I'm looking into purchasing a JCW Clubman. I've owned a modded 2002 WRX and currently own an e46 BMW. Been looking at a newer STI hatch and also even used Caymans.

I have located a loaded 2012 jcw with 10k miles that was an executive car. Took a test drive and it was loads of fun and in great condition. The JCW really was so much more fun to drive than sti and cayman. I had a s*it eating grim during the entire test drive.

It's now listed for $30k but I suspect the dealer will take less than that. A new 2013 spec'd the same would retail $36 to $37k.

Given all the horror stories I've read about the N14 engines I really want the 2013 with the N18. But this 2012 is really tugging at me because it is the exact color and options I want and would end up ordering. It would probably save me at least $5k buying this used JCW.

Am I really asking for trouble if I get the 2012? Obviously forums over blow issues but timing chain and carbon issues worry me. Thanks!

 

2013 All the way.

 

my 2 cents: 2012 should still be under warranty (bonus if it also has extended maintenance plan and sold as MINI NEXT CPO). Not to mention it has already absorbed the depreciation hit. If it passes a PPI and has good service/maintenance history, then I say go for it.

 

+1

 

2013! Why deal with all the N14 issues. Of course the N18 had a couple but what's a couple to a few more? I'd stick with a 13'. You won't regret it because you won't even need the OCC and you can be worry free unless there's a recall and hopefully they fixed the thermostat issue. Good luck!

 

I chose a 2012 in part for the opposite reason. The N14 has been well tested and problems worked out. I did not want a new untested engine. I am sure I will need walnut blasting but the N18 seems to be showing much of the same issues that all direct injection engines are having with carbon buildup. It's not just a mini issue. Hasn't VW moved to dual injection?

 

I'm totally with k_h_d as the N14 engine is pretty solid if the owner knows and understand that preventative maintenance and care go a LONG way.
Plus the N14 currently accepts more modifications (if you're into such things) without overstepping the boundaries of the ECU.

And yes, VW / Audi do have low-pressure fuel-port injectors on their new EA888 engine.

- Erik

 

Ehh, the AP is gonna be on its way out without any help or questions if R56 people have some. I heard they'll be without support starting 6/2013. My car doesn't have almost none to little carbon on my valves. Ill just walnut blast it at 60K cause I'm at 43k miles now. As for the timing chain I'd check it out to see if it was fixed already and if any gunk of carbon is chunked up on the valves already. But I'm happy with the N18 engine so far. But I see your points about taking care of maintenance, I totally agree 100%!

 

My take...
if you sre going to mod it,get the used one with the n14....
But you will likely be more happy with the new one with the n18...
More mpg, better tourqe band...so imo less of a need to mod, plus they have had a few years to work the bugs out of the n18 with the coope s....sure it is "turned up" and a few changes made for the new jcw, but unless you want to install a bigger turbo and do a million mods, the n18 is just a better overall motor imo.....
The n14 is a motor mini has been moving away from pretty rapidly....so i take that as a hint mini was not as happy as they could have been with the warrenty service rates....
Also to add...
Buying a turbo car...imo ALWAYS buy NEW. PERIOD.
that executive/lease car may have been driven nice, but lets face it....might as well have been a rental...so many folks beat on them, and the fact it is a performance car with a turbo makes it more likely.

 

Thanks everyone. I think I will go with my gut and wait to order a 2013. I do a fair amout of short trips around town so hopefully the n18 will hold up better. Not planning on too many engine mods as I am past the stage of tinkering around and possibly voiding the warranty.

The n18 has been out on the S for quite some time now and I haven't read of any carbon buildup or timing chain or other serious issues other than thermostats going wrong yet.

i just wish someone would buy the 2012 already so I stop looking at it ha ha!

 

Ehh... don't count on it if you're not getting the engine up to running temperature.
One of the major contributing factors of the carbon build-up is when the engine fails to reach proper running temps and low-speed intake velocity.
Make sure to take it out every week and romp on it to burn off the oil film.

- Erik

 

What Erik means is, drive it like you were in robbery scene in a movie and gun it

 

+1^ Keep us posted and good luck.

