Hey NAM,

im in search for my 2nd Mini, I had. 06 MCS and been looking at getting a R56 and found this sounds like a good deal, 2010 sparkling silver MCS with redwood red lounge interior with 40k miles. For only $11k. Looks like it’s a regular MCS with a JCW TUNING kit. What do you guys think?

here is the link to the ad

https://www.stevenscreeksubaru.com/u...25341dfb3d.htm

 

With the big brakes and badges where they are, looks to be a factory JCW.

 

If you're willing to deal with the typical N14 issues outside of all the extended warranty periods then it could be a decent car.

 

what are the typical N14 issues. The one which I have read that needs to be addressed is the timing chain.

 

what are the difference between a factory JCW or a MCS equipped with the JCW TUNING KIT. You said big brakes and factory badges but doesn’t the regular jcw tuning kit have those things?

 

The JCW tuning kit is exhaust, air box/filter and tuning....Nothing else comes with it

 

this has CF interior pieces and look like slotted/drilled rotors, could this be a JCW CAR

 

Both VIN places say JCW. https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/tf97459
http://bimmer.work/vin/1f61da90e2d82...f49653cf660a1/

 

Timing chain is the big one. High pressure fuel pump is the other big one, the part itself is kind of expensive but at least the job itself is relatively easy as far as labor. Then there's the thermostat and water pump, though that's more of a R56 thing in general. N14s also tend to drink oil, 1 quart per 1000 miles is considered normal at higher mileages. The high level of oil consumption has to do with aging turbos and poorly designed valve stem seals.

 

Also carbon buildup on the intake valves even on relatively low mileage cars.

 

Don’t let this haters turn you away from the car you want. I have a 09 clubby s, w/ around 144,000 on the odometer. Yes she burns about a qt of oil 1500 miles, I check it every time I get gas and I empty my OCC. I know it’s a bit much, but my n14 purrs like a cat, and loves to be driven like I stole it. I’m getting ready to take it out for a 6 hour drive today and The only thing I’m worried about is where I’m going to get gas. Triple Nickles in Ohio here I come.

 

Not a hater (I drive one daily) but from owning three R56's (an 07, 08, and 09) consider these as expected required maintenance at 50k-60k for an R56, 2007-2010 (pre LCI):
Timing chain set with crank seal
Valve Cover
Oil cooler seals
Turbo oil supply line
Thermostat Housing with transfer tube
Walnut blasting of intake valves
Oil pan gasket

On my 07 I also had to replace the valve guide seals at 123k miles due to excessive oil burn It left a cloud of smoke at takeoff even after replacing the valve cover. The engine had good compression so figured it was worth it. After new guide seals no more oil burning. And some "while I was in there" items at 123k miles (i.e. didn't actually break but...):
Vacuum pump (easy rebuild, make sure the check valve functions and oil passages are clean). This was also required on my 08 at 71k miles.
Secondary water pump (for turbo)
VANOS
VANOS solenoid
Turbo Charger - which was what the PO was told that caused the oil burning and CEL's. The CEL was the diverter/blow off valve but I didn't know that at the time and so I replaced the whole turbo. Of course it still burned oil. It was the valve guide seals all along.

I have never had to replace the HPFP on any of the three. Maybe I was lucky.

And yes I would buy another R56.

 

They really do sound like haters when the guy just asked if a car is a real JCW or dealer installed and whats the difference between the 2. Then out of nowhere here's problems with this motor. I'm with you it just sounded odd even if their intentions are good.

 

Um... read the rest of the thread. The OP asked what problems they had.

 

Yes, I'm no hater here as I also have a R56 N14 JCW and currently the engine is getting a rebuilt. Over 8 years of trouble free motoring.

 

It's not "out of nowhere", it's pretty well documented at this point that unless you are meticulous with maintenance the N14 is just not very reliable. It's a 10 year old car with 40k miles, which admittedly isn't a lot for the age. Did it sit around for several years? Did the oil get changed every 5k/yearly or every 15k/3 years? Plus this car is right at the end of the multiple extended warranties for commonly replaced parts. I never said it was a bad car. But when OP asks what I think of the car, it would be a disservice not to mention that I think that it's a car with the potential to have a lot of expensive issues.

