So... bought an R55!
Discussion
I had to sell my previous car and as we have to be a two car family I needed to find a cheapish, semi-practical but still fun replacement rather quickly. As this was all premeditated I had pretty much settled on an R55, as I couldn`t deal with the fuel economy/reliability of an RX-8, the dubious benefits of an Alfa Brera, the Frenchness of a Megane or the whiteware nature of a Golf, great cars that they may be, so Cooper S Clubman it was.
Sadly there were no N18 versions to my liking in my 10 day purchase window so settled on a manual 2008 N14 engined vehicle that seemed quite tight and sorted, with 120,000km (75,000 miles). After 2 weeks all seems fine, but the inevitable question of the timing chain is hanging over my head as despite back-tracking through the service history and contacting a couple of garages I can see no mention of this being replaced.
What is the verdict on the life of these things?
I have read that the service intervals recommended by Mini are a bit long and oil changes should be more frequent than advertised to help with timing chain issues, and this is work I`ll undertake myself. Currently there is no "death rattle" but I`d be interested to know the opinions of anyone experienced with these issues, and any other quirks that may be helpful to be aware of... Or point me at the appropriate thread if this question has been asked ad infinitum!
Sadly there were no N18 versions to my liking in my 10 day purchase window so settled on a manual 2008 N14 engined vehicle that seemed quite tight and sorted, with 120,000km (75,000 miles). After 2 weeks all seems fine, but the inevitable question of the timing chain is hanging over my head as despite back-tracking through the service history and contacting a couple of garages I can see no mention of this being replaced.
What is the verdict on the life of these things?
I have read that the service intervals recommended by Mini are a bit long and oil changes should be more frequent than advertised to help with timing chain issues, and this is work I`ll undertake myself. Currently there is no "death rattle" but I`d be interested to know the opinions of anyone experienced with these issues, and any other quirks that may be helpful to be aware of... Or point me at the appropriate thread if this question has been asked ad infinitum!
Your´s a lovely colour. 
Couldn´t resist as well and got an R55 JCW a few days ago for my loved for her occasional trip to the shopping and garden centre or for taking the Little Dane.
Poor girl, she had not one chance to drive it yet.
This little car is so much fun and I am off and away with it whenever possible.
I already don´t know, where to put all the milk.
Couldn´t resist as well and got an R55 JCW a few days ago for my loved for her occasional trip to the shopping and garden centre or for taking the Little Dane.
Poor girl, she had not one chance to drive it yet.
This little car is so much fun and I am off and away with it whenever possible.
I already don´t know, where to put all the milk.
Mr.Tremlini said:
I had to sell my previous car and as we have to be a two car family I needed to find a cheapish, semi-practical but still fun replacement rather quickly. As this was all premeditated I had pretty much settled on an R55, as I couldn`t deal with the fuel economy/reliability of an RX-8, the dubious benefits of an Alfa Brera, the Frenchness of a Megane or the whiteware nature of a Golf, great cars that they may be, so Cooper S Clubman it was.
Sadly there were no N18 versions to my liking in my 10 day purchase window so settled on a manual 2008 N14 engined vehicle that seemed quite tight and sorted, with 120,000km (75,000 miles). After 2 weeks all seems fine, but the inevitable question of the timing chain is hanging over my head as despite back-tracking through the service history and contacting a couple of garages I can see no mention of this being replaced.
What is the verdict on the life of these things?
I have read that the service intervals recommended by Mini are a bit long and oil changes should be more frequent than advertised to help with timing chain issues, and this is work I`ll undertake myself. Currently there is no "death rattle" but I`d be interested to know the opinions of anyone experienced with these issues, and any other quirks that may be helpful to be aware of... Or point me at the appropriate thread if this question has been asked ad infinitum!
Looks very nice OP, and not a bad backdrop either Sadly there were no N18 versions to my liking in my 10 day purchase window so settled on a manual 2008 N14 engined vehicle that seemed quite tight and sorted, with 120,000km (75,000 miles). After 2 weeks all seems fine, but the inevitable question of the timing chain is hanging over my head as despite back-tracking through the service history and contacting a couple of garages I can see no mention of this being replaced.
