The Mini is such a friendly little thing that it comes as a shock to discover that the minute your back is turned, the Cooper S of 2007-13 likes to throw its timing chain.
It’ll give you a few hints first, like a brushing noise or perhaps a rattle, from cold at idle. I once owned a Vauxhall Zafira 2.2 that did the same thing. The noise came and went and then one day the pistons and valves shook hands, and that was that.
The same will happen to the Cooper S’s engine, although more likely to any fitted before 2011, after which a revised chain tensioner was installed.
That’s right: it’s the hydraulic tensioner rather than the chain that’s the culprit. It doesn’t help that the engine likes a drink – as much as a litre of oil every 1000 miles. That’s a healthy engine, by the way. As the cars get older, experts say the engines are springing oil leaks in most un-BMW-like ways. Fail to keep your eye on the level and a red warning light will be the least of your worries.
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The second-generation R56 Cooper S was launched in the shadow of its predecessor, the popular R53 of 2002-06. That earlier version was powered by a Chrysler/Rover-developed supercharged 1.6-litre engine made by Tritec. Its successor dispensed with that in favour of the new BMW/Peugeot-developed Prince engine, a turbocharged 1.6 making 173bhp, with 177lb ft from 1600-5000rpm or an overboosted 192lb ft.
Its codename is N14 and it has BMW’s infinitely variable single Vanos valve timing. This is important because, in early 2010, as a result of what at the time BMW doubtless referred to as ‘continuous product improvement’ but what you and I might call a barrage of complaints, it replaced it with a revised version called the N18.
Happily, the uprated engine produced 182bhp and, among other things, had a double Vanos system controlling both intake and exhaust valves to provide a more even spread of torque and lower emissions.
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My wife had the Cooper SD
My wife had the Cooper SD version of this Mini. Strong punchy performance (ignoring the torque steer) and great economy. But, not the easiest to drive at speed flowing through corners on a country road - a bit too skittish, certainly. I also had the pleasure of driving it back from Devon to home which is a 6 hour drive....albeit doing it quite quickly, I was knackered at the end of it! I had an '03 Cooper S a few years ago and although this is more comfortable all round, I couldn't dream of owning either these days....other cars do a much better all-round job! Trust me.
Awful ride comfort
my sister owned a 2009 cooper and now a 2014 cooper. Both have a horrifically hard ride and unsupportive seats that give me a sore back over longer journeys. The 2009 model also had a number of problems - boot lock mechanism failed so you couldn't open it, aircon failed, clutch went at a low mileage and paint peeled (this was at about 4 years old). The newer one feels more solid and isn't so mean with spec but still strikes me as overrated.
interestingly I used to own an Alfa Mito which was slated in comparisons for its ride. On my models 17 inch alloys it had a much better ride, although admittedly not exactly a magic carpet. The Mito also had more performance for a lower price, lovely comfy seats, well equipped and you didn't pass one every 3 seconds.
Steer Clear
Owned two MCS's as daily drivers for 5+ years. 40k+ miles covered
Timing chain is a design flaw but is not the massive issue its made out to be, BMW paid 50% of my replacement £450.00 to me, in and out in a day same as a service. Latest tensioner, never had a problem since.
Oil consumption, likes a drink for sure, keep it topped up, 5 mins a week.
Ride, remove the run flats replace with something decent - PS4's on mine, while still no RR, the trade off is that it that it really does handle properly now.
Steering, you should driving a Toyota (duller than ditchwater), you obviously don't like driving!
smallblock wrote:
None of its tyres were run flats. Summer wheels were 17", Winters 16", all tyres same rolling circumference so I could make the direct comparison - winters were infinitely preferable. I agree that Toyotas are dull as ditchwater and instead drive a 1986 Carrera 3.2 which I hope you might accept provides plenty of steering feel. Kindly keep your insults to yourself next time please.
smallblock wrote:
Not all Toyotas are as dull as dish water, the yaris grmn is apparently great fun if ridiculously priced, gt86, one of the best drivers cars out there, all the mr2s have been fun as have celicas, as have a lot of corollas etc. Epas doesnt appear to be great on any car really, even porsche epas systems arent lauded by motoring journos.