R56 owner,

Its time to buy another car and this time i'm looking for R56. I'm a R53 for a long time and have not followed R56 threads. I'm looking for a 2007 MCS turbocharged local from me, but, i feel like i dont have enough base knowledge of these R56. I dont mind buying a upper year model of 2009 with the N18 engine if they are more relieable than the earlier engine. Can someone pls chime in of what they think of the 2007 model. Thank you.

 

Stay away from 07-08 MCS's. Find an 09+(09-10 MCS had N14 engine). 2011-2013 MCS's had an n18 engine.

Many problems occurred with the N14. Too many to list right now off of my phone. But many threads on it. The N18 has been a little more improved but still some ridiculous things occur.

 

Thanks Rob.

I just read another thread regarding timing chain issues on these r56 engines. Timing chain is a lot of work and $$$ to deal with. Looking at your signiture you went from 08 to 11 model and that says something. Drivetrain and engine issues is my biggest concern in choosing a year model. I don't really care much about anything else (issues) outside the engine and transmission.

I would assume the n18 engines prodeuces more HP than earlier engines. I read about the carbon build-up and i think that is something i can deal with preventative maintenance.

When you have a free time can you list other things i should be aware off. Back to reading more about R56.

 

Exactly what RobMuntean said! ^^^

The N18's don't have much carbon deposits on the intake valves, they also don't suffer from timing chain issues when compared with the N14's. The N14's drink oil like it's party punch, that's why the valves and intake runners get coated with oily carbon residue!

This robs quite a bit of power, I noticed a night and day difference when I had my valves walnut blasted at 47k! I had to have my timing chain components replaced right before the walnut blast procedure. If the timing chain slips off the cam sprockets you're going to not just replace your timing chain components but also require a new or rebuilt engine, it just isn't worth the risk buying a time bomb.

Buy an N18.

 

Yes the carbon buildup can be reduced on the N18s, but I take it as maintenance as well. I'm at 70k miles so no issues with that.

My problems with mine have been the thermostat replaced, valve cover replaced, hpfp replaced, rear end sway bar endlinks(three times), and solenoid valve replaced. Other than that, not much. Timing chain tensioner replaced under recall and visors inside the car recalled as well.

I would personally look for a 11+ if you can.

 

Get the newest, best-maintained R56 you can find.

If you're really concerned with having fewer problems, consider a Justa instead of an S.

 

Sounds like the 2011+ is the car to get.

Justa would be cool to get but i always get bitten by the MOD BUG so i want a turbocharged car.

I hope i can find a nicely priced MCS locally.

Any tips what to look for when inspecting 2011 MCS when i'm ready to buy? For example glove box compartment not latching properly, worned out parts here and there?

 

Rob,

Was your HPFP replaced under warranty?

I just read a DIY on this HPFP and looks easy to do.

 

I would look at oil leaks, suspension ride, coolant, tire thread, any weird noises while driving and idling coming from the engine, and carfax in general.

My hpfp wasn't covered because mini USA said I had, "a special part" compared to the other MCS's. I called BS but Detroit Tuned did the job for like $380-400. Not bad. DT told me I'm lucky my N18 part was different since the N14 was around $900.

But if you are mechanically inclined and have patience you'll be fine. But so you know there is a warranty on the hpfp like 7 or 8 years up to 120k miles or something for 07-13 models. I'm sure others can chime in to tell you specifically.

 

2011 up is the ticket with dealer service records...IMO if a car don't look like it has less miles then it really has, it wasn't will cared for.

 

Love reading these threads that tell me what a piece of junk I drive. I'll be lucky to get 60K miles out of it before it turns into a grenade! Right?

Granted, I'm taking it to my mechanic Tuesday, to have the thermostat, water pump, and turbo oil lines replaced. I'm not doing it because they failed, but as a preventative measure since they are all original parts. I also had the timing chain cassette replaced at no charge, by the dealer, at 112K miles. Sure, it needs a quart between oil changes at 3-5K miles, but I'm not losing sleep over it. I'm also having the suspension and RSB replaced Tuesday. Again, not because they failed, but because I have a set of shocks and springs that came off a JCW with 7K miles and mine have 120K on them.
Would I have preferred a newer model? Sure, but I know the original owner and how the car was treated prior to me buying it. It also fit my budget. IMO a '07 can be a good car if it's taken care of, and with a little bit of luck. But, that's just my opinion. YMMV

 

I always love seeing people cry, "stay away from 07-08 MCS!"

