I owned two first generation Mini Cooper S's and I knew about the differences between model years for the most part while I owned them like that they changed the gear ratio in 2005 so first wasn't so steep. I am now in the market for a used R56 and was wondering if there are any chnages between 2007-2011 that I should consider before buying one. Thanks

 

I don't think there were any important engine/tranny/turbo/brake changes. They added the TPMS sensors for 2008 (2007 had the rotation sensor in ABS). They added the USB port for iPods and memory sticks in 2008 I think, and that greatly improved iPod controlling from the car. Other than that I don't remember many changes except colors, (maybe) wheels choices, etc. I don't even think they changed the NAV except map updates, and that sort of needed changes.

 

Biggest difference between 2007-2010 and 2011+ is the addition of Valvetronic on the motor. It cranks out some more power and is more efficient. I think the transmission is the same and there is some different body moldings. You can do some looking on the internet there is a lot about it.

 

I think many folks would agree the 2011+ MY changes (Valvetronic and other minor improvements, including improved fit and finish) have made the R56 a significantly better vehicle. Of course an '11 is essentially a "new" car with a near to new car price tag. My '11 MCS is noticeably better to drive and ride in than my son's '09 MCCS, however, that's not to say his MCCS isn't a nice vehicle too. I hope that was diplomatic enough and helpful.

 

Agreed!! I just picked up my new 2011 Friday and love it! It is so much more roomy and the materials are of a much higher quality than my old 2006. I'm glad I waited for the 2011 and didn't go with last years model

 

The speedo display changed in '08/'09 I think. I have seen pictures of an '07 and it look different, they read up to 150 IIRC

 

07 vs 11
I have a 07 S and was going to buy a 2011 S....are they compatible as far as body/engine parts? Even interior?

 

Big enough changes on engines in 2011+ with them going from N12 to N16, no turbo and N14 to N18 for turbo, with the latter N18 addressing many of the shortcomings of the N14, an engine that has a lot to do with MINI's poor reliability reputation. When looking I only went for 2011 plus. Otherwise some changes to the dash but body wise I believe the cars are much the same.

One forum member was looking at swapping an N18 into an earlier version, which was going to need some reprogramming of the DME, but I think he got sidetracked and never finished it. Another important change in the 2011+ (LC1 I think in BMW speak) was a change from Continental to Bosch high pressure fuel pumps for the N18 engine (not sure if N16 has a hpfp) in early 2012. The Continentals have a pretty high failure rate and are stupid expensive now - I think about $1400 at a MINI dealer. However, a Peugeot one is $740 at our favorite sponsor. An OEM Bosch is about $300.

cheers
MacMini34

 

You got most of the high points for the engine updates, except the high pressure fuel pump. The early N18 engines used the same high pressure fuel pump as the N14 engine untill about March 2012. Around that time, the N18 updated to the Bosch high pressure pump design.

 

Are you sure? Although the hpfp look the same they have a different part number 13517588879 for N14. and 13517592429 for N18 (from ECS)

I know when I've skimmed Ebay for a backup I'm always looking for one with -429 in the part number. The N14 ones used to be cheaper. Now they're all silly expensive.

As a side note I wonder how easy it would be to say what a car would cost now based on its part prices, ie, how many orders of magnitude more is it now over its original sticker. My MCS sold for about $25k new in 2010 and one modest part now represents 1/25 of that price. How much did a hpfp cost MINI when they were building them? (Yes, I understand about economy of scale and the cost of maintaining a parts supply)

cheers
MacMini34

 

N14 and early N18 high pressure pumps have different part numbers because the fuel fittings are different. The body of the pumps is the same.

N14 HPFP:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/13517588879/

Early N18 HPFP:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/13517592429/

Late N18 HPFP:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/13518605102/

 

So I can't use the 2011 fuel pump on my 2008? They look identical..

 

The connections at the head are slightly different, and the fuel line connections are slightly different. The body and operation is very similar, but they are not interchangeable.

The later N18 version is entirely different.

 

Yep, got to match the same design. Look at yours and you will see the slight differences.