Fast, Fun & Affordable: The R56 MINI JCW Review

[@miramarcars]

This exact car was mine FROM NEW! So wonderful to see it again!

[@XbillabongjohnX]

You did well to get rid when you did

[@miramarcars]

XbillabongjohnX why?

[@JJ-zg1hh]

I envy you. I'd love to see my old cars...

[@jcscarculture5267]

Hey - I'm the current owner of this car! I'd love to speak to you about it in more detail, I absolutely love it and please rest assured it's being treated and loved daily! It's had a lot of engine work in my ownership to keep it in good shape and it's running better than ever!

[@EwanM72]

That’s mad! That was also my exact car until about 3 years ago! bought it from Rybrook in Worcester, brought it home to Perthshire. Was just scanning thru KZbin for mini jcw stuff, and this pops up. It’s still looking good, love the new seats. I had that diffuser on too, but took it off when I traded it in.

[@tommymician121]

This is why I love your channel, James. As you said, variety and a focus on car enthusiasts. Not reviewing brand new supercars or stupid crossovers or classic million dollar exotics, but rather all kinds of cars that are PURE FUN yet affordable to the average, hard-working petrolhead. Keep doing what you're doing man, love from Portugal!

[@keephim1st247]

Bought mine 10 years ago 90k later still a hoot to drive!

[@roborb1960]

Why I like this channel, Jay PUTS emphasis very on THE wrong words OFTEN. HE also tends TO also say HIS words CONFUSINGLY back to FRONT and HIS sentences also TOO. Lovely STUFF!

[@brianiswrong]

Never knew about the potential timing chain worries. Thanks to all the watchers who have pointed this out,knowledge is power when buying a car.

[@jakethegsd]

I love my N14 engined JCW Coupe, it's an absolute riot. It's standard apart from a resonator delete, but it's got such character. Still turn around and look back at it when I park it up, that's when you know you've bought the right car. 😊 (Same colour scheme as this R56).

[@garymcavoy3244]

I have a 2013 R56 JCW with the revised N18 engine and encountered none of the problems many are mentioning and I’m on 60k now. It does like to chew up wheel bearings however to be expected with the amount of B road blasting you do and changing a wheel bearing on these things is a pretty simple job for any diy mechanic. It’s an awesome little car which I can’t see me parting with for some considerable time

[@jcooper_]

Love my Cooper S, but I made sure to buy one with the later N18 rather than the N14 that's found in that JCW. Touchwood nothing has gone wrong on it for now, but I'm keeping an eye on it like a hawk! Lots of fun, easy 40MPG+ on a longer run, and they corner amazingly. Just make sure one you look for has had no expense spared with the maintenance.

[@Kraken2681994]

I had an 07 R56. It broke me every 6 weeks.

[@jcooper_]

@@Kraken2681994 Yup. Very shortly after I made my original comment my timing chain went (caught it just in time, thankfully), and now there's oil mixing with the coolant. FUN! Looking to find something new but it's hard to find something that's just as fun as a Mini...

[@Kraken2681994]

@@jcooper_ it'll be the thermostat housing man, another component constructed using chocolate.

[@archiesmith9341]

@@jcooper_ how did this end up for you?

[@jcooper_]

@ It actually ended up being super reliable. Towards the end of my ownership it needed a new rocker cover gasket, a stop-start sensor needed replacing and the AC compressor got loud, but fundamentally the mechanical bits never missed a beat. They're sensitive engines, for sure, but good maintenance goes a long way. Would still have mine today if it didn't get rear ended, but it got put back on the road and now a new owner is enjoying it with more than 120k miles :)

[@shankarbalan3813]

Well said Jay Emm. Everyone and their Grandad talk about Mini and it’s Go Cart handling. Well, I ve driven some go carts. And I own an R56. Yes indeed, it is a great handler. But it decidedly isn’t a go cart.

[@commercialking]

Lovely review! I'm a former 2012 JCW Clubman owner and when I heard your bit about the insurance cost and the parts availability, I laughed! My car was in constantly for repairs and the F'n cost was the reason I sold mine, but it was wicked fun when it worked. My Mini and I had some adventures we did.

