5 Things I Hate About My Mini Cooper S R56 | Car Chaps

[@richyclubsport5155]

Tips, as someone who's bought and sold 100s of Minis, use Lucas synethic oil stabilizer when changing oil, cuts oil consumption to a bare minimum, and definitely quietens the engine, and change oil every 5k maximum, check oil stone cold at least once a week. Next never rev above 2000 rpm until at full operating temperature. They suffer carbon build up, especially if used in town constantly, give them a blast every 3-4 weeks, add a tin of Clean Drive to fuel, use as instructed on tin, wonderful stuff. Only ever use high octane fuel, quality like Shell or BP. Our own Mini Cooper S, N14 is now on 212.000 with next to no problems. Highly maintained, yes, just had it's third timing chain and tensioner fitted, although no rattles, for peace of mind. Certainly if buying one it's buyer beware, there's a lot of troublesome one's out there, i would personally recommend a full inspection and ask for compression test, could save you a fortune, they are fabulous cars, but don't expect to run one on the cheap, regular maintenance is critical.

[@carchaps]

This is fantastic advice, need it framed somewhere!

[@baxter151]

Would you recommend the same for an r53?

[@mathieuestibals2319]

Hey, thanks for this. When you say change oil, every 5k, does that include oil filter? Because the pesky coolant tank is in the way and it’s a pain.. so I do it every 7.5k ..

[@LastTrump7]

@@carchaps May be off topic but need advice. Can buy a 2011 Mini off a lady going through a divorce for $3,000. Fax looks good from what I can tell except one minor accident 4 years ago that rear ended a car and set off air bags. Grille and bumper was replaced and repainted. See nothing that worry’s me other then it has 170,000 mikes on it. $3,000 a good buy? 2011 Mini automatic a good car?

[@TomatoDrifter]

@@mathieuestibals2319

[@-Patorikku]

I agree with this, I love my little R56, Even if it keeps me below the poverty line and isn't very useful for anything 😅 it fills me with joy when I drive, and the satisfaction it gives me is better than any of the other 11 cars I've driven so for that I can't hate it

[@carchaps]

Loved mine too. Great car, and despite the drawbacks is a brilliant daily ‘budget’ performance hatch

[@jcooper_]

Good candid review from a fellow Cooper S R56 owner. This isn't a retaliation by any means, but my two cents: Point 1 - fully agree on the unsexy engine. The valve clatter is insane, and even when revving out it only sounds OK. Exhaust is fairly fruity for a standard setup though. I would slightly disagree re. pulling power low down -- I find mine to be suprisingly linear and responsive for a turbo unit from 1700rpm onwards. Point 2 - yep, nothing more needs to be said! My chain went very suddenly at low-ish miles. Chews through oil, but I find the dipstick OK (and only OK) if you read it when the engine hasn't been turned over and the oil has fully settled. Point 3 - I get basically the exact same MPG figures, but imo I don't think that's too bad for the performance on offer. High 30s MPG is entirely respectable for a daily, but each to their own. Point 4 - agreed, on a rough road it feels like the suspension and alloys are about to rip themselves apart. Car skips badly when hitting a bump whilst loaded, too. But as you say, when it works well it's sublime. Point 5 - I guess they're not hardcore, but on the flipside it does make them easy to live with (if you don't mind the hard ride). Great to see another perspective :)

[@carchaps]

Great perspective! Thanks for sharing

[@jasonquarsingh3002]

I recently bought a 2011 with an n18 engine and I am happy with the low down rpm before boost. The oil dipstick also rubs against the bend as it comes out , so be sure to rotate it and look for the lowest point.

[@carchaps]

Yeah the rotation trick is key. It’s a great car, loved it. Hate having a go at it tbh hahah

[@J.B.7.4]

Is the required rotation trick in the manual? Just kidding.

[@cookiemixboxset3357]

young driver here who's not too long got myself an 07 cooper s. guess i've not had the maintenance costs get to my head yet. but as someone who's only driven super slow cars due to insurance. man this cars fucking awesome. screw the comfort issues, screw the fact it's a little janky on dodgy roads, and screw the fact its totally impractical and the back seats are useless. its all part of the fun for me personally as a young single guy, i absolutely love it. if you're willing to put up with proper maintenance, these things are a BLAST and low on insurance for what you experience too. Great video mate

[@carchaps]

Love to hear it! Ngl I miss mine badly, it is such a good hot hatch

[@MiMicheIIe]

I own a 2010 Cooper S with an N18 engine. The short story is NO, it's not worth it. Yes, it's a fun car to drive. No, spending almost 6 grand on maintenance in just 2 years is NOT worth that fun. Save up a few extra pennies and get something else, I'm begging you - even if that's the 3rd gen Cooper S. Trust me, it WILL be cheaper in the long run.

