5 Ways To Make Your Mini Cooper S More Reliable!

Keep your Mini Cooper reliable by doing maintenance the right way! This isn’t a guarantee things won’t go wrong but a way to ease your mind a bit. Prolong the life of your Mini Cooper! Enjoy!
Mod links on my r56:
CTS Inatke- bit.ly/2WPcEsU
Forge BOV- bit.ly/38Btb6b
Forge Hot Side Tube- bit.ly/3yDQjLR
Ultragauge Link: ebay.us/iszRtB
Ultragauge Link: ebay.us/19Qobg
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kit.co/djarias16
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Budget Friendly & High Quality Tools
Triple Square Set- amzn.to/3qMPMG3
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3/8 Torque Wrench- amzn.to/3BTPXpC
Adapter & Reducer Set- amzn.to/3SbAPJm
Torx Bit Socket Set- amzn.to/3LswRK0
Hex Bit Socket Set- amzn.to/3DxKkOY
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3 Inch Adapters- amzn.to/3DBmSjW
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5/8 Spark Plug Socket - amzn.to/3QV3z80
E-Torx Socket Set- amzn.to/3BqMdu4
Slim Design Adapters- amzn.to/3qQt8wy
Best spark plugs for a tuned r56:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Black door handles: amzn.to/3aZS2CL
Black headlight rings: amzn.to/3q2WKE5
Baffled oil catch can: amzn.to/37TYp8L
Dragy Link:amzn.to/2O0NdAs
Turtle Wax Products
Ultimate car care kit- bit.ly/3Incw8P
Power out odor eliminator- bit.ly/3Ipy1Ga
Ceramic 3 in 1 detailer- bit.ly/42PJZ3Q
Scratch remover- bit.ly/41NQXVK
Headlight lens repair kit- bit.ly/3oaLPgN
Ceramic wash and wax- bit.ly/3WgdUQk
Polishing compound- bit.ly/42O6num
Leather cleaner & conditioner- bit.ly/45bhsra
Multi purpose cleaner- bit.ly/3pRdILj
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1. Start car without key fob (no comfort access)
2. Hidden glovebox
3. Roll windows down with key fob
4. Customize interior lighting
5. Hidden menu
Mini Cooper hidden menu video: • *Mini Cooper HIDDEN ME...
Personal Cars: 2012 Mini Cooper S (R56)
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI
1990 NA Mazda Miata
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CAR MODS:
Mini Cooper S
Manic Motorsport Stage 1 tune
2.5" Custom Exhaust to 4” Dual Tips
Upgraded Front Mount Intercooler
CNT Racing Catless Downpipe
NGK 1422 Colder Spark Plugs
CTS Turbo Cold Air Intake
Forge Blow Off Valve
Forge Hot/Cold Side Pipes
Detroit Tuned Upgraded Aluminum Turbo Flange
Riuen Oil Catch Can
Cipher Auto Harnesses
Cipher Auto Harnesses Bar
Airlift Performance Air Suspension
3P Air Management System
Alta Upgraded Sway Bar Links
17x9 et20 MTechnica AERO Wheels
205/40/17 FireHawk 500s

[@ricardocueva9636]

This video provides invaluable insight. I will soon get a new 136 hp Mini Cooper and the information will help me avoid problems and enjoy the car all the more.

[@ianreed4636]

Mine fluctuates between 221° to 226.5° and I live in vegas where it's nice and hot . It's pretty dumb that they didn't install a temp gauge or oil pressure gauge. I totally agree with you that we need to know at least the basic health of the engine.

[@cheesyfoot02]

This is my first car and I’ve never done any maintenance on it or even knew I should be doing it so super glad I found this video 😅

[@sigh665]

How's it holding up?

[@benfranqui5283]

Great tips ,I have had 3 minis and what you said works

[@TheAnnihilationInc]

Just bought a 2015 Mini Cooper S, this is much appreciated! Sleek car man!

[@DArias]

Nice! And thank you very much!

[@lucindalenfant9851]

me too! Is yours doing ok still?

[@CensorshipGenesis]

Maintenance, maintenance and maintenance! WOW! Same recipe for all vehicles on hearth! LOL 😂 😂 Jokes aside. NEVER ever skip an oil change! If such shorten the oil change interval, never extend it. Even my "scrap" bought never failed on me with fresh synthetic oil.

[@ProjectMini]

Awesome video, i use a scanguage 2 and really like the fact you can check fuel rail pressure like you said. Very informative video!!!

[@precool]

Eric!! How are you brother? We are worried about you in the FB group. Let us know how you are doing. Happy Holidays to you both.

[@johnkritikos5086]

Just bought a 2013 mini Cooper Clubman s with 40 thousand original miles.. did not have a shop look at it before I bought it.. so driving home after purchasing it.. check engine light comes on.. just came back from mini dealership in peobody Massachusetts... thermostat was bad .. also pulley on the water had issues... total cost to fix ?? $1700.. not happy.. my mini Cooper only has 40 thousand original miles on it.. bone stock... love your channel.. just trying to contribute real information... this is my 2nd mini Cooper Clubman s.. first one was fun but clutch went south at 30 thousand Miles.. so yea these cars are expensive to fix .. I'm so happy I have a bullet proof low mileage Scion xb in my driveway for my daily hoopty

[@precool]

Thanks man! Super helpful. Much appreciation!

[@enzojiles3068]

GREAT video. All good points and letting people know what to use and how often to. Good job

[@DArias]

Thank you! It’s greatly appreciated

[@daviddegannes9855]

Thanks for these tips, really helpful. Keep up thegood job!

[@frulica001]

All very true!! I did the walnut blast, helped a lot! stop traffic is the worst for these cars, they need to be driven. Also, had a coolant leak, fixed that. Totally agree on the oil, I change mine every 5K miles max!! Thanks for the vid!!

[@ridgoro]

just got a 2012 cooper S, thanks for the tips!

[@DArias]

Nice man! And absolutely !

[@precool]

Hey Diego! Checking in with 146k on the R56. Lots of work done in my first year. My question is how long will you run your coils? I changed mine when I got the car just under a year ago. Thank you brother. You are a great resource to keep coming back to. It’s a crappy day here and I’d love to add a little giddy up to the car.

[@tristenmueller9160]

im looking into a 2012 mini cooper S as an autocross car and i've been watching your videos and others to get a little bit of insight and research and just wanna say thanks my dude.

[@DArias]

Awesome man! These cars are awesome for the track

[@aumj97]

I bought a 2012 a year ago she a convertible I love this car

[@vandres493]

Thank you so much, glad I’ve been doing everything apart from the walnut blast or whatever that’s called

[@l.martinfletes3566]

Great info! Helpful video shots! SOLID CONTENT!!! Thanks 🙏!!!!

[@DArias]

Thank you! No problem

[@colinreeder4070]

Great video man, keep up the good work.

[@DArias]

Thanks homie! Appreciate the kind words

[@socorrosgeek]

Ran Liquimoly ceretech through my used mini when i first got it at 40k miles. No more oil drinking issues here. Running a 2014 R58.

[@paulclark4838]

Amazing video man! Great points you made.

[@DArias]

Thank you!

[@sunglow8888]

You are a genius. Simplicity 👊

[@glennolsen7418]

Thanks man! Just bought a 2012 copper base without the turbo hoping to avoid further issues and I’m planning on taking great care of my new MINI!

[@DArias]

Awesome man! Hope you enjoy! They’re great cars just make sure to look after it and make sure you use the right fluids, parts etc and I’m sure you’ll be fine

[@goosemane2606]

Had so much fun with my 2012 Cooper base. Loved it so much I just bought a 2019 Cooper S. Enjoy!

[@carlmiller8138]

The base can be an awesome car. From beginning.. Change the coils n plugs, oil change liquid moly and Lucas syn. A night n day difference. And check the coolant housing as well as lower rad hose.

[@petedawn8446]

Walnut blast is always a must! Great point

[@DArias]

It is !

[@jameslemon9544]

Great videon man, I have had 3 minis. Everything you said has happened to my minis. But if your willing to learn like you said preventative maitenance and shop wisely for parts they can be good cars. Also they can take a hit, got hit in the rear by an old man who fell asleep going over 70mph I was at a stoplight. It hurt like no other but the car disperse the majority of the hit through the roll cage it got totalled but i wasnt badly injured.

[@jameslemon9544]

There needs to be a limit on driving cognitive reflex tests or something. Being old is like driving wasted no difference.

[@theoverunderthinker]

@@jameslemon9544 if you are asleep at the wheel you have no reflexes no matter what age you are. 🤷‍♂

[@bobcross8584]

Amazing info Diego

[@DArias]

Thank you!

[@dallasmitchell3878]

Same oil I use ! Lol works amazing and have always used it in my euro cars

[@ashtonmurdoch5226]

My R56 is a 2013 and i've just reached 100k miles on it, no leaks and no major problems aside from replacing the o2 sensor and the ECU but those were both warranty.

[@henrycalderon1063]

Gorgeous mini man. Oil consumption is real with these too lol. Mostly the n14 though

[@DArias]

Thank you! And yeah the oil consumption sucks haha

[@DanieleLombardo]

The n12 and n14 model are obsessed with oil😂

[@user-sj3bq6yi1h]

im thingking to buy a 2007 mini cooper s with 180km on it. will you recomment it??

[@thruleontas1]

@@user-sj3bq6yi1h stay away from them my friend.

[@ching36]

Thanks my man! This video is helpful!!

[@DArias]

Glad to hear!

[@source_NRG]

Your videos are excellent!

[@EchoRabbit]

My first Mini was a 2010 Camden Base Hatch. Literally on the way home the first day of owning it, the check engine light came on. Ignition coils went.

[@invisigal007]

Great video. Thank you!

[@llyodcollins6342]

Good job man. Plus the car looks great

[@DArias]

Thank you so much!

[@markscena2550]

Great video man. Keep it up

[@DArias]

Thank you!

[@shabbadabbadooby]

So true about the oil! I’ve bought 10 litres of bmw spec Castrol edge- should last me a year 😂

[@Paul-ue8tn]

I've had two of these. I found that not using it has a very positive impact. Although not always.

[@MaxReckless99]

great videos... thanks for the tips.

[@DArias]

Thank you ! I appreciate the kind words

[@jpkilla6548]

Funny when the gauge popped off lol ! Informative video! That carbon buildup issue is real! Get your walnut blasts people!

[@DArias]

Loll awkward moment but yes walnuts blast is a must

[@chrisjfox8715]

I just bought a used 2014 S with 76k miles and it's running great. The carfax shows that all of the recommended routine maintenance was performed without a hitch. But how would I know when a walnut blast is necessary? I plan on getting the fuel injector swapped out when it hits 80k - would that be a good time to get the walnut blast done? I get the impression from the comments here that Seafoam is pointless, yet other videos seem to swear by it for the Minis

[@thepar7575]

I have a 2012 mini cooper purchased in 2013. I change my own oil and use full synthetic purchase at Walmart. It has never burnt any oil. Agree with changing good spark plugs

[@DArias]

Nice man!! Tbh Hard to beat Walmart prices.. no burning oil means you’re properly maintaining your car so you shouldn’t have a problem having it last for years problem free

[@evoman5428]

bomb video! I have a R55 and have been debating on a stage 1 tune. I have to get a real time gauge as well.

[@DArias]

Thanks man! And a tune will really wake up the car and make it so much more fun to drive no doubt. The ultra gauge is also a great tool to help you see what your car is doing

[@jackabbott8691]

Just got an n14 cooper s, really appreciate the tips man

[@DArias]

No problem! Any plans for it?

