Hi NAM,

I'm back to commuting to work 64 miles round trip, and I'm looking into getting a used F56S auto to daily and keep my R53 as my fun/track car. I've been reading a lot about the B48 engine which seems to be a reliable and bulletproof engine with little issues. With inflation the way it is, I can only afford a used F56 with high miles (>100k) to use as a daily beater. My R53 is not the most comfortable to daily and my 96 4runner is not gas friendly. My thinking is that an F56 with high miles and extensive service records could be ok as it was most likely mostly high way driven. I am pretty handy with repairs on my R53 and T4R, and would not mind learning to wrench on the F56 platform, no mods, just service. I don't need a lot of cargo or room but a Miata might be too small for comfort/safety..

What do you guys think? Would a 2014 F56 auto be a bad idea? Would i be looking to do a lot of repairs? Am I better off getting a Civic or Accord or similar? Although those are not cheap also.

Thanks in advance.
Thanks,

 

not a terrible idea. plan on refreshing some suspension components and engine mounts. but the engine itself seems to be quite solid even as they age. still, a Honda it ain’t – it is meant to be carefully maintained to german standards, not thrashed and put away wet like a Honda or Toyota.

have you considered the 3-cylinder Cooper for its superior fuel economy? you’ll still have your R53 for giggles and the Yota for hauling.

 

Thanks for the insight. Will I go on thirsting for more power with the 3cyl, or are they decent and not as anemic as I'm imagining? Also, I've read that the 4cyl is more reliable/durable. Is there truth to that?

 

I've had the B38 (3 cyl) and the B48 so here's my two cents.

The B38 is stout and fun, and not short of power - I ran it in G Street SCCA Autocross and found the low end better than my Works R53.

I have 102,100 on the B48 and I expect 200,000 without drama.

Cheers,

Charlie

 

Thanks, Charlie. "200,000 without drama" is what I'm looking for. Can you say the same for the B38?

 

i mean, the B38 is just a B48 with one fewer cylinders, when you get right down to it. it’s a modular engine design meant to scale from three to six cylinders.

also worth noting the B38 is used in the BMW i8. not exactly a low stress environment.
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Oh cool, thanks. I guess now it’s a matter of test driving a few samples now that I know not to be too scared of the miles whether b38 or b48. Thanks again!