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MINI · Compact · 2014–2024

MINI MINI F56(F55/F56/F57)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

1.9 / 5.0 · Based on 9 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

178–306 PS

2.0L Turbo Benzin

THE MINI experience!

Legendary!
Problem Engine

184–218 PS

1.6L Turbo Benzin

9 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The MINI MINI F56 is available as 3-Türer and 5-Türer and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The MINI MINI F56 is available with 9 engine variants — from 75 to 306 hp. 5 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.5L Diesel · Diesel· 95–116 PS Engine Change
2014 2018
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2014 2018
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2.0L Diesel · Diesel· 150–170 PS Engine Change
2014 2024
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2018 2024
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1.2L Turbo · Benziner· 102 PS
2014 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.5L Turbo · Benziner· 102–136 PS Engine Change
2014 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2014 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2.0L Turbo · Benziner· 178–192 PS Engine Change
2014 2024
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
2021 2024
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
MINI John Cooper Works · Benziner· 231–242 PS Engine Change
2015 2024
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
2019 2024
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
MINI One · Benziner· 75 PS
2018 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
MINI One First · Benziner· 75 PS
2014 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Elektromotor · Elektro· 184 PS
2020 2024
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses

The MINI 1.5L Diesel (Diesel, 95–116 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B37C15 (2014–2018, Stay Away!) und B37C15 (2014–2018, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L Diesel!

The MINI 2.0L Diesel (Diesel, 150–170 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B47C20 (2014–2024, Stay Away!) und B47C20 (2018–2024, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L Diesel!

The MINI 1.2L Turbo (Benziner, 102 PS) has the B38A12 (1.2L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The MINI 1.5L Turbo (Benziner, 102–136 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B38B15 (2014–2024, Be Careful) und B38B15 (2014–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L Turbo!

The MINI 2.0L Turbo (Benziner, 178–192 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B48B20 (2014–2024, Be Careful) und B48B20 (2021–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L Turbo!

The MINI MINI John Cooper Works (Benziner, 231–242 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B48B20 (2015–2024, Be Careful) und B48B20 (2019–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the MINI John Cooper Works!

The MINI MINI One (Benziner, 75 PS) has the B38B15 (1.5L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The MINI MINI One First (Benziner, 75 PS) has the B38A12 (1.2L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The MINI Elektromotor (Elektro, 184 PS) has the IB1P25B (Elektromotor) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Moisture in footwell from leaking roof

Water enters the footwell through the convertible roof or the A-pillar seals. The problem occurs particularly after car washes or heavy rain and creates a mould risk.

Symptoms: Wet carpet in the footwell, especially after rain. Smell of moisture or mould. Water runs along the A-pillar into the footwell.
from 40,000 km
High
!Electric roof does not open fully

The fully automatic folding roof sometimes opens only to 95 percent or jams during operation. The electric roof motor and the guide rails are the weak points.

Symptoms: Roof opens only to sunroof mode and goes no further. Button flashes, motor runs, but roof stops. Micro-switch in the boot is often the cause.
from 50,000 km
High
!Rear window cracks spontaneously

The rear window of the convertible can crack without any external impact, possibly due to thermal stresses. Replacement is costly and is not always fully covered by the warranty.

Symptoms: Rear window shatters when opening the roof without external impact. Can happen during the normal roof-opening cycle without warning.
from 50,000 km
Medium
!Oil filter housing gasket leaking

The oil filter housing gasket on the B38/B48 becomes brittle from around 80,000 km. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifold and causes a burning smell. Internal leakage risks oil-coolant mixing.

Symptoms: Oil smell after parking, oil patches under the engine, burning smell from a hot engine
from 80,000 km
Low
Water ingress in boot

Water enters the boot through defective tailgate seals, the third brake light or ventilation openings. The problem is known to the manufacturer and affects early models particularly frequently.

