N18 Engine - How are they holding up?
#30
20k fun miles. Limped home about 2k ago due to the infamous faulty coolant temp sensor. Car did get me home, about 40 miles, that was important to me. Part had to be ordered overnight. Repair conducted with no further issues. Only other problem I've had is a hatch strut failing and oozing oil down my rear bumper.
#32
#33
Just got over 50k in my 2011 MCS. I put 80 miles on this car every weekday, plus a couple road trips from the east coast to Ohio and back! The only incident I've had is one I (may have) caused myself - spark plugs and coils had to be replaced due to water damage. Now if I can inject some heresy into this thread I don't change my oil that often. I do oil changes about every 10-15k, but I have to keep it topped off because it will burn a whole quart in that time.
#36
Reliability
12,000 miles, 1 year ownership this week and nothing - not a squeak or rattle let alone a drip. Take good care of it, get 38-40 mpg unless I drive it like I stole it then I get 34 (worst tank). Only new car in over 35 years of driving that hasn't ever had to have 1 thing fixed, and I am PICKY. I run 0W-40 Mobil 1 in summer at 6,000 miles then 5W-30 Castrol at dealer for winter.
#37
Great feedback all, thanks.
After our N14 powered '08 Clubman S experienced yet another round of engine related issues, we decided to trade it in for a new '13 Clubman S a couple of weeks ago. This time a fairly basic model dressed in Pepper White with black roof. Could not be happier. The LCI MINIs are nicer than the earlier 2007-2010 cars and love the little touches here and there that make up for a more refined and fun driving experience (HD radio, bluetooth, the removal of all fake silver metallic trim cockpit trim pieces, nicer seats, etc).
The '08 only had 40K and was a pampered car. Unfortunately, the engine was falling apart and being out of warranty, the car in the last year had become a money pit ($4K+ in repairs). We have learned our lesson and from now own we will purchase a MINI extended warranty to 100K as we tend to keep our cars 6-7 years on the average. MINIs are awesome cars but you must have some sort of warranty backing at all times.
The N18 is a really nice engine. Feels more powerful and refined. Fuel economy seems better too.
After our N14 powered '08 Clubman S experienced yet another round of engine related issues, we decided to trade it in for a new '13 Clubman S a couple of weeks ago. This time a fairly basic model dressed in Pepper White with black roof. Could not be happier. The LCI MINIs are nicer than the earlier 2007-2010 cars and love the little touches here and there that make up for a more refined and fun driving experience (HD radio, bluetooth, the removal of all fake silver metallic trim cockpit trim pieces, nicer seats, etc).
The '08 only had 40K and was a pampered car. Unfortunately, the engine was falling apart and being out of warranty, the car in the last year had become a money pit ($4K+ in repairs). We have learned our lesson and from now own we will purchase a MINI extended warranty to 100K as we tend to keep our cars 6-7 years on the average. MINIs are awesome cars but you must have some sort of warranty backing at all times.
The N18 is a really nice engine. Feels more powerful and refined. Fuel economy seems better too.
#38
#39
#40
#41
Two 2011 R56S's, auto and manual both driven like sports cars for 75,000 miles between the two with some minor trim adjustments and zero N18 drive train issues. 2013 R61SA 6500 miles also driven like a sports car on N18 drive train with zero adjustments of any kind, a perfect car.
Last edited by HorseWithNoName; 04-07-2014 at 08:46 PM.
#42
#43
6k miles, no problems except for a noise when turning the engine off...
aux water pump "sizzle" sound, but this seems to have quieted down as of late after attempting to burp the system of air... I say "attempting" because when I loosened the bleeder only coolant came out without any noticeable bubbles, but I did tighten the screw down to the torque spec, which was more than how I found it to be tightened... perhaps a looser bleeder screw was allowing the pressure to release and thus allowing coolant to expand? who knows...
aux water pump "sizzle" sound, but this seems to have quieted down as of late after attempting to burp the system of air... I say "attempting" because when I loosened the bleeder only coolant came out without any noticeable bubbles, but I did tighten the screw down to the torque spec, which was more than how I found it to be tightened... perhaps a looser bleeder screw was allowing the pressure to release and thus allowing coolant to expand? who knows...
#49
#50