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MINI · Compact · 2007–2014

MINI MINI Clubman R55

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.9 / 5.0 · Based on 7 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

184–218 PS

1.6L Turbo Benzin

Turbo powerhouse R56

Legendary!
Problem Engine

170–174 PS

1.6L Turbo Benzin

9 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The MINI MINI Clubman R55 is available with 4 engine variants — from 90 to 218 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.6L Diesel · Diesel· 109 PS
2007 2014
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2.0L Diesel · Diesel· 112 PS
2011 2014
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
1.6L · Benziner· 120–122 PS Engine Change
2007 2010
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2010 2014
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
1.6L Turbo · Benziner· 174–184 PS Engine Change
2008 2010
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses
2010 2014
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses

The MINI 1.6L Diesel (Diesel, 109 PS) has the N47C16 (1.6L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The MINI 2.0L Diesel (Diesel, 112 PS) has the N47C20 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The MINI 1.6L (Benziner, 120–122 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N12B16 (2007–2010, Be Careful) und N16B16 (2010–2014, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L!

The MINI 1.6L Turbo (Benziner, 174–184 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N14B16 (2008–2010, Stay Away!) und N18B16 (2010–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L Turbo!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Water pump failed

The plastic water pump fails frequently between 70,000 and 110,000 km. Moisture patches under the vehicle and a dropping coolant level are warning signs.

Symptoms: Warning message 'Coolant temperature too high', engine temperature rises sharply. Grinding or knocking noises from the engine bay possible.
from 80,000 km
Ad MINI R55 water pumpCoolant pump MINI Clubman R5511517648827
 Medium

Alternatives

Successor

MINI MINI Clubman F54

Nachfolger (2015–2024)

Same Segment

Audi A3 8V

Kompaktklasse (2012–2020)

Same Segment

Audi S3 8V

Kompaktklasse (2012–2020)

Same Segment

Honda Civic FK1

Kompaktklasse (2012–2017)

Same Segment

Hyundai i30 GD

Kompaktklasse (2012–2015)

Same Segment

Kia Ceed JD

Kompaktklasse (2012–2018)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W176

Kompaktklasse (2012–2018)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 68 weaknesses have been documented for the MINI MINI Clubman R55 (2007–2014) — 53 engine-related and 15 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: N14B16 (1.6L Turbo), N18B16 (1.6L Turbo), N47C16 (1.6L Diesel), N47C20 (2.0L Diesel). Typical issues affect Cooling, Rust, Body, Steering.

MINI Clubman (N47C16, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain — Camshaft Sprocket Defect (Production Fault Pre-2011), Turbo Premature Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 109–111 PS.

MINI Clubman (N47C20, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Elongation — Known N47 Weakness, Turbo Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 111 PS.

MINI Clubman (N12B16, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Chain tensioner failure — timing chain stretches, Oil filter housing gasket leaking, Water pump plastic impeller breaks. Power: 116–122 PS.

MINI Clubman (N14B16, 2008–2010) — Stay Away!: Chain tensioner failure — notorious N14 problem, High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) defective, Oil pump undersized — low oil pressure at idle. Power: 174 PS.

MINI Clubman (N16B16, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain and chain tensioner wear, Oil filter housing gasket and oil cooler leaking, Water pump plastic impeller breaks. Power: 116–122 PS.

MINI Clubman (N18B16, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain and Chain Tensioner Wear, Turbo Oil Feed Line Coking — Turbo Damage, Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak. Power: 184 PS.

What to watch out for with the MINI MINI Clubman? 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 Clubman R55 have? +
The MINI MINI Clubman R55 has 53 known engine weaknesses and 15 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used MINI MINI Clubman R55? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: W10B16 (1.6L), N12B16 (1.6L), N16B16 (1.6L). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the N18B16 (1.6L Turbo). Problem engine: N14B16 (1.6L Turbo) — stay away!
Which MINI MINI Clubman R55 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the MINI MINI Clubman R55 — 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 Clubman R55 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the MINI MINI Clubman R55 — 4 of 7 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the MINI MINI Clubman R55? +
The MINI MINI Clubman R55 is available with engine variants from 90 to 218 hp. Petrol: W10B16 (1.6L), N12B16 (1.6L), N14B16 (1.6L Turbo), N16B16 (1.6L), N18B16 (1.6L Turbo). Diesel: N47C16 (1.6L Diesel), N47C20 (2.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee