Buying a used 2007-2013 MINI Cooper - things to look for - Gen 2 R56 R55

[@ModMINI]

Looking to buy a 2nd generation MINI? Make sure you are getting what you think you are getting. This video shows what to look for when buying Gen 2 MINI Cooper. Avoid the common pitfalls and have more money left over for mods! Check out the other videos on my channel - fix your MINI, track your MINI. Diagnostic scanner - Foxwell NT510 (Bidirectional, all modules, BMW/MINI only): amzn.to/2M4VBcR Mod MINI's Tools: amzn.to/2QEMznK Gen 2 MINI Cooper Parts: amzn.to/2A6rygv Mod MINI Tip jar: www.fundly.com/mod-mini-tip-jar Notice anything different about this video? Thanks to my friend John Prentice for special guest video camera / production work !! He works in television so it doesn't get any better than this. See all the Mod MINI Videos on my channel: kzbin.info #modmini #modminiKZbin kzbin.info Attributions: Music by Bensound.com Videography / editing by John Prentice www.linkedin.com/in/john-prentice-72b1a4169/

[@michaelochoa4533]

I have a quick question and hope you might be able to help me out. My r53 supercharged mini at 110,00 miles started smoking ...smoking smoking.. I take it down the street and my whole neighborhood behind me is in a fog I dont drive the car any more but turns on fine and doesnt smoke at low rpms..

[@audiloves4284]

Hey I was curious about what camera setup you use when you're doing instructional videos. I'm looking to start making some at my job for VW's and maybe some fun stuff as well and thought your setup might be perfect for what I wanna do. Thanks for your time. -Mike

[@MCISAR]

@@michaelochoa4533there is a problem of the leaking oil into the burn chamber and the issue could be 2 things: 1. piston rings 2. valve seal ring or both of them this you can identify them only if you open the engine

[@michaelochoa4533]

@@MCISAR thanks for the tips I appreciate it tons!

[@MCISAR]

​@@michaelochoa4533 sorry i read twice and you tell about a fog, so is white? the collor is not black? is white? if is white in this case you have leaking into the burn chamber of the Anti-freezer in this case is a issue of the cylinder head gasket you must replace it. what is strange you should have already problems with the temperature indicator and the boiling of the cooling liquid. in both cases you need to "open" the engine. if the collor is black already told you where is the problem and if is white I explained into this post.

[@katelinerosen8788]

Me walking into Mini's show room with a blue overall and white gloves ready to inspect after watching this video 😂

[@TheRedgtv2000]

I don’t think N14 engine are problematic, it has to do more with owners not taking care of them. I have owned many and still do and never had any issues!

[@ModMINI]

There are a few design flaws that are expensive for people not expecting repairs. I have heard of a few reliable N14 but most will have the thermostat, high pressure pump issues and the leaking oil filter housing gasket. Timing chain is less problematic if you regularly change engine oil and never let it go more than 1 liter low.

[@oliverkalamata2753]

I have an '11 R56 (non S) N12 and it's an absolute nightmare to own... ... ... ... ...but I do still love it 😩

[@mattportnoyTLV]

I’ve owned a 2009 Mini R56 JCW for nearly 3 years. 2 weeks after purchase my turbo blew up. I spent $3000 on that. Then at the 1 year mark the clutch and flywheel disintegrated. That was another $3000. I’ve spent another $1500 or so in routine maintenance items; tires, coils, brakes, and replacing a cracked rim. In total the repair costs are a little over half the purchase price! Contrast this car with my BMW 135i, which was the same price when new. The BMW is faster, more refined, and more reliable. I only drive my cars about 5k-6k miles per year. In my opinion the Mini is nothing short of a stunning disappointment of a car. Cheap, rattling plastic and unreliable mechanics.

[@kirwanjohn101]

Sorry to hear that. Just to remember that the clutch and flywheel can go on any car. Same thing happened to me with a ford mondeo I owned once. Now that you have replaced these items I'd suggest that you keep the car and enjoy driving it. The chances of something else going wrong should be very low. The last thing you want to do is to panic and sell the car with all this work done to it and give it to someone else. I made that mistake and now see the car driving around my local area. Unfortunately you are unlikey to get money the you put into the car back again so my advise is to keep it for a couple of years. All the best.

