Hey guys, I've owned E36's my life so far, and i've decided to get a mini cooper. I was just wondering what are some common wear items on the r56 and things i should look out for. Thanks

 

If you're an e36 guy, get a r53.

 

How come? I thought the r50's engines weren't all that great. I'm not that knowledgeable on the subject though.
Was looking at a 2011 cooper s more for a reliable daily then anything

 

I have a 2011 R56S, and I love it. Only 32k on the clock, factory warranty runs out in January 2015. I have put over 10k on it since May when I bought used. No major problems thus far that the warranty didn't cover. I did buy a good 6-year extended warranty at the time of purchase, just in case. From what I have seen here and elsewhere online, the 2011-up N18 engine does not seem to suffer the reliability issues that the earlier versions did. As I like to say, time will tell...

 

lookout for:

main water pump (plastic vs metal)
oil pump solenoid leak
oil change interval - preferably 5k OIC for timing chain

 

Welcome to the dark (FWD) side ;-)

Depending on your budget, you may want to start with the latest (3rd gen) F56 cars, or have to look into older R56 (2nd gen) MINI Cooper S's.

If you have to go 2nd gen, start with 2011+ model year R56s that have the updates N18 engine (fewer issues). Documented maintenance history trumps all other considerations with use car purchases.

Good luck hunting,
a

'08 R56
'15 F80

 

These cars have some maintenance issues, do some research here. Like others have said, 2011 are improved, but still have some issues. These are not Toyotas or Hondas as far as reliability goes. But they are much more fun than those cars also.

Have fun,
Mike

 

If going with an S, go with a 2011+. Updated N18 engine is improved, although still keep your eyes on the oil pressure solenoid harness leak.

 

The non-S models seem to be more reliable than the S ones. There are fewer things to go wrong, plus the cars tend to be a bit less-stressed, and some of the systems are less prone to trouble.

Of course, the non-S has less power. That's a deal-breaker for some. The suspension is pretty equivalent, though, so the S isn't really faster in the curves.

I made my choice, and am happy with it.