Symptoms: Water pooling under the boot floor mat, carpet wet and making a splashing sound when pressed. The top side of the mat is often still dry.
from 50,000 km
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
108 complaints · 2014–2024
Engine
19 ⚠ 4
Electrical
19 ⚠ 2
Powertrain
18 ⚠ 2
Fuel System
13 ⚠ 1
Brakes
11 ⚠ 3

Top Reported Issues

Engine (19 complaints)
Electrical (19 complaints)
Powertrain (18 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
107 complaints · 2014–2023
Engine
19 ⚠ 4
Electrical
19 ⚠ 2
Powertrain
18 ⚠ 2
Fuel System
13 ⚠ 1
Other
11 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

Engine (19 complaints)
Electrical (19 complaints)
Powertrain (18 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Successor

MINI MINI F66

Nachfolger (2024–2028)

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BMW 2er U06

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BMW 2er Coupé G42

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Honda Civic FL

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 77 weaknesses have been documented for the MINI MINI F56 (2014–2024) — 57 engine-related and 20 vehicle-related. 5 problem engines: N18B16 (1.6L Turbo), N47C20 (2.0L Diesel), B37C15 (1.5L Diesel), B47C20 (2.0L Diesel), IB1P25B (Elektromotor). Typical issues affect Body, Steering, Suspension, Electronics.

MINI (N47C20, 2011–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Elongation — Known N47 Weakness, Turbo Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 111 PS.

MINI (B37C15, 2014–2018) — Stay Away!: Recall EGR Cooler Fire Risk, Timing Chain Rear-Mounted — High Repair Cost, Turbocharger Boost Pressure Leaks. Power: 95 PS.

MINI (B37C15, 2014–2018) — Stay Away!: Recall EGR Cooler Fire Risk, Timing Chain Rear-Mounted — High Repair Cost, Turbocharger Boost Pressure Leaks. Power: 116 PS.

MINI (B47C20, 2014–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall EGR Cooler Fire Risk, DPF Regeneration Fails in Short-Trip Use, High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Wear. Power: 163–170 PS.

MINI (B47C20, 2018–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall EGR Cooler Fire Risk, DPF Regeneration Fails in Short-Trip Use, High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Wear. Power: 150 PS.

MINI Clubman (B37C15, 2015–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall EGR Cooler Fire Risk, Timing Chain Rear-Mounted — High Repair Cost, Turbocharger Boost Pressure Leaks. Power: 116 PS.

MINI Clubman (B47C20, 2015–2019) — Stay Away!: Recall EGR Cooler Fire Risk, DPF Regeneration Fails in Short-Trip Use, High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Wear. Power: 190 PS.

MINI Clubman (B47C20, 2019–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall EGR Cooler Fire Risk, DPF Regeneration Fails in Short-Trip Use, High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Wear. Power: 150 PS.

MINI Countryman (N47C20, 2010–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Elongation — Known N47 Weakness, Turbo Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 111 PS.

MINI Countryman (N47C20, 2011–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Elongation — Known N47 Weakness, Turbo Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 136–150 PS.

MINI Countryman (B47C20, 2017–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall EGR Cooler Fire Risk, DPF Regeneration Fails in Short-Trip Use, High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Wear. Power: 143–150 PS.

MINI Countryman (B47C20, 2017–2020) — Stay Away!: Recall EGR Cooler Fire Risk, DPF Regeneration Fails in Short-Trip Use, High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Wear. Power: 190 PS.

MINI Paceman (N47C20, 2013–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Elongation — Known N47 Weakness, Turbo Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 136–143 PS.

MINI Paceman (N47C20, 2014–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Elongation — Known N47 Weakness, Turbo Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 111 PS.

MINI (N16B16, 2010–2015) — 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 (N18B16, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain and Chain Tensioner Wear, Turbo Oil Feed Line Coking — Turbo Damage, Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak. Power: 184 PS.

MINI (B38A12, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (Early Production), Oil Filter Housing Leaking, Electric Water Pump / Thermostat Failure. Power: 75 PS.

MINI (B38A12, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (Early Production), Oil Filter Housing Leaking, Electric Water Pump / Thermostat Failure. Power: 102 PS.