 

You guys must have reading comprehension problems. Where does he ask in his 1st post what issues the mini might have? Only after you brought up known issues did he ask.

 

The part where the post is titled "Need opinions please" or OP asked what we thought of the car he sent a link to. Sorry I wasn't aware people needed to explicitly ask if a certain car they are considering buying may be unreliable before mentioning it.

 

I’ve seen a lot of R56 S N14 owners with issues. As stated previously. Please, please, just do your research. Look on this forum. Look on other MINI forums! See what other N14 owners have said about their major and expensive problems ($5000 - $10,000!). Are you a handy mechanic? Will you be paying for labor too? I’ve seen a lot of new people buy used N14’s and then claim MINIs are junk! As long as you know that this is not one of the best models....good luck. I personally have 170,000 on my first gen 2005 R50, driven hard! Taken care of religiously!

 

if you feel that Mini's are unreliable then why do you have 1 and why are you on here? Go buy whatever car you think is so reliable and go away. Again he asked what people thought of the car and never asked about reliability issues and your 1st reaction was to tell him about all the issues of this particular model and engine. You sir show you hate Mini's.

 

Not sure where all that came from. N14 engines are not a good engine. For each person who has not had problems, I can show 10 that have. But don’t take my word. Take the word of expert MINI Shops! Ask Chad with Detroit Tuned & Way with Way Motor Works! These guys have been around MINIs for almost as long as MINI has been in the USA!

Again, just make an informed decision!

And I absolutely love my MINI R50!

 

To answer the OP question, I think it's a fair deal. Low miles, leather and JCW, it's a win. But don't be afraid to beat them up on the price because of age.
I had an 09 MCS, it was a great car. My wife hit another car and deer with it, so we sold it on. I liked it so much, 6 years later I'm buying another one.
Not a fan of the larger, current gen Mini.

 

You obvious at this point that you have some sort of personal problem with me, considering you aren't going after anyone else in this thread saying the same things I am. For that you're not even worth my time trying to explain my position anymore. Live in your bubble of willful ignorance, I'll continue helping people make informed decisions about their vehicle purchases. If we pretend these cars don't have flaws it puts a bad taste in the mouth of the buyer and turns them off the brand, simple as that. I'd rather have someone buy the best car they can for the money and have a good experience in their Mini.

 

Another 400 trouble free miles yesterday. 6.5 hours in car with 4 - 5 minute pit stops. I love driving this car, I must be a lucky one.

 

Seriously you think the problem is me when after "Jason Cornelius " made the comment about Dont let the haters turn you away . And I agreed with him. You went after me.

Quote:
Originally Posted by thebmwnut View Post
They really do sound like haters when the guy just asked if a car is a real JCW or dealer installed and whats the difference between the 2. Then out of nowhere here's problems with this motor. I'm with you it just sounded odd even if their intentions are good.

It's not "out of nowhere", it's pretty well documented at this point that unless you are meticulous with maintenance the N14 is just not very reliable. It's a 10 year old car with 40k miles, which admittedly isn't a lot for the age. Did it sit around for several years? Did the oil get changed every 5k/yearly or every 15k/3 years? Plus this car is right at the end of the multipleextended warranties for commonly replaced parts. I never said it was a bad car. But when OP asks what I think of the car, it would be a disservice not to mention that I think that it's a car with the potential to have a lot of expensive issues. Quote:

And that is what you said using my quote. So who is attacking who first? Bombardier you just seem like the type of person that aways thinks he is right and your opinion is the only fact. And would never admit your wrong. And if someone disagrees with you or points out what you said they are attacking you. Your a joke.

Smizila I'm sorry for hijacking your thread with Bombardier it was wrong of me, but sometimes people like him are just hard to ignore. The car your looking at looks like a great example of a very low millage Mini and with that being said should give you miles of pleasurable drving. I dont know of any cars that dont have some kind of issues and most can be avoided with regular oil changes and keeping up with maintenance.