Originally Posted by Nick6

Originally Posted by RobMuntean

Nice! Any minor mods that you are thinking of?

Originally Posted by goldcountrymini

This has been a moderately helpful thread. I'm looking into an R56 DD to replace my 335 which has been a money pit since picking it up used a few years ago. Looking to get back into a MINI... I had an R53, loved every bit of it. However looking on the used market in my area, the R53s are too high of milage for me.

Any additional input to look for while searching for an R56 is welcomed.

Originally Posted by Systemlord

Do different than before, don't buy a used BMW or MCS. You have a 50/50 chance of buying someone elses money pit!

Originally Posted by Systemlord

Do different than before, don't buy a used BMW or MCS. You have a 50/50 chance of buying someone elses money pit!

Originally Posted by RobMuntean

Exactly. Unless he wants to buy my R56, which is in great same with maintenance up to date and mods already installed as well;-). At least with a fat file filled up, you know what you're getting.

Originally Posted by goldcountrymini

LOL, you guys are not too encouraging. I have not pulled the trigger yet, but the next German vehicle purchased, I will buy an extended warranty - there is no doubt.

If I can find a good deal (low miles, clean) R53, I will pick it up. We'll see how it turns out.

Originally Posted by Systemlord

I have to be 100 percent honest with you, I would feel bad if I held back about these Mini Coopers and you entered into a nightmare. You're going to get the bloody truth, however for every bad situation we have seen on this forum there's got be 9 more with goods things to say. Car owners usually don't come to the forums to praise their trouble free car experience, but most would agree that a higher percentage of bad experiences always find their way here.

I didn't find my way here until I had an issue with my timing chain, had I never found anything wrong with my MCS I might not even be typing this post.

Originally Posted by Systemlord

The N18 doesn't need a OCC, the redesigned PCV system doesn't send oil vapor into the cylinder to be burned, at least not like the N14. You're probably wondering why I'm not using an OCC, that's because evey member using one on an N14 engine is only catching a very small percentage of oil.

The oil ends up working it's way through the turbo, pooling in the intercooler and finely into the intake system ending up in the intake ports, it's the long way instead of a shortcut. I just let it enter the engine because there's not a thing I can do to stop it from entering the engine, I'll just have the pay $350-$550 to have the intake system walnut blasted every 40k, this is the only real solution to the problem. If I had it to do all over again I would have gone with an N18 engine.

Originally Posted by babysarah

I have an 07 MSC with 62k on it and the only issue I have had to date is the mechanical water pump go bad, which was replaced along with the thermostat under my extended warranty.

As for the timing chain, if you decide to purchase the car, then make an appointment with your local MINI dealer to have them check it out. The timing chain and components are covered under a still-active service bulletin that was initiated in Oct or Nov '13. If your chain has any slack outside what should be normal, they replace the chain and tensioner for you at no cost. Another common issue with the high-pressure fuel pump, however this is also covered under a recall.

The only thing you may want to check records for and if not found, be prepared to spend out of pocket for, is the infamous carbon-cleaning at right around $450 from a dealer. No way to prevent this, unfortunately it comes with the territory of owning a direct-injected vehicle. Although MINI's designed is a little less to par with other manufacturers, it's still common. Just as the VW guys. haha.

Good luck on your endeavor with the MINI! I absolutely love mine and I am sure you will too if you decide to get it.

Originally Posted by tsa1

$350-$550? at almost half the price I can afford to do this every 30k miles lol