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MINI · Convertible / Roadster · 2009–2015

MINI MINI Cabrio R57

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Engine Ratings

Stay Away! 9 weaknesses
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖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
Ad MINI R57 soft top actuator54342758446soft top control unit MINI R57
 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
Ad MINI R57 hydraulic pump soft topsoft top pump MINI convertible R5754347261742
 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
Ad MINI R57 soft top framesoft top joint MINI convertiblesoft top hinge R57
 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
Ad MINI R57 soft top draindrain hose MINI R57 convertibleZKE footwell module MINI R57
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
307 complaints · 2009–2015
Engine
96 ⚠ 2
Airbags
86 ⚠ 1
Electrical
63 ⚠ 2
Other
20 ⚠ 2
Powertrain
19 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (96 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (86 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (63 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 23 weaknesses have been documented for the MINI MINI Cabrio R57 (2009–2015) — 14 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? +
The MINI MINI Cabrio R57 has 14 known engine weaknesses and 9 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used MINI MINI Cabrio R57? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: B38A12 (1.2L Turbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the N18B16 (1.6L Turbo). Problem engine: N18B16 (1.6L Turbo) — stay away!
Which MINI MINI Cabrio R57 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the MINI MINI Cabrio R57 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 184 hp turbo in the R56 LCI Cooper S — the beating heart of the second MINI generation. Snappy throttle response, razor-sharp turn-in, pure go-kart character.
Is the MINI MINI Cabrio R57 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the MINI MINI Cabrio R57 — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the MINI MINI Cabrio R57? +
The MINI MINI Cabrio R57 is available with engine variants from 75 to 218 hp. Petrol: N18B16 (1.6L Turbo), B38A12 (1.2L Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee