4 reasons you shouldn’t buy an R56 Mini Cooper S

[@ProjectMini]

Don’t forget to subscribe kzbin.info

[@justincross7721]

i like that your 4 reasons are honestly legit and not hating on the car. very refreshing

[@sethschueller3887]

Sound advice! Im actually really excited to be getting mine. I used to restore vehicles for a living, have been maintaining my car meticulously, and am happy to see someone other than me practicing what I've preached! Also excited to get an 07 R56 S with 64k on the odo- I'll be doing everything you're recommending within the first few thousand miles!!! Thanks for the vid!!

[@ProjectMini]

My R56 is the most fun car I’ve ever owned! Congratulations on finding one with such low miles 👍

[@aycarambas]

Good luck its a piece of crap unless you have deep pockets and their value depreciates significantly not being an A-Hole just another S owner haha

[@AIRCOOLEDLIFE]

@@aycarambas ??? Do you do your work on your car

[@aycarambas]

@@AIRCOOLEDLIFE Yes I do. Whats your point? Yes its a cute looking car but we all know theyre unreliable. Cheers

[@AIRCOOLEDLIFE]

@@aycarambas just asking

[@albertoduran1638]

I’m just waiting and saving money to buy an S model as my first car, i think it’s a really cool car for young petrol heads

[@jerrykendrick2955]

This is a great video and I wish I'd found your channel early in my Mini ownership days. I gave my son my Mini after getting it to the highest level of maintenance I could afford, at 190K miles. But I'm retired and I could not afford to keep it up. I also passed your youTube channel info on to him and told him to subscribe. Two gifts that keep on giving smiles. Thanks!

[@shanewilliams6188]

I have a N14 R56 JCW from 2009 and it's just beautiful with no issues. Keep it maintained and have it checked over by a trusted garage to ensure Speedhorse is healthy

[@ewanms7212]

Smooth is key for me. I’m interested in buying a r56. Lmk

[@christomapher]

Was that an alpaca that walked by so nonchalantly? LOL that caught me off guard. Thanks for your great videos-they’re really informative!

[@ProjectMini]

Thank you 🙏 and yeah lol, i have 2 of them

[@keithfoster9022]

Zero problems with my R56 10 years.. Still looks/drives like new..

[@ProjectMini]

That’s how they are when we take good care of them 💪

[@rodbrown8306]

Good job, l might be buying one

[@ProjectMini]

They are awesome cars 💯

[@Rivaboyz1987]

Bollox

[@vvoodee]

These are all very valid points, speaking as the happy owner of a 2016 Cooper with a B36M engine. I would like to say that points one (and two) apply with all modern cars. Thanks for a great video

[@reggyforest5299]

best mini s to buy is year 2011 to up and 2ndly always changing your oil every 2 months and put 93 gas on it not the cheap gas and it's a Hight maintenance car , mine still driving good 2013 mini cooper s convertible

[@waltercastricone8541]

Great cars I have a R56 and you are absolutely right they require a lot of maintenance but worth every penny you put into them.

[@waltercastricone8541]

It's my third Mini.

[@ProjectMini]

I have 2, an R53 and an R56

[@Smokes264]

They not worth it if you want throw money away more worth then the car be my guest it are the worst cars ever made engine is horrible

[@bolero85]

My Mini Coopers r56 2009 is at 73k miles and run good ! It depend on how you take care of your car 13 years and 73k mileage damn I love my first car !!

[@thetruth7633]

Long intervals are just so you break your stuff after warranty expires. I changed the oil of my race and rallycars every 1000 road kilometers or after every stage/trackday.

[@typicaltilly2535]

The cooling systems on minis are a joke. I messed up the first time I owned one and upgraded the power without upgrading the cooling and I constantly had problems. I'm about to get another one and this time it's gonna be all performance cooling parts before I touch the power.

[@vedadvehabovic5804]

I like all the reasons you mentioned (reason number 1 is very legitimate and a good advice one should follow of course) but I am still buying it.