[@wadehampton4499]

Great review James but always worth noting that the later N18 engine was much better than the N14 in the car you've just been driving. Revised pistons & rings, uprated timing chain tensioner and, crucially, much altered PCV (positive crankcase ventilation system) which went a long way towards curing the oily intake valves and high oil consumption which bedevilled the earlier version of the Prince engine. The N18 was fitted to all Cooper S models in 2010 but didn't make it into the JCW until later in 2012.

[@rodz1999]

Agree with with on some but n18 you can do cams and proven to get the highest HP I have a 2008 JCW forged and heavily modded, 2011 MCS heavily modded as well with stock internals and I feel that the n14 runs smoother with 123k than the n18 with 72k. I can send Dyno numbers if anyone want to see and help me with the builds

[@Wisey_83]

@@rodz1999 have an 08 also. Bought it broken...swapped a pug motor in instead, then swapped all my JCW gear onto that. Also added a good catch can system...decoked it before install, its driven 50k KMS, and no coking issue at all.

[@graigchq]

Nice one James, you just helped convince me to keep driving my 2010 Cooper S, and not give up on her. Had her 5 years, depreciated in value right to the floor, but I can confirm as you say in the video, it's a lot of fun. Done a few laps of the Nurburgring, on the way back from a road trip to monaco and all the way back to Bristol, and she's done that journey 3 times now, never missed a beat. They have their issues, and some stuff is twice the price you'd pay for a Fiesta or MX-5, but the mini really is an amazing car. Minor mods bring any Cooper S above 200 HP, and honestly, unless you're on a track, that really is plenty, and long journeys they hold 35-40Mpg, what's not to love!

[@diggydigs4164]

just want to say you are the only car reviewer where i watch half during my shower, and then the next half on the following day shower. keep up the great work.

[@MeganeMondeoMX5]

Thanks for the tip.

[@RossRossiter]

what? you do what? Im sure theres a subtext Im not getting and it seems like it might be of a homoerotic nature. I watch the whole thing whist taking a shit. A brad pitt, whilst crimping off a cleveland steamer.

[@alextorkelson]

Absolutely top tier review of one of these, feels like the type of reviewer that has 1+ million subscribers

[@MDUBZ-]

Even the later n18 engines have some flaws. The timing chain issue is seemingly resolved, but they can still burn oil at an alarming rate “ they all do that sir”: BMWs tolerance is 1L every 1K miles: i drive mine quite hard and I use somewhere between .3 and .5 per 1K miles. I bought a 2013 JCW last January as my station car (it’s on about 50K miles now). So far I’ve ditched the run flats and changed the suspension after the front shock starting spewing oil (took the opp to upgrade obviously £1K ), and changed the PCV which is known to split (can be done for £20-70 depending on how heavy handed you are - cost me £70 🙄) burns less oil, but still gets through it. The oil buring is an irritation to an otherwise fun car, but if you dont mind checking every couple of weeks its not a problem (dip stick is very difficult to read though - which doesn’t help). The boot is useless as are the rear seats tbh but most of the time it’s only me in it. Child seats are a pain as they place kids forward so there is even less leg room. wouldn’t want one as my only car but as a fun thing to jump in every now and again. recommedned tyre pressures are 37psi which makes it feel like your driving on ice ~32 is much better.

[@jackh1457]

Oil is fine on the n18. Well it is on mine

[@MDUBZ-]

@@jackh1457 apparently it's still a bit hit and miss on oil usage. Ring tolerances must be poor. I'm one of the unlucky ones I guess.... overall it's an irritation rather than an issue. I've no idea where it is going. There are no visible leaks, no coking, not visible in the exhaust fumes. It pulls really well so compression cant be too bad, and I'm thinking of getting a stage 2 done so will get it tested then.

[@dantelickc]

Great background. I had one r53 JCW. And was a nightmare in therms of reliability. Do you think this r56 it's better or the same spend of time ..? It's Comfortable to bad roads?

