Hello MINI owners! Looking to buy a 2011-2013 Cooper S w/ a manual transmission. Are there any big changes or improvements with either the standard equipment or options that might help persuade me to concentrate on finding one model year over the other??

Thanks

 

On the R56 body style just buy 2011 or newer especially if you are getting the Cooper S. They have the better engine. Pre 2011s have issues with the timing chain, High Pressure Fuel Pump and oil consumption among other things. Plus I believe the post- 2011 Cooper S has the facelift grill which I like better than the chrome.

 

2011+ , changes the dash display and the newer engines for the Cooper and Cooper S , 2011 Factory JCW still had the older engines. in 3/2012+ they changed to a newer design on the HPFP for the Cooper S. Of course the newer the better.

 

+1

Yes, 2011+ N18 engine as they remedied a lot of issues, but they still have their quirks. I have still seen HPFP issues with the N18's, but not as frequent.

 

Here is the Consumer Reports reliability chart. The closer to 2013 the better. Definitely get one with an N18 engine.

 

Can you explain the chart? Red is good?

Thanks

 

Yes, red is good and black is bad. More red is better, and more black is worse (or gooder and badder, if you prefer).

Eric

 

Does Consumer Reports differentiate between the Cooper Base and Cooper S?

 

Sorry, that chart is meaningless. Of course older cars will have more problems because we all know the Mini breaks and leaks at half the mileage of a Chevy. So a Chevy at 100,000 miles is like a Mini Cooper at 50,000 miles or a Honda at 200,000 miles. Those 2013 reds will turn black in the next 5 years. Guaranteed!

Do you think BMW came up with a new way to do paint/trim between R56 year one and R56 year 8. I doubt it. A R56 is a R56, the 2007 R56 is just older and had more time to break.

 

Yes, this chart is only for the Mini Cooper S (R56)

 

When did the convertible's start getting the N18 engine? Also looking at a 2011 MCS hardtop w/ the JCW package suspension and aero kit, it should have the N18? Any way to tell?

 

The N18 Came in the R57 MINI Cooper S in 2011+ , in the R57 MINI Cooper JCW N14 was used into 2012, then in 2013 it went to the N18.

Let me know if you need anything else.

 

If it matters to you, Bluetooth calling was not a standard feature until late 2012MY. Same goes with USB input for music. Bluetooth audio for music is only found with the MINI Connected system. Don't assume that if one has Bluetooth calling it has BT music support. BIG source of confusion and frustration with some people purchasing.

 

Definitely go for the N18. I have had some issues with mine, but not as bad/many as the N14 experiences I have seen here. And, without MINI-connect, or whatever, there will still be a "phone" symbol on the steering wheel controls. It just does NOTHING. Frustrating as hell. Why have the symbol if you don't have the function? File that under the WTF column....

 

The explanation from the dealer was: Without the upgraded "entertainment package" you are still able to pair your phone and make/receive bluetooth phone calls. You cannot however send music over that bluetooth connection. Thats for 2013...i'm not sure on earlier models. (Its ridiculous that they restrict it like that, but i'm sure its to get people to purchase the upgraded audio package)

My solution was to get a quality bluetooth adapter. No disconnects, and the audio quality is pretty good.

 

Yea, all steering wheels on the pre 2010 cars to 2007 get the phone button that does not work unless you got the option or the retrofit . The retrofit does not even go into the 2011+ modesl because they changed the system.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-usb-port.html






Kind or weird they did that.

 

This is unfortunately true for any MINI to date. Standard radio = no Bluetooth audio and on

 

I got lucky, I test drove an 09 stick I didnt like the color and no HK stereo. Went to check an 08 it went to wholesale. I had 2 more to look at I took the 2011 MCS, nicer dash N18 HK stereo and BT calling. No bid deal I cant stream, aux rocks for me.

With 78k miles the control arm bushings are shot, I have poly waiting for install. Also had a whistle issue with long idling along with blue smoke. Dealer check and said the diaphragm in valve cover was bad. The repaired it on their dime. Great lil car