[@levivandijk7139]

Picking up mine on Friday!

[@TheFlR3StOrM]

I didn't know anything about a Mini when we got one for my wife. But being a mechanic I was willing to learn when I realized the prices mechanic's charge to work on them. I flipped out when I looked around, one shop wanted 80 bucks to change the oil while another was charging 130.00 and another was 180.00. Their excuse was you need a special socket/tools so I said BS. I went and got my own socket for the oil filter. I've done alot of work on her Mini and BMW loves their parts from the prices they have. I will be tackling the timing chain soon and a couple more things. I call it our oversized gocart. I have aftermarket rims and drifting tires which hug the road like crazy even in the rain. Bad part about them is they roar a little. I love to drive it, but like you said if you want to own one these cars are not for the person that don't have the money to service it. I still have plans for some more aftermarket stuff as she is hitting 156,000 miles and running like a scouded dog when you throw it in sport mode. Great video's brother and keep it up. Be safe

[@ProjectMini]

Thank you 🙏 It’s crazy to see how much the timing chain costs to have done! I’ve heard over $2,000 before 😂 you can buy a top of the line race ready timing chain and all the tools to install it plus all the new bolts you need for less then half that. Its only a 22 bolt job lol

[@pkelly7725]

Special socket? I've heard that, maybe my 2010 is different. I use a 22mm.

[@ProjectMini]

Mines 27mm

[@TheFlR3StOrM]

@@pkelly7725 Yeah that's why I called them BS. Some shops will say anything to up the price. I've been working on cars since I was 14 and now I'm 60. I get sick and tired of rip off mechanics. Most shop mechanic's thinks everybody is stupid but when they run across people like me I call them out on their BS rip off scams.

[@stefanonovali5147]

I use Motul 8100 XPower 10w60. And i do flush with Liqui Moly Motor Clean when i change oil. And i use additive liqui Moly Ceratec.

[@jb678901]

I have owned an R55 Cooper S for 7 years. I do most of my own maintenance (except timing chain). Looks great (imo), decent fuel consumption (28~30 mpg), and I love the way it drives. I did add a Mini roof rack & box, for extra cargo space. Last year I was mostly driving a company car...BMW X3 Xdrive M power 3.0e (PHEV). Nice SUV, for sure. Especially as I wasn't forking over the fully managed lease at ~US$1600/month. However, as I took a new job and salary in lieu of car benefit...it was time to bring the Clubman out of the garage. Driving that "go kart" was like a breath of fresh air. Easy to park in the city...fantastic on Swiss mountain roads...still love it. Maybe, when the engine finally dies...I will do some serious mods. A new stage 2 engine...coil overs...I think that would be a fun project. Every now and then I think about upgrading to a new Clubman...but then the thought of taking the R55 to 260+ bhp...hmmm.

[@FightLife41]

This man is 110 percent right when I bought my R56 I totally knew what I was getting into and I also am a self-taught mechanic and I decided that I love doing it so much that I'll be going to school for it so if you don't have the money to maintain this car don't buy it parts and labor very expensive I bought it because I am making it into a track car like he says I also recommend having a second vehicle and make sure you do your homework if you're doing any type of mods to it on what and will not cause a Mini Cooper to throw the check engine light because they love to do that if they're not tuned for running certain type of mods

[@danielcarvajalblanco3476]

0 problems with my cooper 125cv 2013. 80k miles on the clock and drives like new. Oil service between 6000-7000milles and soon will be the gearbox oil.

[@sassyrav]

I had to laugh at the end one, with the suspension. Yes very firm car and I have a 2012 R58 Coupe with the N14 engine. It's a go-cart but I love it all the same! Thank you for your videos, Im a lady DIY'er and you've been such a help

[@gray09r56]

The only upside to saying the trans fluid is a lifetime fluid is if the fluid has never been changed and you are over 100k. It’s technically not as you mentioned, but if you haven’t changed it an you change it now then you are at risk of other issues stemming bc the tolerances are all messed up bc of how thick the fluid is from hot and cold cycles. If you’re in the position I’m in, you don’t change it bc it’s gone too far.

[@paulciprus9582]

I’ve owned my 2007 R56 turbo for 11 yrs…110,000mi..tuned ..lowered…big brakes..Borla..21 lbs. boost…runs like a top…I do all my own work on it…this dumb car is bullet proof..I rebuilt the a/c in 2011 after a minor front accident..then in 2013 hurricane Sandy dropped a oak on my garage and busted up my Mini…got it fixed and decided to take it to another level…what a fun car…don’t break the trans…$ 3600.00 to fix…we have bonded…as one…car is beautiful…got a G-wing..carbon…rear sport bumper…and diffuser…M7 tuning…230 hp…what a blast…BMW owners hate it…🤣🤣🤣….also it’s like driving a wheel barrow…🤣🤣..word to the wise..don’t daily it..have other cars to drive..we drive it on nice weekends…and most of all stay on top of the maintenance..!!!

[@19796325]

Got 3 r56 and love them.

[@ProjectMini]

I love mine too 💪

[@msi4887]

3 in case the other 2 break down? lol

[@zokusharuuku1091]

Nothing about the high pressure fuel pump? Any way to make sure the factory one lasts?

[@stefanonovali5147]

You van use Wynns Gdi cleaner

[@amd7267]

Fantastic video well explained I had the r53 supercharged 4 years ago loved it and Just picked up the better halfs mini 2008 R56 67k which no doubt ill be ripping, as precaution should I do a Injector spray Clean for carbon build up before the major service commencing

[@chrisjung9640]

I had to change the timing chain at 55K as the bracket sheared, fortunately it didn't trash the valves. Did remove the noise generator and the turbo muffler which free up space and improved access.

[@markapolo9826]

is a regular standard mini cooper 2009 N12 model better or worse than the mini cooper S? Thanks for the informative video

[@ProjectMini]

Ive never owned an N12

[@gasolinadeaviao3789]

this for mini cooper r56 2009 diesel to?

[@Willco-Citizen]

The Lama in the background 😂😂😂

[@MiMicheIIe]

6 months ago, I bought my R56 Cooper S. Do NOT do what I did. Please, please, if you know what's good for you, just buy a Fiesta ST, or a Miata or something. This car is not worth it. 3 grand in repair bills and counting - and this is with the supposedly more reliable N18 engine.

[@MiMicheIIe]

UPDATE! We're at 6 grand in now!!

[@tonyBR549]

Great vid! Thank you!

[@BOZ9053]

I love my r56 , Never had problem with!

[@jerrykendrick2955]

Bought a new 2007 Mini Cooper S and it now has 190K miles on it. I love it but every single issue you mentioned I had to learn along the way. Luckily I was already in the habit of frequent oil changes so I didn't loose a turbo or kill a timing chain (oil powered timing chain tensioner) before its time. But it drives like no car I've ever had. If the electric Mini had more range I'd get one of those but until something more reliable, that drives like the Mini comes along, it's my favorite.

[@toplespecah666]

On every what kilometers u change the engine oil? What brand and type? How much L needed with oil filter changes? I’m now considering to get one mini s 2007, 50.000km on the clock, what do you think?

[@jerrykendrick2955]

@@toplespecah666 Every 5K miles (8047 Kilometers), Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 0W-40 4 1/2 quarts. I think you should make sure the timing chain recall was/is done and keep an eye on the water pump on that car you are considering.

[@toplespecah666]

@@jerrykendrick2955 if compared with audi a3 2.0tfsi 2005 , which one more reliable?

