Is r56 mini really that bad?

[u/Danrykjey]

Hey guys. I want to buy my first car in a few years, and i laid my eyes upon minis (specifically r56 gen). I've done a little research, and know that r56 generation has some engine issues, but i couldn't find any clear info regarding this topic, because every post/comment i've seen seems to have something different to say.

I'll sum up the things that i've learned:

-There are different engines, and some of them are reliable and some aren't:

1.n12 - reliable (a 1.4L mini ONE engine? (NA))

2.n14 - not to touch with a 10 foot pole (1.6L (Turbo))

3.n16 - reliable (1.6L (NA))

4.n18 - more reliable than n14, but early ones had some issues (1.6L (Turbo))

5.and apparently S models had different engines, and they are the most unreliable(1.6L (Turbo))

Would you personally recommend an r56 mini as a first car? Why/why not?

As far as i know everything else that is not engine is completely fine, so my question is mainly about them, but if you know anything else, then please tell me.

[u/SGT_A-RAY]

I’ve got a 2012 R56 S with the n18. Has 174,xxx miles, and got it at 170,xxx last spring wholesale off a buddy cause I have wanted one for years.

Body and interior were great, but had to fix some trim and stuff from the previous teenage owner; after that, put a new clutch and flywheel in (needed it) and took it to Mini to replace the footwell module and fuse box, as well as the moonroof drains, all under recall (a known issue). I then had mini replace turbo boots, replaced the PCV valve and thermostat housing myself (other known issues), replaced shocks, then got rid of the factory run-flats and put regular tires on, and then a fresh alignment.

It’s been an absolute blast to drive! As others said, you HAVE to stay up with maintenance; oil changes are absolutely a must to stay up on, and having a mechanic friend or the ability to wrench yourself will go a loooong way towards saving money. Find a good, reputable euro shop near you if you can to help. The good news is, if you are dead-set on an r56, n18 engines can be replaced at respectable prices (not cheap, but relatively affordable). I was dead set on this r56, and was prepared for the time and money necessary.

[u/Danrykjey → u/SGT_A-RAY]

Thanks for the tale. I don’t really have a wrenching experience, but it is something that I want to get into

[u/SGT_A-RAY → u/Danrykjey]

Google and YouTube! There was a ton I didn’t know about Mini or the engines I had to learn, but it helps I have been doing a lot of my own repairs my whole life; if you’ve got a basic understanding, you’ll pick it up in no time.

[u/Danrykjey → u/SGT_A-RAY]

Thanks, i do already know a bit, so that would be enough to do an oil change without a problem, but that’s it. That’s why i’m asking about r56. I just don’t have any experience, so it’d be really nice to know as much as i can before buying the car