[{"id": 16372298, "authorName": "Cavemanfj40", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cavemanfj40/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Lightning Blue R53 ragtop, wow! Really beautiful. Any further details on the extent of front end smash? Frame damage? What is new? Didn't see area of overspray. Really beautiful car. Happy to see that this didn't end up in the bone yard!!! We need to preserve/recycle all of the 3 pedal cars before they are gone.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734371736, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16374889, "authorName": "Bowling265", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bowling265/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Pretty sure that is Hyper Blue not Lightning Blue! I believe Lightning Blue is the brighter blue!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734380233, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16375639, "authorName": "Dexandsqueak", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dexandsqueak/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@seller why is the speedo blurred in the driving video?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734382723, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16376882, "authorName": "13VT", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/13vt/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It\u2019s LB per the build sheet", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734388037, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16376982, "authorName": "13VT", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/13vt/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Dexandsqueak I believe this is something new that Bat is doing. So sellers aren\u2019t documenting themselves going over the speed limit. I\u2019ve seen other drive videos where even the driver is blurred \ud83d\ude0e", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734388789, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16377311, "authorName": "Dexandsqueak", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dexandsqueak/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@seller any info on timing chain tensioners being replaced?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1734391644, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16378706, "authorName": "ccorato", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ccorato/", "bidAmount": 3000, "content": "$3,000 bid placed by ccorato", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734408536, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16380333, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Dexandsqueak - no history of chain tensioner replacement under our ownership of it. We DID perform the crucial supercharger service during the last thousand miles. This little motor sings and performs flawlessly and the 6-speed manual shifts smoothly.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734451889, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16380355, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I see that BaT mentioned something about an accident from the CarFax report... We don't have any history of it and neither did the owner before us make any mention of it. I want to highlight that the Washington State title is CLEAN and devoid of any kind of blemish listed!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734452022, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16380328, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good Morning Mad BaTers and welcome to our auction for this fun little machine. It's a fast, zippy car and the blue is just gorgeous. You couldn't buy the supercharged versions anymore by 2007 (except in the convertible) and I really prefer that 1st Gen version Mini. Bid with confidence!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734452098, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16383197, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The front seats were completely custom reupholstered by Group 2 Motorsports this past summer and look fantastic! Also, a complete battery of all fluids, all filters and all machine flushes were performed this past summer. The car got brand new Michelin tires at the beginning of this year! All of these services (including the supercharger service), have been completed within a span of 12 months and all less than 1,500 miles ago.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734464577, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16384397, "authorName": "bringatrailer", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The clean title for this R53 Mini Cooper S has been added to the Photo Gallery.\n\n-BaT", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734468456, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16392345, "authorName": "JWileyM", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jwileym/", "bidAmount": 3333, "content": "$3,333 bid placed by JWileyM", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734550922, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16395832, "authorName": "49miledriver", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/49miledriver/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I get that the CarFax may be incorrect and the title is clean. But there is a noticeable difference in the gap between the hood and adjacent fender/bumper looking at photos #12 and #16. Is there a reason for this?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734561559, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16396376, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good catch @49miledriver - we only caught that after the entire photo session was completed... The hood wasn't latched on that side for the entire time we were shooting photos and videos. (I pushed down on that fender when I saw that and it latched.) We don't get very many clear days in Seattle this time of the year, so we haven't had an opportunity to reshoot everything. It is unlikely that we will too, because we are trying to ready 4 other cars right now for those auctions to go live as well. What I will do here shortly is to just quickly take some iPhone shots of it in the shop, and post those up.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734565269, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16397617, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "That driver's-side latch wasn't grabbing. Lubricared it and now it shuts and latches like butter.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1734586710, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16399695, "authorName": "James_Bennett", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/james_bennett/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Isn\u2019t \u201807 first year R-56 turbo?\nIf so, the replacement of the plastic timing chain guides question is a good one.\nThey disintegrate and do baaad things.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1734629480, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16405209, "authorName": "13VT", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/13vt/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "R52 continued into 2008", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734650227, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16414553, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@James Bennett - No, I covered this in an earlier comment (the supercharged engine was still available in the convertibles for '07...)