[@ckalnicki]

Thanks Man for the advice. I’am thinking about a 2010 Mini, six speed auto. 72K miles. Is that decent mileage for the $5,000 that the dealer wants ? Best, Chris.

[@CONQUISTADOR79]

I wanted to get my first mini 2008 S but now I freaked out with the hole engine check and turbo ect ect would you recommend me to buy it it will be my first mini I know nothing about!!!!!

[@ModMINI]

Don't buy a 2007-2010 as your first car unless you save money for repairs and/or someone else already threw lots of money at it.

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

No mention of engine noises on startup or while the engine is cold? My 2010 R56S rattled on startup and guring the the first mile.

[@ModMINI]

Rattle on cold start is normal but should go away. Valve train can be a little noisy until warm, but if excessive, suspect stretched timing chain or broken chain guide.

[@928Porscheman]

Check your oil level.

[@tvbox6955]

It's hard to maintain a constant speed in the mini clubman r55. I had many cars over the years and never encountered this problem. Is there a solution for this? No, my car does not have cruise control.

[@ModMINI]

I have never heard this issue.

[@tvbox6955]

I think it's due in part to a lag between the digital speedometer and actual speed. This is evident when coming to a fast stop and seeing a speed reading despite being motionless for a few seconds. This lag makes it hard to keep a constant speed, particularly on the highway.

[@sirraymondluxuryyacht8131]

Listening to this with headphones: My right-ear feels neglected

[@georgem579]

Sir Raymond LuxuryYacht I’m only using my right earphone and wondering when he’s going to start talking, now half way through, what a pain

[@ruggedrebel5727]

Exactly.

[@JodBronson]

Sounded AOK on Computer Speakers

[@simonlloyd7557]

what about your other brain cell?

[@vanRIOT]

Can I just hire you to do it for me haha

[@ModMINI]

If you are local to Pacific Northwest, North America...

[@brokearcader6625]

@@ModMINI I'm sure you can take one your looking at to your local mini dealer and they can inspect it for you.

[@Montoya2005]

Ha ha ha so funny ha ha ha

[@divinedennis9736]

@@ModMINI yes please. Are you in Hawaii

[@orngfuzz]

@@ModMINI I’m in Spokane, how near are you?

[@r.five.3]

3:15 is all you need for this video lol

[@sirgalahad1470]

I couldn't have said it better myself. I have the N14, and lucky for me, the $5000 worth of engine work it needed was under a CPO warranty.

[@r.five.3]

@@sirgalahad1470 i dropped 4 and it wasnt covered :(

[@ВалерийМаширов]

ahaha))

[@wellwh0]

It is actual truth. First mistake is BMW gave it long life oil change; 2 years...did they even test engine!?? Terrible mistake. This thing can use 1l on every 5000km or more; and dry sump is 4.5L ... so calculate it. You need to have f**king racing team to top oil every now and then. 2nd thing, they are really poorly build actually, somebody can say whatever. But new motor, as that expensive shouldn't consume any oil and they did. But they have good fuel consumption... I find it super weird, since my 1.4 95hp (n12b14a) consume 1l of oil every 4k km. But can do 7.8l/100km in city. Anyway nice cars to drive. Nightmare to own.

[@craigwilliamjohnstonstudio]

looking into an N18 2013 Cooper S 43K mi tomorrow ;)

[@mireyaprosapio2983]

As a new car buyer this was incredibly helpful (and a lot of the things apply to general car buying) so thank you !!!

[@johnmarkpadillo3374]

4 years after this is still very helpful. Thanks for the video.

[@Blinkwing]

Dude, you literally blew my mind within 10 seconds. New, fresh intro and a bloody face reveal! Damn!

[@hilmicooper840]

My mini now at 230,000km and still working good.

[@Dinoandtop]

What model and engine. I want to buy one for wifey

[@carlsanders1320]

Alfredo Telles judging by his profile pic, an R50-R53 Cooper S.

[@hilmicooper840]

​@@Dinoandtop Sorry for late reply. R53 sir.

[@paulparnham3094]

Buy yourself the mini with the N18 engine. Lot less problems than the N14

[@djthedj86]

When I was looking for mine, I used the realoem link from North American Motoring. Definitely glad I came across that information.

[@Leek2x]

😂😂😂 I had my right headphone in thinking well maybe it’s just music until I read comments

[@swiftishttv]

You are the only reason I work on my car so regularly, thank you so much man! You've inspired a 16 yr old to race q mini cooper!

[@garrietaylor9519]

he has inspired me (a 60 year old) with no mechanical back ground to service my own R53, service the supercharger project is next

[@michaelvanna8982]

Finally i saw the wholesome face behind Mod Mini. But thank you for sharing...avid fan/follower here🙂

[@michaelvanna8982]

Need you advice on tuning. Can i have your email add or tel no. if you may..tnx

[@corbinkeatts4396]

me shopping for a mini: Me: Oh, that mini is pretty and cheap! I wonder why it's so cheap with low miles? Dealership: *post picture of engine bay with n14 motor inside* Me: Oh.

[@MrAssassinash]

I like my R56 JCW. Good to have amateur mechanical skills if you own one. Change oil 3000 miles.

[@heatice77]

Thank you, I was not AT ALL looking at Mini's for my son's first car but there is a very good deal on one with only 2 owners with the right engine, clean inside that I want to go look at so this video was super helpful. While I can't do all these things, a lot of them are simple enough.

[@SqeakyToy]

Bought the 2010 R55 Clubman JCW in 2013 with 43,000 miles. Now has 89K. We have fixed: new clutch and flywheel thermostat housing barn door solenoids update 2/23/2019: new water pump, water pump drive wheel and tensioner pulley for $1000! Ouch! Other than that just normal maintenance, but having the oil changes done at the shop is too expensive so I now DIY it. Also replaced the door solenoids myself. I like the car better now that I've been able to work on it. It is very fun to drive. More expensive to maintain than my Mustangs. Also bought the 2012 R56 Inspired by Goodwood model with 14K miles in 2014. Nothing but normal maintenance so far at 38K miles.

[@peej.w7598]

You must love that Goodwood edition. You're one lucky guy to have been able to get your hands on one of those! Let me know if you ever sell!

[@SqeakyToy]

@@peej.w7598 We certainly do love our Goodwood, it's one of only 200 that have manual transmissions.

[@peej.w7598]

@@SqeakyToy even luckier than I thought! Manual is the only way to go. Especially with the mini

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

Any news from the 2012 Cooper? Found a good deal on a 2013 with just 63k miles but I’m scared to buy it

[@SqeakyToy]

@@garythecyclingnerd6219 our 2012 n18 engine Cooper is still good. Had to fix the thermostat housing though. That's typical with these cars.

[@johnharrisonschulz]

What engine does a 2011 mini Cooper Clubman non-turbo have? N14 or N18?

[@lucasi8455]

Loving this channel ;) I own a 2010 mini cooper S, 20.000 miles

[@richardbedard1245]

I'd be interested to know how many car buyers are prepared to do that kind of inspection?

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

How to buy a 2nd gen Mini: Don't -An R56 Owner

[@Apoplectic_Spock]

How about a 3rd Gen F56?

[@israel426]

@@Apoplectic_Spock now you r talking

[@ModMINI]

@@Apoplectic_SpockThe 3rd gen reliability has apparently been pretty good, but car is not as fun to drive as an earlier generation MINI.

[@cleann_RYP]

I let go of my R53 and bought an S2k, I have never been happier. Mini is a PITA

[@Apoplectic_Spock]

@@ModMINI Maybe I should just hold on to my R52 and quit looking for a "better" Mini.

[@MrTheknittinglady]

We have just bought a 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman today. It has almost 112k miles on it. I test drove it because I’m not easily hoodwinked by old cars, or dealers. It was such a smooth, quiet drive, and it just purred like a kitten. I’ll keep you posted on my experiences.