[@jerrykendrick2955]

@@toplespecah666 I have no personal experience with an Audi but I have heard them called luxury VWs, and not in a flattering way. They are supposed to have lots of maintenance issues. On the other hand Mini Coopers are sometimes considered "Baby BMWs" and being known for needing to be pampered. That I can confirm. Hahaha

[@toplespecah666]

@@jerrykendrick2955 haha yeap, they just makes me difficult to decide, i just don't wanna go to das auto 😅

[@snifsnif5066]

Nice vid, I have a question.. N18 engine is as problematc as n14 one? I heard is more reliable in several aspects (timing chain one of them) and second, is a "normal" problem to have a (small) leaking in the turbo oil line? Can that lead in to bigger issues? Ty

[@ProjectMini]

My N14 isn’t problematic at all. Once you’ve taken care of all the stuff that i talked about in my 11 ways to my your r56 more reliable video it’s going to be pretty trouble free. I would choose an N14 over an N18 any day just because of how limited you are on power mods with an N18

[@snifsnif5066]

@@ProjectMini ty for the fast answer, i've heard the same about the power mods with the n14, maybe problematic wasn't the right word 🤭, do you have some more info in the leaking issue? (n18) Ty

[@allaboutmini8169]

I have a 2011 R56 non S, with 74,000 miles: change the oil every 2500 with Redline 👍🏻

[@johnk815]

Redline has some great products.

[@Rivaboyz1987]

They all suffer from head gaskets electrical problems they burn valves at the exhaust iv got one just put mine up on eBay spares or repairs spent 600 quid in 2 days trying to see what the problem is you look on like they all suffer from the same thing timing chain and oil problems stay well clear of minis

[@rickmckee8270]

I looked into a limited slip diff for the Aisian 6 speed and there is a german company called Drexler I think they have a distributor inCalifornia.

[@iandurbridge1029]

i had a R56 Cooper s and found that i had to top up the oil every month. I had it serviced every year no matter how many miles i had done. i would never buy another one, just to expensive and unreliable.

[@the_little_car_project]

how about the n18 minis? is the maintenance any different?

[@archiebrown6407]

I have a r50 cooper looking at saving to get a r56 cooper s or jcw.

[@ProjectMini]

You won’t be disappointed

[@nicshadow4840]

Straight fact ! You have to mantain this car !! If you do it runs well I have the supercharged 04 , you forgot the pulley and belts pain in the ass lol

[@jiovaniloncarevic]

6:35 the family car passes by

[@allaboutmini8169]

Thank you - awesome advice

[@stevenagnew1590]

This is a good video im a mini man had 3 the r56 n14motor is a nighmare for instance mine has 100thousand klm just had full timing chain replaced walnut blast inlet manifold water pump an full service 5500 in australia hes rite they are not cheap buy later than 2014 replace the runflat tryes an dont buy autod an get the bloody thing services then you will have a great car

[@ProjectMini]

I love my N14! But i do my own work so it’s not that expensive 💪

[@stevenagnew1590]

You must be a clever guy but lets be honest mini did drrop the ball when it comes to the n14motor it runs so hot it chews way to much oil timing chain with plastic tensioners pieces were found in my sump after 60000 miles an it has been serviced every 5000 miles all the cooling systems melts because of the heat because its plastic i just find that not good enough my r53 jcw an my2018 jcw are rather good not to bad but my 2011 jcw is my problem child but your rite i luv them all good luck with yours an pray for mine down here in sydney melting in the heat lol

[@ProjectMini]

With my stage 3 tune my car runs around 177 F. It burns way less oil then it did before the tune

[@lestatelvampir69]

What about the F55 Cooper S? Are they better than this previous generation? Thanks for the video, quite helpful.

[@ProjectMini]

I’ve never owned one to be able to say. But i love my R56 💯

[@pedrofaria8942]

Do you have any expirience with the Mini R56 1.6 Diesel (PSA engine) ?

[@ProjectMini]

I don’t, i don’t think we had that option available in the US

[@yashmann]

They are decently reliable but then the facelift BMW engines are even better just make sure the timing chain doesn't make a noise, and oil is changed every 7 thousand miles ish. Otherwise it's all good just general diesel things like egr getting blocked or dpf blocked but if the car has beens revived kinda regularly then you should be good.

