MINI Cooper S 2001-2006 (R53)
Supercharger/Waterpump
The first generation of the "new MINI" (also sometimes called a "BINI" due to its BMW origins) also offered a performance package option called the Cooper S. This first generation Cooper S, chassis code R53, was available from 2001-2006 and came supercharged.
This was a compact set-up designed to fit a supercharger into the limited space of the MINI engine bay. That special packaging meant coming up with a unique design for the water pump that actually derives it's motion from the back of the supercharger.
While the concept works well, it also creates challenges when tuning and for proper maintenance. The supercharger contains two separate oil chambers that lubricate the front and back of the supercharger respectively.
This was a compact set-up designed to fit a supercharger into the limited space of the MINI engine bay. That special packaging meant coming up with a unique design for the water pump that actually derives it's motion from the back of the supercharger.
While the concept works well, it also creates challenges when tuning and for proper maintenance. The supercharger contains two separate oil chambers that lubricate the front and back of the supercharger respectively.
In theory, the oil is good for the lifetime of the car, but should really be changed around every 100k miles. However, the oil can leak out of the supercharger even before then. If the oil leaks out, or simply gets too old, it leads to wear in the supercharger resulting in a complete failure of the unit.
Water pumps are also wear items that fail. On the average car a failed water pump can be costly on its own, but since this design uses a gear drive off of the back of the supercharger to turn the water pump, a failure of the water pump can actually take out the supercharger with it.
Knowing these weaknesses, HPMotors strongly recommends replacing the supercharger oil between 75k-100k miles and replacing the water pump at the same time. While the preventative maintenance service is in-depth, it is far cheaper than waiting until a supercharger failure. At that point, the car will need everything else included in the average water pump/supercharger oil change along with a complete rebuilt supercharger.
The video below gives a more thorough explanation of how the system works, and some other maintenance ideas that can be paired with the supercharger oil/water pump maintenance. If you think it's time for an super charger oil change or just want an inspection contact HPMotors today!
Water pumps are also wear items that fail. On the average car a failed water pump can be costly on its own, but since this design uses a gear drive off of the back of the supercharger to turn the water pump, a failure of the water pump can actually take out the supercharger with it.
Knowing these weaknesses, HPMotors strongly recommends replacing the supercharger oil between 75k-100k miles and replacing the water pump at the same time. While the preventative maintenance service is in-depth, it is far cheaper than waiting until a supercharger failure. At that point, the car will need everything else included in the average water pump/supercharger oil change along with a complete rebuilt supercharger.
The video below gives a more thorough explanation of how the system works, and some other maintenance ideas that can be paired with the supercharger oil/water pump maintenance. If you think it's time for an super charger oil change or just want an inspection contact HPMotors today!
