R56, any problems to look for?

[coopernut]

New to the Mini experience and should be picking up a lovely Cooper S 2nd gen next week (2007)

Of course as soon as you start to mention you're having a new motor someone comes up with a personal opinion....

Yesterday a mechanic in a local garage said 'Headgaskets, they go regularly, we've done quite a few'

I've done a search which doesn't reveal much to look out for..... any views about this or any other niggles appreciated

[S8RAH]

Honestly, the head gaskets are the only things that don't cause problems!
Seriously though, have a look here Second Generation Faults & Fixes - MINI Cooper Forum - MINI2 Mini Cooper Forums and also here Second Generation MINI Cooper S - MINI Cooper Forum - MINI2 Mini Cooper Forums for the more common faults.
The S, despite the myriad of potential problems, is a superb all-round toy which is why most of us will forgive them anything.
The biggest issue is the long rumbling (or should I say rattling) cold start noise and the coking up of engines. Not an easy fix if you have a failure but there are things you can do to minimise chances of it happening to you.

[coopernut]

Thanks for the reply

[RSchleder]

I have owned a 2007 S for about 3 months and can't tell you how much I enjoy it. So far it's been trouble free but if it does develop a problem or two along the way, so be it, it's worth it for all the fun it is to own and drive!

[coopernut]

Hopefully picking it up tomorrow... can't wait

The nice thing with this one is that I know the previous owner... she's had a trouble free 3 years with it... and just put new Bridgestones all round

[S8RAH]

Congratulations. Let the mods begin!

[BlueBeastie]

Congrats on the new car! Just ask away if you want to know anything specific. As S8RAH said, the "death rattle" is probably the biggest issue.

[Poprin]

Congrats on the new car, before I list this please be aware for me all of this was done under warranty so it's not as bad as it looks but...

MCS death rattle (most common biggie happens to loads of people). If your engine rattles like deisel on startup you need a new cam chain and tensioners.
Power loss. Either fuel pump (common) or your engine is coked up (common)
Rattles. Boot lid especially if it doesn't close properly, rear anti-roll bar bushes get 'flattened' and make a racket.
Windows. Either get stuck, don't go back up when you close the door or don't go down.

CHECK YOUR OIL WEEKLY!!!!!!!!
MCS R56 drinks it, mine uses between 5-7 litres between servicing even after all the engine work and if you let it run low the engine will first make lots of noise then get hot... then go bang.

All this aside... Cars look awesome, go like stink. Women love them, great fun to drive. Loads of meets and shows if you like that sort of thing (I do!) so all in all I'm happy even with all of the above but be aware, an MCS is not for the feint of heart from my experience they are not without faults!

Again plus side the mini after service as been excellent.

Oh and one more thing... CHECK YOUR OIL WEEKLY!!!!