Well .. my 07 MCS is approacing 63k miles and the only major mechanical issue I have had to date is replacement of the mechanical water pump. However, this was covered under my extended warranty. Other than that, the only thing I have spent out of pocket for (other than regular maintenance) is the dreaded $450 carbon-cleaning.

Timing chain and components are covered under an active service bulletin if yours needs to be replaced. HPFP is covered under a recall. Turbo heat shield also covered under a recall. I still add a quart in between oil changes, like another person mentioned above.

I know some people have crappy luck with their cars, but if you're buying used, that's at your discretion. You don't know how it was maintained or driven prior to your ownership and that is a chance anyone takes with any used vehicle. I took the chance and I don't regret it at all.

I too, would've loved a newer MINI, but for the price I paid and the options my MINI came with, it was a price I couldn't be and I didn't waste time signing papers. To each their own.

 

.. and if you do more research, you'll find 2011 and newer MCS needing carbon cleaning, and having other mechanical issues with low mileage ..

 

The reason for that is cause it's little to nothing if an N18 has to get their timing chain fixed. As for 07-10 it's a common issue where lots of folks on here had to replace it 2-3 times.

I'm at 71k miles, took a look at my valves and not bad at all. I still plan to do carbon buildup as preventive maintenance at 90k miles(if I still have my MINI then). I live in a four season weather state too.

 

Replacing a timing chain 2-3 times is not very attractive in my book. Hassle, downtime, $$$ is no fun.

 

At 30,000 miles with my 2011 MCS N18 engine . No problemo Do Castrol engine oil every 5000 miles and transmission oil at 30,000 miles using Castrol Transynd.

 

Generally the newer the model of any car line with have most of the bugs worked out and the last year of the production line will be the best.
Maybe I'm lucky, but I haven't had any out of warranty problems or expenses with mine. I'm only at 34k miles on it and do most of the maintenance myself, but mine has been quite dependable. I only run non-ethanol fuel and have had no issues with the HPFP, clutch still feels very strong and the motor uses about a cup of oil every 5,000 miles with no rattles from the timing chain.

 

As stated an '07-'10 can be fine if you do your research. Get a Carfax or Autocheck report. Make sure recalls have been performed. Check to see if the Timing chain and tensioners have been replaced. Check for the Water pump and the thermostat. Also HPFP. When I bought mine I made the timing was done for sure. After having it a month the water pump was leaking. Once that was replaced the thermostat was needed. Other than the initial month of the car getting drove again (it sat for a year) and things giving out do to lack of activity this car has been very kind to me. Currently, if I was to pick any R56 MINI I would pick a 2011..... Errrr I mean 2012 JCW. Last year of the JCW N14 engine. Easier tuning capabilities right now. However, if there were more OBDII tuners for the N18 engine I would choose the N18. That's not to say there isn't tuners for the N18, bc there is. But I don't want to down the vehicle for a bench tune. Anyway, getting off topic.

If you do your research you can find a nice N14 out there. Just find one with previously mentioned items done.

And very frequent oil changes. That'll save you headaches too. 5k oil changes. They're out there. You just have to take the time to look.

 

2012 for the FJCW N14 was the last year

 

Yeah..... That's what I said....

 

No you didn't silly hahah, just pulling your leg;-).

 

No one mentioned here about a strut tower mushrooming like the R53s, am I right to say it's no issue with the R56?

 

No issue that I'm aware of.

 

I don't have the miles vetsvette has, but there isn't anything that looks close to what the R53's dealt with. Of course I'm running stock springs and struts so very little to worry about there.

 

Hello, I see a lot of people saying the timing chain/inside visors/HPFP/turbo heat shied, etc. are all covered under service bulletin or recall.

Does anyone have copies of the actual write-ups, so I have something tangible to show the dealers?

Thanks