 

Mini of Tampa Bay still has this new 2012:
http://www.minioftampabay.com/Vehicl...FQSqnQodzngAgA
They had two, one of which I bought from Greenville SC and had my dealer cover the shipping. Likely you can get a bigger break on this one since it is now 2013.

 

If you think you will EVER mod, even if its a small chance, get the n14. Read this thread.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n18-minis.html

 

Interesting. Has the timing chain issue been resolved by the 2012 model on the n14? I can live with the carbon buildup with Helix nearby doing $350 walnut blasting. Timing chain seems like more of a pain although I would have plenty of warranty on a 2012.

 

Wow thanks. That is a nice color combo.

 

Buy my 2012 mini jcw. Only 5k miles. www.flickr.com/absoluteczech

 

For $5k of savings you can buy the extended warranty plan on the car, and have the 2012 to drive immediately. I would make sure that the car has had at least one oil change before you buy it. Routine oil changes, along with the warranty, should make the timing chain worries go away.

Helix has a good reputation, use their opinion as a reccomendation as well.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Stop trying to sell it. It's so freaking nice. Keep it!

 

As an update, after nearly a year, the 2012JCW clubman I was looking at was still unsold on the lot and I picked it up last weekend from Mini Baltimore!

The funny thing is I traveled to the Baltimore area to look at a very nice 2004 Porsche 911 40th anniversary edition with only 20k miles. I've never liked the 996 version but this edition with special Carrera GT paint and lots of other goodies caught my eye. I ended up making a fair offer but the dealer wouldn't budge so I walked. And proceeded to the Mini dealer to check out the JCW again.

Test driving the Mini was just as amazingly fun as I remembered. I actually much preferred the drive to the 911. Handling felt sharper, felt more powerful around town, and the interior was tons nicer. All for more than a third cheaper plus existing factory warranty. I've test driven many used Minis over the past year and this one is still the tightest interior and smoothest engine I've experienced. I ended up trading my 2004 330 vert, which I loved dearly.

So far, the Mini is winning me over. It's a perfect mix of quickness from my old WRX with almost identical controls, and solid german feel from my e46. With a big plus of much better handling than either of those cars.

I saved over $7k off sticker from a new 2013 so I'm banking i can handle any potential n14 issues through warranty or preventative maintenance. I'm looking forward to many fun years with the JCW!

 

congrats..so what the first mods? coil over?

 

Ha no.

First mod is the Craven dip stick. Already in the mail! I tried to check the oil and couldn't read a damn thing with the standard stick.

Then tint this weekend.

Next is to dump the stock summers before winter. Looking at the Bridgestone RE960as RFT. I was going to get regular tires but these seem to get good reviews. I had the regular 960as on my BMW and loved them.

Then catch can and gauges! Boost and oil pressure.

 

u know what the best 60 bucks mod? The engine torque arm. Man..by far the best mod that i enjoy the most..for 60 bucks too. It wasn't that hard to install.

 

This is a compilation of posts from various sources around the interwebs.


N14 Engine - N14B16AC (171hp / 177 ft-lbs)

• [*]

N18 Engine - N18B16M0 (181hp / 191 ft-lbs)

• [*]

The PCV design is updated in the N18. Rather than an external hose on the passenger side, the vacuum line is internal to the valve cover. This is (presumably) intended to reduce propensity for effluents pooling in the intake manifold. The boost line between the valve cover and turbo intake pipe is also different but seems to be functionally equivalent.

The N18 added a cosmetic cover over the front of the valve cover.

The N18 adds a small heat shield over the turbo oil pipe to help mitigate any coking in the line.

The turbo intake pipe in the N18 is rigid, as opposed to the flexible pipe in the N14.

The noisemaker is eliminated in the N18.

The N18 intake airbox base is slightly different (the JCW intake won't fit because the mounting screws don't line up).

The N18 oil dipstick is different (and many would say a step backwards in usability)

The Sport Button adds "pop and burble" to the exhaust

Basically, the N18 does not offer much of a leap in terms of reliability, but has slightly higher performance due to mainly to the upgraded valve timing. If you plan to keep the car stock or not mess with the ECU, I'd get the N18 engine, otherwise I'd want the N14 engine/ECU combo since it can be more readily remapped.