[@jackabbott8691]

Diego Arias it’s got a lot of miles so I’m gonna either do a walnut blast myself or get a shop to do it, for mods I’m keeping it simple for now, upgrading the Intercooler and the pipes going to it, suspension refresh and stiffer rear sway bar after that

[@Noobietrolo]

I have N18 🥺

[@DM-bu7oc]

Nice Mini. Mini recommends Castrol synthetic 5w-30 which we have run for 130K+ miles now with no oil issues changing it by the book. It uses about a quart between oil changes. It's driven 100 miles a day on a freeway commute with moderate traffic with standard NGK plugs and Bosch coils using Top Tier Premium fuel. We've only had to replace the brakes, tires, hydraulic pump (under warranty), battery, and serpentine belt and adjuster. It's been very reliable. Good advice all around though.

[@JoshDobbert]

Yeah I have a 13 cooper s, just did plugs as I got the car with 87k miles I went with Bosch iridium plugs. The best you can buy

[@R.DiamondTV]

you run synthetic oil over full synthetic oil? which coolant brand do you run?

[@bluefidle]

great information.

[@user-tj3iz3rg9m]

NICE! I live in Japan and distribute MINI custom videos. Your video will be helpful👍

[@gaialove2106]

You ARE Doing a GOOD Job!!! 🥰👍🏼

[@DArias]

Thank you!

[@user-cv8zo8cn8d]

Good Man TY Poster

[@aycarambas]

Great vid thanks for the info. Id like to add. The CAS-3 went bad on mine. Cost me $1,200 to replace the shop said it failed bcuz it overheated likely from the car sitting in the sun all day. Note: put a sun visor on your windshield....

[@DArias]

Thanks ! And really???? Damn… that’s a good tip to know. Very good tip that’s unfortunate

[@charlesnguyen7798]

Hi Diego Arias.Very informed video. Thank you for sharing the knowledge. I saw the Petro Plus 7 (Napa auto parts) oil Additive. The advertised performance of the product is super cool. Do you recommend putting it in? Is the additive will be okay for the Mini. Please let me know what do you think?

[@ferndiaz4156]

hey Mate, thanks for the information l have the S model..use Scheel gas. keep in mind.iif yo are at the Andes snowed...low the air tires pressure.it will run likeva 4 wheel drive.in emergency..thanks for your videos. greetings from Venezuela🚗🇻🇪

[@larryrobinson8427]

Hi there! I’m on my 4th Mini, just bought a 2011 Mini S with 73K miles on it, I’m the 3rd owner. Maintenance history shows regular service intervals at a mini dealership. Post buy inspection at my local mini dealer showed suspension bushings starting to leak, the serpentine belt needing replacement and a need for new rear tires. The front one were replaced with new run flats at the dealer prior to the sale to me. I did notice the engine oil quantity slightly above the max line. No drivability problems noted so far. Regards to the fuel grade, what’s the problem with using mid grade fuel , as it lists the mid grade as the minimum octane to use in the owners manual? Service history shows high pressure fuel pump and thermostat replacement due to service bulletins. I chose the 2011 S because I read that Mini fixed some of the drivability issues with the 2011 engine. With the low mileage vs 10 year age of the car do you have any low cost ways to avoid the valve problem you described? Do Mini dealer service departments do the walnut wash yo describe? I also have a Gen 3 Clubman S All4 and it currently hasn’t given me any problems with just around 47K miles. Any suggestions on keeping these 2 wonderful cars running well are appreciated

[@haleyhudler8242]

great video!

[@estaban3248]

Great post, thanks for all the info. One thing that might have helped these cars, is if bmw had of taken the time in the early days to develop an engine of their own i.e. the N14 is it not a Peugeot engine and the R53? is I believe based on a masda engine from the mx5??. I'm not sure about the N18 is that an engine designed by BMW??, maybe that's why they have less issues than the N14.

[@e46teddy]

had a few minis r53 was a fav ..now have the se and dont need to do anything woohoo

[@johnarmenia3986]

Great Video! Thanks, where can I find a dash mounted temp/ pressure guage like the one you are using?

[@ManishKumar-iv7ld]

Very Nice video !! Thanks :)

[@DArias]

Thanks man!

[@silverlover5817]

Thanks for the video. Did you change the timing chain yet on this engine? If not at what mileage are you planning to do so?

[@patriciacampbell4032]

I purchase a 2014 mini Cooper yesterday. Thanks for all the tips on this little gem. I didn’t do my due diligence on the mini, however, it’s a beautiful car and your advice is appreciated for future maintenance. Thanks a million👌🏽

[@thruleontas1]

Good luck with it

[@dmr9042]

I am planning to buy one soon and I am shocked it doesn't have a temperature gauge. Damn ; but i will still buy one and enjoy. Thanks for the tips and very useful info. keep well, cheers

[@stevenpollard5171]

Can’t you add one from local auto parts stores?

[@stevenpollard5171]

KZbin should be able to tell you if you can and how.

[@rileyhers8670]

Got a 2012 Countryman and yup it burns a quart+ between chages

[@GabrielGonzalez-fw5up]

I love my Mini Cooper and I'm always appreciate your help in every video I'm in a Mini Cooper Club in Pennsylvania, if you want enter in the club let me know we have people from NJ and NY

[@DArias]

Thanks man! I appreciate that and sure sounds like a plan!

[@GabrielGonzalez-fw5up]

Diego Arias let me know 🙌🏽

[@saxonsteve]

Great Video! In the process of buying a 2013 Mini Cooper S. Guys! What is the name of this sensor he has attached to the dash ?

[@ianreed4636]

I think it's losing oil from blow by , at least some of it . And I think the catch can helps build up in the intake and valves. Certain years of the Chevy 5.3l were having the same oil problems. It was getting out through the pcv circuit.

[@trentmckenzie343]

Key word “certain years”. Almost all years of the 5.3L lose oil from… rear main seal leaks. Standard problem with Chevy. Take it from someone who owned one, you might think they’re bulletproof but they tend to leak.

[@aks-14]

thank you so much,very helpful..what is the device to chk heat temp..guide me wr to get this device..thanks again

[@donndabney683]

Thanks for the info! What size wheels and tires? Is it lowered? I have a 2012 Cooper S 6-speed with 40k miles

[@musamilton5613]

How do you change plugs after 20 000 miles? or i didn't hear properly, anyway, great video, thank you so much

[@waterlover]

good tips that's for sure

[@DArias]

Thank you so much!

[@Globbs]

You can save money on coolant and buy Zerex G-48 from most parts stores. It's the same exact stuff that BMW and MINI use.

[@jameshunt8627]

Lmao, love the gold intake pipe. Reminds me of the legendary McLaren F1

[@DArias]

Hahaha 😂 it’s a bit tacky IMO it did def helps with heat though

[@celiacloinger8133]

💯 claiming you as my Cooper boyfriend. Thanks for sharing the knowledge! Xo

[@mrbear8746]

I haven't had any issues with oil in my 2020 3-door hardtop. Was there an improvement made to the engine between 2017 and 2020? Plus, my service agreement has me coming every 12 months for oil change, filter changes and top-offs.

[@davidsatchwell5377]

What’s the link for the real time gage? Does it work for a non S mini

[@gjthedj7160]

I have an air filter like yours (k&N) - how do you clean yours? Maybe make a video? Thanks

[@lorenjennings1127]

Just a question. If the Mini runs hot, is there a cooler thermostat that could be installed? I live in AZ.

[@harshshah5305]

I’m buying 2011 used Mini Countryman with 100k miles on it and I learned a lot from your videos

[@DArias]

Glad to hear it! Just make sure the maintenance is all up to date and you’ll be golden

[@harshshah5305]

@@DArias how do I check that any ideas

[@mickesvensson9594]

love that you say that you wont get cooling problems if you buy mini coolant then your car leaks ;)

[@stevenpollard5171]

Do these air filters like shown allow a sporty engine sound? Is that why they are popular?

[@lifeinoklahoma6723]

I've had my 2007 for 10 months I had to set a reminder to check the oil once a week. Oil consumption sucks

[@stevenvance1611]

I use Mobil 1 0W40 runs good with that

[@lifeinoklahoma6723]

@@stevenvance1611 oh wow thanks I'll try it

[@hondacivicrs2899]

Tio U did u try it?My mini burns a lot of oil looking for a better oil🥲

[@rubenmorales1061]

Man I love that thing. It looks super sick!Could you tell me where you get that gauge from?

[@DArias]

Thank you man! I appreciate that and it’s from ultra-gauge.com . The gauge is so worth it

[@ferasfaleh7983]

@@DArias which mount did you order with the gauge please? Thank you so much for this!

[@M0shiMoshi]

🙏 Thank you! This was helpful!

[@DArias]

No problem!

[@SirThisWayPlz]

May I get to know more on how you tune the Turbosmart kit, as it allows u to adjust the valve

[@DArias]

Yes you can open or close the valve more or less for softer or stiffer spring action

[@Huels]

I see that the video is three years old now. I hope you're still enjoying your mini cooper

[@JuanRamirez-lr8lu]

Any advice I just bought a 2006 copper s and the tire vibration when accelerating is not good

[@Dave-in-France]

I think you'll find that the Mini/BMW recommended oil is an LL- 4 spec 0w-30 quality oil.

[@ameralsaghir4320]

Im facing misfiring issues even with new sparkplugs and coils and i cant figure out whats the problem any advice?

[@stratmister009]

It would be good if you started by pointing out which engine type, which generation mini you have because in 3 generations, 3 different power plants, there are different known weak points not same with all models.

[@bumCamilo.]

Friend I have a 2012 mini s 2 door, 80 thousand miles, what oil do you recommend to me?

[@casualplayer3411]

do that front intercooler on ebay works on mini cooper countryman r60 2011 ? if not please help me find down pipe and intercooler please

[@larissacaughron7704]

i just got my first car ever and it is a mini cooper S (2013) me and my dad have had nothing but trouble with it. it’s been through 2 turbos (both failed) and now on its 3rd one. not sure why? my fan cuts on correctly at 110 celsius, but my mini seems to be reaching high temps of 245 FAHRENHEIT? in sports mode it runs about 220-225 Fahrenheit. is this normal?? i’ve never gotten a temp warning ever. i know the pumps tend to get bad. but pretty sure it’s been replaced by previous owner? is this all normal?

[@justonemorego4079]

Thanks for video. Can you please tell me what size alloys/wheels you have? They look massive from that initial video opening corner angle. Thanks.

[@DArias]

Thanks man! Yes they’re pretty wide for the car. 17x9 et20 all around

[@Steve-ew5sl]

Oil change and other maintenance is the key for best reliability

[@jakelong5217]

Your car looks too good man wow

[@DArias]

Thank you so much!

[@ernestmurphy3898]

Move the motor mounts to the block from the head.

[@blackduncan9812]

Oh I thought I should mention this as someone who wanted a mini cooper and has driven total basket cases and very sound ones with low miles and ones with damn near everything replaced. If your test driving get the car cold from the start and check it after it's warm they ALL WILL DRIVE GOOD. I've driven 3 minis will horrible leaking turbos they will still go into over boost. Be careful and double check for leaks. I bought mine and didn't even know the turbo was on its way out the owner took it to BMW for everything so just beware even nice ones can be a pain. But good news is even when broken they're fun.

[@gjthedj7160]

What’s the name of the gauge you use for temp etc….?

[@pjos11]

Never heard of a Real Time gauge until now 😂

[@elmaro77]

Diego, great movie, what brand of real time gauge you showing in the movie?

[@DArias]

Thank you! This is the ultra gauge

[@lovepolskaforever]

I have the mini 2016 S, whats ur intake on them, 150,000km and the water pump is going, getting it fixed , always putting 5w-30 oil, always putting 91 gas if not 93 if i can, i live in canada ontario . ......opinions?

[@Doppo69]

Easiest tip is buy the F56 2016+, the 2014-2015 had a clutch bearing recall, this is the best chance of reliability

[@GKMusik1]

damn ,, walnut blast in the Uk is like £250, are walnuts expensive in the US?

[@single_cam9199]

What’s the size of the wheels offset and tires