Mini Clubman Cooper S Buying advice?
Discussion
I have an early Cooper S Clubman. ('57' plate) - which I have owned for just over three years.
It currently has about 44k on the clock.
Sunroof can be a little sticky.
When I first picked it up, the timing chain rattled. I had the tensioner replaced by the garage and everything has been fine since. It does like a drink of oil (about 1 litre per 1000 miles) It pays to keep an eye on this as I think some of the 'engine' failures are due to low oil rather than timing chain issues.
I love it though. The extra space makes a big difference over the standard MINI. The performance is more than adequate (make sure you push the Sport button on any test drive!). MPG is good, tax is £150pa. Plus you get the MINI handling too.
We go on family holidays in it (wife and two kids) by using a roof box.
Another slight disappointment is the quality of the standard stereo. I have added a parrot kit, upgraded front speakers and switched the front rear speakers over which has improved matters but still not great.
Check what tyres are on it. 'Most' people prefer to have non run flat tyres to give a more compliant, comfortable and grippy drive. I go against the grain a little and prefer run flat tyres. For me it sharpens the poise and handling - a character I enjoy in the MINI.
Probably loads I have missed but like the previous poster commented there don't seem to be any clubman specific issues.
Mike
It currently has about 44k on the clock.
Sunroof can be a little sticky.
When I first picked it up, the timing chain rattled. I had the tensioner replaced by the garage and everything has been fine since. It does like a drink of oil (about 1 litre per 1000 miles) It pays to keep an eye on this as I think some of the 'engine' failures are due to low oil rather than timing chain issues.
I love it though. The extra space makes a big difference over the standard MINI. The performance is more than adequate (make sure you push the Sport button on any test drive!). MPG is good, tax is £150pa. Plus you get the MINI handling too.
We go on family holidays in it (wife and two kids) by using a roof box.
Another slight disappointment is the quality of the standard stereo. I have added a parrot kit, upgraded front speakers and switched the front rear speakers over which has improved matters but still not great.
Check what tyres are on it. 'Most' people prefer to have non run flat tyres to give a more compliant, comfortable and grippy drive. I go against the grain a little and prefer run flat tyres. For me it sharpens the poise and handling - a character I enjoy in the MINI.
Probably loads I have missed but like the previous poster commented there don't seem to be any clubman specific issues.
Mike
Sport button unfortunately does not increase performance, just firms up the steering and adds some pops and bangs.
But as said look for same issues as with the hatch
Coking up inlet valves
Timing chains and tensioners
High pressure fuel pumps
Sticking pan roofs
Etc etc
Fun cars to drive though.
But as said look for same issues as with the hatch
Coking up inlet valves
Timing chains and tensioners
High pressure fuel pumps
Sticking pan roofs
Etc etc
Fun cars to drive though.
rigga said:
Sport button unfortunately does not increase performance, just firms up the steering and adds some pops and bangs.
Really? The throttle response on mine is definitely different with the sports button on. I always have mine in Sports mode and if I leave it in 'Normal' I almost stall the car. The 'map' definitely feels different on mine, especially at lower revs - I cannot believe it is all in my head (in fact my wife does like the sports mode when she drives it as it is 'too fast' 
)Mike
1. Check for oil collecting on top of the engine in the two holes holes where the engine cover is secured (i think?).
I test drove a 57 plate clubman cooper s with circa 70k miles. After about 10 mins driving I parked up, lifted the bonnet and there was oil bubbling in these holes. Oil does not belong on the outside...
I bought a 2010 JCW, it ended up doing the same thing at around 50k miles. I had a rocker cover gasket changed under warranty and it seems fine for the moment a few months down the line.
2. Interior annoying loud buzzing/rattles. Some cars are fine, some have annoying loud buzzing/rattles depending on seemingly temperature, number of revs being used or a mixture of these. Either way, it gets wearing very quickly.
I test drove a 57 plate clubman cooper s with circa 70k miles. After about 10 mins driving I parked up, lifted the bonnet and there was oil bubbling in these holes. Oil does not belong on the outside...
I bought a 2010 JCW, it ended up doing the same thing at around 50k miles. I had a rocker cover gasket changed under warranty and it seems fine for the moment a few months down the line.
