Hey guys I currently have a 07 mini cooper S with 61k miles. Its currently in the shop getting a new ABS Control Module (3200+). I recently found an 11 Clubman S with 41K miles for relatively cheap. Am I crazy to thinking of making the switch?

Does the R55 S have the same engine woes as the R56 S? (HPFP, Timing chain, etc).

I would like the bigger car since I drive the inlaws around when we do things. I was thinking about keeping the R56 for another year and trading it for a Juke.

So I guess I'm just asking for 2011 or R55 reliability from other owners.

Thanks everyone.

 

The 2011 have the new engines. Less issues. Death rattle is n14 prince engine. Lots of fun to drive. Less jarring than a r56. Plus a useable trunk

 

^^Very True

I switch between my wife's R56 and my R55 all the time. The longer wheelbase makes it a tiny bit less responsive, gives a better ride, and enables lots more stuff to fit in the back....I've been able to fit all kinds of things in back, like furniture.

As far as loading it up with four people...in an R56 I would only do it if I had to....very cramped. In an R55, it's still cramped, but have done it for short drives like going out to dinner. My Clubbie rides kind of rough (coilovers set kind of hard), so rides longer than about an hour with one person in the backseat generate complaints about the ride, but not about being cramped.

 

The back seat and extra trunk space makes a big difference in my opinion