N14 R55 worth it?

[Youreterriblemuriel]

I've been looking at R50's and R53's to replace my Panda 100HP (for about a year, but life got in the way). Always wanted a Mini and the nicer feel but size and matching power of the Panda means it seems to fit the bill. Only problem is finding a decent R53 in Edinburgh is that they are sold the same day. But now there's going to be an ULEZ and parking permits at my place which means the co2 of an R50/R53 means they may be out.

This has left me looking at R56s, I could afford the tax and insurance on an N14. Question is, are the worth the potential headache? I don't use the car for commuting so I do pretty low milage. Is a well cared for R55 like this one worth buying or will it break my heart? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

TLDR: will a tidy R55 N14 blow up in my face?

[E-bmw]

TLDR - There is a strong chance given the amount that do.

[rigga]

E-bmw said:

TLDR - There is a strong chance given the amount that do.

Well the internet is like that, only hear the bad stuff, I'm pretty sure there's loads that haven't had issues, could well find an example that's had all the remedies carried out already, and then have peace of mind.
Two sides and all that.

[Driver101]

How often are people seeking out Clubmans on PH these days? Becoming a little cult car?

Nice ones are hard to come by. It does look like the N18 powered cars are far more desirable. Clubman S with the N18 values are closing on the new model S.

I dare say buying an N18 would mean depreciation wouldn't be too much to worry about.

[Youreterriblemuriel]

Driver101 said:

How often are people seeking out Clubmans on PH these days? Becoming a little cult car?

Nice ones are hard to come by. It does look like the N18 powered cars are far more desirable. Clubman S with the N18 values are closing on the new model S.

I dare say buying an N18 would mean depreciation wouldn't be too much to worry about.

It seems to fit a small niche alright, I've always like them since seeing the concept as a kid.

All things point to the N18 being better but spending that much isn't an option for something that I'm only doing about 4,000 miles a year in.

[Youreterriblemuriel]

Well put a deposit down and am heading out with my mechanic tomorrow to lookit over, just checked as it was going to get it's
MOT extended and found this

[GaryF]

All of those sound like they can be sorted - the subframe being the biggest. If you were planning any mods, like a diff then you could have the subframe and its bushes replaced at the same time - the cost of the part is likely not too bad in itself.

Good luck if you are going ahead!

[GaryF]

Forgot to add, you can have a nice set of new slotted and drilled Brembo discs for less than OE replacements so go for those as an upgrade too

[Youreterriblemuriel]

Well went to see it today, new discs and everything but didn't get a chance to look at the subframe as the engine started sound tappety. Didn't sound like the death rattle but my mechanic wasn't impressed, guys going to look at it and let me know but this is sounding like a lot of warning signs.

[rigga]

N14's sound noisy anyway, direct injection exacerbates this, death rattle is a completely different sound entirely.

[Youreterriblemuriel]

rigga said:

N14's sound noisy anyway, direct injection exacerbates this, death rattle is a completely different sound entirely.

I'm not sure it's a big issue sounds like it was maybe low on oil and it could be the tappets to me. For how cheap it is I'm not sure to give it a go or take it as a warning sign

[Youreterriblemuriel]

Well to update this, I am now the owner of a N14 Clubman. Drives great, miles apart my 100HP