Oops, had put this post in another forum section yesterday...

I may be interested in purchasing this 2009 Mini S:
22,000 miles
6 speed
gray/black top
asking @ $15,000... $13,500/$14,000 where I hope to be...
clean car fax / one owner

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invento...sting=99772319

Is this the Mini (R56?) that has carbon buildup issues on the valves, and which can be remedied with installation of the Billet Technology oil catch can?

Thoughts? Thanks, folks.

 

Carbon fouling is one of many issues with these. Whatever you do, don't have it cleaned at a dealer... I haven't done much research into the catch can but there's a thread in the 'Stock Problems' forum where it is discussed, along with a DIY walnut blasting procedure.

I got a 2009 MCS back in July, third owner / 60k miles, so far I've had to have the intakes walnut blasted, replaced the battery, and now I'm having to replace the clutch due to either the throwout bearing or the dual-mass flywheel separating. None of this stuff is really unexpected now.

 

2011+ if your budget allows. Peace of mind!

Sent from cellular device.

 

Different motor from 2011 onward?

 

Correct. N18

Sent from cellular device.

 

MCS models got the N18 engine starting with 2011 model year, but JCW models didn't get it until 2013 model year.

 

Is it known to this point if the existing research data points to the new N18 being more reliable than the N14?

I'm sure there are lots of threads here about that I imagine...........

 

A catch can will not help. I paid $15K for my 2009 with the same mileage about six months ago. After I got it, I discovered that it needed a clutch and flywheel ($2500 at an indie). That low mileage is not really a good thing. The valves will need to be cleaned.