I’m looking for some advice as I don’t have a lot of experience with the F54’s. I currently own a 2009 Clubman S and am thinking about selling it to get an F54 as I have 2 kids that are getting bigger and would like a 4-door and a little more room.

History on my R55: Rebuilt the engine and front suspension less than a year ago, along with a new clutch and flywheel. New shocks. New mounts. It’s pretty well optioned, but no H/K. Body has 200k on it with 8k on the engine.

How reliable have the F54’s been and what should I look for? I know about the engine mounts. I love the R55, but we’re moving and I can’t have both. We have an ‘06 MB wagon as well, but I would like options for family outings. It seems the B-series engines have been fairly reliable, but I’m looking for opinions from people who have or have had both.

Thank you!

 

I too am considering an update to an F54 Clubman. The 3rd generation Minis have been pretty reliable from my research.

 

They definitely seem to be less of a ticking time bomb than the R-series. I’m a BMW/Porsche person (as far as working on them) and I know the F-series are all BMW. I like the size of the F-series Clubman, but haven’t had the chance to drive one any distance to gauge the ride. I’m aware they won’t feel as agile as the earlier gens, but I have a 914 for that (once I get it back on the road&#129315. I currently also drive a 2004 E500 wagon, but probably selling that due to our move.

Anyone else?

 

An ex gf of mine had a 2010 Clubman S, and I currently have a 2023 Clubman S ALL4.

The older Clubbie's ride was more a but stiffer, but then again, it didn't have all the settings the 23 has. The 23 rides great. I do sales, and put about 25-30k miles on my personal car. I'm 6'2, 280lbs, and I haven't had any back pain from the long hours in the MINI. That's saying a lot, since I'm 52 and had a major back injury four years ago.

 

Good to know and I appreciate the feedback! The F series seem to be more comfortable, the 2 I’ve test driven, but I’ve had cars that were pretty comfortable short term but long trips became really uncomfortable.

Anyone else?

 

I drive from NYC to the Finger Lakes region of NY (Ithaca, Watkins Glen area) with the three MINIs I've owned since Jan. 2004 about a 275 mile ride each way. My first was a 2008 R52, I had it for 4 years (I was 55 at the time I bought it) and it was fun to drive but it started to bother my back on long drives. Next was my 2017 F54 All4 I owned that till last fall and it was much better for me on long drives, also because of it being an All4 it was better in the snow. I loved the it so much that I traded it in on a Final Edition F54.

My only complaint now is that as I'm getting older I'm having a harder time getting in and out of it because of the height.

 

Thank you for the input.

The reasons behind my question are as follows: 1) My two kids are getting older/taller and don’t like riding in the R55 as much, plus they say it’s not as nice as my wife’s ‘06 E350 Wagon, to which I agree. 2) I’ll be in my car more with where we’re moving to, so it’d be nice to have something more comfortable that’s still fun to drive. 3) Four doors would be nice vs the three door setup. 4) Reliability. Even though I’ve rebuilt the engine and new turbo cartridge, I still feel like it’s a ticking time bomb.

I can do everything myself as I’m a professional technician, but I’m getting out in a month or two and not planning on going back in, so reliability is more of a concern.

Thanks!

 

I once had a 2011 R55 JCW . . and just bought a 2020 F54 JCW. There's just no comparison between the two. In between I've had a 2009 E93 M3, a 2008 E90 M3 and a 2016 Audi S3 . . and traded in the S3 to get the F54 JCW.

 

Thanks for the info! I am actually planning to sell my ‘09 Clubman S and keep my ‘04 MB E500 wagon for now due to size, comfort, audio system, and the amazing V8. I will miss my Clubbie, but do plan on getting another one in the future, probably a 2020 or newer JCW, unless I want a manual!

All this being said, it will give me the time/money to finally get back on my 914 instead of finding ways to upgrade my Clubbie😂 Plus, my wife put her foot down as we are moving and she’s telling me I need to downsize my collection (it would be six vehicles with the Clubbie)☹️