I went and test drove a 2011 JCW with 65K miles on it and it looks and drives great. I did some reading and seems like the 2011's can have problems with oil consumption and timing. The car fax has zero accidents but does not have service details. What are some things I should check for before purchasing or should I just stay away from it? Thanks in advance.

 

2011 JCW will have the N14 engine which is the one prone to all the timing chain issues. At 65k miles you would really want to know the service history and whether oil changes were done routinely. Also I'd guess the timing chain tensioner should have been replaced at least once so far.

From my experience buying two mini's it's hard to get a mini dealer to give you the service details if you don't actually own the car yet. It's a dilemma since you need the service history to help you decide whether to buy the car.

Great choice looking at JCW's but I think if you can swing it, look at the 2013+ JCWs instead because they have the updated N18 engine which so far hasn't been plagued with issues like the N14. You'll also get the benefit of updates that fixed a lot of small issues from the previous model years.

Not all N14 engine cars are inherently ticking time bombs but if you don't know the service history I would stay away and not risk it.

 

I just called the local dealer and gave them the vin #, they said oil was changed every 7k and all recalls were done but did not see anything about timing chain. I asked them to send me the report and as you mentioned they said they would not as I am not the owner. I am going to ask the dealership that has it now to see if they can get it.
I test drove the car and it handled and felt amazing but am def. worried about getting into a money pit. I don't have a ton of $ so not sure I can swing the 2013. What is a good price for one of them? Thanks again.

 

I've had good luck calling a dealer and asking for the service history. They haven't been willing to give me soft or hard copies of anything because they can't disclose the previous owner's name - as you experienced. They have told me about maintenance like timing chains and fuel pumps without me having to do anything other than be respectful. I've worked with five dealerships and they have all been great.

I agree with 3lusive - N14's can be good engines if they are maintained, including oil change intervals (I change mine at 5,000 miles), never running low on oil, and an oil catch can (I have two BSH mounted). Expect to change the timing chain (I waited until about 115,000 miles on my first N14), the high pressure fuel pump (about 120,000 on my first N14, but I waited too long and it was losing power), the thermostat housing, water pump, oil filter housing seal*, oil cooler seal*, turbo coolant line*, turbo oil line*. *I did all of these on my first N14 at something like 140,000 miles when I had to have my turbo rebuilt because the wastegate wore out and became loose. And, of course, intake valve cleaning at roughly 50,000 miles. I also recommend replacing the turbo inlet tube with an aftermarket unit...the seal at the turbo end can break up and the pieces can take out the turbo.

N14's require more attention, and they can be very sensitive to deferred maintenance. Knowing all of this, when my first N14 holed a piston on a track day at 154,000 miles, I bought a second one - a 2009 Clubman JCW which currently has 70,000 miles on it. The previous owner had taken care of it and it's running strong - autocrossing, tracking, track days, and daily driver.....and still mod'ing it.

If the timing chain on the car that you're looking at has not been changed, it is cause for concern, but not a definite 'no-go'. Check YouTube for videos on the N14 death rattle and compare it to the car that you're looking at. At first, the engine will seem noisy to you, but you should be able to tell if there is a problem. The timing chain is an expensive fix - I didn't do mine, and I think it cost me something like $1,800 at an independent shop that specializes in BMW's and MINI's.

 

Depending on options I think you should be able to find a 2013 JCW hardtop for around 20k. I bought mine last May for 27k but it had 9,000 miles, fully loaded except Recaro seats, clear bra, extended maintenance warranty.

I had an 08 S and didn't have many problems with it. Timing chain tensioner was replaced before I owned it but I had to replace again around 70k miles. I did have the oil cooler gasket leak but I decided to fix that on my own, and at the same time replace turbo oil line, return line, and upgrade the intercooler and catless DP. For preventive maintenance I made sure to change the oil every 5k.

 

So changing the timing chain once is not really a long term fix? I was hoping for a one and done type of thing at $1800 a pop! Hmm....

PS At this point in time unfortunately I can't afford $20K for a car :-(

 

I wish a single change would fix it permanently, but not as I understand it. The updated timing chain parts last longer, but I don't believe they are expected to last as long as timing chains on many other cars....not postive though.

 

Another quick question is it better to just go with a Cooper S and chip it or something along those lines? Are they a lot more reliable? Are certain years better than others?

 

If you want to go MCS then find one 2011+ with the N18 engine. Both engines can be tuned (manic tune is very popular) but I think if you want to get really big power then the JCW with its stronger internals might be a better starting platform. If you just want some extra oomph with catless dp, intercooler, intake, exhaust, and stage 2 tune then either one will be fine. I like the JCW for its additional exclusivity. It's the top tier so there's no trim level I want from here (GP2 is too track focused for me). Plus I love the aero kit and wheels and red roof.

 

The timing chain is a ware item. It's guaranteed that you'll replace it and replace it regularly. Conservatively count on replacing it every 70-100k. Now, the good news is the replacement part kits are not that expensive. Few of the vendors here have them at reasonable prices. The bad news is unless you have deep pockets you'll have to do it yourself. It is not actually a very difficult job. You will need a few tools that are good for ever so your first time will include buying tools. Once I realized I would eventually be doing the job I started to buy several tools I'd need later. It's easier to budget over long term. I would if I was looking for a N14 already settle this as an inevitable task ahead. Good luck.

 

When I asked the dealer for old service records, I asked them to remove the previous owners name / contact info --- either cut the pages or mark it out. They complied and I got the service history.

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback and assistance. I am still torn on the decision and was thinking of taking it to dealer to inspect but it is like a 2 week wait.

 

You should pass and look only for 2013+. It is better to be sorry than regret if you are on a limited budget.

 

So I found a really nice 2011 Cooper S with the N18 motor with low miles (50K) for around the same price as the 2011 JCW. Should I go this route and add some mods? I am not looking to race, just a fun little commuter car. Thanks again.

 

It really boils down to your personal preferences. The N18 S will be a fun car to commute in, and will be lower maintenance than the N14 JCW. The JCW will have a little more power, require more maintenance, and offer more exclusivity. If you want to play it safe....for example, if you have a long commute, no backup, and your budget is tight... go with the N18.

 

My commute is pretty short, probably drive a total of 15-20 miles per day.
I love the power of the JCW but am really worried about the timing chain and things falling apart. I did find a few local shops that will do pre inspections and check it for me fairly cheap which I feel is a must.

Is there a quick chip or some mod to an S to give it a little more HP. I think if the S is "that" much more reliable it is prob. the safer bet but damn I love the looks of the JCW!! Soooooo torn....

 

The timing chain is not hard to replace. With really good planning it's at most a weekend job. Really any car with a timing chain the chain and tensioner and assemblies will eventually need replacing. If you buy it just do the job right away. Then don't worry about it for a while. If you don't drive much it will take years to rack up the mileage.

 

Ps. I've had my JCW since 2008 and did the timing chain a year or so back.

 

How much is it to do yourself? Thanks.

 

http://waymotorworks.com/timing-chai...-cooper-s.html

http://waymotorworks.com/timing-tool...7-r58-r60.html
Other vendors may have different prices. The tools are a one time investment. Additional nuts and bolts won't kill the budget.

Around $500 the first time.

Ps. I would never pay the $1700 plus some charge.

 

I would check the prices from all the active vendors here.

 

Timing chain is the biggest problem with the N14, but far from the only problem. Valve Cover seal leaks plus the VC built-in PCV problems.
HPFP failure.
Thermostat housing leaks.
Oil filter / cooler housing leaks.
Water pump failure.
Aux coolant pump (for the turbo) recall for fires.
and probably more that I can't remember at the moment.

Don't even consider the N14 if you have a reasonable N18 available. Get a tune as your first mod --- even with no other mods, the gains will be significant.

 

I would save for a 2013+ JCW over an S right now.


It will cost you more in upgrades and you will never have the major goodies of the JCW as brakes, suspension, body trim, the 27hp more powerful engine, better seats and so much more.

 

Thanks again for your help and input it looks like I need to save my pennies if I want to get a JCW. I may just settle for the S with an 18 until I have more money.
Thanks agsin!

 

Making a plan is half the chore. Good hunting!