I am considering looking to buy an R58 JCW and I found a 2012 with 40k miles on it for 13,500. I have owned more Mini Coopers than I’d like to admit, however, I am not that familiar with the R58. Does anyone know if the 2012 is just as reliable or not as the latter years? Does the 2012 have the N18 engine? What should I ask the dealership to specifically look at as I am out of state?

 

If it’s a 2012 JCW then it has the N14 engine. JCW switched to the N18 in 2013. If I was going for a JCW, I would look for a 2013+ vehicle.

 

THANK YOU!!! This is exactly the answer I was looking for!! I thought maybe the 2012 had the N14, but I was not sure about the R58. I know my his and’s R56 was a late year ‘12 and it had the N18, but it still had its share of problems. Would a 2015 R58 be better than a 2013, or does not matter as same everything? I know you said engine the same, but do you know if anything else changed?

again, thank you so very much!

 

For sure get the newest model within your budget, but don't get less than a 2013 and make sure it has the N18 engine.

 

I have a 2012 S (Not a JCW), I bought with 38,400 on it. It has the N18. I have driven it a bit over two years and put on over 50,000 miles. I have had to do normal maintenance(oil change and plugs which needs to be done more frequently than a naturally aspirated engine) replaced the coils (One went bad and past experience says replace them all when you do) replaced the VANOS Solenoids (most likely could have cleaned them and put them back in. The screens were getting clogged). Other than that brakes/rotors and personal updates. I have been very happy with my car. I did a lot of research prior to purchase and read all about the N14 and knew I didn't want one.

I tried to fish a endoscope camera through the engine oil fill cap but couldn't get it to snake through well enough to see the timing chain guides. Time permitting, I plan to take the valve cover off this summer and inspect them, I will be close to 90,000 miles at that point. If they appear worn/brittle I will do a timing chain/guides replacement.

I do oil changes at 5000 miles using Penzoil Platinum 5W 30 Full synthetic and only engine performance update is a JB+.

 

There's a 2012 JCW R58 Coupe for sale pretty close to me, super low miles 40K, and even has Recaro seats.

Been looking for the past few months for one but I really really want a N18 engine so I'm hesitate to even look at it. Really want a 13+ model one.

 

The Germany made JCW n14 engines also seem to hold up more over the normal N14. I have the n14 JCW turbo. As long as its low miles, should be fine.