R55 Clubman Cooper S N14
Discussion
Morning,
I have seen a Cooper S Clubman up for sale locally I quite fancy, but it has the N14 engine which I know is plagued with issues. Spoke to seller briefly and he advised that in his ownership it has had the engine stripped and rebuilt with new pistons, bearings, water pump, timing chain and various gaskets fitted.
These seem to be the main failings on that engine, and if already done should be a relatively safe bet? Anything else on these to be wary off?
Thanks
I have seen a Cooper S Clubman up for sale locally I quite fancy, but it has the N14 engine which I know is plagued with issues. Spoke to seller briefly and he advised that in his ownership it has had the engine stripped and rebuilt with new pistons, bearings, water pump, timing chain and various gaskets fitted.
These seem to be the main failings on that engine, and if already done should be a relatively safe bet? Anything else on these to be wary off?
Thanks
Dave. said:
Depends who did the work, when they did it (still in warranty?) and how prepared you are for paying for it to be done again.
He sent me an invoice for the work, and it was completed in Oct 2019. Not sure on the warranty it comes with though. Surely if the engine has been stripped and rebuilt it won’t need it doing again with preventative maintenance and regular oil changes?You'll be in a better position than 99% of owners for sure, not to say it won't need work again in the future though, still need to keep on top of
Coking up inlet valves
Possible coolant leaks from thermostat housing
High pressure fuel pump going tits up.
Find a local independent mini specialist, takes the sting out of owning one of these.
Coking up inlet valves
Possible coolant leaks from thermostat housing
High pressure fuel pump going tits up.
Find a local independent mini specialist, takes the sting out of owning one of these.
Went and saw the car last night and felt sorry for the seller. He didn’t do his research and when he got it home found out it had the dreaded blue smoke from the exhaust. So far it’s had the following:
Timing Chain
Valve Stems
Pistons
Water pump
Various gaskets and bearings
Full service
Clutch
So it looks like all the big mechanical elements have been done. Only thing he doesn’t have a receipt for is the fuel pump but he said it looks pretty new but unsure. Car didn’t come with lots of history, but he has retrospectively rung around the garages to get as much as he can about the car.
Big thuing that lets the car down is the bodywork. Needs a new bonnet, or this one sprayed. Plus a small lacquer peel on the rear quarter from a stone chip. One of the rear barn doors has some rust where the handle is. It’s been touched up, but will need fixing properly if bothered. Rest of the car needs a mop and polish and it’s looking tired.
Interior Is fantastic, high spec car and everything works. The AC does need gassing, but that’s only because it was never refilled after the engine strip down.
Drives nice, pulls well and no knocks or bangs when driving.
Someone has offered him 2250, so I think I could get it for 2600-2750. Would be a decent little project for me to do. As a second run around car doing 5k miles a year seems spot on. Just need my C30 collecting first.
Timing Chain
Valve Stems
Pistons
Water pump
Various gaskets and bearings
Full service
Clutch
So it looks like all the big mechanical elements have been done. Only thing he doesn’t have a receipt for is the fuel pump but he said it looks pretty new but unsure. Car didn’t come with lots of history, but he has retrospectively rung around the garages to get as much as he can about the car.
Big thuing that lets the car down is the bodywork. Needs a new bonnet, or this one sprayed. Plus a small lacquer peel on the rear quarter from a stone chip. One of the rear barn doors has some rust where the handle is. It’s been touched up, but will need fixing properly if bothered. Rest of the car needs a mop and polish and it’s looking tired.
Interior Is fantastic, high spec car and everything works. The AC does need gassing, but that’s only because it was never refilled after the engine strip down.
Drives nice, pulls well and no knocks or bangs when driving.
Someone has offered him 2250, so I think I could get it for 2600-2750. Would be a decent little project for me to do. As a second run around car doing 5k miles a year seems spot on. Just need my C30 collecting first.
Considering we just moved our R56 MCS on for 3k which was in great condition, full spec (sun roof, heated lounge leather) and was a N18, I would move on. Ok it had 98k on it but it was immaculate with comprehensive FSH with intermediate oil changes. And it still drunk oil.
There are plenty of these things around.
There are plenty of these things around.
paultownsend said:
Considering we just moved our R56 MCS on for 3k which was in great condition, full spec (sun roof, heated lounge leather) and was a N18, I would move on. Ok it had 98k on it but it was immaculate with comprehensive FSH with intermediate oil changes. And it still drunk oil.
There are plenty of these things around.
I know what you mean. The N18's are going for alot more at the moment, and even N14 engines are around the 3500-4000. There are plenty of these things around.
Will give it some more thought and see what else comes up.
I admit the 3k was to a main dealer (Sytner) but we were happy with it. I am not a fan of private sales when you start messing around with people coming over to your house then bidding you silly prices.
And don’t believe that the A/C just needs a regassing. If that’s the case then get the current owner to do it. He won’t.
And don’t believe that the A/C just needs a regassing. If that’s the case then get the current owner to do it. He won’t.
I'd rock up with 2400 in cash and see if they bite. Work wouldn't put me off, a few hundred more on the paint and its all sorted (for now LOL) the N14 gets a bad rap, but keep on top of the maintenace and they work. Factor a cam chain every 40k-ish, and check the oil weekly. The pricey consumable part is the HPFP, but is an easy swap for a DIYer. Mine was bought in VGC with 53k miles and a blown HG for ~£3k, forcourt prices at the time for a running car was ~£4.5-6k, even with the upgrades I have done I am well under the lower price on parts costs.
scrw. said:
I'd rock up with 2400 in cash and see if they bite. Work wouldn't put me off, a few hundred more on the paint and its all sorted (for now LOL) the N14 gets a bad rap, but keep on top of the maintenace and they work. Factor a cam chain every 40k-ish, and check the oil weekly. The pricey consumable part is the HPFP, but is an easy swap for a DIYer. Mine was bought in VGC with 53k miles and a blown HG for ~£3k, forcourt prices at the time for a running car was ~£4.5-6k, even with the upgrades I have done I am well under the lower price on parts costs.
Thanks. Im handy with spanners, and its not going to be a garage queen. Its gonna be used for local runs, dogs, golf clubs and general abuse. Plus I thought with the Cooper S its got the performance to have a good hoon as well if needed. scrw. said:
I'd rock up with 2400 in cash and see if they bite. Work wouldn't put me off, a few hundred more on the paint and its all sorted (for now LOL) the N14 gets a bad rap, but keep on top of the maintenace and they work. Factor a cam chain every 40k-ish, and check the oil weekly. The pricey consumable part is the HPFP, but is an easy swap for a DIYer. Mine was bought in VGC with 53k miles and a blown HG for ~£3k, forcourt prices at the time for a running car was ~£4.5-6k, even with the upgrades I have done I am well under the lower price on parts costs.
Pick it up tomorrow. Cost me 2600 which doesnt seem to bad in the grand scheme of things. Now just need to get on ebay and find some replacement parts. 
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