[@THBULLDOZER]

Hi, how much do each of the maintenance items cost if you don’t mind? And are these necessary on the n18 engine r56

[@exitingthematrix6302]

I have the n18 and I would say carbon cleaning is necessary but the engine isn't as much as a time bomb as the n14 so you can slack on it a little but I would still be diligent with all these cars

[@bruce1205]

Thank you.. subscribed in all the channels.. ❤️

[@ProjectMini]

Thank you 🙏

[@johnk815]

I have a 2009 Mini Cooper s convertible. Is that an r56?

[@josephpokorski9002]

it"s an R57

[@jennifers9016]

Crap. Wish I had seen this video before I bought my 2007 Mini Cooper S, less than a week ago. It has 84,000 miles on it. Don't know if any of the stuff mentioned in points 1 & 2 were ever done to it. I am not mechanically inclined and not well off. I think I am going to end up regretting my purchase. ☹️

[@kurodamon6017]

Same here 😏 😔

[@christinacook3508]

Is that a lama?!

[@ProjectMini]

It’s an alpaca 🦙

[@blk06eclipse]

The timing chain. BMW and Mini lost to a $30 million class action for knowingly producing defective engine parts that WILL result in catastrophic engine failure.

[@stevenjenks9789]

What is that animal walking behind your car , lol. You are correct on all counts in this video. There not for everyone but if you have some good mechanical skills these cars are a blast to own and to drive. No room and no comfort but your behind a small high performance vehicle that can impress , and hurt a few feelings.

[@ProjectMini]

Those are alpha walking behind me, they make it into a few of my videos lol

[@icebreaka1969]

that is right, mini coopers specially the 2nd Gen, it is a piece of Junk, I own a 08 MCS for 2 years, bought it for $1800 with some mechanical problems, well that is not a problem, cause I am a Mechanic for over 22 years, but with in this 2 years, I spend alot of money for just buying parts to fix it, it is more than $2500 on repair parts, the mini cooper s R56's parts are unbelievable expensive, and it will brake down almost every other week, something will happen.

[@precool]

Thanks!

[@thatloserwhoplays]

I always have friends saying they want a mini after a give them a ride, then you have to remind them it's baby's first bmw, particularly for your wallet lol

[@bradmclaughlin9023]

It's like a timing belt on a corolla? The original timing chain in my jeep is still going at 374k miles with no problems. 🤣

[@RUPPARUPP]

6:35 alpaca

[@LessExpensivefix]

You forgot the fuel filter supposed to be changed every 15000 miles

[@ProjectMini]

The fuel filter doesn’t need to be changed every 15,000 miles. They go 100,000 miles all the time.

[@LessExpensivefix]

15000 to 20,000

[@LessExpensivefix]

Mini Cooper S you can't clean your injection this why change your fuel filter for more performance and auto-command puts oil catch can if you have a supercharged or turbocharged

[@ProjectMini]

👌

[@LessExpensivefix]

And if you wants your engine stay clean add oil catch can

[@karatekai6384]

Why have they so many faults why can the manufacturer sort out these problems

[@reggyforest5299]

i luv my toy bro , i refuse to sell it , best fun car to drive

[@greghughes54]

Is that a camel @ 06:38?

[@ProjectMini]

Its an alpaca but unfortunately it was killed by a mountain lion a few weeks ago

[@greghughes54]

@@ProjectMini Ahhh man that's awful news. Thanks for all the great videos and the FB group.

[@Dubya-]

Great car. IMO Terrible engines, regardless of maintaining it. Just sold mine & glad to see it gone.

[@K03sport]

Good bargaining topics if the selling entity does not know or can't provide the servicing documentation.

[@ProjectMini]

For sure 💯

[@isaacandmary]

We have a 2007 S. Hitting a bump is like riding a bicycle with flat tires. Hitting a big bump or a buckle in the pavement?? You cringe and grit your teeth. The ride is horrible in the thing. It has nothing to do with feeling/being engaged with the road. It's like the car has no suspension at all. If you're on pavement that is fairly flat with few imperfections, you're okay. But when things get bumpy, you'll want to get rid of the car.