[@ModMINI]

Good luck. Hopefully someone else already threw the money at it.

[@MrTheknittinglady]

I’m an optimist, our other car, a Subaru Tribeca is rapidly approaching 200k and with only 18 mpg I feel the mini will do us very well. Her car fax was very impressive we are only her 3rd owners all her services and other work have been done as and when needed. As I said I’m very optimistic.

[@ramengod5768]

@@MrTheknittinglady did you get it?

[@WretchedIcon]

How's it holding up?

[@Jone-e1b]

Would love an update on this honestly

[@cameronbennett-ferland4361]

This is a great video. I'm buying a 2010 R56 with the N12 motor, and I was delighted to see that a lot of the new components on the particular one I'm getting are things you mentioned to look out for. Sure makes me feel better about my purchase!

[@autorecon]

hey man did you buy it? I am looking at some cooper's with the n12/n16 (so no turbo which should mean not many problems) and would love to hear what you got to say about your car thanks

[@AW-xv7dq]

r53 and r56 for me. All the new cars are so muted. You don't feel anything. I sometimes wonder if we're so stressed that people just want cocoons to drive around in. Life has overloaded their stimulus but it seems that being able to have other stressors so we can put down the ones that eat at us 24/7 is super rad! I love being able to feel all the bumps in my r56 I imagine it's an even more raw exp in the r53. May get one down the road or maybe a miata and supercharge it for the rwd action.

[@ModMINI]

Agree. New cars suck, honestly. Someone let me drive their NC Miata for autocross for a couple laps. It was stock, but even so, I was surprised how soft it was. Even MINIs are getting softer because people complain they are too sporty.

Video is not usable, music is 5 times louder, than your voice, I dont hear your comments at all. Please next time dont use music.

[@ModMINI]

Next time I did not use music.

[@TaylorMMontgomery]

Very surprised you didn't mention the timing chain issues these cars have which can be catastrophic. There was an recall-like class action that allowed you to get it fixed with a reimbursement... But bmw never admitted fault and issued a formal recall so many of these cars I'm sure are still on the road with timing chain guides that are about to disintegrate

[@ModMINI]

The ones that are still on the road must have been properly repaired. I see few timing chain jobs lately.

[@ac-qe2ir]

Really I didn’t know that

[@johnhiggins285]

Good to see the man behind the camera. Thanks to you I've done quite a bit of work on my R53 (including a valeo clutch, a bunch of stuff on the subframe (p/s hoses, powerflex lca bushings, inner ball joints), supercharger service). Curious to know what lift you're using. Looks tidy! And thanks for providing a fundly link so that we can truly thank you. I've sported a Mod Mini t-shirt for a while but happy to also donate to keep these video's going.

[@ModMINI]

Thank you for your support! The lift is www.ezcarlift.com. Talking to the inventor about possibly doing a video for that.

[@Bradafer]

Great production quality on this one!!! Glad to see you in front of the camera!!!

[@CarpaccioSalad]

I love how this is a different style of video than usual! Very interesting! (:

[@ArmedCivilian556]

Looking at getting my 2nd mini and this is a great help....what's the best most reliable mini

[@ModMINI]

Gen 3 are most reliable but not the best.

[@hevray1]

Another great informative video! Just wondering what make are the protective gloves you use? Mini Cooper auto 2008 owner with 16000 miles!

[@ProBroDougB]

2008 R56 with 181000 miles. On my second clutch. Starting to get the oil leak around the filter housing. Love the car, I hate to get rid of it, but she is getting long in the tooth. Wish I could buy another one, just like it, brand new.

[@Sibbe2560]

One honest advice: never buy a second gen. Mini, they are crap...☹️, save your money for the third gen. Much better build quality...👍

[@Roadsurfer2k11]

I just talked my parents out of getting a 2011 jcw for $8I they were prob going to buy today. From reading reviews about the chain tensioner to other fails

[@anthonymatthews7193]

Thanks for the advise

[@calebpechumer2030]

I actually PREFER the N14 engine because I do all the work myself. I say f*** the duel vanos on the N18

[@ModMINI]

There is really nothing about the N18 that makes it harder to work on than the N14 other than the valvetronic eccentric lobe and motor. Everything else is essentially identical including the tools and diagnostic equipment.

[@bijdikh8516]

Always go for the N18 ones. If you can, get a 2013 those are hands down as reliable as an R56 will ever get.

[@MrTheknittinglady]

So much for being optimistic it’s just cost us $5,000 + in repairs the warranty also tipped in $1000, the dealer $500 and mini $250 now she’s running smooth as a baby’s **m again. Grand total was $6282.82

[@TheRobertSterling]

Finally a face to the voice! Looking to find a Clubman, thanks for the engine info. Cheers

[@davidjohannson4364]

Robert sterling Did you ever find a Mini? I have a 2011 clubman....are you interested?

[@georgesingh826]

That was the first car that I drove,or learn to drive on, that was way back in in the year 1969 pr 1970, and I always love it ,but it is a shame that up to today it seems to have some problem!

[@NewtonInDaHouseYo]

Best advice: buy an R53!

[@deswikksersbraut]

That's a really good video! It makes me way more secure about getting a good deal when I'll buy mine.

[@KingLuseer]

Kick tyre....lol

[@drazman9]

I was like - nice engine mounts, with the yellow PU LOL!! But on a serious note, why do car makers keep trying to collect money for mounts when there are life-long solutions?!!! Oh wait, cash-grab!!!

[@AKA001]

Great video, really helpful in my search for a used Clubman or Countryman.

[@MrTheknittinglady]

We were under the impression we’d get around 37mpg on highway. When we filled up we calculated that for city and highway combined we got a whopping 41. The only problem we have is the tire pressure light is on. We’ve had them done, but it still hasn’t gone off. We are able to check and adjust pressures ourselves so not overly worried UNLESS I should be. Does anyone have any ideas regarding pressure light?

[@ModMINI]

There was a radio frequency change in 2010. You need to make sure the TPMS transmitters are using the same frequency as the car. Otherwise, scan the RDC computer for codes which will give you more information than an idiot light.

[@MrTheknittinglady]

Mod MINI thank you. We are brand new to mini and wanting to keep her in tip top condition from the little things all the way to the bigger things.

[@Drnardinov]

Mini coopers are pretty cool but so are Audi’s for the first 15,000 miles. After that prepare to spend $2500-3500/ yr keeping them on the road.

[@ModMINI]

That sounds pretty accurate.

[@jhustle74]

Hello, bought a 2012 and got burned. I have a list of things the local repair shop gave me, turbo, CV boots, amongst other things. It is worth keeping or suck it up and take my losses…

[@nealdunleavy]

Thank you . Good Man

[@ghostinthecraig]

Looking into getting a 2013 Mini Cooper Coupe S. The little 2 seater hardtop. It's got around 120,000 miles with 1 owner. Is there anything I should look for during the test drive? It's an interesting car forsure and I've never owned a Mini.

[@ModMINI]

Get under and check for leaks. remove oil fill cap and see if it appears it had regular oil changes.

[@JodBronson]

Thanks for the tips. I took all your tips buying my first car (Mini Cooper).

[@stevenwhite3.1415]

If you buy from a used car dealership, take the car on the freeway and rev it to at least 4000 RPM to activate the check engine light.

[@bphillips2106]

you have been amazing! thank you for the free class on buying a mini

[@fenixQuemado]

thanks for the video, i am considering buying either a 2009, 2011 or 2012 mini, but how do i tell which engine each one has? do you know from which year to wich year the n14, n16,12, 18 was used?

[@cocodog85]

Mini car. Major problems...junk. garbage. crap. scrap. money pit. piece of s**t. after 5 years they're almost worthless.

[@touchedouche8806]

So far this is nowhere near specific to mini. These are purely generalities

[@giboogi]

Would you happen to know what causes 2C56 code on a 2011 R56 S? It goes into limp mode after a short drive.

[@VCRrepairman]

These types of guys, their expertise, and videos Are so special to us men raised by Single Mother. Be well, Good sir.

[@ModMINI]

My dad taught me absolutely nothing about cars. You can do it too :P

[@mikejohnson5345]

thanks for the thorough overview. lots of good to know info!

[@MiMicheIIe]

The first thing to look for: **A 3rd gen Mini.** Please. Trust me. Save up some extra cash. Do NOT buy into this nightmare. It will end up costing you way more than just getting a nice F-chassis. I am now almost 4 grand in maintenance in, and I'm not even done yet. It never stops.

[@HorrorbleGamer]

I bought a Mini last year November, my first car. After a month, all the problems started popping up. I spent so much money trying to get it fixed up and it's still not 100%. Wish I had seen this video sooner

[@Boocake1488]

Heh, I'm in the exact same boat man. About 3k in the hole right now, and more work to be done.

[@HorrorbleGamer]

@@Boocake1488 It sucks man, i have no choice but to sell it and get something decent. Should have done that from the beginning. I threw 15k into my car already, 15000 rand, South African currency. Your 3k is probably more than my 15k assuming you're not from SA

[@Boocake1488]

@@HorrorbleGamer USA. I'll be selling it sometime this year and finding something much more reliable. Maybe a Toyota.

[@Roadsurfer2k11]

I talked my parents out of getting a 2011 jcw today for $8k. Carfax reports had thermostat changed at 27k. Time chain tensioner/guide at 47k and clutch at 59k. Carfax reported excellent maintenance upkeep and inspections at dealership every 7k miles up to 85k miles, then apparently stopped for 6 years. Maybe sold sat on car lots?? It was imported October 2010 and I dont know what engine it was. But clearly those issues match common reviews of expensive issues. It was a 1 owner that took care of the car, but seemed to get rid of it after putting $5,000+ in repairs on top of the $35,000+ car price. I talked them into getting it, and then this morning stated pulling up 2011 reviews of issues

[@malp6280]

I've the R55 clubman (not the Cooper works as shown in your upload) still, it's good fun to drive Anyway, Id mention keep an eye on front springs (they snap & it's instant tyre death) check the condition/age. Also get the intake valves checked for carbon build-up (it's an easy DIY job just awkward to get to) using intake cleaners is a waste of time. Checking the Turbo is straight forward, remove the intake hose & check for blade play easy 2min job, also a pretty cheap & quick DIY replacement job. Oil filter housing is a pain however, 2 sets of gaskets. Also check the coils & plugs incase a previous owner has gone eBay & bought cheap rubbish.. Also recommend fitting oil catch cans on both sides of the intake, helps reduce carbon on the intake valves. Also check ion oil consumption, if oil is dropping fast theirs an issue, possibly oil leaks at worst engine damage. Also cam cover, the pcv valve is internal & can jam/block-up which is another common fault.

[@keithroberts9869]

Good points. Have a 2012 Clubman R55 N18. Carbon buildup issue fixed as of the 2011 model year.

[@Yeah_na]

You do have a face...!

[@sirraymondluxuryyacht8131]

Great advice. Looking at buying one of these and it's good to know what to look for.

[@r.five.3]

Nice intro man, and also, skip the r56 get an r53

[@Garciae20]

Greg O'Keefe he has one

[@r.five.3]

@@Garciae20 ive seen it, mad little thing

[@ModMINI]

I had to get rid of the R53 as a condition for getting the GP2, which I got for an incredible bargain (I'll have to share that story sometime), which is a much more balanced car (in terms of power, braking and handling) than I could do on my own though mods.

[@r.five.3]

@@ModMINI :( we've lost him.

[@wisewins]

Greg O'Keefe.. lol, like he’s left the r53 club? The GP2 is rare and pricier, for sure.. but I never knew what MM said about it, and really I feel just fortunate to have had MM with me in so many mods and adventures with my R53. And in this vid I finally get to know what he looks like, just what I imaged; someone with tats up and down both arm, and his neck too. Lmao

[@TheRedgtv2000]

You forgot one thing to mention...timing chain, guide and tensioner!

