Milltek was one of the first aftermarket performance suppliers in the UK to gain access to the R53 upon its launch, quickly adding one to its development fleet. That fact, combined with the company’s huge knowledge of all BMW powerplants, has paid huge dividends. The design of the R53 exhaust offers superb power and torque gains, with a thoroughly ‘grown-up’ soundtrack.
Milltek quickly identified that exhaust tuning is critical on the Mini, due to the design of the punchy 1.6 litre engine and the relatively small size of the supercharger that is designed to deliver its power more like a normally aspirated engine. With these two factors playing a major part in the design process, Milltek’s engineers were keen to lower gas temperatures and optimise back pressure without inducing the ‘rasp’ that so easily occurs when tuning engines of this design. Needless to say, they managed it beautifully and the result is a note that exudes purpose, without droning or annoying at cruising speeds.
The system itself is based around a 2.5” (63.5mm) non-magnetic stainless-steel construction. Manufactured in Milltek’s Derbyshire factory, mandrel bending ensures a perfectly even diameter throughout and fitment apes the OE system to allow a myriad of fitment options and the ability to upgrade the system piecemeal, if required, to suit personal tastes or budgetary requirements.
A fully MOT-friendly system offers a 200-cell sports catalyst and comes complete with a custom manifold for optimum gains. After this, owners can opt for either a resonated or non-resonated centre section, depending on the exact note they wish to achieve. The cat-back system can be easily mated to the OEM cats if preferred, in order to reduce costs. The tailpipes feature custom-made 76.2mm trims that suit the Cooper’s valance perfectly.
Milltek recommends that the Sports Catalyst options be used in conjunction with software upgrades, fitted and mapped by a reputable tuner to achieve the best results and to prevent any warning or "Check Engine" lights being illuminated.
For more information and pricing please contact your nearest Milltek Sport stockist.