Are there 2017/18 Cooper S issues
Discussion
It's a completely different engine to the previous generation. In comparative terms they are way better built as a car overall, and the engine in particular way more reliable. Google AI says:
Yes, the F56 Mini Cooper S (2014–2024) is generally considered a very reliable car, representing a massive improvement over its predecessors. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged B48 engine is a solid unit used across many BMW models. While it has few common, high-severity engine issues, earlier models have some known problems to look for.
Key Reliability Details:
Engine & Drivetrain: The B48 engine is robust and avoids the major timing chain issues of the previous generation (R56).
Known Issues: Early Cooper S models (January 2014 – February 2015) can suffer from crankshaft bearing issues that may require engine replacement.
Other Potential Faults: Some owners report failing engine/motor mounts (heard as a thud upon startup) and occasional oil solenoid issues.
Maintenance: While generally reliable, the Cooper S can be expensive to repair, so regular, rigorous maintenance is crucial.
Overall, the F56 is considered a "fix-it-and-forget-it" car compared to its predecessors, with many owners reporting few to no issues with higher-mileage vehicles.
To remap or not remap is the question though...it is tempting to get circa 270bhp from a Stage 1.
I do think the F56 lacks a little of the fizz and fun of previous gens though having owned all three.
Yes, the F56 Mini Cooper S (2014–2024) is generally considered a very reliable car, representing a massive improvement over its predecessors. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged B48 engine is a solid unit used across many BMW models. While it has few common, high-severity engine issues, earlier models have some known problems to look for.
Key Reliability Details:
Engine & Drivetrain: The B48 engine is robust and avoids the major timing chain issues of the previous generation (R56).
Known Issues: Early Cooper S models (January 2014 – February 2015) can suffer from crankshaft bearing issues that may require engine replacement.
Other Potential Faults: Some owners report failing engine/motor mounts (heard as a thud upon startup) and occasional oil solenoid issues.
Maintenance: While generally reliable, the Cooper S can be expensive to repair, so regular, rigorous maintenance is crucial.
Overall, the F56 is considered a "fix-it-and-forget-it" car compared to its predecessors, with many owners reporting few to no issues with higher-mileage vehicles.
To remap or not remap is the question though...it is tempting to get circa 270bhp from a Stage 1.
I do think the F56 lacks a little of the fizz and fun of previous gens though having owned all three.
and yes, remap may be in the cards if I get one TTB said:
Thank you ? and yes, remap may be in the cards if I get one
I have a Works 210, worth seeking out if you can find one. And it's arguably fine as is but as I approach a year of ownership and the insurance renewal comes up I can't help but think it might be a good time to remap it. I do think 2017-18 is a good year to go for as early niggles rectified but pre-OPF so they sound a bit rortier.
WayOutWest said:
It's a completely different engine to the previous generation. In comparative terms they are way better built as a car overall, and the engine in particular way more reliable. Google AI says:
Yes, the F56 Mini Cooper S (2014 2024) is generally considered a very reliable car, representing a massive improvement over its predecessors. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged B48 engine is a solid unit used across many BMW models. While it has few common, high-severity engine issues, earlier models have some known problems to look for.
Key Reliability Details:
Engine & Drivetrain: The B48 engine is robust and avoids the major timing chain issues of the previous generation (R56).
Known Issues: Early Cooper S models (January 2014 February 2015) can suffer from crankshaft bearing issues that may require engine replacement.
Other Potential Faults: Some owners report failing engine/motor mounts (heard as a thud upon startup) and occasional oil solenoid issues.
Maintenance: While generally reliable, the Cooper S can be expensive to repair, so regular, rigorous maintenance is crucial.
Overall, the F56 is considered a "fix-it-and-forget-it" car compared to its predecessors, with many owners reporting few to no issues with higher-mileage vehicles.
To remap or not remap is the question though...it is tempting to get circa 270bhp from a Stage 1.
I do think the F56 lacks a little of the fizz and fun of previous gens though having owned all three.
