When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S(R56), and Cabrio (R57).
I'm pretty excited as I just landed a 2010 R55 JCW (Its a Dec, 2009 Build). It has 118,000kms (73,000miles) and set me back $13,000CAD ($10,600USD) out the door. The price is almost in the "too good to be true" category for these parts.
The scary bit is that I completed the entire transaction online as finding a good used Clubman little own a JCW in Canada is a bit of a hunt. The good news is it is coming from a Mini Dealer that has an impeccable reputation on the web. The car is actually a few hours away from me and I'll be picking it up mid-next week as they are cleaning it up, inspecting and looking it over, and replacing the windshield.
Condition looks to be excellent based on photos, but as you can imagine, there is still that N14 pit in my stomach....
So, assuming the dealer gives it a good going over before I pick it up, is there anything else I want to be concerned about?
Thanks Fellas, and I can't wait for the 5 hour road trip to bring it hone!
Last edited by scottyb043; 09-16-2017 at 02:23 PM.
I have no sunroof but some friends have had issues with leaking sunroofs. Look for weather stripping and drains off the sunroof pan to be clear and in good order. Timing chain, make sure the updated tensioner has been replaced. If it has not, do replace it, it would be a good idea to remove the valve cover and inspect the plastic chain guides and check the overall cleanliness of the parts inside. If it looks black and not like copper like color you know the previous owner never changed the oil and so on so forth. I had issues with fueling, injectors, and HPFP. I would replace the injectors if I was you. Mine failed at 73k. 260 dlls at ECS. Also, due to the direct injection, while you're doing the injectors, inspect the intake ports and clean as needed. Invest in a oil catch can (mine is a BSH). I ran mine off the driver side valve cover port and blocked off the passenger side with the N18 engine throttle body caps (part #22 on the MINI Dealer drawing for the 2012 and up Mini r56 or r55). I did the transmission oil change with Redline Oil, mine's an auto. And, it's about time for a coolant system refurbish (pump, pipe thermostat housing and overflow bottle). I found out all these problems as they happened. With about 600dlls, you could get ahead of the game and solve most of these before they happen. Other than that, I think it's an awesome reliable car.
I have no sunroof but some friends have had issues with leaking sunroofs. Look for weather stripping and drains off the sunroof pan to be clear and in good order. Timing chain, make sure the updated tensioner has been replaced. If it has not, do replace it, it would be a good idea to remove the valve cover and inspect the plastic chain guides and check the overall cleanliness of the parts inside. If it looks black and not like copper like color you know the previous owner never changed the oil and so on so forth. I had issues with fueling, injectors, and HPFP. I would replace the injectors if I was you. Mine failed at 73k. 260 dlls at ECS. Also, due to the direct injection, while you're doing the injectors, inspect the intake ports and clean as needed. Invest in a oil catch can (mine is a BSH). I ran mine off the driver side valve cover port and blocked off the passenger side with the N18 engine throttle body caps (part #22 on the MINI Dealer drawing for the 2012 and up Mini r56 or r55). I did the transmission oil change with Redline Oil, mine's an auto. And, it's about time for a coolant system refurbish (pump, pipe thermostat housing and overflow bottle). I found out all these problems as they happened. With about 600dlls, you could get ahead of the game and solve most of these before they happen. Other than that, I think it's an awesome reliable car.
Thank-you very much for the detailed reply.
I picked the car up this past Wednesday. It was located about 350 miles away, so I had a great opportunity to bond with it on the drive home. Engine sounds and performs perfectly, but given the sordid history on the timing chains and intake clogs, I think I may bite the bullet and take it to the local Mini indy and address both of those and the injectors.
I cannot get over how this car feels compared to my R53. I love my R53, but it feels like a wild animal compared to this R55 JCW. It has such an understated competency. The ride, power, breaking, are all so fantastic. We are happy to have the new addition to the family.
Congrats! Beautiful Clubby and R53. Agree with the maintenance plans. N14's remind me a little of the BMW Senior Six....they are good engines and will treat you right if you take care of them.
Thats really nice, Only thing i would do is get the JCW body kit, we have ones cheap but are pre painted pepper white. You could wrap it chili rd or get it repainted chili red. For a short time factory JCW cars were not getting the JCW body kits and then they brought it back.
Small update. The car is going in for an intake walnut blasting tomorrow morning. Found a guy locally who does BMWs for $350. Seemed like a decent deal. Looking forward to giving her a good cleanse.
Small update. The car is going in for an intake walnut blasting tomorrow morning. Found a guy locally who does BMWs for $350. Seemed like a decent deal. Looking forward to giving her a good cleanse.
Not bad for 73,000 miles...
Considering the condition here and that I rarely put on more than 5,000 miles a year, is a catch can really worth it?
OK, intake is squeaky clean. The dude that handled the job said there was no sign of any oil buildup within the intake. He works almost exclusively on BMW and said by comparison, this one was much cleaner and drier than what he sees on most Beemers with similar mileage.
Car felt a tiny bit snappier on the drive home. Glad to have that done.
Other than running an entire bottle of Seafoam into the fuel tank, I’m going to leave the fuel system alone for now, as fuel delivery seems flawless.
The mechanic mentioned one’d that he thought there may be some timing chain noise, so I’m going to bring it back for a new chain and tensioner in a couple of weeks.
What do people do for Temp and Oil Pressure Gauges? I can’t stand not having a read on engine vitals other than an idiot light. Ideas?
Post photo looks real good! Just curious if you were burning any oil previously..and if you've tracked any changes since? I have 74k on my JCW and am considering having this done before putting catch cans on.
09-16-2017, 02:14 PM