[@TroyHR123]

As a 2nd gen MINI N18 owner myself. I think they are potentially the best combination of comfort/performance of the current three generations of MINI and I do love mine. The 2012 and later fast 2nd gen MINI's are generally much better engine reliability wise (so much so, i think the true value of them has been impacted by the reputation of the pre-facelift cars ability to throw timing chain sized bills often). But, the rest of the car is more or less the same and oddly for their weight they are very hard on their consumables, can/do leak from pretty much everywhere and service intervals are really every 5000 miles (oil is literally black in roughly this mileage even with fairly sedate driving, drink oil too so its very important to check levels regularly). I would strongly advise only to buy one as a primary car if you must have a 2nd gen MINI and as others have suggested look for one that hasn't been run on a tight budget in its life (you will need an annual oh S*** fund, regardless). If you just want the MINI experience buy a 3rd generation F56 may cost more to get into one, but will be cheaper and less agro in the long run (and they hold there value, really quite well).

[@bostonbikebits6539]

I bought one after watching this video. Mine is a bit uprated with a front mounted inter cooler and a few other mods. It had very low suspension when I got it which was no good for the crappy roads around Lincolnshire. It is now back to standard height. It is an absolute hoot to drive and being nearly 60 with donkey's years of no claims bonus insurance wasn't too bad. I don't do many miles a year, which helps a lot. My dyno sheet shows 221 bhp and 318NM torque - up from 208 brake and 280 NM for the standard JCW. Thanks for the review, James, it helped a lot in my decision making.

[@paulciprus9582]

Have a 2007 R56 Turbo ...big front mount..all the turbo piping has been changed...no cat ...Borla exhaust...lowered...big brakes...hot tune from M7 Speed...carbon GP wing...and carbon everywhere...21psi...240 hp..N14....run like a top...have had it since 2010...105,000 mi...ice cold air...changed T-stat...pass axel..easyjob...oil sep...this frikin car is a blast to drive...plus reliable...never had an issue that stranded me...short throw shift..I love this car....Paul.

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

Love my Mini! I'd recommend them to anyone looking for a unique hot hatch.

[@nzmctk]

Amazing cars great handling and nippy, sadly they’ll cost more in repairs than fuel, tyres and brakes together per year. (Speaking from experience)

[@adampalmer6491]

I’ve just learnt this expensive mistake

[@revento5544]

Even the post 2011 models with the n18 engine?

[@davidfogel5207]

@@revento5544 not sure if you're looking for one but I bit the bullet and got the 11 N18 MCS with 68k miles. No prior history which was the craziest thing about that acquisition. All the servicing seemed to be done correctly though as proven by the look of the oil, state of the breaks and expensive (albeit runflat) tyres on it. In the first 6k miles ive replaced the hpfp that failed (400 euro for part only), fuel filter (45 euro), JBE box had failed relay for the real fuel pump (fixed for free, reflowing soldering). The thermostat needs to be replaced now as it seems to be leaking. I did all the jobs myself so please consider that the garage would charge you more for the cost of manhours. Its not a car you should consider if youre not ready to spend money on, but also its a car that should be treated as any other high performance car: the cost will be heightened compared to the standard a to b diesel. If you happy with the money to be put in the car it will reward you with amazing drive. I love driving it anywhere, do groceries, drive to work, attack the b roads or go for a long trip.

[@revento5544]

@@davidfogel5207 Thanks for all the info! Im going to buy another car soon and it will be either a fiesta st or cooper s/jcw.

[@Namikuz1]

I found a 1 owner, very clean factory (vin certified ) with 84k on it. I had given up on finding a good one, turned off ALL notifications and ~ 6 weeks, this showed up... So I call him Mirrical Max. paid 6k. LOVE this R56 over my previous R53 that I had more in mods than I paid for it. Pullys, remap, injectors, head, ported supercharger, JCW suspension, AEM cowel ram air. Milltek big mouth sport cat back. The '09, AEM ramair, down pipe and a re program. LOVE LIVE LOVE my JCW!!!!

[@icmdead1]

I picked up a r56 Mini Cooper only a few months back, i had planned on picking up the Cooper S (or even a JCW) but their related R56 engine faults scared me off - perhaps why they are so cheap. The Cooper for me is cracking and great to through around the B roads where i live and beats most off the line which gets a surprised shock from the younger generation trying to show off to their mates!

