Hi, I am new to this forum... I am ready to order a 14 Clubman S, 6 speed. My question is this. Are the new minis plagued with the timing chain issues,and the carbon buildup issues, the clutch failures, thermostat housings, etc? Never owned a Mini,always been a fan- just do not want to pay top dollar for a car that is always getting worked on. The carbon buildup issue seems like a real joke. I have worked on, and operated engines my whole life and never had to tear one down to for carbon buildup. I am not trying to bash the Mini in any way, I simply am concerned with the mechanical problems I read about on this forum.
Thanks

 

I too have a 2014 Clubman S on order (good choice!)...I didn't research all those other issues, but the timing chain I believe was resolved in ~2010. Not that it means there won't be different timing chain issues...

See this link for more info:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ng-chains.html

 

It is my understanding that it is not the prince engine in the 2014 on some models. The BMW 3 cylinder will be in non s cars. Do a search on the F56 which is the 2014 hardtop. The engines will be the same as the R55 Clubman.
Good choice either way, I think it is the best configuration in the MINI family. Handles like a hardtop, has the extra room and still looks good.
Congrats to you both.

 

I did a boatload of research before ordering my 2013 (also talked to a friend who works as a tech at a local Mini dealer..). 2011 saw a major design of the cams, dual VANOS, as well as PCV changes. Carbon on the post 2011 S turbo cars does not seem to be an issue. Clutch failures.. Not common.. Timing chains.. Seem to be also updated in 2011. T-stat housings.. Also not as common as before..

As far as I can tell 2014 is a carryover from 2013. The newer F series cars won't show until mid-year at best, and as of right now it's only poised to replace the R56 (hardtop). I suspect 2014 will be the last year for the 3 door Clubman.

 

The R55 Clubman will continue to have the current N18 engine until the model is replaced with the new Clubman, whenever that may be.

 

Thanks for the input... is the sport suspension too stiff for daily driver/wife car?

 

I don't think so.. I like it.. it was stiff at first, but at 4,000 miles later, its much smoother..

I found that by lowering the Tire Pressure to about 33, the ride greatly improved and the tires got much quieter.

My Wife says nothing about the ride in this car at all being harsh or bumpy... I think the 3" longer wheel base in the Clubman has a lot to do with that.

I daily the car into the city each day, its not bad at all.. I rather enjoy the ride.

 

I have 18" runflats (which are about to get replaced) on the sport suspension. It's stiff and rough enough for my wife to hate my car. I'm fine with it. I think it'll depend on how sensitive your wife will be to the ride.

I've ridden in a Hardtop (R56) with 18" Yokohama s.drives (non runflat tires) and the ride is A LOT smoother. Also had a R56 loaner with 17" runflats and it was pretty stiff as well. If comfort is a must, then i suggest you ditch the runflats ASAP.

As for the other little issues on the car, it's a case by case thing. If you're worried about maintenance costs, you might be better off buying a Toyota. Despite the fact that you say you've been doing your research and know about all the issues the MINI brand has had to deal with and you STILL are ready to order one, tells me you're going to be just like the majority of us on this forum. We all know the issues, but we still love our MINIs.

All that being said, you can buy a non S and the chances of issues are greatly reduced.

 

I have the SS on my 2013 Clubman S with the factory runflats and I think the ride is fine as a DD. Makes the daily drive fun and enjoyable atound the corners.

 

The suspension is great, the runflats are meh.

 

Ditched my runflats since my last post. Makes a WORLD of difference.

 

For a comfortable controlled ride install the Koni FSD shocks. It eliminates the harshness of the stock suspension. It cost us about 1000 installed in SF Bay Area.
We put them on our first 2006 Hatch Back and again on our current 2008 Clubman S. In the last year I also replaced the run flats with Michelin tires. That made the ride even better. But the shocks made the biggest difference by far.
Have a good ride!

 

Sometime in (late?) 2015..I think. After the 5-door, at least (provided it isn't THE 5-door.)