R56 Buying Advice

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   Hi Guys,I'm a newbie to this forum but was hoping I might be able to get some advice on buying an R56 Mini.
I've never owned a Mini but always fancied one since the R53 came out. Had a Cooper S rental car for a few days a long time ago and still fondly remember the supercharger whine..... fun times

Anyway now I am looking to downsize from my E60 520D to something that will be a bit of fun but will still be able to fit my kids. I am considering the R56 Cooper or Cooper D because its not too old and they are good value for money. They are also in a lower tax bracket. The standard mini might be a little tight so I was thinking of going for a Clubman for a bit of extra practicality.

While doing my research I have been a bit shocked about the engine problems that appear to be common on both the petrol and diesel engines in the R56. I read about the 'Prince' engine's 'death rattle' and the DV6's oil sludge problems. I'm changing from the E60 because it is starting to get costly to maintain due to age and mileage and I don't really want to get a car that is going to cause me problems and money. I'm willing to put up with a bit of maintenance/cost in order to get into a car that will be fun and has character but I don't want a money pit!! Am I mad going for the Mini? Are the problems as bad as I'm reading? If I was very picky and made sure I got one that had been properly serviced at correct intervals would that greatly reduce the risk of major engine issues? . Also, are there other faults or issues I should look out for when viewing a car? I would appreciate any advice you guys could give me.

Thanks

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cpcooper Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 05 Jul 2020 Status: Offline Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote cpcooper Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: R56 Buying Advice Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 10:01pm
	Hi Guys, I'm a newbie to this forum but was hoping I might be able to get some advice on buying an R56 Mini. I've never owned a Mini but always fancied one since the R53 came out. Had a Cooper S rental car for a few days a long time ago and still fondly remember the supercharger whine..... fun times Anyway now I am looking to downsize from my E60 520D to something that will be a bit of fun but will still be able to fit my kids. I am considering the R56 Cooper or Cooper D because its not too old and they are good value for money. They are also in a lower tax bracket. The standard mini might be a little tight so I was thinking of going for a Clubman for a bit of extra practicality. While doing my research I have been a bit shocked about the engine problems that appear to be common on both the petrol and diesel engines in the R56. I read about the 'Prince' engine's 'death rattle' and the DV6's oil sludge problems. I'm changing from the E60 because it is starting to get costly to maintain due to age and mileage and I don't really want to get a car that is going to cause me problems and money. I'm willing to put up with a bit of maintenance/cost in order to get into a car that will be fun and has character but I don't want a money pit!! Am I mad going for the Mini? Are the problems as bad as I'm reading? If I was very picky and made sure I got one that had been properly serviced at correct intervals would that greatly reduce the risk of major engine issues? . Also, are there other faults or issues I should look out for when viewing a car? I would appreciate any advice you guys could give me. Thanks

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Mike Fishwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 2753	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike Fishwick Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 Jul 2020 at 11:56am
	'Correct' intervals is marketing men's name for extended service intervals - meaning as long as possible between oil changes, or to put it truthfully, changing the oil at far too high mileages! This is where oil sludge comes from, and on some VW Golfs it is known to cause blocking of the camshaft timing control, blockage of cam lobe lubrication orifices, and blockage of the oil pick-up strainer. BMW engines are not immune from such problems either. In the last case, there is - just - enough oil pressure to stop the warning lamp from working, but too little to provide adequate lubrication, resulting in crankshaft bearing failure as well. Far too many dealerships have your car all day to carry out a quick service, resulting in many oil changes being carried out on cold engines, after the sludge content has settled out, so as you can imagine, a Full BMW Service History is not a guarantee od good practice. Meanwhile, how about some input from our MINI owners, or are you all driving new cars? Go for a car which has been over-maintained, or one which has only covered a very low mileage. Edited by Mike Fishwick - 11 Jul 2020 at 12:00pm
	A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!

cpcooper Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 05 Jul 2020 Status: Offline Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote cpcooper Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 12 Jul 2020 at 1:08pm
	Thanks Mike. I think I'll take your advice. I'm not in a big hurry to get a car so will take my time and try to get one that has been 'over maintained' and has low mileage. When I do get one I will be checking my oil levels regularly and will do my oil changes regularly!!