Hello,
I'm in the market for a used R56 Cooper (non-S). I was mostly looking at post-facelift cars with the updated N16 engine.

However, a really good offer came up on a pre-facelift '08 Cooper. I know this may sound ridiculous, but the car only has 13,5k miles on the odometer. I talked to the guy (first owner), I checked the VIN number and the mileage really does seem to be that low.

That made me reconsider a pre-facelift Cooper. From what I've read, the only difference between the N12 and the N16 engine is the oil pump.
Is this really the case? Wasn't the timing chain improved on the N16? Should I be worried about the timing chain/death rattle on the N12? I'm really exactly rich, I don't want to end up with a repair amounting to 1/5th of the car's worth

Thanks in advance!

 

The N12 and N16 are very similar....not sure about the differences, but they are both double vanos. My wifes 2007 "Justa" had 140,000+ miles on it when we traded it in for her Countryman. There wasn't a thing wrong with it, she just wanted a four door and liked the Countryman. We replaced her timing chain at about 120,000 miles....I changed the oil every 5,000 miles. I used the recommended 5-30, but I would use 0-30 now, which might have led to less startup wear, which many say is the cause for needing a new timing chain.

Personally, if I found a good deal like that on an N12 I would go for it.

 

pretty much just the oil pump design, the head shares all the same parts, so watch out for timing chain guides and water pump failures that's what I buy them cheap for

with that low of miles you shouldn't have any problems