I'm looking at a 2015 Cooper S Countryman (50,000 miles). I noticed a couple of things that worried me:
- vibration at idle (e.g. at a stop light). You can feel a bit of shaking in the cabin while sitting there. Normal?
- when running over uneven ground the car 'creaks'. Is this just because it has the Panorama roof?
- the coolant was low, but the cap was a bit loose (1/5 of a turn). I've seen discussions of overheating. I couldn't see any leaks. Should I be worried?
- the car made some 'clatter' at start and idle. Not as smooth as I would have thought. I will check another tomorrow, but wondering if some lifter clatter was normal.

Thanks for any pointers. Sorry if I'm asking about something common. I've been reading over threads to try to come up to speed.

 

I own a 15 S with the manual. Currently has around 62k on it, owned it since 21k. Shouldn't have any vibrations at stop or in the cab, could be a motor mount possibly. It's common to be noisy on start up, but if the clatter continues after its warmed up/idled down, could be timing chain/guides related. Mine recently has developed a squeak in the rear, mostly just dry Suspension parts.. gave it a spray last year and it had been quiet until a week ago..not a big worry though. Good Luck on finding a countryman, I drive mine daily and love it!

 

No, No, Yes, Somewhat.

 

Thanks for the feedback. Engine noise is only at startup and the coolant was low because the thermostat has been changed recently. So I ended up going for it.

Any recommendations for oil beyond a good synthetic 5w30? I'm thinking Mobil 1.

 

I use Mobil 1 0W-40 European Car Formula. I change more frequently than Mini recommendation.

 

I'll just chime in to say we absolutely love our 2015 Countryman S All4 in Light Coffee color with Black roof with a bit over 21,000 miles! One of the most fun drives we've ever owned. It's a MINI so there are things typical of MINI's to get used to, like the short wheelbase and structure of the suspension which can jar you a bit when going over railroad tracks, etc. It's a sports car feel not a large luxury car. The turbocharged N18 engine has plenty of power, and my other MINI is a 2015 F56 JCW, so I'm used to some power. You could have a PPI performed by a reputable mechanic before purchase if that will make you feel better....I'd probably do that on a used MINI with 50,000 miles if there's no warranty. Good luck!

 

I use mobil 1 5w30, was changing at 5000 but recently switched to 4000. Mine is as black as diesel oil at either one of those mileages...

 

+3 on 3-5k miles oil change. I used liqui-moly as part of an oil service kit from ECStuning.com, but next change I will use 5w-30 Mobil1 Full Synthetic European Car Formula, as it's handily available at my local Wal-Mart.

Mine, which I haven't had long, and a couple online videos indicate these MINIs sort of sound pretty bad and rattley when they start up cold. Should go away when warm. Again from anecdotal evidence, they do idle louder/less smooth than non-direct injection V-6 or V-8 engines even warm.