How Reliable Is The MINI John Cooper Works?

I've now had this car for over a year and at 52,000 miles, how reliable is the F56 MINI John Cooper Works? I'll go over everything I've had done since purchasing the car.
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[@bigmacdaddy1234]

I have a 2023 JCW Mini Cooper Convertible with 10K miles. No issues to report. It's the only car in America that's shorter than a Miata, can seat four people, a sun-roof or full drop top convertible and handles like a go-kart. It's the true 'do-it-all car. It's extremely well put together with premium materials, fit & finish. Best bang for the buck.

[@TheMINIac]

One of the best small convertibles you can buy.

[@CollinMac96]

It’s only 10k miles. If any car has issues that soon, that’s a big problem

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

@@CollinMac96 Actually, no. Many cars show their issues prior to 10K miles.

[@CollinMac96]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 if your car has issues at 10k you have a 🍋 fact 💯

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

@@CollinMac96 No shit Sherlock. Did you figure that out all by yourself?

[@deljules1383]

I've got a MINI John cooper works coupe 2014 with 100,000 miles I've remapped it, BC racing coilover springs service it on the button other than wear and tear ie new discs pads & tyres it's been totally reliable never let me down 👌🏾

[@steveanderson9064]

I have done over 100,000 miles on my JCW 2019 It’s runs 300 bhp and only had routine maintenance I drive hard as you would expect. I use 15mm wheel spacers and then 225/40/18 Michelin pilot tyres. Best car I have owned and I have currently 5 in the garage. Mileage is currently down as job change meant new pick up

[@adamfrbs9259]

Hypothetically speaking, with the back seats down, and jumping up and in and out of the back hatch, would a Tibetan Mastiff fit back there? Even if it meant laying down the whole time? ....asking for a friend lol.

[@TheMINIac]

@adamfrbs9259 😂😂 I don’t see why not.

[@adamfrbs9259]

@@TheMINIac sweet big dog. Little car. That'll be hilarious. They're huge.

[@RonRosenzweig]

I had a 2003 S and put 125K miles on it over 10 years. I loved that car and miss it to this day. Currently looking at 20-23 Cooper S models. Thanks for a great video.

[@reyywyd]

any notable issues or crazy expenses regarding maintenance or insurance

[@jayczyzyk9707]

They came a long way and reliability has come a long way, nice review

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

The Lotus comment - now I can't "unsee" it - thanks ;-) I've had very good experience with the Minis we've had 2 - R60 S All4, a F56 JCW, a F54 S All4 and my F54 JCW All4 - with the exception of routine maintenance no major issues (i.e. nothing requiring me to take to the dealership for). Changing brake fluid every 2 years is about the only odd thing but BMW seems do want this done across the line so okay.

[@HenryChinaski614]

I own a 2022 Mini Countryman JCW with 16000 miles. I’ve had the steering column replaced, a creaking sound appeared after this repair that took 3 visits to fix, one of the ALL4 badges came loose and had to be replaced, and a turning light located near the side vent needed to be replaced. That said, I still love the car and Vista Mini in Florida has been great. Everything was covered under warranty. Also, the run flat tires it came with only lasted about 15,000 miles. I replaced them with Toyo Open Country 225/55R18’s. They look way better IMHO. I hope this helps. Thanks.

[@TheMINIac]

Not always perfect. Sounds like the badge was done on a Friday. 😂

[@FragdinPenningsteps]

I feel like this generation of Mini is pretty solid. I have a 2017 Clubman S All4 and it’s been solid. Currently at 138k and still going strong.

[@TheMINIac]

Yep. Very solid

[@dealman3312]

There was a conduit trench cut out of the road with 90 degree drop and no fill. I hit it in my r56 going 50km and everything in the car hit the ceiling. All 4 run flats damaged, all rims bent. Luckily the run flats got me home. Beautiful car you have with that BRG and the bronze rims looks sharp. Love the B48 engine. I wouldn’t go checkered mirror caps, I’d leave it as is. Missed my chance on an F60 manual in rebel green, sold in 3 days. 😢

[@TheMINIac]

I wish it were the B48. They switched all hardtop and convertible JCW to the B46 for the 2020 US model year.

[@dealman3312]

@@TheMINIac what’s the diff between the two motors?

[@TheMINIac]

@@dealman3312 ones a ULEV, the B48. The other is a SULEV, the B46. That’s why the manual in the US disappeared for a model year. They had to clear emissions and so forth with the US for the new engine. I think also California had a play in the switch to the SULEV.

[@fincherelli73]

It would be cool video if you took a trip with some clubs. It could open up new topics as far as twisty roads that only the clubs know of. Also would be awesome to have the miniac in person. Great channel keep up the good work

[@GarroLegionofOne]

I bought my 2019 JCW back in December 2021, had no problems with it soo far!

[@TheMINIac]

🙌🏻

[@GarroLegionofOne]

Small up date my JCW is now five years old and the only problem I’ve had with it is the drivers heated seat doesn’t work! Soo a very reliable car 😮

[@stevenmcfarlane8831]

Another good video sir. Beautiful car. My wife has her second JCW now. Loves them.

[@928Porscheman]

Great video! You make me want to get an F56. I want to share my under hood detailing tip, Chemical Guys Nonsense Invincible Super Cleaner does an awesome job to remove the dirt and then use the Chemical Guys Black on Black instant spray shine to restore the black looks of everything plastic. It works amazing on the grill too.

[@CakeorDeath1989]

I have a 2013 R56 MINI, around 70K miles on it, and it's only started to have a couple of issues creep in within the last year or so, and I've barely babied the car. Basic stuff like brake pads, tyres, etc, the biggest being a wheel speed sensor fail. My last MINI was an R53 and that had a head gasket go. A big job to get repaired, but you can find replacement engines for pretty cheap, and tbh that was an issue that was all my fault (not putting enough water and oil in it like an idiot. I was a silly kid) that could've been averted if I'd have looked after the car a bit more. So in my experience, MINIs are pretty damn reliable. I'm looking to go back to an R53 next, this time a Cooper S, and make it a bit of a project car - I want to learn to upgrade it by myself. Even if I were to get something "more practical" as an everyday car, I couldn't bear not having my little gokart for weekend drives.

[@TheMINIac]

Anything is reliable if taken care of. An R53 is a fun car.

[@zerocochrane1713]

Awesome car ! I just came across your profile and I fell in love with these rims. It's a pity that there is no bronze color in the seventeen-inch size, but that's what plastidip is for. Best rim color for green, racing green with white roof, it looks classic and racing at the same time. Love all the stickers too, white fuel cap and light rings in white not my style but still something fresh and good looking in overall. The round sticker with the name of the channel on the door was also nice.

[@TheMINIac]

Thank you

[@dealman3312]

The R56 I have with n14, had to do thermostat twice, timing chain, full oil leak kit, wheel bearing, vanos solenoid, coils, plugs, valve cover, boost pressure regulator, pvc hose, brakes.

[@TheMINIac]

How’s it working now? Those all sound like common issues that pop up over time with the older engines. A lot of that is normal wear and tear with most cars.

[@dealman3312]

@@TheMINIac and that’s over 14 years. They arent as unreliable as ppl think. It’s running great now, a joy to drive always. I’m living with the front shock mount mushroom noise which you only hear in the winter.

[@TheMINIac]

@@dealman3312 the strut tower mushrooming can be fixed in both the R53 and R56. They made strut tower defenders for the R56 as well. Install them and as you’re tightening them down, they’ll start pulling the metal back into shape.

[@tinahooper525]

The r56 had loads of problems air con engine over heating issues etc the list goes on. I would say the new 301-2 BMW engine compared would be a better option.

[@dealman3312]

@@tinahooper525 I didn’t think the list of problems over 14 years was not too that bad for a fun car.

[@imaspy83]

I never heard about a mini not being reliable but thanks for the video anyways mate!

[@TheMINIac]

People love to say it’s not reliable.

[@scottbahlavooni6071]

Great vid. the LCI 2 JCW is the best looking F series.

[@Steve-ew5sl]

Maintenance is the key for reliability Half percent people in USA don’t maintain the vehicle same way as for UK Genuinely UK don’t have problems with maintaining the vehicle

[@TheMINIac]

Maintenance is key with every car. These cars are incredibly well made and very reliable. But I don’t doubt there is someone out there bad enough with maintenance that can destroy one of these and given a lot of people can’t change a tire let alone change a spark plug, it’s possible that there are a few cars out there not well maintained.

[@adamfrbs9259]

We're lazy here, that's why we don't have reel mowers over here anymore, Americans were too lazy to simply adjust the bedknife and backlap once a year. Lol We're pretty damn lazy.

[@TheChindoboi]

I think the white circle on the bonnet detracts from a clean look. But still a great looking car! Hope you get to enjoy it for the years ahead

[@TheMINIac]

It’s a racing livery thing. Inspired by Lotus as it turns out. It’s also removable should I change my mind at some point. 👍🏻

[@ybkrnmusic]

Great color choice! I just bought a British racing green Cooper s 4 door.

[@pengbrow]

Checkered mirror caps would add to the cafe racer vibes, looks awesome!

[@TheMINIac]

Cool idea. Never thought of my MINI as a Cafe Racer but I guess it sort of looks that way

[@joeyis3434]

Just about to pick up my third mini and its JCW... can't wait!

[@DECDEC1220]

Your MINI looks incredible. I love the stripes and number circle. Wow! I think checkered mirror caps in the same yellow as the bonnet stripes would look pretty cool too

[@TheMINIac]

Thanks. I’ve thought about checkered mirror caps weirdly.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Very nice! I'm finally back in a Mini, I got a 2024 Cooper 2 zesty yellow!

[@TheMINIac]

Nice

[@conradaleshire4428]

I had an 2007 R56 with the JCW kit. Engine didn't make it past 29,000mi before it blew the tensioner. I loved that car so much. But I hope they fixed their reliability issues.

[@TheMINIac]

Incredibly reliable now. I'm also just past 65,000 miles. So my JCW gets a lot of mileage and endurance testing as it were. Your car sounds like it had a flaw in the tensioner if it went at 29,000 miles. They don't normally do that. I had a 2008 Cooper S with JCW tuning kit. Only reason we were rebuilding that car is because it was abused by 6 previous owners and needed a full engine rebuild or it would have been in the scrap yard. That car is still running strong.

[@conradaleshire4428]

Yeah, I got a refund from a lawsuit eventually.

[@Oplix]

Livery looks great on that color. I like how you did the white headlight rings to match the white circles of the livery.

[@TheMINIac]

Headlight rings were from the factory. It’s a John Cooper Anniversary Edition

[@718YellowSubmarine]

That's one very good looking Mini indeed. Wouldn't the reason that the engine will be carried over to the next generation be that the investment for a new engine would not be worth doing because of the switch to electric?

[@TheMINIac]

Yes, that is also a component of this which is partly why they are also continuing over the current platform, but modified

[@sulaimansupian6900]

My engine mounting failed at 30k kms, replace them with stock mount and powerflex inserts, some have had a GP3 engine mount. The start/stop engine feature could have contributed to it

[@TheMINIac]

I leave my sport mode on all the time so engine stop start doesn’t always function. Tell me about this engine stop start contributing to the engine mount failure. Haven’t heard of that one before.

[@sulaimansupian6900]

@@TheMINIac I guess the vibrations from the engine starting and stopping makes the rubber for the mounting fail prematurely. Try the powerflex inserts, if you drive the car hard

[@TheMINIac]

Or drive in sport mode all the time lol

[@sulaimansupian6900]

@@TheMINIac I have code out the auto start/stop function using bimmercode.

[@MrRicco39]

Post different mini evrnts being held and would like to see videos of them .that would be great

[@TheMINIac]

We are live streaming the entire 25 hours of Thunderhill in a few weeks with the MINI JCW Team out in California.

[@RonNaeve]

I have 215-40-18 I just got new Michelin Pilot Sport Plus 5, yes, the new 5 is much better than the 3 and 4 series. I have a 2015 JCW Hardtop. The Pilot's last longer than any other tires I've had. check them out.

[@TheMINIac]

Thank you for a the suggestion. I’ll take a look at them.

[@mrhee25]

Are you running 18x8? Spacers?

[@TheMINIac]

18x8 45 offset. The rear wheels have 5mm spacers just for aesthetics.

[@mrhee25]

Great set up! Looks awesome

[@mikegirard4388]

I8 gets a different turbo and I think pistons rods and cranks. But mainly a slightly larger turbo. The base B38 could probably make a lot more power at sea level, but would overspeed and run too hot at high altitudes.

[@TheMINIac]

From what I was told, piston rods and crank are the same. It wouldn’t make any sense for BMW to use different internals on modular engines.

[@mikegirard4388]

True. Although the block and heads are the largest expense. But the specific output is same as a B48 making 300ftlbs. Or a B58 making 450. I think in those higher output applications they have different internals and sometimes different compression ratios. But I don’t know the details. The i8 motor is actually one of the most impressive modern bmw engines in terms of output.

[@silverf56]

3:45 *train* of thought

[@TheMINIac]

You should see the blooper reel. That train wouldn’t stop.

[@dubbadude]

Michelin Pilot Sport is the ONLY tyre to fit. It will totally transform the ride and capability of an already phenomenal vehicle. 😎😎

[@TheMINIac]

Michelin is a good brand. I’m also partial to Continental.

[@dubbadude]

@@TheMINIacMichelin’s uniquely strong but pliable sidewall takes the sting out of the JCW’s somewhat stiff ride. Excellent vid btw. 👍

[@TheMINIac]

@dubbadude I know Petrol Ped will love your thoughts on Michelin. He’s a big fan. I think in my case I didn’t rotate mine frequently enough.

[@dubbadude]

@@TheMINIac How cool that you’d think of Petrol Ped as I’m a subscriber and big fan of his. Retired in 2022 having run a busy and large independent garage for many years and selling thousands of tyres humbly prompted the pitch for Michelin 👍

[@TheMINIac]

I chat with him weekly. His enjoyment of the MINI brand was part of the reason I started this channel.

[@kingdeedee]

BMW went crazy with the B series engines

[@TheMINIac]

@@kingdeedee and managed to get it right.

[@kingdeedee]

@@TheMINIac I’m glad they did. Been wanting to get a Mini for so many years now I think I can very reasonably see myself doing it

[@ssaafur]

I havbe a 2019 Mini Sport (F56). Very low miles b/c I bought it right when the pandemic hit so it's just crossing 30k. I just changed the brake fluid and do the oil every 5k with LiquidMoly. Initial upgrades have been lowering springs, 15/20mm spacers, hawk pads, SS brake lines. Next up is the Eventuri intake, rear stabilizer, strut brace and underbody basic bracing. Here's where's i'd love your insight: I'm thinking about the BootMod Stage 1 or 2 update which i've used on my X5M and love. I do not track the car but I drive it aggressively so i don't require coil-overs or big brakes, however, I am curious about what performance upgrades you'd consider for this motor. Thank you!

[@TheMINIac]

You could consider a tune and as you have a 2019, better chance of being able to do that. Nice list of mods though. Sounds like your MINI is already well sorted and to your liking.

[@scottab36]

If you have the pacing cruise control, that's the culprit of your rear brake pad excessive wear.

[@TheMINIac]

I don't have adaptive cruise with stop and go

[@KS-ro6in]

If presenting your vehicle suggest to clean the engine compartment......Easy PZ to do

[@TheMINIac]

I drive so much for my job that I don’t always have time to clean my car, let alone the engine bay. The car is driven. It’s not a garage queen.

[@Oplix]

I bought a used 2016 Cooper S and It's also been extremely reliable but my brakes are also starting to squeal. The dealer who sold it (subaru) said they did rotors/pads but I don't know.

[@TheMINIac]

If you haven’t gotten a warning, the car should still be braking correctly. I didn’t get a warning but I also don’t have a sensor on the side the pads failed on.

[@Oplix]

If you plan to get rid of those wheels let me know.

[@ENGBriseB]

Well kept car very nice.

