Hi,

I'm looking to purchase a used MCS (automatic) with about 65k miles. According to the seller it's been maintained at a BMW dealer. All recalls and TBS have been taken care of.

Question is, What should i look out for with a high mileage MCS? what should i be checking for?

 

What year? Makes a big difference..

 

Probably the most important factor in buying an R56 even ahead of mileage.

 

Make sure the HPFP is good. It seems with the infinite wisdom of mini corporate they've literally tripled the price of these fuel pumps. My cost was 287. It's now 1243.00. That right there, to me, makes it not worth owning anymore. Parts are way to much to fix a car that's basically 7 years old now

 

is there a way to check it?

 

+1
I agree

 

If it's not too late, avoid the N14 engine! Even with all the problem parts being replaced, the replacement parts aren't that much better. N18 engine or maybe 3rd gen cars would be a better choice.

 

lol wow I dumbed out.. one is a 2009 and the other is a 2011!

 

All things being equal, skip the 2009. Lots of known problems with the early 2nd gen with the n14 engine. Starting in 2011, they used the n18 engine, far fewer reported problems.

 

I agree with the above.

The 2009 MINI Cooper S has the N14 engine... lots of problems to include: oil consumption, carbon build-up and timing chain issues. Only buy if you're a mechanic and you get a good price on the car.

The 2011 MINI Cooper S has the N18 engine...not perfect (no car is), but huge improvements.

 

I would try to go towards the N18 if you can also the 2011+ MINI have more black interior options and an updated interior look. Exterior was updated also on taillights and such. 2011+ was the LCI version.

 

JCW continued with the N14 until 2013, I believe. Definitely look for an N18. As said previously, not problem-free, but a BIG improvement over the N14.

 

JCW n14 was till 2012. Then in 2013+ it was the JCW N18.

 

Thanks, ECS.

 

no problem,

 

so is the carbon build up on the valves reduced or eliminated on the n18?

 

so is the carbon build up on the valves reduced or eliminated on the n18?

 

Really the carbon build-up is a minor problem that can be solved with a walnut shell blasting. You will get a check engine light...then spend a few hundred dollars and the prob will be gone.

Watch this:
In my opinion the timing chain and the possibility of massive oil consumption is the biggest risk with the 2009 MCS.

Again, the N18 engine is the best option, unless the price of the 2009 MINI S is low.