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734743013, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16425461, "authorName": "MrJohnson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrjohnson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Photographer here.. I forgot how fun and quick these cars were. The top actuation works properly, the shifts are buttery smooth. The clutch engages well, it would make a great daily driver for someone. The other blue Cooper S that just ended at 14k was a nice benchmark for how much fun you can have for not a ton of money. Hoping someone will appreciate this one and give it a good new home.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734891477, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16428540, "authorName": "Eagerquest", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eagerquest/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller) ,\r\nYour paper title may not state a salvage however, the door jamb information states otherwise, in photo #135:\r\n\r\nRCW 46.12.560\r\n\"Inspection by state patrol or other authorized inspector. (Effective until April 1, 2025.)\r\n(1)(a) Before accepting an application for a certificate of title, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require an applicant to provide a certificate of vehicle inspection completed by the Washington state patrol or other authorized inspector if the vehicle:\r\n(i) Was declared a total loss or salvage vehicle under the laws of this state;..\"\r\netc. etc...\r\n\r\nTitling a salvage vehicle in another state may be problem for some, especially when it comes to insurance.....", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734907169, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16428715, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Eagerquest - one shouldn't just throw out wild conjecture like that! You don't know that to be fact for all 49 other States!\r\n\r\nThe title DOESN'T show any issue, so why would some other State's authorities suddenly want to randomly perform an inspection!? We weren't trying to paper over anything either \u2013 the car wasn't \"title-bounced\" from State to State in an attempt to wash the title or anything either. We stand by what we know to be fact with this car. CarFax shows an accident that THEY listed as a \"Total Loss\" event and we have opened a dispute with them over that.\r\n\r\nThe title does not reflect anything of the kind - the title is clean and we have shared a copy of the title in the auction. When we bought the car, there was no inspection required from the State either and the previous owner\u2019s title did not reflect any issue. They must have put that sticker there back in the day and we did not make any attempt to remove it. It is there as evidence of an inspection that this State requires after an accident.\r\n\r\nWe have a clean title on a VERY nice, fun and well maintained / upgraded $10-12K car (the other blue 6-speed 2005 sold for $14,250 just yesterday \u2013 albeit with half the miles.) It\u2019s a Mini and not a 1 of only 36 ever produced Ferrari 500 Superfast / Superamerica. Just my opinion.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734909465, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16428846, "authorName": "Eagerquest", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eagerquest/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Don't get mad at me, go read the door sticker yourself, it states:\r\n \"This vehicle has been inspected by the Washington State Patrol as a ---- salvaging safety inspection pursuant RCW 46.12.560\" \r\n \"Class C felony for removal\". \r\nIt's the vehicle's sticker, I didn't put it there.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734911650, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16428878, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Eagerquest - I'm not mad - just confused by your position here... Why do you state that it is a \"Class C felony\" (the same as weed posession in this state - where it's legal - go figure), to remove the sticker? We DIDN'T remove the sticker! It is still there AND we took a picture of it AND we posted it publically for all to see here on the auction. Still, you feel the need to state the penlaty for removing it. (VEry confused.) Were you planning on buying the car and then removing it? Maybe some of the other members who are not as confused as I am, can help clarify your point.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734912179, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16428897, "authorName": "Eagerquest", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eagerquest/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have no \"position\" . I do know that in some places it can be an obstacle to insure a salvaged vehicle... thus registering it as well.. \r\nIt's your vehicle, go read the sticker and look up the code it refers to... it's right there in the photo you presented.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734912505, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16428913, "authorName": "Eagerquest", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eagerquest/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@bringatrailer, is this not a valid item to point out? This could be a problem for an interested party.. myself included. It reflects my decision as to weather or not bid on this vehicle. .. Others may not be effected, some may not even know.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734912808, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16428950, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Well, ARE you a bidder? It doesn't impact you if you're not. The information is there for all interested parties to see. My 2 cents is this; BaT members in general (and in particular, serious bidders), are sophisticated enough to not require handholding and policing from self-installed hall monitors and the peanut gallery, but that's just my personal thought. (I've spoken with other sophisticated BaT sellers who feel the same, so I know that I am not way off base here.)", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1734913327, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16428959, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Moving on - here is a copy of a service record from 2022 that I was able to print up under the previous ownership.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734913461, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16428966, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Here is an additional service record that was undertaken halfway under the prior ownership and then assumed and completed under our ownership.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734913549, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16429578, "authorName": "NaGodsey", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nagodsey/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@ The Seller\r\nI notice the title shows the Odometer reading as exempt and the mileage as 0. Any comments on this? My apologies if this is standard Washington practice, I am from Texas. But does seem strange...", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734925554, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16429601, "authorName": "NaGodsey", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nagodsey/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Here is a link to the salvage auction listing for anybody curious about the damage. (Note the original upholstery on the seats)\r\nhttps://bid.cars/en/lot/0-24951799/2007-Mini-Cooper-WMWRH33587TJ44247#", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734926106, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16429716, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@NaGodsey - AWESOME find! Thanks for posting that! There she is... To answer your other question; in Washington state, a vehicle is exempt from an odometer statement if it was manufactured in or before the 2010 model year. Previously the limit was for vehicles 10 years or older (and only applied for vehicles 10 years or newer), however the federal rules changed effective Jan. 1, 2021.