My wife and I are considering getting a new Clubman S towards the end of its production run (Within the next 9-15 months). The N18 was introduced during MY2011 and it supposedly has incorporated design changes to address some of the horrid defects (Timing chain tensioner issues, etc) that have plagued the earlier N12/N14 engines that were produced between 2007-2010.

For those of you that have owned MINIs with the N18 turbo engine, how has it hold up for you? Things to watch out for? Death rattles still present?

Your comments and experiences are welcomed!

 

I just hit 9k miles over the weekend and have had a chain tensioner seal replaced to correct an oil leak and a water pump replaced to correct a squealing issue. So far so good other than those things though.

--Matt

 

Thanks for your feedback. Any others?

Please post mileage with your replies.

Thanks!

 

In for comments.


At 1866 miles, I'm good so far.

 

At 14K I've had the coolant thermostat replaced twice (CELs), and the chain tensioner seal replaced (service bulletin).

 

19k and no issues. Very little oil consumed. So far no oil film in turbo inlet pipe. I haven't sea foamed it yet. Might do it at 20k.

 

8,700 mi. temp sensor replaced.

 

31k miles on my 2012. No issues so far, no oil consumption between changes (7500 mile intervals). Runs fine / strong and so forth.

 

I have almost 11,000 on my 2013 MCS and no issues so far.

 

Is that when your CBS comes up, or do you just do the 7,500 based on your own schedule?

(just wondering..).

 

09/12 build, '13 N18.

Just turned 15k, its been a pleasure to own besides stock tires. I have not had any issues...yet. Last time I was at dealer, they were prepping me for a fuel system cleaning. I was going to wait until 20k miles, or more.

 

I have a 2011 clubbie with 23k on it. Runs like a charm. No issues. I change my oil every 5k I suggest you do the same.

 

Just shy of 15,000 miles. 2013 MCS roadster, change oil every 5,000. No problems.

 

Mine was a 2/27/12 build, so among the last still programmed with 15k oil change intervals on the computer.

I do one on my own in-between ones that MINI does as part of the included service.

 

I have 42,000 miles. Had 2 thermostats replaced and a fuel pump. Other than that, all is well.

 

32,5xx miles on my 2012 N18.

Thing has been bulletproof....oil changes every 5,000.
I say to hell with what MINI recommends.

 

26k, a couple of mods and one thermostat replaced. Front run flats became slicks after 10k so replaced the tires all around. I have the oil changed every 5k with very little loss in between.

 

Flawless here with 174 miles on my new Countryman!

Seriously, interesting thread.

 

I have a 2012 convertible MCS with 5500 miles - problem free so far. Love the engine particularly in sport mode.

 

I have a 2013 JCW HT. trouble free at 3,000 miles.

 

39K on my 2011 and no problems to report. The only engine repairs have been recalls that had not yet caused a problem on my car but were fixed regardless. Oil changes every 7500 and driven to redline at least a couple times every day.

 

My "Horrid" 2009 hasn't skipped a beat in 51k miles . . . except for a high pressure fuel pump about 8k ago and a battery going south right now. No rattle, no oil consumption no leaks. On my 2010 the cam chain and tensioner was just replaced (it had the rattle and had a broken guide at 35k miles). Neither car has left me stranded or cost me anything in excess of what the warranty covers.

 

FYI, that would be an N14 engine. I believe that 2011 was the first year of the N18.

 

34xxxKM on my 12MCS...

Thermostat recall
1 fuel injector replaced
Timing chain tensioner oil leak fixed

Otherwise the only faults have been with the dealership service advisors (treating me like a non mechanically inclined fool - long story...), and incorrect re-assembly of the intake after maintenance that I had to correct (turbo inlet hose popped off due BOTCHED installation).

All that said, I love the engine - lots of power, great fuel economy, and these last 9 months have been entirely trouble free.
E

 

13K miles on 2012 MCS, had all injectors replaced at 7800 miles

11K miles on 2013 MC