[@carchaps]

Sorry to hear your bad experience, never had any real trouble with mine but have heard some horror stories

[@MiMicheIIe]

@@carchaps Definitely count yourself lucky! Timing chains are pretty much a given on these - so is the thermostat housing, the high pressure fuel pump, and the coils. Loads of other annoying issues as well.

[@anon7661]

It's a Peugeot bottom end , BMW mini head. It is one of the best sounding 4 cylinders as soon as you put a decat on it. Yes they are bad on reliability and the standard power isn't great. But breather mods and a tune completely transforms this car.

[@carchaps]

Yeaaah the noise was a great surprise to me, even in standard trim. Can imagine these are amazing to mod

[@terminallyinquisitive1731]

Agree with everything-the dipstick drives me crazy - think I'll file it flat. Electrical sensor faults are fun too. Though it is a great summer weekend car - get one with the double sunroof. It is go-karty - that includes a tendency to jump sideways if you hit a drain cover in a bend...need both hands on the steering wheel 😅

[@carchaps]

Aha yes it’s a car you need to take by the scruff of the neck to get the best out of it

[@thatmini]

The N14 engine has some problems😅but overall it's a great little car

[@carchaps]

Fantastic car. I miss mine madly

[@henlienr22]

if you ever sell this one, take a look at the 2011+ r56 diesel, its a 90hp bmw 1.6 engine, doesnt consume oil or coolant and the dipstick is readable, its dead slow until you stage 1 tune it, you suddenly get 57hp increase in hp and 110nm increase wich makes it a small torque monster, i own an e39 m5 and 2013 mini one D and i wouldnt let any of them go easy

[@carchaps]

That’s mad, probably a better ride quality too. Although I do love the suspension set up on the S (despite me slagging it here haha)

[@henlienr22]

@@carchaps its the chili version so i actually have the cooper S suspension, so i guess it would be the same unless the cooper s have something extra

[@terminallyinquisitive1731]

Cooper S R56 64k miles - just had horrendous misfire out of no where - 1x new ignition coil and change of plugs and its purring again. It's a Mini thing.. ignition coils. Some garages will replace the full set but it's actually cheap and quick to do if another one fails...and can still drive it...gently to the garage! Cleared a few error codes too and all good now.

[@carchaps]

Thanks for the advice..these comments are becoming an archive of Mini-related misery

[@ianbarnes961]

I had a coil pack go on my R59 Roadster and had it fixed on the roadside by the RAC, who also cancelled the fault codes. As the work is so cheap and simple, I did the other three myself.

[@40something.55]

Have no problems with my 2011. Low down grunt is fine and as for the engine I think you would fine a lot of cars use that engine which is pretty bomb proof. It's the ancillary parts that cause the problems

[@carchaps]

Glad to hear you had a great experience. Loved mine despite the niggles mentioned here.

[@johnnyalanbailey]

You’ll end up with problems, doesn’t matter how you maintain it, they’re just chocolate engines sadly. I upgraded to a diesel mini and it’s so much more refined and not had a single problem.

[@travsformation1]

Thanks for the honesty!

[@paultasker7788]

I've owned an N18 2012 cooper S convertible for 18 months and I'm very familiar with the reduced power light. It actually runs sweetly and when working absolutely flies above 2500rpm. Below that it has decent shove but you won't get the kick in the back. I've had new thermostat, 2 coil packs and 2 vanos solenoids and it will still sometimes put me into reduced power. It's a reduced power mode that makes it feel like a mini one so its still driveable. These engines are incredibly complex in order to meet emissions regs. You'll find that a lot of manufacturers in this time period have had problems trying to make an engine thats fast and meets Euro standards. That said N14 has many issues which is why i went N18. N18 is still not what i would call reliable. Or rather it is if you only drive gently. But who wants to do that in a mini!