[@davekennedy6315]

Watching the New Zealand film Pork Pie made me want a Mini so bad. It's a great little road movie with the bright yellow Mini Cooper really becoming part of the cast with its own cheeky personality. The crazy driving and numerous stunts certainly help too (including jumping the car onto and later off a train)

[@davekennedy6315]

It uses the earlier supercharged Cooper I believe.

[@lindenlee8295]

Have a 2011 JCW as an evening back road toy, love it

[@victorngaling3397]

Great to listen to your observation and testing the Mini I was very pleased. just bought a 2010 Mini Cooper S coming from SC hope I will enjoy it am a BMW guy!

[@1970boggy]

Nice 👍 Like those pretty good value for money. Definitely a car I’d have for the daily commute.

[@dividedbyzero96]

Only if you don't consider the the reliablility. The Prince engine is an absolute turd.

[@superfurball89onyoutube52]

I just found your channel from KZbin's recommendations and im subscribing 👍

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Welcome on board

[@badusername4]

Be a treat to see a GP2 , honestly the most fun fwd car I’ve driven

[@bridgestoparadise4593]

Starting in 2005 the R53 could be purchased with a JCW full kit installed at the factory. My 2006 came with a numbered and signed certificate to this effect.

[@stevenagnew1590]

I have the same car exactly it is a riot an so much fun had a heap of more exspensive cars but none have been as much fun great review watch out for timing chains there a pain

[@alunrees3056]

Looking for the eBay app has become a habit after watching so many of your videos!

[@R3LF13]

Ugh, I just sold my r50 and I already miss it. It wasn't my intention to fall in love with it when I bought it, but it was so much fun all the time. Already thinking about getting an r53 or a newer JCW. Great review.

[@Joadcressbeckler]

Glad to see Ricky LaFleur is doing car review videos.

[@tomicarr90]

I'm on my second timing chain already! I love it though! That's pretty much identical to mine apart from the fact mines a coupe

[@benkirkham2017]

How much does it cost to change it? And how long have you owned it

[@tomicarr90]

@@benkirkham2017 The first time it went it was under warranty. The second time it was the brake vaccuum booster that seized which caused the camshaft bolt to sheer and also the chain to snap. That was a £1300 repair. Oil intervals on this engine really must be followed if not sooner. Whoops...

[@bilaltariq7819]

£200 if you do it yourself

[@darthwaffleass696]

More affordable cars like this please. Loved your cupra review how about the Leon fr this time? I have 2.0 tdi and would love your opinion on it. Great video 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@TommyWalls007]

Nice video, as usual. I've owned this car for a year now and will say that it sounds fantastic with a Remus exhaust (if not a little anti-social loud). I will also say that I have 8 years of no claims bonus and I renewed yesterday at 300 pounds. Cheapest car Ive insured. You also didn't mention that the biggest separator is that there is an Ediff that is activated when you turn the TC and ECS off. It can be very playful, definitely turns me into a hoolingan (I even chose to sell my Cayman GTS) P.s, I drove one with the Billstein Coilovers and it makes a HUGE difference. Can't wait to get some for mine.

[@bradcomis1066]

Good on a back road, but more importantly this is the BEST car bar none in the city. Not many cars are fun in the city, but this is the one.

[@The-Sea-Dragon-1977]

Great review, and agree with your conclusion that the JCW is a bit too bouncy, hence I bought an R56 Cooper S. On non-runflat tyres it is a great B road car and still comfortable.

[@LoftechUK]

I do like and enjoy your vids. Keep on going. You will make it big. I’m sure.

[@midnightlexicon]

Love the outro music!

[@markrhoden68]

My girlfriend had one, absalute riot. Downside was on long motorway journeys that exhaust drone and gearbox was just horrible.......but that aside it was just so much fun for blasting around A and B roads. Fun memories

[@robertdiehl1281]

People ask me if my mini is fast or if I think I could beat them in a race...of which of course I tell them don’t need to race anyone or prove anything. It’s just a blast to drive lol. Best car I’ve ever owned.

[@subarustiguy8]

I love my r53 jcw! Wish we got the classics in the states!