[@ModMINI]

I covered that by saying "If you see this engine, don't buy it" and "throw money at."

[@pauld4028]

So the timing chain was fixed or improved with the N18?

[@honeyforce996]

I catch up on your videos maybe 3-4x a year- this camera & editing is great! Thanks for the video, I like seeing you on camera for this style of guide. I still love the gopro style for repairs & other stuff. I hope you're enjoying springtime in your r56 MM(: Happy driving

[@justinspires9151]

A word of caution on that code: I've seen that code set due to un-metered air leaks (Crankcase vent, turbo intake boot, etc..) but I've also seen it set due to elongated timing chain or broken chain guides. *BMW/MINI mechanic by trade*

[@ModMINI]

Thanks for the comment. It's sometimes frustrating to figure out what is going on with these engines. And they can have unmetered air leaks due to failed valve cover integrated PCV as well! Ugh!

[@aphysique]

What are things to look for on a 2011 , 95 k miles on the vehicle, they want 9,500 for the car?

[@d00mch1ld]

Still my favourite generation though.

[@Chris-lx5rf]

Iv just bought a 1.6 mini cooper the eml and tyre pressure lights come on i checked the pressures and cleared the code but both lights are still on the eml went off but came back do you know what thos might be

[@tonler1]

Hello Mod Mini ~~ Does anyone have experience with 2011-2013 mini cooper Diesel ? Are they considerably reliable ?? Thanks

[@grimlok3487]

There's a diesel?? That's sick! Im eyeballing R60s in my area and wish I could get a diesel instead of dumping premium fuel in, but alas

[@StormRiordan]

Holy production value Batman!

[@bigdeere9532]

Can I send you a video of a ticking noice on a mini I'm looking at ? Not sure what it is trying to find an answer before I buy.

[@luigi4632]

Which years have the n14 motor? And that’s just with the S? Thanks (:

[@Kgonros77]

Feeding the myths about n14 engine supposed issues. My 2008 MCS has only had to have replaced the water pump. That was a few months ago. About 200€. In 11 years of (mildly hard) driving. BTW, n14´s were the last MINIs to have a stock LSD as a buying option. My BMW mechanic chuckles when I ask him about these supposed issues. Also happens in n18´s. Seems they just come from a bad maintenance. Not using the right oil, or not respecting maintenance times, for example. N18´s are obviously better engines, but don´t demonize n14´s, if correctly maintened they will be as reliable as the n18´s can be. Otherwise, nice video. will keep aware about rust on the other hand.

[@ModMINI]

I've worked on lots of both. What you say is true regarding maintenance. But the N14 were very bad with regard to timing chains and they nearly all have premature oil leaks, water pump and thermostat failures as well. The JCW N14 seem better for some reason.

[@Kgonros77]

@@ModMINI Well, I have not experienced any of those problems in 11 years. Aside from the water pump failure. Well, and clutch startig to feel a bit "hard" (1.000€ repair). A timing change catastrophic problem can be avoided in n14´s if you change the tensioner. Before it happens, obviously. Worth the money I think. Thermostat and water pump failures seem to be common both in n14´s and n18´s. The key is to keep the maintenance up to date, and not being cheap in the oil you use. These engines are "special", but if well maintened are gems. There are people out there having them tuned to 300 ho, andd probably up. Would´t try it, personally TBH. 7 years in a row best engine in the world in their category. Would swap my n14 for a n18, but TUV here in Spain is like inquisition. Best regards!

[@ModMINI]

Interesting. I would agree that very regular oil changes are important. Not sure how you got away with not having thermostat or oil leak issues though.

[@AttorneyBCollins]

I'd see if there is any record of the timing chain being replaced. Skip it if not.

[@JoeHeine]

Looking to buy a 2nd generation MINI? Change your mind. 😂

[@chanopokes4846]

Check the used car for shittyness.

[@nevo6400]

Backing music was way too loud....i could not hear you.