[@ProjectMini]

Maybe you need new struts

[@josephpokorski9002]

lose the run flat tires asap. You"ll love Kumho Ecstas.

[@georgemaly4747]

Sounds like the same as VW

[@lifeisrich11]

😂🤣😂 6:36 a wondering llama, wtf do you live in Peru

[@ProjectMini]

Lol, that’s an Alpaca

[@davidtaylor3908]

Too much talking for 4 reasons 🙄🙄🙄

[@jackh1457]

Man needs those ad revenue

[@mrbigmoney2081]

Wait for the coolant system to leak before you change anything? Umm they don't have a temp gauge!

[@bryanpeters5577]

Buy a Countryman?!?!?!?! You tell people to not buy an R56 but you mention for them to buy a Countryman? They have more problems than the R56

[@phil179]

Wtf 6:45 do you have a Lama? Haha

[@ProjectMini]

I have alpacas 🦙

[@NM-il8lt]

I'm not saying that you shouldn't buy one, but here's 4 reasons why you shouldn't buy one 😂

[@aycarambas]

Hey brotha great info. Dont forget to mention its a GDI engine and needs valves cleaned every 60k, random misfires, HPFP failure (expensive), CAS3 module failure, new batteries need to be programmed to the vehicle (expensive), r56 CVT transmissions not reliable, It appears all your money is going to your car and none to yourself that is reason #5 not to get a Mini S LOL..

[@amargacanica1042]

😂 4 to 5 is too long my sir, maybe that car is not for you my sir

[@garethhughes5107]

Its a Peugeot engine

[@dmuirhe1]

"I'm not saying don't buy a Mini Cooper S" and the you name the clip: 4 reasons you shouldn’t buy an R56 Mini Cooper S !

[@erins.7176]

Thank you for this video. Amen about your oil. I can’t wait to see your video about changing the transmission fluid. I thought that was cray cray when they told me it was self contained. 🦙 BTW….was that a llama at 6:45??

[@youngstadan4999]

Get an r53

[@ProjectMini]

I already have one

[@jamalmiller4552]

this car is affordable dude u cheep af if you can't keep this car in good shape

[@ProjectMini]

I have plenty of videos showing the work I’ve done that prove I’m absolutely not cheap af 👌

[@crabman669]

Ok, there are several "gurus" that teach you what car to buy and what not, to be in a position to say this you have to keep records, a data base, I doubt these gurus have even a mechanical title.

[@amedsoprano]

This video needs a 9x play speed

[@raymomull2258]

I bought a r56 & they're an awful troublesome piece of shite. Never buy one.

[@19796325]

speak for yourself i love mine i have 3 of them

[@ProjectMini]

Try watching the video before commenting 👍

[@jamesdavis4896]

I Own two mini cooper, one 2006 S w, 18700 miles within no major problem Keep up with maintenance oil changes 3/4 thousand miles, my 2011 Clubman the same, they do love oil, if you play hard they love tires too

[@olabarclay9813]

Mini Cooper r56 is a slap on the face and so shitty

[@bhpperformancecars3034]

Well that’s a video when I need some sleep

[@carlosalenduran4630]

They are not reliable

[@TheJosephayal]

Shittiest car ever made

[@SomeSloan]

So does all this all apply to the N18 R56 Cooper as well? As well as the tips on your vid titled “11 tips to make your r56 Mini Cooper S with an N14 more reliable”?? I am looking at a 2013 Mini Cooper S- Auto trans. I believe that is the N18 engine right? Just asking, cuz I am more than willing to do all these things, just wanna make sure the details of the N18 vs N14 Thnx 🫡

[@hogi99]

R56 is the best car you'll ever work on, and work on, and work on some more. So much fun to drive, but you better be a decent mechanic, married to a decent mechanic or know a decent mechanic and have disposable income and something else to drive need be. 🫡✌️