R56 2013 Cooper S - concerns with a potential purchase
Discussion
Hello. I’ve had a look at a 2013 R56 Cooper S. It has 52000 miles on it. There’s a couple of items I found on checking and quick test drive. Are these concerns or normal?
From cold the top end was noisy- tappety rattle. With the bonnet closed it wasn’t very loud. This remained after a 20 minute run. N18 engine so I thought this was the more reliable option.
Pulls to the left noticeably. It seems to track well but follows a curve to the left (including from the RH lane so up the camber). Tracking or something to check further for known issues?
Muggy interior unless temp set low and fan fast. With aircon on but temp raised to 19 plus after checking aircon blew cold (it does) the cabin started to feel muggy and the screen misted slightly ( to show wiping marks from previously). I’m not clear on the Auto function but hadn’t selected recirculate. Only time I’ve had this before was a leaking heater matrix in the cabin. Is it a known problem with a simple fix?
The service history has a 24000 mile / 3yr gap since the last service. The dealer is chasing up the previous owners to see if they have details. I’m thinking if there’s no history then I’m better off finding one that has rather than risk timing chain or Vanos damage. Oil level is difficult to read - there’s some there, doesn’t feel gritty and no mayo.
Anything else to check?
From cold the top end was noisy- tappety rattle. With the bonnet closed it wasn’t very loud. This remained after a 20 minute run. N18 engine so I thought this was the more reliable option.
Pulls to the left noticeably. It seems to track well but follows a curve to the left (including from the RH lane so up the camber). Tracking or something to check further for known issues?
Muggy interior unless temp set low and fan fast. With aircon on but temp raised to 19 plus after checking aircon blew cold (it does) the cabin started to feel muggy and the screen misted slightly ( to show wiping marks from previously). I’m not clear on the Auto function but hadn’t selected recirculate. Only time I’ve had this before was a leaking heater matrix in the cabin. Is it a known problem with a simple fix?
The service history has a 24000 mile / 3yr gap since the last service. The dealer is chasing up the previous owners to see if they have details. I’m thinking if there’s no history then I’m better off finding one that has rather than risk timing chain or Vanos damage. Oil level is difficult to read - there’s some there, doesn’t feel gritty and no mayo.
Anything else to check?
owned a 2011 n18 Mini Cooper S bought in for a couple of years non of the problems you mention.Great car only sold it to get a f56 Cooper S 7 speed DCT
Id be looking at another one(It was the 4th one I had test driven) and some superbly specced cars that are lot more than basic chili pack cars
Id be looking at another one(It was the 4th one I had test driven) and some superbly specced cars that are lot more than basic chili pack cars
twokcc said:
owned a 2011 n18 Mini Cooper S bought in for a couple of years non of the problems you mention.Great car only sold it to get a f56 Cooper S 7 speed DCT
Id be looking at another one(It was the 4th one I had test driven) and some superbly specced cars that are lot more than basic chili pack cars
No issue about what you say but the OP is talking about a specific car that is ringing alarm bells. Id be looking at another one(It was the 4th one I had test driven) and some superbly specced cars that are lot more than basic chili pack cars
Just bought a late 2013 cooper s. I was a bit iffy about the history on it at first but fairly happy. Its a keeper. I am putting it in for an oil change pronto. The Mini service intervals are huge (20k miles) so that could be the lack of history. These really benefit from regular oil changes so plan on one every 5-8k.
I have found mine to tug the wheel especially on the modern day big potholes. Reading elsewhere they do tend to tramline etc. It tracks straight and no difference turning left or right but heard that they are a bit sensitive to suspension geo so its getting a precautionary check.
I have found mine to tug the wheel especially on the modern day big potholes. Reading elsewhere they do tend to tramline etc. It tracks straight and no difference turning left or right but heard that they are a bit sensitive to suspension geo so its getting a precautionary check.
OP, these cars need regular oil changes as the manufacturer recommended service intervals were too long....low oil levels can lead to timing change stretch which then leads to other things. Ideally you should try & find an enthusiast owned car that has been over serviced. As others say, there are plenty of good ones out there so even if a dealer says they’ve just serviced it/changed the oil, it wouldn’t cure possible bigger issues - don’t walk away from it, but run is my suggestion.
PS 4 wheel geo & decent tyres are important for good handling.
PS 4 wheel geo & decent tyres are important for good handling.
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