Originally Posted by Ovrclck

I'd say dump it and go with a 2011+ (N18) if you're still willing to stick with MINI.

I traded my 2010 in with 49k miles with zero problems other than chain/tensioner swap. Didn't want to risk out of warranty issues. I guess it just depends if you're in the position to put down a chunk of $$ for another car.

Originally Posted by froward

what's the difference with the 2011+? i just stumbled upon the timing chain issue and am a little concerned. was this issue addressed in the 2011? we got our 2011 non-s new and have had more problems so far than any other new car either of us have owned.

Originally Posted by renchjeep

I know the MINI is not the most reliable car ever produced, but these forums make them ALL seem like ticking time-bombs! As someone said previously, all we hear are the problems, because that is often all that are posted. Some happy stories of long-lived MINI's would be nice now and then. I know owning a MINI will not be all "sunshine and roses", and they definitely require more aggressive maintenance and attention. I would rather drive a "unique" car, with great performance for it's size, than a cookie-cutter Honda, Toyota, KIA, or whatever. Count me in the "happy" camp. I have had issues, yes. So far, all covered under warranty. MINI dealer gave me a free loaner car until work was finished. I am now out of factory warranty, but I did purchase an aftermarket Hendricks warranty. We shall see how this plays out, but I am fairly certain that most of my MINI's "issues" have been addressed properly. The N18 may or may not turn out to be better than the N14. Only time will tell. In the meantime, I check my oil frequently, change oil and filter every 5k (MINI genuine filters and Mobil 1 0w40), and keep an eye on my car VERY well. I use less than 1 quart of oil between changes, and I beat the snot out of my MINI from time to time. Every chance I get, actually! All I can say is that I am enjoying my MINI very much, and Motoring On! I am sure that most folks are doing just the same, and those are the folks we do not hear from.

Originally Posted by Chris(CA)

Hi Folks,

I'm the owner of a 2009 Cooper S, stick shift. Bought it from a dealer used with low miles (12.5k) 2011. It has an extended warranty to October 2015. It includes servicing and I do my own oil changes in between as I feel the oil change intervals are too long for this car. It has 45k miles on the clock now and I drive it quite easy, I commute in it and don't drive it that hard. Never track or race it etc.

Its been having lots of problems and although I really wanted to keep the car long term its making me very nervous now, let me outline what it has had:

- About a year ago the cam cover was weeping a little so dealer changed it ($900).
- A few weeks ago I took it for oil change and mentioned it rattled a little on cold start. They did a full chain and tensioner swap ($3500).
- At the same time as the tensioner they recommended a carbon clean (I paid $250 but they just put cleaning foam in it). It didn't run any smoother afterward.
- Week and a half later the car starts misfiring on cold starts and the check engine light comes on. Take it back to the dealer.
- A week later they tell me they have taken the head off and replaced all the valve seals for new ones ($3800).

I'm picking the car up today. I have 10 months of warranty left and once it expires I'm worried this car is going to be a nightmare, I'm good at working on my own cars but have no equipment to read codes and I don't want to spend every weekend fixing something on the mini.

Am I overthinking this? will it be ok now? I thought I did everything right, frequent oil changes, don't drive it hard etc. But it keeps needing very expensive work.

Any advice?

Thanks

Originally Posted by racer8422

It's a love hate relationship with me. I have a 2007 MCS FJCW and when I have to pour money into the car, I want to sell. But when I drive it and look at it, I love it. I just recently dropped over $2500 for various "known" issues with the car and I'm still worrying what else is going to go wrong with it. Now I'm told that the car is burning oil and that I have to drop in a quart every 1000 miles. What!? I think I'm going to keep this car as my "weekend" car. Just drive it around a little until I get tired of it.

Put me down for +1 to sell. Good luck buddy!

Originally Posted by turbosix

tons of turbo cars burn oil. it's just the way it goes. i check the oil on my wife's 08 MCS and my s2000 (also known to burn oil) once a week. it's not a big deal unless you forget and let the level get low and starve a bearing or two.

Originally Posted by dhoss32

I hate to be the jerk, but, who pays 900 bucks for a valve cover who is mechanical. 30 bucks in parts and less than an hour to do. Also, 250 for foam treatment. I guess I find out exactly what is and will be done and then decide. If they lie, I don't pay for it. It seems most people who have had an unlucky r56 are running to the dealer and getting completely hosed. This is insane. I like this sight for pics and some know how, but, if every other post comes from the same handful of people claiming their car is garbage than maybe they should sell, trade or pick up a Haynes manual. The parts are not that pricey and I still stand strong on the fact that you need to keep up on maintenance and learn about YOUR car. Madness. Thanks for those expressing their cars either being a problem or problem free but wow, if you don't like the car and the dealer is draining your bank account, get rid of it.

Originally Posted by turbosix

wait, wait... new plugs every oil change? what the ****? that has to be a joke. iridium plugs are going to last probably around 50k miles

Originally Posted by racer8422

Yes sir. When the kit was installed, they (Mini dealer) slapped on a big yellow sticker right on the ECU housing or cover or whatever you want to call it, that says to replace plugs every other oil change. I'll try to take a pic of it to show you. And the damn JCW air filter is like $60 bucks.....yes....a air filter!!!

But don't get me wrong, I love the car. LOL

Originally Posted by turbosix

the valve cover on these cars is around $300, i think you missed a zero.

Originally Posted by turbosix

That has to be based on the ridiculous 15k oil change intervals BMW sets

Originally Posted by racer8422

Yes. Your probably right. So change the plugs every 30k miles.