[@MrScottiedog1]

Careful buying one of these. Watch out for oil consumption and timing chains. Do your research. If you don't want to put in the time or money then stay away. Mini has a ridiculous oil change interval . I believe this can cause premature wear on engine and chain especially if owners didn't check oil and keep topped off. Mine used 1qt ever 2 fill ups.

[@ModMINI]

You hit the nail on the head. The N14 with the most problems were those whose owners did not stay on top of oil levels and oil condition. The chain, turbo and VANOS solenoid issues can all be tracked to this.

[@phones-boloniak3443]

I have my eyes on an 09 jcw with 81000 miles. It appears to be well maintained with full service records. The timing chain job has been done and it recently had a new valve cover gasket and has had some coolant leaks repaired. That said I have seen horrible things about the n14 engines. If the large repairs are done, is it safe or should I just steer clear.

[@ModMINI]

Get the thing inspected independently and don't spend all your money on the car.

[@stevewilson]

The average person is not and can’t get that far under a mini when buying it though

[@bspizzledizzle]

My advice.... don’t do it. These cars are disposable.

[@samuell4775]

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

[@djbreal87]

I got a 2008 Cooper S. The engine has a timing chain. But the timing chain tension is plastic. Which wears, and throws timing off slowly until one day it jsut wont start and you have to rebuild. THat happened to me. That was almost 4 years ago, Im still part of a class action lawsuit for that against Mini. I've also, jsut last year, spent 8500$ replacing the engine, with a newer version. So that wont happen again. Be a driving like a dream ever since then, but those 3 years before that, it was an absolute nightmare.

[@ModMINI]

The tensioner is metal. The chain guides are plastic. But the problem is the chain itself, which stretches. All chains stretch, but the N14 engine was originally engineered with a tensioner that cannot take up sufficient slack.

[@djbreal87]

@@ModMINI yea, what you said lol. I've replaced it 4 times, and replaced the engine once.

[@dennislilly2818]

A Carfax check is a good investment as well.

[@aldionsylkaj9654]

This is very useful if you want to flip the car for profit!

[@BMCWorkshop]

Kurt, great video as usual. I run 2 R55's (diesel) and an R50. Love watching your channel :) All the best, Sean

[@Apoplectic_Spock]

The production of this vid was fucking fantastic! 👌

[@ModMINI]

My friend who helped me is a professional.

[@frankcastle5294]

Minis are absolute garbage. When you combine horrible engineering designs along with cheaply made idiotic plastic parts and shitty wiring...it's a guaranteed recipe for disaster. Want one? Buddy up with your local Mini mechanic if you can find one...and load up your checking account. You're gonna need both.

[@ModMINI]

Thank you for your viewpoint.

[@TheGel69]

I am considering acquiring a 2011 mini base model (non turbo), how do I find out the engine type N12, 14 or 16?

[@ModMINI]

That is an N16.

[@TheGel69]

@@ModMINI thanks. it is a project with a blown head gasket, while the head is out is there any upgrades that should be done to make it more reliable?

[@LiarNoseOnFire]

Did l see a JCW (John Cooper Works) Badge on the car you were filming ? If so, is there a reason you didn't mention it, because it would be interesting to know what your observation/s were ?

[@ModMINI]

That would be another topic for another video.

[@LiarNoseOnFire]

@@ModMINI When, exactly ???

[@rainsturgeon9569]

Awesome video ! 👍🏻👍🏻 nice editing! Very good quality!

[@MRwaterlicious]

Anything BMW touches will guaranteed unreliability..

[@njraph]

Thank you for the great videos! I have a 2012 Mini Cooper JCW and I believe it’s the N14. Now I need a new engine, should I consider the N18 instead? Would it fit? Which other reliable mini engine would fit this car?

[@ModMINI]

N18 is not compatible with N14 ECU or wiring harness. Put another N14 in it.

[@josueelombre931]

Do the newer 1.6 turbo engines have problems with oil consumption. Like 2014-2015?

[@ModMINI]

Should be fine unless abused. Also the turbo can be the source of oil consumption and may require early replacement. An extended warranty period might apply.

[@rpm-qv7rw]

Finally, now I am able to see you face. Thank you for all your videos!