Whats the reliability like on the early model R56 Mini cooper?
Is it as bad / high maintenance as the S?
Any problematic points?

 

The 2007 MCS had problems right away with the timing chain issues, even at less than 1000 miles, you want a reliable car you're looking in the wrong brand! The 2007 MCS is the worst offender when it comes to reliability, speaking from personal experience and data gathered. A 2009 MCS spiked up in reliability, I hope BMW can do better with their newer engine design in 2014-2015 models. Some might even say that the R53 was almost rock stable.

 

My reference was to a Non S

 

So far the only issue mine has had is the water pump, which was replaced a long time ago under warranty. Still running the original cam chain and tensioner, but it's all being replaced next week under the recall.

Sorry about that. Didn't see the non S.

 

It's a bit of a gamble, if I'm honest. My '07 MCS has been fairly reliable, though it's not without it's issues. Thermostat housing broke 2 years ago ($500ish to fix) and it's lately been drinking oil (about a quart a month)....but to my knowledge, it has only failed to start once and never cut out or left me stranded.

I don't know that I'd buy an R56 (or really anything pre-'10) at this point knowing what I know now, but I will say that not every one of them is a nightmare.

 

Our 07 had a few minor issues which were fixed under the warranty. We bought the extended warranty when the factory warranty ran out, and have zero problems since then. (Either the extended warranty was a waste of money, or it worked perfectly to ward off problems)

We're up to 50k miles now.

 

In that case the non S coopers a very reliable especially when compared to an S, no timing chain issues, carbon build-up because the justa coopers are port injection whereas the S are all direct injected engines. So you would have gas and fuel cleaning additives (to clean carbon in the combustion chambers) spraying the back of the valves to keep them clean. You're also not adding extra heat do to the turbos boost which does cause hot temperatures.

 

Knock on wood my wife's '08 S auto has been very reliable. She just hit 55k and is still running the original brakes. Replaced the Conti runflats at 50k. Only one repair out of warranty so far. Just a few minor things done under warranty. Mostly recall stuff.

I do the regular maintenance stuff. I change the oil and filters every 5k. It'll be 6 yrs old in March. Hoping to get a few more trouble free years out of it.