[@gianlucavignali]

I wonder what the owner's driving history is like with insurance costing over £1k. I have a 09 JCW with 4 years no claims and I'm paying £800 for 10k miles per year. Great seeing a video on an r56 JCW Jay!!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Different postcode alone can make a vast difference

[@johnpearson492]

I had a 2013 Mini S with all the dealer added JCW parts. Yes, the dealer added program existed even after factory JCWs were available. It also had the fun GP parts like aerodynamic pieces, spoiler, and rear seat delete. Great car, it was only let down by its open diff, which I fixed with a Quaife Torsen unit. With the diff and some good tires, it was an autocross monster. I got rid of it due to fear of maintenance cost after the warranty was up. I replaced it with a well worn 1999 M3 (US spec). It's been far more reliable than the Mini and maintenance parts quite a but cheaper. However it isn't quite the autocross monster the Mini was.

[@amapolishplummer]

Either have pockets for some big engine maintenance bills for the older N14 cars or get a post (late 62) N18 engined car, alot more reliable and stronger I believe.

[@drdavz8359]

great review, i've owned one of these cars for about 2 years now & the only thing i disagree with you on is the cost of the insurance. Personally this has been the best car I could have picked for insurance. I'm 23 with 3 years no claims & my insurance was £550 this year. I think the chap who owns that mini may need a new insurance provider if he has 8 years no claims discount.

[@tst3vens]

I'm 17, and mine isn't a JCW admittedly, just a Cooper S, but I pay £1380 with no black box and not even a year of driving yet (passed October 2021), for comparison an identical policy for a 1.4 Corsa is quoted at £900 for me

[@chawenhalo0089]

Been lusting after a 2012 N18 in Clubman version with the Recaro and HK hifi for years now. Re-inforced gearbox and engine block, forged pistons etc. "It's a Mini exotica!"

[@chawenhalo0089]

@Connor Orrino gotta be one of the best small cars ever!

[@sandman2257]

I own one of these: Main issues is timing chain, high pressure fuel pump and oil starvation. I've had the timing chain and all part associated replaced as well as the high pressure fuel pump. So far oil starvation has not been an issue as I check it every 3 weeks or 1000 miles. If it's low I top it up. Other than that its been a pleasure to drive one.

[@re_stricted]

Appreciate this comments a year old but this is exactly what I intend to do with mine once I get it, what’s the oil usage on them in your experience? I’ve heard people say they’ve been putting nearly £16 worth every 1000 miles and is considered normal??

[@ianmangham4570]

I have a 2015 and she uses zero oil 😊 ​@re_stricted

[@richardyardley5127]

I actually drove one of these last year and they are huge fun imo but I went home in my MG TF 160 and even hood up, it was more fun and actually felt quicker lol. Different markets though obviously ☺

[@racerxr2]

If you've not driven a mapped one you need to. Completely transforms them.

[@calumwilson182]

The same car is mapped now! Haha.

[@samjohnson-mi2iv]

stage 1 does?

[@alta924]

Any cars MY 2011/2012 with the n14 engine had a recall for the electronics that control the turbo cooling, lots of cars caught on fire. Check this has been done as my car burnt to the ground. I also had £6k worth of warranty work in 2 years prior to this. Timing chain, electronics, interior falling apart. Buy an F56 JCW not as fun as the R56, but way more reliable and will probably cost less over 3 years

[@DomBounty]

I have a 2011 JCW (N14 Engine), just had to replace the head gasket at 83k miles, had the valve stems and timing chain done too, cost be approx. £1,600 to replace in all, however, I still have the odd bit of smoke out the back - I have nothing bad to say about these cars, they are really solid, but can be pricey when things go wrong.

[@simonlloyd7557]

Love the D'artagnan in Pit Lane look.

[@stevenagnew1590]

I own the exact car an love it more than my kids so much fun great video

[@maffs6270]

Yeah yeah very good, but I was really looking forward to the Integrale? Have I missed it?

[@Gae52]

It was very nice to watch your competent video. It could have been much better to try all these types of cars on circuits and with good weather and not on limited speed country roads. Here we have Misano, Imola, Mugello easy to be reached. Even Monza is not too far. Best regards.

[@theantler3625]

Good vid :) I'll stick to my Mk7 Fiesta ST MR230!

[@marcwilliams3921]

Do the f56 next m8

[@hexgraphica]

This made me think about a new series: Nice to drive cheap cars. I think many young enthusiasts like me don't want or can't spend money on a proper fun car and need only something practical enough that will drive nicely and do 80mph on the motorway comfortably, so that commutes don't last forever. Something like an Ibiza, a Swift, a Polo, with practical interior space, a decent engine, some key features, but more importantly a good suspension setting, and a comfortable driving position, because otherwise we'd just hate the car. Personally, I'm really picky about how a car feels and drives: I'm scared if the steering is too filtered or light, annoyed by gearshifts that feel too vague and my right foot aches if the pedals don't allow easy heel and toe, as I use always a bit of it. If a car feels more on the bad than on the good side, it'll make me hate commuting even without traffic.

[@mikeygti8930]

Have Always been completely underwhelmed with the r53 and r56 minis. Didnt find any model exceptionally fast but steering was very direct and the chassis playful. Fast and Mini doesnt go together until the F series.

[@MrLackLanda]

I think the JCW are awesome 👌

[@LoftechUK]

It’s like marmite. Love it like I do or others hate it sadly that others do 😂

[@linusprice]

One question did the normal cooper s r56 good an overboost function to or?

[@adambarrs92]

do the megane rs 275

[@beerklongklaew2574]

I never used to like mini because i thought it was a girls car, (I know, typical) but since my girlfriend bought one and she let me have a go, first few minutes in one it changed my mind, The handling is great, powerful even just a normal 1.6 petrol, although they are full of problem including timing belt, thermostat housing, head gasket and burning oil and terrible on fuel.. 😂 Such a shame, I wish it was more reliable.

[@martinboulden3540]

Fabulous car.

[@ejs3559]

Great video, just got slightly bored of seeing the same camera views, namely the wheel and rear wing constantly throughout. Would have been nice to see a view inside facing the dash.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

There's a reason you dont see that view (several in fact)

[@Bxnsf]

Does anyone know the best year to buy second hand and where to get the best prices for them

[@yashmann]

After 2011 for the normal cooper or cooper d and 2012 and after for the s and 2011 after for cooper d, the JCW I believe 2012 and after.

[@andyhunt457]

Had a mini one with a 1.4 engine...timing chain needs replacing at 110k....mind you it ran very low on oil on several occasions..lost a litre in less than a week...not convinced timing chains are the best idea ever. I had a 120d with the N47 too.....😁

[@SteeeveO]

Loved mine until at 50k miles it cost me £1000 for new front suspension & the engine had started to sound rattly. Sold it after the "they all sound like it sir" excuses & an oil change made no difference despite the (main) dealer saying it had. Could have been great - drove fantastic, but was beginning to cost more than my 130k mile Porsche 996 which is ridiculous for a mini.

[@itsnotagsr]

That was my experience- the oil death rattle “they all do that” cost me $4k in repairs. No other brand treats its buyers so poorly.

[@SteeeveO]

@@itsnotagsr and they will never admit it's a engineering problem.

[@NatedoGP]

@@itsnotagsr what is the cause?

[@ianmangham4570]

​@@NatedoGPNot enough regular oil changes

[@Medge2sc]

I’m picking up a mini clubman copper for the Mrs tomorrow as a first car If you fancy the oddity let me know

[@Zanzonait99]

Beautiful. Can you tell me where you bought the side skirts, front lip and spoiler?

[@kalephgreen4375]

That's factory JCW aero

[@kalephgreen4375]

Some cars were equipped it was a factory option

[@slatergenius]

🚨 James in your opinion which did you feel is more of a drivers car..the R56 or R53?. I personally feel after ownership of both the r53 feels that more special, more character, better steering-hydraulic steering, instant supercharged power delivery.. and just overall a stiffer chassis.

[@bign3ck]

Definitely agree, and the R53 has real vents, nothings fake.

[@lloydjenkins1572]

I used to have factory r56 jcw many moons ago (2009 n14 model.) Loved the car but always worried me that something was going to go wrong and felt like the 1.6 was at its limit at 210 bhp. After a few minor issues and clutch was on its way out it had to go. Too many horror stories put me off.