[@gabormark2294]

Glad I am not the only one with the oil stick

[@carchaps]

The dipstick was the bane of my life

[@gabormark2294]

@@carchaps so irritating. BMW dealer told me, once I took my Mini back to them due to strange rattle, a few hundred km after oil change: Why I do not check the oil with the dipstick…. BTW I did, and saw nothing. Then I have asked him how does he see… he showed it but I still didn’t see. In the end, I got 200€ charged for investigation and filling up 1l oil 👍 BMW is the maffia. Make shit cars and charge a lot for servicing

[@wntr2980]

as for the steering issue you mentioned, i had the same issue and it turned out to be a dead shock absorber on the front, didnt realise until i put lowering springs on it

[@cwilkins2013]

My 21 plate polo ran out of oil without warning me, it ain't just Peugeots engines that are thirsty

[@carchaps]

Thirsty thirsty bois

[@TheAdamRawks]

That's why they put dipsticks in the car.

[@omphilemathole4450]

Mini cooper s r56 with n14 first needs a mechanic who knows the cars. I find old other oils make the car smoke alot, i use Liquid Molly and has reduces the smoking. Too many plastic parts ans rubber seal need replacing alot. Local driving is a nightmare because of potholes, but on highways its a dream to drive. I find its easy to have an extral bottle of coolant and extra 5 liters of oil always. The sensors are plagued with carbon build up.

[@stephenboruk-mz2xf]

Just bought one at 56k lovely car one issue that turbo heat it can melt the valve head so ideally a valve cover guard and a good turbo jacket is much better than the standard shield

[@carchaps]

Great advice!

[@douglasreeder2831]

I just got rid of my 2008 S for scrap, I got tired of paying shops 1500 to 3000 every other year for repairs. It was fun to drive but just kept breaking the bank.

[@carchaps]

I feel you - always best to quit while you are - slightly - ahead

[@detailmax]

Love my 2000. One of the best cars ever produced!

[@carchaps]

For sure!

[@7machu]

I just bought one, hope I can have fun with it

[@carchaps]

It’s a great car, have fun!

[@gabormark2294]

This engine is simply getting too hot in a very small space, especially the 174hp one. Then they break and only make problems. Misfires, burnt cylinder, damaged valves. Even if you are a tough guy, your mechanic can make you cry if you drive one of these cars.

[@carchaps]

Hahaha. Thankfully had no issues with mine, timing chain aside

[@progpuss]

I bought mine at 44000 and first issue was hpfp £ 320 DIY pretty easy , always buy Peugeot parts as they are same as BMW but a lot cheaper. Car was BMW, Peugeot mix to save money after banking crisis

[@gamesmaster1060]

How did the timing chain cost you 200 quid. BMW charge north of a grand and other places still charge more than 200

[@carchaps]

It was a best price for KESH £££

[@upandatom...]

They dont use coolant. You might want to re-address your head gasket comment. The small turbo makes it great for the torque at low rpm. Sounds like you have bad compression (blown head gasket if you are losing coolant). The small turbo makes it great for the torque at low rpm. Yes, these cars are a nightmare, i know, i have one and have put a lot of work in... but when they are running good, you know it. Yours isnt. Also, the dipstic... you have to instert it and pull it out 5 or so times but not all the way. Leave bout 2 cm and clean it each time, then insert it fully and take the reading. It pulls residual oil up from the guide, so no. mechanics dont struggle to take the oil reading.

[@spikepike42]

I have a 2007 r56 cooper s, must have replaced almost everything apart from the clutch.the N14 engine is so problematic 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@carchaps]

Jesus, thankfully didn’t have many issues other than timing chain. Incredible how a modern engine can be that unreliable 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ricardopinto1765]

This also happens on a bmw engine right? I was looking for one for the wife on a diesel version but there's to much maintenance needed and scares me that to change the timing chain or the clutch you need to remove the engine (expensive) 😮😢

[@timothywebb5100]

Good honest review.

[@carchaps]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@PricelessJesus]

Omw! U said the steering wheel locks😮😮 over a pothole? Could kill? Am about 2 buy one

[@elisenotes]

Hilarious! I drove mine (2013) up Maine (US) this summer - 180 km of winding single lane roads where you can do what the mini does the best, drive into the curve fast and accelerate out even faster. And then you forgive it again. But I have an issue I can't find the solution for: when I first start it up there is a high single-pitch screech from the engine, like a fly wheel rubbing on something - but that disappears on warm-up. It started over 4K miles ago and has become just a little worse - but still inconsistent. Anyone any idea what it could be? Is it the beginning of the end??

[@stevejam767]

I've seen in other reviews the pedals are slightly offset. Is this true?