[@TheMINIac]

Thanks

[@neilanderson5177]

You’ve prob answered this before, but which OZ wheels have you on our JCW and size? My wife loves her 2023 JCW. Chilli Red, Black roof and caps with prem plus pack. Hi from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TheMINIac]

Ultraleggera 18x8 45 offset.

[@stephengray2000]

Toyos suit my Cooper very well

[@nowkent]

Awesome vid

[@TheMINIac]

Thanks.

[@teggsy2165]

BMW has to up the power to match the JCW Clubman's 300bhp you can't have the estate version ending it's current model with more power than the Hatch JCW's version it goes against what we all got brought up to expect?

[@TheMINIac]

They up the power for the outgoing F56 and we lose the manual. It doesn’t it need it. Plus it dilutes the GP3 brand. What’s the point of the GP3 then if they’re all 300 horsepower.

[@teggsy2165]

I'm in the UK i own a 2015 Cooper S manual it only has 37k miles still run original run flat tyres.@@TheMINIac

[@BritishGuy79]

How has your interior held up over these past 52,000 miles? Any tears in the seats, problems with switches, and how about the electric window motors - any issues with those? My old Gen1 went through half-a-dozen in the 3 years I had it. Thanks!

[@TheMINIac]

Stitching came loose in the upper drivers side bolster. It was under 50,000 miles at the time and was replaced under warranty. Mini problems with any switches or electrics.

[@BritishGuy79]

@@TheMINIac Thanks for the update and I'm glad they fixed it under warranty for you. 👍

[@dee-annhartman6233]

I have a 2015 Paceman. What are your thoughts on this model?

[@TheMINIac]

Incredibly rare and sold in low numbers compared to other models. Hard to find so when you find one they tend to be well taken care of because usually the people who bought them, bought them because they were the Paceman.

[@lawrencesykkmon2064]

I have a Brand new 2024 copper s has oil leak! Is that normal? Only been 30 days still has dealer tag

[@TheMINIac]

That’s an anomaly for sure.

[@lawrencesykkmon2064]

Is liquid moly mini genuine oil I used 0w20 for my 2024

[@TheMINIac]

@lawrencesykkmon2064 it’s not necessarily a genuine factory oil but I believe it is one they use.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Yes, that is perfectly normal for a new car to leak all of its oil on in the first month. Make sure you do a monthly oil change as well.

[@urmumsfavouritebaggagehandler]

Jcw pro exhaust!!!!

[@nicolofinamore4645]

Whic coilovers do you mount in your car

[@TheMINIac]

JCW Pro

[@dee-annhartman6233]

Did you do all the work yourself?.

[@TheMINIac]

I did the rear brakes myself. But as some of the other stuff was under warranty I let the dealership handle that. I’m not confident I would install the spark plugs correctly so I let the dealership handle that as well.

[@AudreySoriano-u4m]

Allen Michael Brown Joseph Martin Timothy

[@Oplix]

I'm also putting a ton of miles on my F56. Stupid thing is too fun. I need to stop.

[@TheMINIac]

Nope. Don’t stop. Enjoy the car.

[@taemeister9302]

Absolutely unreliable. It's fun, but it needs absurd amount of servicing...

[@TheMINIac]

Do some bloody research The current generation does not, I repeat NOT, have the issues the previous generations did. I should know. I have had several pass 100,000 miles without issue and my JCW won’t be any different. Just as reliable.

[@TheMINIac]

And I can tell from your comment you also didn’t watch the video.

[@Snip59]

$60,000 Grand in Australia cannot even fit my Golf Clubs in it would rather purchase FSport Lexus or a Hyundai SUV not worth the price at all.

[@TheMINIac]

Can’t fit golf clubs in a MINI JCW? I shoved a massive coffee table into this car one day and I’ve had a large recliner in it before too.

[@Snip59]

@@TheMINIac not worth the money that is over the top golf clubs yea right

[@TheMINIac]

@@Snip59 where are you getting $60,000 from? I paid $45,000 out the door for this.

[@Snip59]

@@TheMINIac Australia top of the range 60

[@TheMINIac]

Ah ok. If that were in US dollars it would be absurd here.