If you plan to get 270 bhp, you really do need to uprate the intercooler and brakes. buy boy they go like stink with that powerYes, the F56 Mini Cooper S (2014 2024) is generally considered a very reliable car, representing a massive improvement over its predecessors. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged B48 engine is a solid unit used across many BMW models. While it has few common, high-severity engine issues, earlier models have some known problems to look for.
Key Reliability Details:
Engine & Drivetrain: The B48 engine is robust and avoids the major timing chain issues of the previous generation (R56).
Known Issues: Early Cooper S models (January 2014 February 2015) can suffer from crankshaft bearing issues that may require engine replacement.
Other Potential Faults: Some owners report failing engine/motor mounts (heard as a thud upon startup) and occasional oil solenoid issues.
Maintenance: While generally reliable, the Cooper S can be expensive to repair, so regular, rigorous maintenance is crucial.
Overall, the F56 is considered a "fix-it-and-forget-it" car compared to its predecessors, with many owners reporting few to no issues with higher-mileage vehicles.
To remap or not remap is the question though...it is tempting to get circa 270bhp from a Stage 1.
I do think the F56 lacks a little of the fizz and fun of previous gens though having owned all three.
pigface1001 said:
If you plan to get 270 bhp, you really do need to uprate the intercooler and brakes. buy boy they go like stink with that power
I'm still mulling it over. I had some EBC Yellowstuff front pads fitted some months back (the OE discs looked fairly new anyway so I stuck with them and didn't bother adding slotted discs and braided hoses this time like I did with my R56 Cooper S). Due to covering a low mileage they took a while to bed in via the "drive like a granny for x hundred miles" method, but now really pleased with them. No squeal, no downsides, better stopping power and they hold up noticeably better than the stock pads after repeated hard use. At least for road use. I don't track the car so that's irrelevant. But under no illusions the JCW Brembo set up would be a big improvement, and I'm not sure my current brakes would handle 270bhp.
I have a 2018 Cooper S.
From May 2018 mini started to do a face lift called the LCI 1, which has the B48TU engine, mine is pre-OPF so I don't have one on my exhaust but those were early LCI1s with out those. Other differences is the fuel gauge is different and you've got the union jack rear lights front has the full DLR ring and not a gap for the indictor for pre LCI minis (2014-2018)
You have the LCI2 from I think 2021 which has different bumpers etc.
If you were interested in remaps, I would recommend dervtech they can do the same day unlocks on the coopers including LCI2 (before these were sent to Austria I think). I have a stage 1 remap and my mini is 275hp 448nm of toque.
The only issue I've had with mine is the engine mounts these are a known issue I've recently upgraded to the GP3 engine mount so it should be better, other mods I've done is X1 brakes on the front to run bigger discs as I wasn't happy with the standard brakes, 12m spacers on the front and 15m on the back.
When I brought the car it had budgets all round so I got these changed by dervtech as I had it mapped by them also as it was an unknown map on there before and we changed all 4 tires for PS5s but they did upgrade the size from 205/40/17n to 215/40/17.
From May 2018 mini started to do a face lift called the LCI 1, which has the B48TU engine, mine is pre-OPF so I don't have one on my exhaust but those were early LCI1s with out those. Other differences is the fuel gauge is different and you've got the union jack rear lights front has the full DLR ring and not a gap for the indictor for pre LCI minis (2014-2018)
You have the LCI2 from I think 2021 which has different bumpers etc.
If you were interested in remaps, I would recommend dervtech they can do the same day unlocks on the coopers including LCI2 (before these were sent to Austria I think). I have a stage 1 remap and my mini is 275hp 448nm of toque.
The only issue I've had with mine is the engine mounts these are a known issue I've recently upgraded to the GP3 engine mount so it should be better, other mods I've done is X1 brakes on the front to run bigger discs as I wasn't happy with the standard brakes, 12m spacers on the front and 15m on the back.
When I brought the car it had budgets all round so I got these changed by dervtech as I had it mapped by them also as it was an unknown map on there before and we changed all 4 tires for PS5s but they did upgrade the size from 205/40/17n to 215/40/17.
Gassing Station | New MINIs | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff