MINI MINI Cabrio R57
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The MINI Cabrio R57 (2009–2015) is the open-top version of the R56 — same engines, same suspension, but with a hydraulic soft top and the typical convertible trade-offs in body rigidity.
Engines: N12B16 (Cooper, 88 kW) and N14B16 (Cooper S, 128 kW) pre-facelift, N16B16 (Cooper, 90 kW) and N18B16 (Cooper S, 135 kW) post-facelift from 2010, plus N47C20 (Cooper D, 82 kW) diesel. Same engine issues as the R56 — avoid the N14, prefer the N18, only buy the N47 with documented chain condition.
The roof is the key cost factor: the hydraulic pump and cylinders cost $1,650–3,850 to repair. Seals age and leak — water ingress via the A-pillar into the cabin. The open body is noticeably softer than the R56 — more flex on rough roads. The FRM footwell module is even more vulnerable in the cabrio due to higher moisture exposure.
Test-drive checklist: Cycle the roof fully open and closed — juddering, noises, incomplete closing? A-pillar area for moisture traces. Smell the cabin after rain. Cold start: engine mount thud, diesel timing chain. FRM: test all lights.
2026 market: Cooper from $6,600. Cooper S (N14) from $6,600–9,900. Cooper S (N18 facelift) from $9,900–15,400.
Insider pick: Cooper S N18 (facelift) with documented roof service and a dry interior — only buy with hydraulic maintenance proof. The R57 is great fun when the seals are right.
Engine Ratings
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Soft top hydraulics failed The hydraulic cylinders of the electro-hydraulic soft top can develop internal leaks. The hood then opens or closes in small increments or not at all. Symptoms: Hood opens or closes jerkily in small steps. The motor is audible but the roof barely moves. from 80,000 km | Medium | |
| Soft top hydraulic pump worn The hydraulic pump of the R57 soft top drive typically wears out after 80,000–120,000 km. The hood then opens slowly, incompletely or not at all. Symptoms: Hood opens or closes slowly and incompletely, pump motor runs loudly and gets warm. Red LED flashes, fault message in the soft top control unit. from 90,000 km | Medium | |
| Soft top frame bearings and joints worn The bearings and joints of the soft top frame develop play with age. As a result, the hood opens unevenly or jams. Individual components are often hard to source. Symptoms: Hood makes clicking noises when opening/closing, moves jerkily. On one side the frame no longer moves in sync with the other. from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Soft top drain channels blocked The drain channels in the hood box collect leaves and dirt. Blocked drains redirect rainwater into the footwell. The sensitive ZKE control module in the passenger footwell gets damaged. Symptoms: Wet footwell after rain, especially on the passenger side. Electrical faults as a consequence of the damaged footwell module. from 70,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
AUTO BILD TÜV-Report 2026
The second-generation MINI Cabrio shares the typical R5x weak points: lighting faults, oil leaks, and timing chain issues on diesel variants. Roof mechanism and seals can leak with age.
2025-11Top Reported Issues
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Explore more
All MINI models Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the MINI MINI Cabrio R57 (2009–2015) — 18 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. One problem engine: N18B16 (1.6L Turbo). Typical issues affect Body, Cooling, Electronics, Interior.
What to watch out for with the MINI MINI Cabrio? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the MINI MINI Cabrio R57 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used MINI MINI Cabrio R57? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which MINI MINI Cabrio R57 engine is the most fun? +
Is the MINI MINI Cabrio R57 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the MINI MINI Cabrio R57? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee