R56 Cooper S - can it be reliable??

[df76]

Speed 3 said:

This sort of explains but I haven't played around with it myself other than when we had some snowstorms last month and I needed some wheelspin:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/11/24/dynamic-sta...

Thanks.. I'm nervous that it says that "some models" are equipped with DTC..

[atom111]

I think DTC was an option at least in the later models it's listed as such and was part of the Sports Chilli Pack and standard on JCW, and the Sports Pack.

I also picked up a R56 Cooper S with N18 at the weekend, I don't have DTC from what I can tell, just DSC

[df76]

atom111 said:

I think DTC was an option at least in the later models it's listed as such and was part of the Sports Chilli Pack and standard on JCW, and the Sports Pack.

I also picked up a R56 Cooper S with N18 at the weekend, I don't have DTC from what I can tell, just DSC

I shall be assuming that it's not on the car!

[atom111]

df76 said:

I shall be assuming that it's not on the car!

There are some vin checking tools on the web you get a list of what the car left the factory with

[atom111]

I used this one to check the specification of our new to us one

https://www.etkbmw.com/bmw/EN/vin/decoder

[df76]

atom111 said:

I used this one to check the specification of our new to us one

https://www.etkbmw.com/bmw/EN/vin/decoder

Thanks, that confirms that I don't have DTC. Although it also does state that I have daytime running lights, which I don't..

[atom111]

df76 said:

Thanks, that confirms that I don't have DTC. Although it also does state that I have daytime running lights, which I don't..

Have you checked they are enabled in the personal profile?

[df76]

atom111 said:

df76 said:

Thanks, that confirms that I don't have DTC. Although it also does state that I have daytime running lights, which I don't..

Have you checked they are enabled in the personal profile?

Having battled with the car computer, there's doesn't seem to be the right option / symbol available. But if a shame as it's a black car!

[atom111]

df76 said:

Having battled with the car computer, there's doesn't seem to be the right option / symbol available. But if a shame as it's a black car!

The config if you don't have nav unit isn't massively intuitive, you change the clock from 12hr and 24hr on the headunit but to change the date display from US to UK style is on the stalk and a pain to find.

Wonder when DRL's were standard fit I'll have to check mine, I've a 2013.

[Speed 3]

My 2013 is boggo standard and has DRL's. You have to set the lights stalk to Auto and set DRL on the computer settings (via stalk push)

[atom111]

Speed 3 said:

My 2013 is boggo standard and has DRL's. You have to set the lights stalk to Auto and set DRL on the computer settings (via stalk push)

Ok thanks will give that a try too

[df76]

atom111 said:

Speed 3 said:

My 2013 is boggo standard and has DRL's. You have to set the lights stalk to Auto and set DRL on the computer settings (via stalk push)

Ok thanks will give that a try too

I don't have auto lights, so I'm pretty sure DRL doesn't exist. Will have one more look later on, but if no joy I shall just drive around with dipped lights. Xenons are meant to last well.

[mcsfan]

Hi !
Df76, how is your new mini running so far? Any issues? I hope you are enjoying it free from problems !
I am thinking about purchasing a 2014 MCS (n18 engine )from a bmw dealer. I LOVE minis! My father owns a classic mini and i drove a r56 One for a few weeks and i loved it.
But i have heard many horror stories about the n18 reliability...
I Would really thank any owner who could give me more information about their experience with the cooper s and the common problems and fixing costs.
Thanks in advance for any advice!

[steve-5snwi]

The N18 is much better when it comes to reliability, the only expense mine has incurred in 5 years is the high pressure fuel pump. Budget £600 if it needs one.

[df76]

mcsfan said:

Hi !
Df76, how is your new mini running so far? Any issues? I hope you are enjoying it free from problems !!

Nothing has broken, only regular servicing needed. I was tempted to start prepping it for the track, but as it's such a good road car I've decided against that (bought a Civic Type R for that). The Mini really does all the jobs really well, perfect on the trip to Le Mans last year.

[Maracus]

steve-5snwi said:

The N18 is much better when it comes to reliability, the only expense mine has incurred in 5 years is the high pressure fuel pump. Budget £600 if it needs one.

This mirrors my experience almost exactly, except the repair was discounted to around £300 by MINI.

[Speed 3]

Had my 2012 MCS for 2.5 years and nothing has broken on it yet.

[steve-5snwi]

Maracus said:

This mirrors my experience almost exactly, except the repair was discounted to around £300 by MINI.

When i originally checked Mini wanted £400 plus vat, last year this changed to £700 plus vat, Neo brothers have it listed for £425 including vat for the N18, the N14 is cheaper. Mini have lots of offers on R56 service parts at the minute as part of the trade club.

[TheAlastair34]

mcsfan said:

Hi !
Df76, how is your new mini running so far? Any issues? I hope you are enjoying it free from problems !
I am thinking about purchasing a 2014 MCS (n18 engine )from a bmw dealer. I LOVE minis! My father owns a classic mini and i drove a r56 One for a few weeks and i loved it.
But i have heard many horror stories about the n18 reliability...
I Would really thank any owner who could give me more information about their experience with the cooper s and the common problems and fixing costs.
Thanks in advance for any advice!

dont think you will find many issues with the n18 unlike the n14

high pressure fuel pump seems the only things that fail, around £300 fitted for a new one

Ive had my N18 JCW Clubman for a year nothing has gone wrong returns good mpg and is fun

[paultownsend]

Where are you sourcing the HPFP from?