2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Thinking of getting an R56.

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by ChItalian1027, Apr 23, 2016.

  1. ChItalian1027

    ChItalian1027 Member

    Sep 17, 2012
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    Hey guys I've been thinking of getting an R56, what are somethings I should look out for on the R56?
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    May 4, 2009
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    Carbon, carbon and more carbon.
     
  3. ChItalian1027

    ChItalian1027 Member

    Sep 17, 2012
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    Really? Even though it takes Premium gas, which here in Chicago its 93 Octane.
     
  4. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

    Feb 24, 2013
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    Yes
     
  5. ChItalian1027

    ChItalian1027 Member

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    Can't seafoam be used to clean the carbon?
     
  6. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    No, not in this case. Walnut blasting is the preferred method.
     
  7. ChItalian1027

    ChItalian1027 Member

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    Ok thanks for the input
     
  8. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    The carbon thing is overrated.... Yeah it happens... So what... Just plan for it as a maintenance expense... No big deal...

    Figure $300-$400 in 50K to 75K...

    That's what comes with DI engines... Higher HP, Better gas mileage, and yeah, some carbon....

    People wear out their tires and they get replaced.... DI engine make carbon... Just get the walnut treatment at 50-75K...

    Not something to worry about.... Find a nice R56.... Maybe get $300 - $400 knocked off the price and be happy in your MINI...

    Hell..... David.0 spends $300 - $400 per week on his MINI with cleaning supplies (true factoid)....:rolleyes:
     
  9. mattsch1981

    mattsch1981 New Member

    Dec 26, 2012
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    I'd look for a R56 with the N18 engine. It's less prone to issues than the earlier N14. The N18 also doesn't seem to have the carbon issues.
     
  10. ChItalian1027

    ChItalian1027 Member

    Sep 17, 2012
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    What year did the N18 motor come in the R56?

    Thanks Metalman for your input as well!
     
  11. Stefanie

    Stefanie Well-Known Member

    May 8, 2014
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    I believe mid-2011 for the N18.

    Good luck! Love my R56. :)
     
  12. Zillon

    Zillon Well-Known Member

    Jul 12, 2014
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    Just ignore the 2007-2010 Cooper S - the 2011-2013 is much more reliable.

    I work at a dealer and we don't see carbon buildup issues on the N18 at all. Or timing chain issues (except for a couple high-mileage Countryman here and there).
     

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