R56 Cooper S - can it be reliable??

[df76]

Just starting to look at these an option. Lots of horror stories, mostly relating to specific and major issues. But, is it possible to run one reliably if the money is spent on the right fixes, or are they just generally a problem car?

I'm driving less miles nowadays and tempted, but can't afford continuous large bills (don't mind spending money on normal / preventative maintenance). Would be interested to hear from owners that have used the car for a while..

[df76]

Thanks, good to hear the other side. Having done quite a bit of reading, it seems that the major problems are resolved by buying post 2009 with the N18 engine.

[df76]

Will definitely have a look at the N18 engine option. Prices seem to be a little all over the place!

[df76]

Maracus said:

We've had our Cooper S auto (N18 184) since November 2013. Bought from a MINI dealer with 28K on at 3 years old, now on 60k. It uses next to no oil. I purposely looked for a facelift/N18 model to avoid the tensioner issue.

Over and above routine servicing it has cost:

New High Pressure Fuel Pump fitted - £300
New Front pads and discs - £230 iirc
Rear Pads - £110
Rear Parking Sensor - £15

All work carried out by Sytner Solihull MINI dealer (except the parking sensor).

I'd say it's been excellent.

Thanks for that, nothing too horrendous there.

Does anyone know which cars benefit from the electronic differential?

[df76]

jakemico said:

I have a high mileage 2007 R56 Cooper S, bought around 60k and now circa 95k. When standard I had no major issues. Oil seals were covered under warranty, High Pressure Fuel Pump replaced and the coking issue I had sorted. only costs £200ish from a main dealer after haggling and wont need doing for another 15k.

Since then, have rebuilt the bottom end with forged conrods, pistons, Mahle Racing shells etc, Now sitting at north of 280bhp and 330 ft lbs which is a lot of fun! Not the most powerful MINI around by a long shot, thats for sure.

I've opted to fit a Quaife Helical ATB Diff which is perfect for fast road / track use. I do find it's limit when you lift a wheel but it's to be expected with its design. Highly recommend and not huge money!

Thanks. It would have to cope with the odd track day and speed event.. so obviously has some potential. Would have to be wearing my (very) sensible hat though and not get too carried away with mods.

[df76]

curlyks2 said:

2010 R56 N18 Cooper S here, 3+ years, 35k+ miles and it's now on c. 60k miles. Nothing but consumables needed.

These look reasonable value at this age. Ignoring some of the joke prices, massive variation.

[df76]

I should have a 2010 N18 spec Cooper S arriving on Sunday, really looking forward to it and thanks for all of the advice. The runflats will be coming off next week!

[df76]

johnoz said:

df76 said:

I should have a 2010 N18 spec Cooper S arriving on Sunday, really looking forward to it and thanks for all of the advice. The runflats will be coming off next week!

Just a question, are you sure its an N18? as it is said that they did not start production till July ish 2012!

I have a April 11 JCW which has the N14.

Yes, Cooper S's were fitted with N18s from mid 2010, not sure exactly why they weren't fitted to the JCW until later.

[df76]

Mini collected and very impressed.. hope it'll do the job. Runflats are really appalling and they will come off on Tuesday.

Need to work out how the DSC operates. If I disable it, is DTC still active??

[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..

[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!

[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..

[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!

[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.

[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.