Looking for advice on a Mini R56 Cooper S with automatic gearbox. I prefer the regular Cooper S styling and don’t like the look of the JCW, so I want to stick with the Cooper S.

The car will only be used on weekends, not for commuting or daily driving. It’s just a fun car for spirited weekend drives.

I’m planning to go for a Stage 1 tune, but I know the automatic gearbox can be a limiting factor. I’ve also read that the N18 engine is more reliable than the N14—can anyone confirm this? I want to make sure I get an N18 if possible.

Regarding suspension, I mostly drive on country roads that are mostly flat but can be a bit bumpy sometimes. I want something sporty but not too harsh. The car can be lowered a little, but I don’t want it slammed or uncomfortable.

Do you have any recommendations for a suspension setup that fits these conditions? I was thinking about Powerflex bushings (but which ones actually make a difference?), or coilovers versus shocks with lowering springs. Are there any brands you’d recommend for comfortable but sporty weekend driving?

Also, is the OEM sport suspension already good enough or is it worth upgrading?

Finally, I want to know if there are any factory options I really need to look out for when buying. Are there extra options that are important or add significant value? For example, is the sport suspension a separate factory option? What options do you think are more important to have?

If anyone is selling an automatic Cooper S in Europe, preferably black, I’m very interested.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

For an R56 Cooper S with the N18 engine you’ll want a 2011-2013 model year. As for reliability of the N18, with proper maintenance, it will treat you well. Don’t ignore any issues that come up. I ran my N18 Clubman S up to 200,000 miles on stage 2 tune with the original turbo and timing chain, and never had the intake walnut blasted.

On poly bushings: the most benefit will come from the front control arm bushings, the rear trailing arm bushings, and the lower engine mount inserts. Any of the others are a waste.