MINI F55/56

The 2001 MINI (R50) marked the beginning of the success story of the brand, revived under the wing of BMW. It’s a little sad that the path to success has been bumpy, which some owners have felt well. Today, MINI cars are associated with two extremes: memorable style and high maintenance costs. The fact that these cars are not cheap to operate, has already been deposited in the general consciousness. The first two generations of modern MINI were not models of reliability. In the early years, there were many rejections. In particular, the Midland (mkp) and CVT transmissions have repeatedly failed. The bad reputation is perhaps more so for the second generation, produced since 2006: damage to the Prince engine and diesel (for example, the timing system on the N47), problems with the cooling system, malfunctions associated with the glass roof and window guides, moisture in the trunk, plus minor problems with electronics. Of course, not every copy was so problematic, but without trouble was not complete. Some owners were disappointed that the dream car was actually tough and rough (though not as hard as the ancestor), requiring a firm owner's hand. The third generation had a lot to do. It is now possible to say with a clear conscience that this has been largely successful. The number of problems has decreased significantly, and the overall quality has increased (especially in the cabin of more equipped versions). The suspension features have also improved. And while it’s still not the most comfortable car in its class, the difference is still felt.

Model history

The MINI F Series began production in early 2014. The first in the salons received a 3-door version (F56), followed a few months later by a 5-door hatchback (F55). Then came the Clubman (F54), the convertible (F57, since 2016) and the Countryman (F60).

The first restyling was held in 2018. Clubman went facelift a year later.

Among other things, in the restyled samples appeared LED taillights with a pattern of the British flag. However, some older cars have them too (this is a popular, so-called retrophyte).

In 2019, the electric version of the Electric/Cooper SE entered production - only in a 3-door version. The electric train entered the market in 2020. The model is based on the BMW i3S, but is front-wheel drive.

Plug-in Hybryd is also present in the model range, but only in the Countryman version.

Interior and equipment

Compared to its predecessor, the build quality has increased significantly, and the car itself has grown.

The trunk became larger - 211 liters in the 3-door model and 278 liters in the 5-door.

The second row of seats is a little more comfortable, although the two adults are still not very comfortable.

Landing in the back row in the 3-door version will require gymnastic training. In the 5-door model, landing is easier, but there are also its own features due to the rather narrow doorway.

The speedometer was moved from the center of the panel and mounted in front of the driver's eyes. Virtual pointers appeared at a later stage of production.

The equipment could have been very extensive. The most interesting are: LED headlights (in the basic configuration weak), parking sensors, electric mirrors, glass roof (if it works) and automatic climate control.

Basic seats are not bad, although many buyers will prefer sports seats equipped with, among other things, adjusting the length of the seat.

Engines

Cooper S, John Cooper Works - 2.0T R4 (B48)

The most common gasoline turbo engine on the secondary market is the 1.2T/1.5T R3 (B38). Versions with 2.0T R4 (B48) are less common.

Diesel versions - both with three (B37) and four cylinders (B47) - are relatively few.

In mid-2019, all diesel engines were withdrawn from the range of hatchbacks and convertibles. They are available at Clubman and Countryman.

All engines are designed by BMW, belong to the modular B family and share some common components.

The timing system drive in all engines is chain. It is located on the side of the gearbox.

Petrol engines

Known for its predecessor, the problematic Prince gasoline engines (co-developed by BMW and Peugeot) are a thing of the past. They were replaced by the B38 and B48.

In the B38 until the spring of 2015, there were problems with the crankshaft thrust bearing. There was a knock, clearly distinguishable by cold. The problem was mainly affected by 136-horsepower engines. Replacement was subject to thrust bushings or even the entire engine. However, this engine is less problematic than the Prince.

Until the end of 2017, the One First and One versions used the 1.2 B38 engine. Both were then replaced by a 1.5 variant of the same power - 75 and 102 hp, respectively.

Overall, the B38 (One First, One and Cooper) engine is enough for everyday driving, and in a more powerful version (Cooper) it can even deliver a little fun. At the same time, the engine does not ask for excess - the average consumption is usually 6.5-8 l / 100 km.

The B48 series of petrol engines (Cooper S, JCW, GP) have been receiving good reviews so far.

In B38 and B48, leakages of coolant or oil occur. In the first case, the heat exchanger is to blame (from 3000 rubles for an analog or 26 000 rubles for the original), in the second - the oil filter body (from 10,000 rubles for an analog or 64 000 rubles for the original), laying the valve cover or camshafts.

The latest versions of gasoline units received a GPF particulate filter.

Diesel engines

Turbodiesels did not avoid the problem encountered in BMW - leakage of the radiator valve EGR (about 50 000 rubles). The leakage of fluid could have caused a fire in the engine compartment. Pure glycol does not ignite, but mixing with deposits in the intake tract becomes dangerous.

