MINI Cooper Replace Starter R53 R50 R52 2002-2006

How to replace starter motor without removing exhaust manifold, on a first generation MINI Cooper. Mechanic's eye view.

Buy the starter motor here.

This one does NOT fit a R53 Cooper S. Maybe it's for a manual transmission R50?
Part no: 17855

This one DOES fit a 2002-2006 Cooper S and suspected to also fit a 2002-2006 automatic R50 non-S
Part No. 17854

Lotsa 3/8 inch socket extensions:
Regular length:

Extra long:

Ratcheting box wrench set:

[abbleshawce]

just wanted to say thanks man for all the videos. just bought a r53 here in 2017 with 91k miles and your videos are going to give me peace of mind and save me a lot of money and ill have some fun with the new confidence

[franknativi]

So I did this yesterday. Took me about an two hours but autozone deal me the wrong part. I instantly went back in with both new and old part to show them. Thank again for all your videos.

[jskeith]

So glad you clarified the difference between the #17855 and #17854. The auto parts store by me ordered #17855 (apparently the part was under a different number). So when it came in I had them measure the gear. Sure enough, they ordered the wrong part.

[mightymikee]

I just did this today. It took me 7 hours. I didn't mean to go fast but also did not go slow on purpose. I do all of my vehicle repair and had not need dealer or mechanic for past 20 years across 10 cars I owned in between.

Having said that, a few things that I think would be worth mentioning on top of this wonderful video.

Heat shields can be manipulated on R50 as well.

One of the biggest challenges was removing cables and reinstalling them. I was on my back with R50 on the ramp. I barely had enough room to use one arm. Working alone makes it incredibly difficult.

My R50 didn't have the second heat shield.

[desmondmarshall]

Great tutorial video. I am a new Mini owner and have done all repairs myself so far. Replacing my starter is next, and your video is just what I was looking for.

[Mistermopar]

Hi, from across the pond!
My R53 starter quit on me and I was going to remove it the usual way and found I had the usual seized nuts on the exhaust. After the obligatory cussing I thought I'd check your site and see if you had any ideas found this! I followed your method to the letter and, with some further cussing, job done!
Many thanks for some great videos, your efforts are truly appreciated. Tony

[ashrana]

You sir. Are an absolute legend! I'm just doing one now. And I've managed to get it out! Thanks so much!!!

[johnhoughton]

Hey Mod MINI, thanks for the video! I was half way into this project before looking up the procedure and my heart sank when I saw "remove exhaust manifold" thanks to your video I had the confidence to keep at it and wiggled it right out! FYI the 17855 is indeed correct for the manual transmission! Please add that to your notes.

[timbrett]

This dude is the He's helped me through all my replacements & repairs!!! I trust what he says & how he goes through all the steps!!! SO THANKFUL!!!!

[baconman]

Just did this exact job today. PITA. I also got the wrong starter just like in this video, so that was really annoying. Video saved me some time as I knew right aways what the issue was.

TIP: My exhaust manifold bolts came out easy, so I recommend trying that it will make this job alot less painful. Just having the extra wiggle room from the manifold being loose makes a world of a difference.

[michaelwilson]

Looked like two different starters. I noticed a lot of oil under that vehicle also. Great video as always. 

[johnrussell]

This video was an amazing help in changing the starter on a 2007 Cooper S convertible. Thank you.

[joemiele]

Hey, Thank you so much. I did this job myself and the only thing I would say is that I found it easier to access starter bolts from the top. They are easily accessible. Then I disconnect the wires once the starter is in my hand. I did take off exhaust manifold to just to make it easier. Joe

[dreamwalker]

Thank You very much for all your video uploads, they are both in detail and easy to follow.

[JonasMacaneiro]

I’ve just replaced my starter ... thanks a lot... this video was so much helpful!

[FactsMattersUSA]

Great video, another added tip when removing the starter is to just remove the drivers wheel then used those extensions for a quick removal. I do this first, then do everything else from the engine compartment. Once you get the hang of it, it shouldn't take no more than 30mins

[jimcurran]

Thanks so much for this video. I think your use of a ratcheting wrench on the upper bolt is critical. I did not have that tool and using a socket and ratchet led to rounding of the upper bolt as I tried to work in and around the manifold pipes. Thanks again for this video!

[gregallen]

Your the Absolute I've done thousands of dollars worth of work myself thanks I have owned 3 r53's & they are the Best to drive & the WORST to work on!!!! (But you know that already) I wish you were near me cause you know these cars inside & out!!! I'm 6' with big hands & no patience!!!!🤣🤣🤣 Thank you 😊

[alsatch_]

Hi, we do a lot of DIY videos aswell. It seems like you are using some sort of head mount for a go pro, is this correct? Or are you using Glasses with a built in camera? I think we need something like this because it saves time handling cameras and organising mounts etc. Thank you. Your videos are excellent.

[martinezuneek]

Just finished the same process on my mini R50 04, Thanks to your video,