R56 Reliability

[wsf80]

We bought a one-owner, 34,000 mile 2007 Mini Cooper S over the summer. Car had been dealer/properly maintained, only really used in summer. It had sat for a few years (only driven 1,000 miles over prior five years).

We’ve had to replace: radiator, thermostat housing, underbody panel, drive belt, chain tensioner, timing chain.

I’ve been surprised how unreliable the car has been.

Is this typical? A lot of these issues seem like they’d be mileage versus age-related.

I’ve lost confidence in the car. You think I have more to go?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Some of the stuff you've dealt with is stuff you're going to have to do again eventually. The timing chains and such are not known to be the most robust implementation, for instance. And budget for walnut shell blasting of the intake periodically, because the direct injection system on these cars does not wash the carbon out of the intake ports the way that port injection does.

I have a non-S, the naturally-aspirated model. The most I've had done to it is the oil pump solenoid, but it has required multiple replacements to get to where it doesn't seem to leak after a year or two.

The S models are rather more highly stressed, since it's the same basic engine with a turbocharger and other systems bolted on (yes, that's a massive oversimplification) so it seems to live a harder life.

All I can suggest is to keep on top of maintenance and checking for issues, and keep remembering the driving experience. Because these cars are quite special when you get to throw them around a bit.

--DD

[wsf80]

Thank you Dave.

It does remind me of the older BMWs with heavier controls, better steering weight and feel, higher quality materials. And it handles like everyone says (a go-kart), although I’m surprised that the car can “jump” (become unsettled) when it hits uneven pavement.

For the price point, I didn’t expect this high of maintenance expense. I’m hoping I’m over the hump on major issues for a while. I have noticed a lumpiness in some transmission shifts, I thought I heard some valve tapping but it’s gone since I replaced the timing chain. Weird stuff like a fastener broke off the grill.

[Drafry0]

I’m really have a lot to lean lol