2. Interior annoying loud buzzing/rattles. Some cars are fine, some have annoying loud buzzing/rattles depending on seemingly temperature, number of revs being used or a mixture of these. Either way, it gets wearing very quickly.
Unlight said:
Anyone know of any good examples for sale? Doesn't seem to be a lot out there at the moment!
If you can stretch to the full-monty, a JCW, you certainly won't regret it! The engine is stronger, steering geometry different, different exhaust, etc, and tuned to be much more engaging and looks far better with the full kit. Mini is on sale via eBay (it's black with custom yellow calipers) as it would be a disservice to use it as my daily driver after just changing the timing chain, clutch, driveshafts, etc etc.
In terms of what to look out for, the car should pull cleanly without hesitation from low (i.e. 1500 rpm) to high revs, otherwise there may be a coke buildup to address. The AC compressor can cause a slight rattling noise, not to be confused with the 'death rattle'. Front wishbone rear bushes can go, causing instability under braking, but many owners most likely won't know the difference between this and getting the tracking sorted all round.
Also, don't accept replacement of the timing chain tensioner (TCT) as a fix, as whilst this can temporarily stop the rattle, the chain will have been weakened and could still snap. Hence the reason that BMW no longer sell the 'revised' longer TCT that existed for awhile..
CAR Magazine have also published a good buyers guide on their website.
I had one for a couple of years, great car....still miss it!
The sport button changes the steering resposne and gives a different throttle response, much more on/off, so does indeed feel quicker. Plus you get more pops and bangs from the exhaust.
Issues to look for as mentioned previously.
I switched to non run flats and preferred them.
I'd also recommend a remap. I had one by Evolve. They are highly regarded. Made it properly quick with power up to around 210 (running super unleaded).
I have a Leon Cupra now, and to be honest find it far less fun to drive than my Clubman Cooper S.
The sport button changes the steering resposne and gives a different throttle response, much more on/off, so does indeed feel quicker. Plus you get more pops and bangs from the exhaust.
Issues to look for as mentioned previously.
I switched to non run flats and preferred them.
I'd also recommend a remap. I had one by Evolve. They are highly regarded. Made it properly quick with power up to around 210 (running super unleaded).
I have a Leon Cupra now, and to be honest find it far less fun to drive than my Clubman Cooper S.
Edited by bbqforce10 on Sunday 26th October 20:33
An early clutch replacement (a Cooper S not Clubman issue) at 22,000 miles and rattling rear and suicide doors were the major headache on mine. The door issue drive me nuts and required three or four adjustment trips to the dealership and new seals before it was sorted. You'll hear it straight away - just avoid a smooth-road test drive!
Peel back the rubber on the rear doors to check for rust. We had to get rid of ours, as John Clark's couldn't fix the doors properly despite 12 attempts.
I've spoke to 2 other Clubman owners, who upon looking also found rust underneath the back door rubbers. Sometimes the doors rub off each other as well
I've spoke to 2 other Clubman owners, who upon looking also found rust underneath the back door rubbers. Sometimes the doors rub off each other as well
mike9009 said:
Really? The throttle response on mine is definitely different with the sports button on. I always have mine in Sports mode and if I leave it in 'Normal' I almost stall the car. The 'map' definitely feels different on mine, especially at lower revs - I cannot believe it is all in my head (in fact my wife does like the sports mode when she drives it as it is 'too fast' )
Mike
On the Countryman is reduces throttle 'resolution' so basically in sport the same pedal angle commands more power from the engine as its a wired throttle rather than cable. )Mike
Also it allows overboost I believe so you do a touch more boost few a couple of seconds, ie enough to help with an overtake.
Google finds this map for the Cooper S
JonnyVTEC said:
mike9009 said:
Really? The throttle response on mine is definitely different with the sports button on. I always have mine in Sports mode and if I leave it in 'Normal' I almost stall the car. The 'map' definitely feels different on mine, especially at lower revs - I cannot believe it is all in my head (in fact my wife does like the sports mode when she drives it as it is 'too fast' )
Mike
On the Countryman is reduces throttle 'resolution' so basically in sport the same pedal angle commands more power from the engine as its a wired throttle rather than cable. )Mike
Also it allows overboost I believe so you do a touch more boost few a couple of seconds, ie enough to help with an overtake.
Google finds this map for the Cooper S
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