[@576garage]

Como faz o escape assim

[@stekarenhd6911]

Heaps on the market? Where I live (Sweden) there are like 5 for sale, they all have the most basic equipment and are pretty expensive.

[@Cornwall1888]

All fun and games until the timing chain inevitably snaps, a few friends and I experienced this ☹️ great fun though

[@confounded_feline]

This was fixed in the LCI revision AFAIK. It was the timing chain tensioner issue I think you're referring to. You can start to detect the rattle on cold starts before it gets to the point where it blows up your engine basically. N14 engine is a bit of work but keep her well oiled and looked over with care and you'll do alright. I caught mine and fixed it before the catastrophic failure. Go LCI if you have the choice.

[@ChuckFickens1972]

On my 2rd replacement timing chain in 60k miles.... I hate my car sometimes but also love it!

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

The timing chain doesn't just "snap". It gives plenty of warning before it does, and the updated tensioners prevent this from even happening. Just stay topped up on oil and you're good.

[@ChuckFickens1972]

@@FurkanCemTurfanda The updated tensioners were for the older supercharged engined cars, on the turbo cars (N14) the timing chain was a bigger problem (death rattle!) and as far as I know you can't just change the tensioner! N16 engines apparently fixed it, but for people like me (with a N14) we're just screwed with a bad design!

[@Cornwall1888]

Furkan Turfanda the only warning I’m aware of is a rattle but many people consider that to be the normal sound for that car and 95% of people wouldn’t notice it unless they were told about it My car had a subtle tick, which again some people say is completely normal. I don’t consider that plenty of warning, a massive red warning light ‘catastophic engine failure imminent’ would be more appropriate 😂 And even if you did get plenty warning it shouldn’t happen all the time on cars with less than 50k miles like it does

[@chrissyboy7047]

A bought a Cooper S at the same time a friend bought a JCW similar to this. Both great cars but I feel mine is a bit easier to live with on a daily basis. Slightly softer suspension makes all the difference. Not sure what happened to mine in a previous life buts its faster too. Lol

[@sysakPL]

I'd probably be driving one right now if the engine wasn't an unreliable piece of crap. At least when i had my clio 172 the things that broke were the kinf of bits that could be fixed with a piece of scotch tape or costed 10 quid to replace ;)

[@120poundsound2]

I did a rear disc and bearing on mine some years ago, took about 20 mins to change. Piece of pishhhh the speed sensor took like 10 mins cost about £20

[@gsmini1749]

If you get a 2013- the timing chain issue had been fixed, so they’re reliable after 2013....

[@olik136]

@@gsmini1749 they did have a crankshaft bearing problem after that- I think they handled it as a silent recall- but if you buy a car from someone that didn't go to a BMW shop you might get one with a completely shot engine...

[@sysakPL]

@@gsmini1749 isn't 2013 when they released the new F56 though? I don't like the shape of that one plus it's a fair bit more expensive.

[@gsmini1749]

Oli K ahh I’m with you!! Yeh bit of an iffy car to buy them I suppose, it’s a shame like!!

[@stainuponmypreme2001]

pretty sure there was also factory JCW R53s, although they are rare.

[@faircloughracing1578]

There was. I had one!

[@jaskomijatovic5880]

There were. However these were basically all originally made as 'S' models with a JCW kit. The same way you could get the R56 S + JCW kit.

[@Jason.Skelton]

There are about 15k jcw r53

[@ChuckFickens1972]

For the ride, lose the run flats, makes a huge difference but as an owner of a 2007 dealer fit JCW... Timing chain (x2) about £850 each time High pressure fuel pump about £500 PCV valve (new valve cover) about £200 (aftermarket..genuine would be about £1k) The above are common problems with them, I've also needed a new clutch shortly after buying it at 55k miles but I that was probably down to previous owner wear (£1k including new flywheel, flywheel probably not needed at the time but if you're doing a clutch then replace the dual mass flywheel at the same time!) When it's good I love it, but it's the most expensive car I've ever owned to keep on the road Gonna need front anti roll bar drop links for the next MOT, another common problem, but cheap!