MINI (B38B15, 2014–2024) — Be Careful: Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (Early Production), Oil Cooler Housing Crack — Oil/Coolant Mixing, Oil Filter Housing Leaking. Power: 102 PS.

MINI (B38B15, 2014–2024) — Be Careful: Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (Early Production), Oil Cooler Housing Crack — Oil/Coolant Mixing, Oil Filter Housing Leaking. Power: 135–136 PS.

MINI (B38B15, 2014–2021) — Be Careful: Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (Early Production), Oil Cooler Housing Crack — Oil/Coolant Mixing, Oil Filter Housing Leaking. Power: 136 PS.

MINI (B48B20, 2014–2024) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 192 PS.

MINI (B48B20, 2015–2024) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 231 PS.

MINI (B38B15, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (Early Production), Oil Cooler Housing Crack — Oil/Coolant Mixing, Oil Filter Housing Leaking. Power: 75 PS.

MINI (B48B20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 242 PS.

MINI (B48B20, 2021–2024) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 178 PS.

MINI Clubman (B38B15, 2015–2024) — Be Careful: Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (Early Production), Oil Cooler Housing Crack — Oil/Coolant Mixing, Oil Filter Housing Leaking. Power: 136 PS.

MINI Clubman (B48B20, 2015–2024) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 192 PS.

MINI Clubman (B48B20, 2017–2024) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 231 PS.

MINI Clubman (B48B20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 178 PS.

MINI Clubman (B48B20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 306 PS.

MINI Countryman (N16B16, 2010–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain and chain tensioner wear, Oil filter housing gasket and oil cooler leaking, Water pump plastic impeller breaks. Power: 98 PS.

MINI Countryman (N16B16, 2010–2016) — 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 Countryman (N18B16, 2010–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain and Chain Tensioner Wear, Turbo Oil Feed Line Coking — Turbo Damage, Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak. Power: 184–190 PS.

MINI Countryman (N18B16, 2012–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain and Chain Tensioner Wear, Turbo Oil Feed Line Coking — Turbo Damage, Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak. Power: 218 PS.

MINI Countryman (B48B20, 2017–2024) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 192 PS.

MINI Countryman (B48B20, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 231 PS.

MINI Countryman (B48B20, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 178 PS.

MINI Countryman (B48B20, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear, Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action, Increased Oil Consumption. Power: 300–306 PS.

MINI Coupé (N18B16, 2011–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain and Chain Tensioner Wear, Turbo Oil Feed Line Coking — Turbo Damage, Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak. Power: 184 PS.

MINI Paceman (N16B16, 2013–2016) — 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 Paceman (N18B16, 2013–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain and Chain Tensioner Wear, Turbo Oil Feed Line Coking — Turbo Damage, Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak. Power: 184–190 PS.

MINI Roadster (N18B16, 2012–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain and Chain Tensioner Wear, Turbo Oil Feed Line Coking — Turbo Damage, Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak. Power: 184 PS.

MINI (IB1P25B, 2020–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall: high-voltage battery moisture ingress / fire risk, 12V battery drains / fails, High-voltage battery capacity loss. Power: 184 PS.

What to watch out for with the MINI MINI? 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 F56 have? +
The MINI MINI F56 has 57 known engine weaknesses and 20 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used MINI MINI F56? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N16B16 (1.6L), B38A12 (1.2L Turbo), B38B15 (1.5L Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the B48B20 (2.0L Turbo). Problem engine: N18B16 (1.6L Turbo) — stay away!
Which MINI MINI F56 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the MINI MINI F56 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 192 hp four-cylinder turbo with 280 Nm — the real fun machine of the F56. Direct turn-in, firm suspension, a genuine go-kart on a B-road.
Is the MINI MINI F56 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the MINI MINI F56 — 5 of 9 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the MINI MINI F56? +
The MINI MINI F56 is available with engine variants from 75 to 306 hp. Petrol: N16B16 (1.6L), N18B16 (1.6L Turbo), B38A12 (1.2L Turbo), B38B15 (1.5L Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo). Diesel: N47C20 (2.0L Diesel), B37C15 (1.5L Diesel), B47C20 (2.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee