £14,970 | 38.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| Cooper Convertible Auto | £14,970 | - | - |
| One Convertible | £13,640 | 40.4 mpg | 11.8 s |
| One Cooper Sidewalk Convertible | £18,000 | 38.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| One Cooper Sidewalk Convertible Auto | £18,000 | - | - |
| One Sidewalk Convertible | £16,950 | 40.4 mpg | 11.8 s |
Model History
- February 2004
February 2004
The most desired first generation MINI, code name R52. German developed convertible based on MINI One and MINI Cooper in UK from Spring 2004. Launched 2004 Geneva Motor Show. BMW had worked long and hard to get this car right and it looks gorgeous. Vital fashion accessory and the car to be seen in during Summer 2004. Spec includes remote alarm, ISOFIX child seat fittings, park distance control and rev counter on MINI One convertible
Prices MINI One convertible from £13,325; MINI Cooper convertible from £14,625; £17,595. One does 0-60 in 11.5, top speed 109, combined mpg 39.2, CO2 173g/km; Cooper does 0-60 in 9.5, top speed 120, combined mpg 38.7, CO2 175g/km; Cooper S does 0-60 in 7.1, top speed 134, combined mpg 32.1. Cooper S convertible is very stiff and go-kart like to drive. New engines from 2006.
Michelin has launched a new size of its run-flat Primacy HP ZP (Zero Pressure) tyre which is suitable for fitment to the MINI. The 195/55 R 16 87H size is available with immediate effect and a V rated version will be available in August.
Like the standard Michelin Primacy HP tyre, the Primacy HP ZP offers class-leading longevity along with excellent wet braking and handling performance, combined with the ability to run-flat in the event of a puncture.
Run-flat tyres are normally associated with a trade-off in terms of rolling resistance but in the case of the Primacy HP ZP this has been minimised. The level of rolling resistance offered by this tyre is similar to Michelin’s competitors’ standard non run-flat tyres. To highlight this, the tyre is marked ‘Green X’.
What to watch out for
Avoid 17-inch wheels.
Seems to be a problem of wear on parts of the hood. Many have been replaced under warranty.
See MINI One, MINI Cooper, Cooper S.
Check manual transmission for noises and change quality. Failures after 3-5 years are common.
By 2007 transmission failure of 2001/2002 MINIs had become increasingly common.
Rear exhaust silencer boxes rot inside out and also deposit rust particles on the rear of the cars. particularly noticeable on white and yellow.
Reports of PAS problems. The electric motor which runs the pump packs up and sometimes takes the wiring loom with it (through overheating). BMW dealers quote £750 to repair, but BMW will sometimes approve 'goodwill' of half the cost of parts and labour.
Reports of glass rear windows shattering for no apparent reason requiring a new hood at £1700. Mini UK Technical Bulletin has been circulated to main dealers in 2005 - The bulletin is UK-54-001-05 but do not have access to it.
Water ingress into BCM possibly due to a blocked water drain in the front offside window pillar can lead to a flat battery fault".
Heated seat elements have been known to burn through the seat and burn the driver's clothing.
ABS/ASC modules starting to fail after 3 - 4 years. Unlike VAG, BMW dealers will separate the two parts and effect a reasonably priced repair: about £600 - £700.
18-02-2011:Report of shortage of thermostat housings - a common failure on R50/R52/R53 engines.
Early cars pulling to nearside: caused by early type front struts identified by domed ca on centre nut. Replace struts complete with top mounts and anti-roll bar links. All MINIS pulling to n/s: front suspension turrets pushed up. Replace top mounty and repair turret on jig. Early MINI Ones, Coopers and Cooper S extra noisy power assisted steering with low oil level. PAS seals have failed. Replace track rod ends. INI Ones, Coopers and Cooper S PAS failure due to failed pump or corroded wiring to pump. Replace pump and/or wiring. All MINIs noise from steering column means steering column upper bearing has failed. Replace upper and lower steering column depending on age.
All MINIs excessive footbrake and parking brake travel indicates rear calliper(s) have failed. Replace calliper(s).
Early MINI One, Cooper and Cooper S: ASC, ABS, RDW+ handbrake warning lights on with possible intermittent loss of speedo and rev counter and sometimes gradual loss of electrics amd fire/smoke from engine bay. ABS pump wiring shorted out on pump bracket. If minor wiring damage, repair loom. If major, replace main vehicle wiring loom. Always fit a protective edge cover to pump bracket.
November 2006 alerted to a spate of valve spring failures on 2002 model year Cooper S models. At the tome, BMW was picking up the tab.
Aircon may gurgle due to airlock in refrigerant. Difficult to purge.
Rear exhaust silencer boxes rot inside out and also deposit rust particles on the rear of the cars. particularly noticeable on white and yellow.
Another Electric Power Pump Steering failure reported, this on a 44k mile 2004/54 R52 MINI Convertible.
16-11-2019:Damp problem reported with MINI Cooper R52 Convertible. Footwell on passenger side gets very wet after raine. Owner doesn't think it's getting in through the window seal or that it's a cabin pollen filter seal problem. The under door drains don't seem to be blocked. Might be a faulty door seal. More lilkely to be a faulty window seal against the hood