[@MeganeMondeoMX5]

Don't forget the decoke 😀

[@ChuckFickens1972]

@@MeganeMondeoMX5 You're right, forgot that, And the oil return pipe on the turbo

[@turtlephilly]

How reliable are these cars? Looking at buying a 2012 R56 at 57k miles with a stage 1 map and custom induction kit. Is it worth the risk? I know how fun they are and i want one! :)

[@TheSoupdragon1968]

I like the R53 but my mates in the trade recon that although a good car, the R56 had a less than reliable engine. . Don't touch it!

[@billymonkey111]

The AEM kit without doing a re-map is an odd modification set, are you sure it hasn't been mapped?

[@jcscarculture5267]

Hi, I'm the owner! It's booked in for one in October ;) But currently unmapped as I recently confirmed on a dyno. (see our channel by clicking my username if you're interested)

[@joshbanks6367]

I had one of the original ones in 2007. At 3 years 3 days old with 61000 on the clock the chain snapped 4 weeks after the dealer did an oil change. BMW replaced the engine at no cost with no questions asked. They obviously knew something was wrong!

[@debbiepeter112]

Isnt 2007 Mini a 2nd Generation car?

[@joshbanks6367]

debbie peter Sorry, original R56 is what I meant. My apologies.

[@matthewheitzman5993]

2013 JCW owner Big turbo stage 3 tune Can’t complain about the reliability as it’s been good to me And the furthest I’ve driven it is from Tampa Florida to tail of the dragon NC in one shot (10hr drive) perfectly comfortable😁 and my average mpg of the ENTIRE TRIPwas 35mpg😳😎😎😎

[@kevinclark1482]

I have the same. 2013 R56 JCW with N18 and have bigger turbo also with RPM Stage 3 tune. My car is reliable and FAST and giving me no problems whatsoever!

[@user-kb5zt6un1g]

How many miles are on the dash.

[@kevinclark1482]

@@user-kb5zt6un1g 94k wanna buy it?

[@matthewheitzman5993]

@@user-kb5zt6un1g mine has 103k now

[@AIRCOOLEDLIFE]

Nice

[@antonistheo4988]

Is a 2009 jcw reliable?

[@paulgrahamedwardspencer8137]

Had a brand new one never again so many problems

[@kevinclark1482]

When you say (new), what year did you have?

[@bluetitan20]

I think this is the best looking new age Mini,the following F56 just looks a bit too bloated for some reason. Just curious,I know there is a big difference between this JCW and the GP2 as well as price but does the GP2 also potentially suffer from these various engine issues that people are talking about in the comments? Or has that got the later N18 engine fitted?

[@slyrhythm6471]

Love it!

[@kevinclark1482]

2013 JCW’s are problem free! STOP BUYING THE WRONG YEARS.

[@archiebrown6407]

What about 2012

[@kevinclark1482]

@@archiebrown6407 still trying to not get it right huh, READ THRU the comments posted, you’ll see.

[@jamiemorris5177]

I went to see one earlier this year only had 35,000 miles on it was burning oil The paper work should had been taken to the dealer which showed the current owner had been fobbed off with its normal keep an eye on it as near the end of its warranty I walked away

[@edanderson010]

I have an r56 cooper s and its the most unreliable car I've ever owned 😂 however its such good fun when it works

[@faircloughracing1578]

Take it to A Reeve Performance. Get it sorted once and for all...

[@mikeygti8930]

Bmw couldnt sort it, hence why they binned it. I doubt anybody is gonna🙄

[@120poundsound2]

Got the prince engine though. 🙄🤣

[@steeltrap3800]

Isn't that the engine that had problems with bursting into flames in the Mini? I admit I'm biased, as I still have one of, if not the, most reliable turbo 4 cyl engines ever built. Any guesses? ;-D

[@Liniaone]

Super Auto 🤩

[@RossRossiter]

Loved my gen 1 mini cooper s , shame it had a rover gear box with most internal components made from dark chocolate

[@RumblestripDotNet]

So you are saying it's not a good car for hauling my two Irish Wolfhounds around it. I desperately want to find a solution that is not an SUV or Minivan in the US. In context for insurance with a clean record on my Honda Element, I pay $800 year with no coalition.

[@LewisBGA]

Always remember hearing these would rust themselves to bits