\r\n\r\nThis rule now applies to vehicles model year 2011 and newer. This means that a vehicle will not be exempt from odometer disclosure statement requirements until the vehicle is 20 years old (but again, this now only applies to vehicles that are 2011 production year, or newer.)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734931209, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16429725, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Also, as to the the seat color that you mentioned; while they look very black or gray in those auction pictures, upon looking at them in person (and comparing them to the relatively UN-worn rear seats), we could tell that they were once blue. We had our in-house upholstery department recover them for the customer in a fairly closely-matched blue again - as seen in the CURRENT auction pictures. It's not 100%, but close enough.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734931865, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16429751, "authorName": "NaGodsey", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nagodsey/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Group 2 Motorsports \r\nI see. Appreciate the clarification.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734932648, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16431238, "authorName": "MrJohnson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrjohnson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Photographer here.. I forgot how fun and quick these cars were. The top actuation works properly, the shifts are buttery smooth. The clutch engages well, it would make a great daily driver for someone. The other one that ended around 14k gives a good indicator of where the market is for these.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734973099, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16432399, "authorName": "robyryan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/robyryan/", "bidAmount": 3500, "content": "$3,500 bid placed by robyryan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734978531, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433119, "authorName": "LHarbourmaster", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lharbourmaster/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Lightning Blue is a great color\u2026 have the same on my 2008 with white stripes! GLWTA", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734981187, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16433233, "authorName": "Edzone", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/edzone/", "bidAmount": 3800, "content": "$3,800 bid placed by Edzone", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734981535, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433315, "authorName": "robyryan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/robyryan/", "bidAmount": 4000, "content": "$4,000 bid placed by robyryan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734981852, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433351, "authorName": "Mid90s", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mid90s/", "bidAmount": 4200, "content": "$4,200 bid placed by Mid90s", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982008, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433369, "authorName": "Lanciafan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lanciafan/", "bidAmount": 5000, "content": "$5,000 bid placed by Lanciafan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982094, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433426, "authorName": "Mid90s", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mid90s/", "bidAmount": 5100, "content": "$5,100 bid placed by Mid90s", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982317, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433465, "authorName": "Lanciafan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lanciafan/", "bidAmount": 5500, "content": "$5,500 bid placed by Lanciafan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982468, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433472, "authorName": "LuckyLarue", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/luckylarue/", "bidAmount": 5700, "content": "$5,700 bid placed by LuckyLarue", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982489, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433485, "authorName": "Lanciafan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lanciafan/", "bidAmount": 5900, "content": "$5,900 bid placed by Lanciafan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982535, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433498, "authorName": "robyryan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/robyryan/", "bidAmount": 6000, "content": "$6,000 bid placed by robyryan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982580, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433509, "authorName": "Lanciafan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lanciafan/", "bidAmount": 6350, "content": "$6,350 bid placed by Lanciafan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982617, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433541, "authorName": "Mid90s", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mid90s/", "bidAmount": 6500, "content": "$6,500 bid placed by Mid90s", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982701, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433556, "authorName": "Lanciafan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lanciafan/", "bidAmount": 6666, "content": "$6,666 bid placed by Lanciafan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982729, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433566, "authorName": "LuckyLarue", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/luckylarue/", "bidAmount": 6969, "content": "$6,969 bid placed by LuckyLarue", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982769, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433585, "authorName": "Lanciafan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lanciafan/", "bidAmount": 7500, "content": "$7,500 bid placed by Lanciafan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982822, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16433613, "authorName": "Lanciafan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lanciafan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sold on 12/23/24 for $7,500 to Lanciafan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734982942, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 16433647, "authorName": "Lanciafan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lanciafan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Woo hoo, my sister will be happy", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1734983087, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16435189, "authorName": "Group_2_Motorsports (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/group_2_motorsports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks for the bids everybody. You win some, you lose some.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1734989497, "type": "comment"}]