Which convertible cooper s

[goingonholiday]

Mrs goingonholiday is keen on a mini cooper s convertible. Budget is a little bit flexible so we are looking at a 2008 to 2011 car. That seems to cover late first gen and early second gen and3 engines!!!

I'm confused, can anyone comment on which is the better engine? Do they all suffer with the timing chain issues?

Anything to look out for?

Thanks

[Boogs]

2010 is the swap over to the N18 engine. The latter engine is more powerful, so easy to check. It's 184bhp.

That said, whilst my son bought a newer car recently, the earlier cars should be ok if they have had the tensioner upgrade and you keep an eye on oil level.

IMHO the tensioner is blown out of all proportion, easily sorted/prevented for under £500, but then people have different views on what constitutes a major expense.

For me, I'd be more concerned about spec/condition than age, but then the extra 20 horses are a consideration.

[goingonholiday]

On an 08/09 car should the tensioner have been fixed as part of standard mini servicing / warranty or does it just depend on if its been an issue?

[Boogs]

TBH I don't know, but as BMW refuse to acknowledge there is an issue I suspect not. If they started upgrading them then they'd possibly find themselves liable for the damaged engines that have resulted from failures.

Edited by Boogs on Saturday 23 April 19:02