[@OliverTraynor-l2y]

Best engin ever if you respect it the Peugeot engin that man doesn't know what he is talking about I have half a million miles on it

[@carchaps]

Tell that to the timing chain at 25 k 😂😂

[@J.B.7.4]

“Just another quick one, before you jump down my throat”, that what she said. I know, poor humor but I had to.

[@carchaps]

We are all for innuendo here sir

[@PricelessJesus]

Im buying a 2007 one its being Mot d at a professional garage. Hope it will b ok

[@BrettK-e3k]

I think the issue is people buy more of these cars over 100k miles and expect a daily driver. Most cars would t be ideal in that role.

[@carchaps]

To be fair, this was low mileage when I bought it, but overall didn’t give me any trouble

[@omnitraveller]

I had the engine in my DS3 Sport and it was starting to have misfires ocassionaly before I sold it, but other than that I think you are too critical of the engine. Mine didn't consume oil and was a lot of fun, even though it only had 156 hp

[@carchaps]

Dont get me wrong, I miss it every day… but it consumed more oil than my Boxster 🤣 great car overall

[@samuell4775]

Plan on used Mini repairs to cost more than house maintenance or health care.

[@nealdunleavy8267]

Good Man Sir TY

[@carchaps]

Many thanks

[@clanmac66]

The engine is a joint venture with BMW engineering, just saying. The best mode is down sizing the wheels.

[@johnnyalanbailey]

And it produced one of the worst petrol engines in history 😭

[@samjohnson-mi2iv]

My r56 jcw is a bastard but I love it

[@carchaps]

Never tried a JCW, if I was gonna own a Mini again an R56 JCW would be my pick. Although British roads are appalling

[@samjohnson-mi2iv]

@@carchaps likewise I’ve never driven a cooper S but a stage 1 map on an r56 jcw is a different car. 0-60 in 5.5seconds 240bhp. Honestly the most fun thing and sounds nuts with a sports cat or decat

[@samjohnson-mi2iv]

@@carchaps but yeah it’s defo not a comfy ride!! Fortunately my back still works for now I’m only 18 lol

[@mikenewbold1699]

lmao the presentation is hillarious it's like jeremy clarkson without the humour

[@carchaps]

At least I’m better looking 🤣

[@PieterWigboldus]

With a better engine, and not the French they used, the car is great. Sad that Mini/BMW used PSA engines in the Mini :(

[@richardmooremoore4127]

All the various mechanical differences make the Mini interesting. Any Mini that is roadworthy is a freaking hoot. ❤️

[@RafiBalouzian]

Peugeot 4 cylinder engines are one of the most durable engines. They are rally winners since the 60s. BMW did their homework before selecting the engine. Peugeot 404, 504 are still driven all over the world with million miles on the odometer

[@MiMicheIIe]

Unfortunately, this is NOT one of those engines. Absolutely horrid reliability, wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy.

[@RafiBalouzian]

@@MiMicheIIe my daughter has 2012 cooper s 120,000 miles no issues and original clutch. Very reliable. Oil consumption is the only issue. I own 2006 cooper s also very reliable

[@redryder666]

You often Drive in Switzerland?😊

[@carchaps]

Yes, have lived in Northern Italy on and off over the years…hence the vignette

[@JcMedia-rl9xx]

35mpg driving enthusiastically 😂😂 that’s not bad what are you mini owners talking about!! Anything obove 20mpg is good enough in my book coming from large TDI SUV’s

[@samjohnson-mi2iv]

My r56 jcw does 19mpg if you bash it lol

[@carchaps]

Hahaha I salute your driving

[@upandatom...]

my passenger door is that colour

[@yodings]

200 pounds to replace a timing chain lol….

[@carchaps]

Yup

[@zakmckenzie1475]

wow ,you know nothing about your car 😂 ,Engine is bmw/Peugeot group ,it has vanos bmw tech in the engine and has more torque than most engines that size 😂.....

[@BenThomas-z9m]

no... is not worth the fashion... get a car... or even walk...

[@gabormark2294]

Mini used to be a british junk. Now it is a BMW high price junk made in britain

[@gamesmaster1060]

Some of them look nice tho

[@J.B.7.4]

Maseratis look nice too but not built even close to the asking price. I had a 2017 mini S and it was awesome till it hit 18k miles, sensors going out and the radiator had to be replaced, I traded it in for a more reliable car, civic SI. No where near as torquey but was a fun highway car.

[@AW-xv7dq]

so fun so unreliable

[@carchaps]

Well said

[@SeniorTorro]

R53 > R56

[@Benni_aka_Yoshi]

Im Like 444