MINI seems to be constantly down in the lower ranks for reliability. All cars have issues of course but it seems these cars has a particular trouble spot, the French Peugeot engine. Would it be safe to assume besides this engine the MINI would score as good if not better than its rival brands in terms of overall reliability? If that answer is a yes, its a shame they partnered with a company not known for engine reliability. Imagine if these cars has Toyota partnered engines in them!

 

I think you're spot on. Unfortunately, when the motors have problems, they tend to be expensive ones. I don't know how that statistic is calculated, whether it's number of occurrences or the severity of occurrences, but if it's severity, that would count against MINI.

 

In the broader sense, don't the those two words - French and reliability - in the same sentence, seem to raise questions?

 

The Prince engine was designed jointly by BMW and Peugeot Citroen, it is built at Hams Hall in Birmingham England.

Not really a "French" engine.

 

We have to blame someone right?!

 

Makes me appreciate the bullet proof "lump" that much more.

 

It's Bush's fault. not trying to be political just having fun.

Tom

 

Hopefully the new Mini Cooper models with BMW engines will write a new (and better) page in Mini Coopers reliability.
We currently own a2013 Mini Cooper Coupe and absolutely love it except for fears about the Prince engines reliability. We would certainly consider trading for the 2015 Mini Cooper Coupe if only it had the new BMW engine as the other 2015 models do. Not to knock the other Mini Cooper models, but the Coupe/Roadster models are the only ones that appeal to us.
As it stands, since a non-Prince engine coupe is not in the cards, we are seriously thinking of trading our coupe in on the new 2016 Mazda Miata or something similar that has a decent reliability history.

 

Hey, you have to blame somebody!!
While not 100% accurate, the motor IS troubled, and BMW has chosen to move on...that kinda explains it all...the partnership ended...and BMW choose to spend 100% of the cost to move on (actually redesgined the car) to fit an in house motor...is the 3rd time the charm?

 

I got a good laugh outta this

 

In the reports that break down reliability to individual models, you'll see that the "Justa" generally comes out with average reliability--and sometimes a bit better than average. That says to me that the problems are related more to the S-specific parts, like the turbo and the direct fuel injection.

So the basic motor seems to be OK on its own, but once the turbo and all of the stuff that was used to support the turbo installation (DFI, aux cooling pump, etc.) was added, things didn't look so good for it.

Or at least, that's my interpretation of the data. I may be a bit biased, though, as one reason I bought a Justa was because I thought it would be more reliable than the S.

 

Good info. Does it say whether it measures number of problems per car or severity of problems per car? There's a big difference between a burnt valve and a faulty ignition coil.

As an aside, we just had to replace a Justa R56 motor. They are WAY more expensive from MINI than the S motors. S motors from MINI are quite cheap--apparently because so many had to be replaced under warranty.

 

Funny you mentioned it...

 

I just made a thread about this!

 

The lack of engine reliability is one of the reasons why I have thought about purchasing a FRS/BRZ when the warranty period ends.

It is something I should have looked at prior to purchasing as I would have passed on my Mini and looked for one with less milage.

 

Components built in France assembled in England.
Peugeot, and Citroen cars both use the exact same engine.

Ironically, they are dropping that motor too!!

 

It is one thing to have design flaws like the timing chain tensioner issues. It is another to have carbon buildup and oil leaks (turbo oil line, oil filter housing). As an enthusiast/car guy, doing maintenance does not bother me.

For the average Joe, they would not know that they needed to get carbon cleaned every 25-40k miles. Similarly, the normal consumer would not recognize a rattle at startup and get it fixed. And why wouldn't they trust the car that says 15k between oil changes? Let alone that you can't casually check the oil.

IMO, these cars are fine once you learn about the issues and dedicate time and effort to keep it running. If you are unable to spend time & MONEY with maintenance, the MINI might not be right for you.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Correct. If one is unwilling to dedicate some time and money to making sure their mini is well maintained, don't buy one.

The F56 may be better! I don't see how it couldn't be... Although I have to admit I like to look of my R56 JCW much better...

 

Carbon buildup is a direct injection problem, not just a N14 engine problem.

VWs/Audis have had issues with DI and carbon buildup for years. Just accept it's a regular maintenance item and move on. Luckily, people have stepped up to the plate and added carbon cleaning services to their roster (Thanks, Helix!).

The timing chain/turbo oil feed line issues though... those are unacceptable. The extended oil change intervals BMW/Mini spec'd for these cars was also a huge blunder, as all of the Prince engines are hard on oil (even the N12/N16 in the Justa) and a 10-15k OCI is too long. I change mine at 5k, no questions asked - it's cheap insurance.

As others have stated time and time again, these cars are generally good as long as you take some time to do some preventative maintenance.

 

I haven't seen any indications of the severity of problems.

 

I remember reading somewhere the the engine was also co-developed by Chrysler.

 

That would be the engine in the R50/R53.

 

Seeing that the Mini community is blaming the French...

Is the French blaming the British/germans for their woes?

 

Probably. I have two words for them though.

Maginot Line

 

I'll take a car I can enjoy for 50K miles over one that I'd hate for 100K.

Toyota has never made a thrilling FWD car.