Symptoms of malfunction - loss of coolant and the smell of exhaust gases in the cabin.

You can check the VIN number to see if the car is eligible for a service promotion, a free replacement for the EGR module. Some cars were covered by a “preventive” maintenance program, in which the official service checked the module, and if a leak was detected, the part was replaced for free. Otherwise, the customer paid for the diagnosis.

In younger diesel engines, the AdBlue exhaust gas cleaning system sometimes fails.

Transmissions

The boxes are pretty reliable. However, in the early years there were mentions of a pop-up first gear in the manual transmission, and in old machines the box did not see a selector in the position P (parking).

Walking

The suspension still has a multi-link scheme at the back.

The springs are still quite stiff. Those who want more comfort can recommend options with adaptive shock absorbers. The difference in the Green and Mid modes is palpable, especially against the background of Sport mode and passive suspension.

The F-Series Mini still has a very lively and direct steering. On the one hand, the car willingly changes trajectory, on the other, it seems too nervous to some.

The increased weight (compared to its predecessors) did not affect the handling. The MINI F is still at the top of the segment. However, there are those who appreciate the lighter and more "Cartian" versions of the R5X.

Weaknesses:

Silent blocks of transverse levers (from 2000 rubles for an analog or 9 000 rubles for the original);

front shock absorbers (could flow from 11 000 rubles for an analog or 14 000 rubles for the original);

supports of rear shock absorbers (from 1000 rubles for an analog or 4800 rubles for an orginale).

In addition, could make noise external SRUS (from 4000 rubles for an analogue, the original is only assembled with a drive shaft - 43 000 rubles).

Other problems and malfunctions

When inspecting the MINI, be attentive to the details. On some cars, the chrome around the headlights begins to peel off. There are also known cases of damage to the paint as a result of friction against the rubber seal of the door.

The interior is not bad for time. Although some users complain about knocking and cracking, for example, progress over its predecessor is noticeable.

There were some minor shortcomings. For example, a smartphone can interfere with the operation of the keyless access system, which leads to the inability to start / stop the engine.

Some owners complain about problems with the back door lock. Sometimes the air conditioning and seat heating fail.

Petrol engines

• Known for its predecessor, the problematic Prince gasoline engines (co-developed by BMW and Peugeot) are a thing of the past. They were replaced by the B38 and B48.
• In the B38 until the spring of 2015, there were problems with the crankshaft thrust bearing.
• There was a knock, clearly distinguishable by cold.
• However, this engine is less problematic than the Prince.

Diesel engines

• Turbodiesels did not avoid the problem encountered in BMW - leakage of the radiator valve EGR (about 50 000 rubles).
• Symptoms of malfunction - loss of coolant and the smell of exhaust gases in the cabin.
• You can check the VIN number to see if the car is eligible for a service promotion, a free replacement for the EGR module.
• Some cars were covered by a “preventive” maintenance program, in which the official service checked the module, and if a leak was detected, the part was replaced for free.
• Otherwise, the customer paid for the diagnosis.

Weaknesses:

• front shock absorbers (could flow from 11 000 rubles for an analog or 14 000 rubles for the original);

Other problems and malfunctions

• When inspecting the MINI, be attentive to the details.
• Although some users complain about knocking and cracking, for example, progress over its predecessor is noticeable.
• Some owners complain about problems with the back door lock.
• Sometimes the air conditioning and seat heating fail.

The cheapest copies for 1 000 000 – 1 200 000 rubles are usually dull products, which can only discourage the desire to buy. There is nothing worse than a car that opens the door and finds absolutely nothing. Except for the seats and the steering wheel. They often have a vague history of the past.

Restyled samples (since the beginning of 2018) play in a completely different price league, since here without 1.8 million rubles you should not even start searching (this is usually a “dummy”).

Suspiciously cheap specimens are usually imported from the US and Canada. Many of the most accessible ones have more or less serious damage as a result of accidents, floods, etc. You should always check the vehicle’s VIN number. In the case of cars from the United States, you can sometimes find a few decisive facts without even leaving home.

The third MINI is a pretty good model, but there are a few points to keep in mind when operating. For example, change the oil before the recommendation of the onboard computer. Or at least once a year. For maintenance, you should find a good workshop specializing in MINI.

The more powerful versions (Cooper S and JCW or Cooper SD) are especially interesting.

• Model history: The MINI F Series began production in early 2014.
• Interior and equipment: Compared to its predecessor, the build quality has increased significantly, and the car itself has grown.
• Engines: Cooper S, John Cooper Works - 2.
• Transmissions: The boxes are quite reliable.
• Driving: The suspension still has a multi-link scheme at the back. The springs are still quite stiff.
• Other problems and malfunctions: Although some users complain about knocking and cracking, for example, progress over its predecessor is noticeable. There were some minor shortcomings.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.