If you want a little nostalgia with your small car, the 2006 Mini Cooper S is the perfect machine. Not only is it fun to look at, but this high-performance variant also packs quite a punch.
Are there any 2006 Mini Cooper S specs that stand out?
Turns out there’s plenty to be impressed about:
- Engine: 1.6L supercharged 16-valve 4-cylinder
- Output: 168 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm
- Performance: 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds and 138 mph top speed
Sound spicy enough for you? If you have your sights set on the 2006 Mini Cooper S, don’t miss out on our in-depth look into the small car’s specifications. Armed with this knowledge, you can make your next purchasing decision with greater peace of mind.
Groovy Origins
Set your time machine back to 1959, when the first Mini was put into production. The diminutive sedan quickly became a darling of British motorists and a pop culture icon on par with the Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle.
The 2006 Mini Cooper S is a modern-day rendition of the original classic. This time, the plucky sports car is built under the auspices of BMW’s Mini division, bringing with a modern design and modern engines while keeping much of the original looks and overall feel.
Just like the original Mini Cooper S that helped propel its drivers to various rallying victories throughout the 1960s, the modern-day remake offers a slew of performance upgrades.
Pocket-Sized Performance for the 2006 Mini Cooper S
The 2006 Mini Cooper S ups the performance ante by adding a supercharger to the regular 1.6L 4-cylinder engine. The end result is a massive jump in horsepower, from 115 hp to 168 hp. Torque also gets a major bump from 111 lb-ft to 162 lb-ft.
With this type of performance on hand, it’s no wonder the 2006 Mini Cooper S goes for the gusto when it comes to acceleration and top speed. The British bulldog charges from 0 to 60 in just 6.8 seconds and sprints all the way to its 138-mph top speed.
For 2006, you’ll have two transmissions to choose from. Like rowing your own gears? Then you’ll enjoy the slick 6-speed Getrag manual transmission. Otherwise, the 6-speed Aisin automatic with Steptronic manual shifting will do just fine.
Handling is another area where the 2006 Mini Cooper S shines. The Cooper S’s sport suspension delivers a firmer ride and sharper cornering capability. The Mini’s 4-wheel disc ABS brakes offer plenty of stopping power, especially with features like Cornering Brake Control lending a helping hand.
Whereas non-Cooper variants make do with 15-inch wheels and regular tires, the 2006 Mini Cooper S came with 16-inch alloys originally shod with 195/55VR16 run-flat tires. That means you won’t find a spare tire in the Cooper S unless the previous owner added one.
Speaking of spares, some owners have spared some coin for optional 17-inch wheels, similarly shod with run-flat tires.
By the way, if you want top-down fun, the 2006 Mini Cooper S also comes in convertible form. That should please anyone looking to ruin their hair-dos.
Other Details About the 2006 Mini Cooper S
There’s more to love about the 2006 Mini Cooper S than just its performance specs. The plucky 4-seater also comes with a variety of convenience and comfort features. These include leatherette sport bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning and remote keyless entry.
The 2006 Mini Cooper S could also be had with leather seats, navigation, heated seats and mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. Convertible versions feature a park distance control feature that helps prevent parking mishaps.
A collection of auxiliary gauges resides where the centrally mounted speedometer used to. Instead, the speedo and tachometer are now in front of the driver on steering column-mounted pods. It’s a refreshing change that’s bound to help visibility and driver focus.
2006 Mini Cooper S Pros and Cons
Just as every rose has its thorns, the 2006 Mini Cooper S comes with its own set of pros and cons:
Pros:
- Plenty of power and fun to toss around in the corners
- Offers a good amount of space and seat support for passengers
- Minor supercharger mods can add sizable power gains
- Both the speedometer and tachometer are where they should be
Cons:
- The radiator expansion tanks constantly crack and leak
- Engine mounts are a particularly notable trouble spot
- The instrumentation can be somewhat hard to read at times
- Storage space is a bit on the small side
A 2006 Mini Cooper S Vehicle Report Goes a Long Way
The 2006 Mini Cooper S is a fantastic ride with plenty of charm. However, the last thing you want is buyer’s remorse. A Vehicle History report helps you avoid branded titles, accidents and other pitfalls that could sour your newly purchased vehicle.