What is the verdict on the life of these things?
I have read that the service intervals recommended by Mini are a bit long and oil changes should be more frequent than advertised to help with timing chain issues, and this is work I`ll undertake myself. Currently there is no "death rattle" but I`d be interested to know the opinions of anyone experienced with these issues, and any other quirks that may be helpful to be aware of... Or point me at the appropriate thread if this question has been asked ad infinitum!
I have the N14 and luckily mine had all the major work completed on it by the previous seller. Keep an eye on the oil, and ensure you change it regularly. Does the history mention anything about fuel pump being replaced? These are another known issue with the car.
Also I know your not in the UK, but there are plenty of FB groups worth joining. Loads of good information available.
Had our R55 for just over a year now and its not missed a beat. Like you OP, I was looking at various options to replace our aging Golf GTI which I loved but there were big bills looming. Anything from the VAG stable was just dull (and I'm a big fan of VW stuff but mainly the older things) and having owned an R50 before, thought I'd check the R55 would be big enough (small dog, 2 kids and just needed it for bimbling around town etc). Ticked all the boxes for us and still feels a bit special to drive. So much so I've been looking at R55 JCWs but can't justify the cost difference between what we have and a decent one at the minute... Maybe one day.
Thanks very much for the info people! It sounds like (logically enough) regular oil/filter change and keep an eye on the level, just the usual stuff really. I heard back yesterday from my service contact at BMW and after some digging he found the chain was changed at 76,000km, so I should be well sorted for a while!
Yes I quite like the colour too, it`s Pacific Blue, rather apt as I`m from NZ originally.
Nothing on the fuel pump, but I`ll check out the groups. I found a you tube channel called Mod Mini that covers a few things too.
Griffithy said:
Your´s a lovely colour.
Couldn´t resist as well and got an R55 JCW a few days ago for my loved for her occasional trip to the shopping and garden centre or for taking the Little Dane.
Poor girl, she had not one chance to drive it yet.
Haha! Poor girl indeed, although it sounds like you had ulterior motives Couldn´t resist as well and got an R55 JCW a few days ago for my loved for her occasional trip to the shopping and garden centre or for taking the Little Dane.
Poor girl, she had not one chance to drive it yet.
Yes I quite like the colour too, it`s Pacific Blue, rather apt as I`m from NZ originally.Challo said:
Looks very nice OP, and not a bad backdrop either
Does the history mention anything about fuel pump being replaced? These are another known issue with the car.
Also I know your not in the UK, but there are plenty of FB groups worth joining. Loads of good information available.
Cheers, the photo is just down the road from home near Luzern, Switzerland. It`s not a bad part of the world. Does the history mention anything about fuel pump being replaced? These are another known issue with the car.
Also I know your not in the UK, but there are plenty of FB groups worth joining. Loads of good information available.
Nothing on the fuel pump, but I`ll check out the groups. I found a you tube channel called Mod Mini that covers a few things too.
DaveyBoyWonder said:
Ticked all the boxes for us and still feels a bit special to drive. So much so I've been looking at R55 JCWs but can't justify the cost difference between what we have and a decent one at the minute... Maybe one day.
I know what you mean! Already been perusing the ads with an eye to the future! Mod Mini on youtube is good. Remember that most of the car is an R56 so tends to be more information on those rather the R55.
Another good source I found is https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/MINI_R56... lots of pictures and covers most of the jobs you would need to do on a car. Normally my go-to source for tech help.
Another good source I found is https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/MINI_R56... lots of pictures and covers most of the jobs you would need to do on a car. Normally my go-to source for tech help.
Found myself in the more than a little bit of snow, it was piled on about 10 inches thick before I cleared it off.
Also... found myself running on three cylinders!
I was on the motorway at the time at the start of a two hour drive. I found a BMW/Mini garage 20km up the road. They were super-efficient, took the car away, diagnosed the 4th cylinder coil pack, replaced it and got me on my way, all in one hour and for 205chf (168GBP). Don`t need these issues, but very impressed with the service.
Gassing Station | New MINIs | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff