Hello all!

I am looking at a 2011 Clubman S and would like some advice on them!

I have owned 3 R53 cooper S's in the past and now want another Mini, but one that is a little larger and the Clubman is it!

Anything I should look out for that is a common issue with them?
This on has the N18 engine and has about 40,000 miles on it and is a 6 speed manual. If I want to get this car I am going to fly out of state to get it because I cant find any in my area, so any help in appreciated!

Thank you!

 

common issues include thermostat, HPFP, and sometime the water pump. in general, you will need to care for the turbo oil feed line and the oil filter housing gasket.

 

I got the history report on the Clubman I am looking into and there are about 30 technical service bulletins that it has...

Is this common or is this one of those Mini that just has a lot of problems?

 

it is hard to tell...some owners abuse the car and some others take care of it. you have to see if this car was abused! remove the oil cap and see if it shiny in there...do a smell test, do you smell anything funny. if the car is at the dealer, ask them for the pre purchase inspection or if it comes with 30 day warranty.

 

See if they have a record of oil changes (or topping off). Check stick to see if currently under 'low' level.

 

TSB's are only notifications of possible issues for dealer mechanics, not recalls. Look for open recalls. HPFP warranty has been extended to 10 years, 120k miles, IIRC. Look to see if it has the aluminum water pump. The plastic ones were problematic. Love my 2011 MCS. At almost 80k now with no major issues. I did buy a Hendrick aftermarket warranty. It has covered a few things, like all 4 coil packs. Good investment, I think. I have had zero issues with the turbo oil lines. There is an updated heat shield that should have been installed. Mine did not have it. It was not expensive, and I installed that myself. Easy.

 

Call the MINI dealer and have them run the service records. Thats a good start to see what has been done.

 

I love my 2011 S Clubman. If original your water pump will be plastic. Mid 2012 the metal one came in. You will have the N18 motor with the latest Continental High Pressure Fuels pump. No idea if is is better than previous revisions. In April 2017 the Bosh HPFP came on line, with a different head, software and hardeware to control it. Not able to be backwards refitted. You can get the turbo line oil shiled for free from your MINI dealer (well min installed for free). Also a shield for the under side of the hood scoop. It is the first year of the facelift, but I have not experienced any bad effects. I had a 2012 Justa Clubman (from 2015 to 2016 with 23k miles when sold) and now 2011 S Clubman (29k miles) and they seemed the same other that n more power in the S.

 

I've had good luck with my 2011 Clubman S. Only needed to do a thermostat at 75,000 which is about 25,000 miles into my ownership. Other than that it's been all regular maintenance and wear items. However, none of the Mini dealerships I've felt with (back in New Jersey and now in Oregon) will give me the service history on the car. The give me a printout explaining that BMW America considers me a third party and the will not share that info with third parties. I'm not sure who you guys that get them are dealing with, but if they'll get the info via email or such I'd love to get it.

 

I bought my 11 MCCS from out of state as well. Best advice I can give you is to get a pre purchase inspection. My car was sold at a BMW dealer so I ASSUMED the dealer was going to thoroughly check the car out. Not so. My thermostat housing gave out on the drive back and it was a Sunday!
I had a VANOS issue where the end stop pin for a solenoid backed out and kept the valves closed. MINI was nice enough to cover 75% of the cost which would have been $2800.
So far that's been it.
I've since driven it from DFW to KC on 2 occasions now and the car has been great. I love every minute of having it. I will say having the pano sunroof, black roof, and no tint makes for a toasty interior on hot TX days.

Good luck with your search! Can't wait to see what you get!