[Rick K]

Hey gang, looking for some advice. My wife has had a mini ('09 S Hardtop manual) in the past and loved it. I didn't love the constant concern about timing chain issues and other gremlins that continuously popped up.

She misses it and we might pick up a new(er) one in the near future despite my reservations. She spends a lot of time in front of clients with the design firm she works for - and she liked how the mini was great in the city but also looked the part for meetings.

How she'd use it: Commuting to Bethesda from Arlington every day and head into the city pretty regularly. I personally loved having the "S" power, but she couldn't care less.

Kiddos fit OK in the back, but we have another car that handles that duty.

Given that, what would you buy (all options would have manual):
Option 1: 2013 R56 Base mini with low miles
Option 2: 2013 R56 "S" with low miles
Option 3: 2014-15 Base mini with turbo 3 cyl
Option 4: 2014-15 "S" mini with turbo 4 cyl

I'm leaning towards option 3. F56 being more of a true BMW build quality (BMW engine platform) is very attractive to me given my prior experience.

However, I have zero experience with a 3 cylinder engine - and I've read about nightmare scenarios that these unbalanced engines eventually create a TON of racket and are underpowered. But some articles reviewing the 3 cylinder engine said that BMW has "worked magic" with that engine so it's smooth. Will that "magic" hold up across 100K miles of use?

However, there are some GREAT deals on the '13 models out there. But, I fear I'd be signing up for those questionable build quality gremlins again.

Thanks RK

[rs911t]

We've owned a 2013 S with an auto tranny about 2 years. Great little car and a hoot to drive. No issues at all really after ~25k miles.

[ducatithunder]

I have a r56 and love it. Haven't had any of the recall issues. I ave update a lot of those things before it became an issues. Ie turbo oil lines etc. I have 79k miles on my 2007. For me it has been pretty bulletproof.

[realroadrage]

I had an early R56 S (2007 model) and I had a ton of problems with it, but I still regret selling it. Why not go with the F56 S model and alleviate your 3-cylinder concerns and get the power the car deserves?

[Rick K]

Originally Posted by mscheidt

I had an early R56 S (2007 model) and I had a ton of problems with it, but I still regret selling it. Why not go with the F56 S model and alleviate your 3-cylinder concerns and get the power the car deserves?

Just money. ~5K more than the base and starting to push the 30K mark for a mini. Which is when my eyes start to water.

[ducatithunder]

What issues? The recall items or turbo failure?

[Nordschleife]

Have you considered an R53? IMO the earlier supercharged cars are more fun to drive and no timing chain issues. The 2005 & 2006 cars had the bugs out.

I just bought a 2006 Cooper S R53 with just 21k miles and there are a fair number of low mileage examples out there & available.

Either way you go (R53 or R56), they are neat cars.

[N0tt0N]

Woman I worked with bought a mini new in 2011 and sold it a year later after having the shock tops break twice hitting potholes and another issue that I cant recall - all under warrantee but lots of shop time. Coming from a Camry she was initially excited but put off by the clear reliability difference. I drove a 2013 as a rental car last year and hated the handling - found I was constantly fiddling with the steering and throttle on a straight, level road. It had some weird underglow lighting that changed colors. Meh.

[Manny Alban]

I have an 02 non S model. Love it. Has 106K on it and has been very reliable. Feels like a go kart. Being low on hp, I get to practice my momentum driving.

[ducatithunder]

I will agree the car does tramline alot which makes it alot harder .... err a nusance to drive. But get the turbo working and you forget about it all. I do like the look of the earlier R53s vs the later.