Now that the N18 engine is a part of our daily lives, can we please have a thread dedicated to N18 issues/concerns? Has the timing chain/tensioner issue been resolved with the N18? HPFP issues?? Vacuum pump issues? Is the N18 more reliable, more longer-lasting than the previous engines? Many changes were made, but did they produce the desired outcome? As an owner of a 2011 N18 R56S, I would love to hear some feedback. Almost 30k, and no engine issues yet. But my factory warranty runs out soon, thus the questions.

 

I have a '12 MCS with about 35k miles. The only work done is a vanos was replaced along with a leaky oil sensor. Have taken the mini on two cross country trips, pretty solid. Have a year left on warranty, will either get an extended warranty or sell it. When I had the work described above done, was told it would have been about $2500.

 

23,809-Timing chain tensioner seal recall. Coolant hose with temp sensor recall.
26,571-A/C clutch bearing noisy, replaced A/C compressor- warranty.
35,121-coolant leak from oil filter housing to block seal, r&r seal-warranty.
38,872-right front wheel bearing noisy, replaced-warranty.
39,955-limp mode, faulty exhaust vanos solenoid. Replaced-warranty.
49,837-oil leak at oil pump solenoid valve, replaced-warranty.
55,683-squeaky drive belt, replaced- maintenance program? N/C

Currently at 68,000 miles.

 

42K miles on my 2011 MCS with no issues to speak of... I picked up the extended warranty just in case.

 

What year and model?

 

Quick questions on your JB+. Does it increase performance as advertised? Any downfalls, such as decreased MPG? Any other issues with the JB+?

 

It's works! Easy to install. No loss of mpg's, but it's more fun to drive fast. Takes about 100 miles for the cars computer to adapt. I have used Burger software for 7 years.

 

What does a JB+ do, exactly? I need to do more research, obviously, but can someone boil it down for me? I assume it is more than just another "rice-chip" that richens the mixture, because the ECM would adapt to that pretty quickly. It seems so simple, yet appears to do so many good things for an N18. I am looking at 2 different options, a bench-tune (send the ECM in for re-programming), or a JB+. Price difference aside, which would you choose as a first "real" mod? Resonator delete, Pipercross foam drop in, and new NGK's are all I have done, and the tech at Mini of Escondido asked me what mods I had done. He said my Mini was freaky fast for the minimal mods I have done. He thought I had a tune.

 

Don't over think it, it's a great product and no one has had negative effects from it. Burger tuning holds the records for some of fastest BMW.

 

Probably over-thinking, but I know what mods I do to my 67 Chevelle, and I know what results to expect. Sending a black box out for programming, or adding a juice-box to my Mini just scare the hell out of me! I want/need to have this Mini for a long time, as I have signed on for 6 years of monthly payments. And, I have never made payments on a car! I just hate the thought of "something" going wrong and losing my *** on the deal. Probably should just stick with the mods I have done so far, but that is not in my nature. Just like all of you guys, I like and want MORE! Trust in a black box? Also not in my nature. I want to know what it does, and also "how" it does it.

 

I bought mine second hand and was VERY skeptical of its claims... I was duped years and years ago when people were selling resistors online to do exactly what this claims to do. It did all of jack and s*** for the first 50 or so miles of driving, but after that it was like I had gotten a whole new engine! I left the dial at the stock 50% and when I put my foot down Pepper goes like as tabbed rat!!! I don't ever want to take this thing off!

If you're looking to ACTUALLY get all that power that a lot of intakes and catback kits claim to give, buy one... You will not be disappointed.

 

Very cool, and thanks for the info! My only question remaining is MPG. Any difference? Obviously, more fun=more loud pedal. But did your MPG change much? What octane of fuel is available where you are? We have 91 max here in great-old Southern Cali.

 

The extra power only comes when you put your foot down. When cruising or driving like a normal person, my MPG has been unchanged. Obviously when I drive like Mario Andretti, my MPG suffers. But that's true even without the mod.

We don't have 91 in Illinois. It's either 87, 89, or 93. I run only Top Tier 93 octane...

 

The JB+ basically fools the ECU into thinking there's low boost therefore increasing boost pressure, usually a few psi more.

 

Absolute best bang for the buck mod you can do. One of the other outstanding upsides to using the JB+ is that if you need to make a dealer visit it literally takes two minutes to remove.

 

2011 S hardtop

 

Looks like the JB+ is the way to go. For now, at least. I see a lot of folks selling theirs because they went further on the mods, and got a tune. Collecting my nickles and dimes. Just a matter of time. Thanks for all the replies, guys! I really love this site, just for the fact that everyone is so helpful with my noob questions.

 

14.9k (incl 2 events, spirited motoring), no engine problems; purs like a cat. 2013 MCS.... like any car, you pay to play. I think these N18s are great - just keep on top of maintaince. I'm pretty skeptical (as are most) relying on the computer to tell you when to take it in for service. I try and keep mine <5k miles (as most do). Did the same with former 2009 R56 (N14) and had no problems at all in 90k. Extended warranty is definitely worth the cost.