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MINI · Convertible / Roadster · 2015–2023 Custom Search

MINI MINI F57

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

192 PS

MINI · Benzin

Convertible perfection

Legendary!
Problem Engine

184 PS

Elektromotor Elektro

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The MINI MINI F57 is available with 2 engine variants — from 75 to 306 hp.

1.5L Turbo · Petrol· 136 PS
2016 2023

The 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo is technically surprisingly mature for its layout: the balance shaft noticeably tames the typical three-cylinder shakes, and from the outside it actually sounds like a proper car. The F56 crowd describes it as pleasantly surprising — eager to rev, 220 Nm from just 1,250 rpm, no nervous burbling at idle. Inside, the sound stays disappointingly muted. The lower engine mount on early production runs tends to transmit vibrations into the steering wheel — check the mount. Keep an eye on the water pump and thermostat from 50,000–70,000 km.

  • !! Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (Early Production) from 40,000 km

    Early B38 engines up to approximately April 2015 had undersized half-shell thrust bearings on the crankshaft. BMW switched to 360° flanged bearings. Primarily affects manual transmission variants.

    Symptoms: Vibrations, rough running, in severe cases engine failure
    800–3,500 $
  • !! Oil Cooler Housing Crack — Oil/Coolant Mixing from 80,000 km

    The plastic oil cooler housing can develop cracks leading to oil and coolant mixing. Address immediately — engine damage is likely if left unresolved.

    Symptoms: Milky deposits in the coolant expansion tank, oil loss, coolant loss, overheating risk
    300–800 $
  • !! Oil Filter Housing Leaking from 70,000 km

    The oil filter housing (incl. oil cooler) tends to leak from moderate mileages onwards. Cause is hardened seals. BMW introduced a production improvement for the oil filter module.

    Symptoms: Oil smell, oil spots under the vehicle, dropping oil level
    80–450 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.0L Turbo · Petrol· 178–192 PS
2016 2023

The B48 is the best engine MINI has ever fitted — and it is no longer the most emotional one. BMW reworked this 2.0-litre four-cylinder specifically for the JCW: more boost across the entire rev range, hemispherical pistons and a dedicated turbocharger. The result is 231 hp in the standard JCW, up to 306 hp in the GP3. No turbo lag, commanding power delivery — but the acoustic experience is BMW-typically muffled. Technical weaknesses do exist: the plastic coolant vent line at the cylinder head goes brittle from turbo heat and snaps — BMW issued a service action (replacement part 17129845173, rubber hose). The PCV diaphragm in the valve cover can tear and cause oil consumption. Wastegate flutter is typical for the F56 in Green mode. Don't trust BMW's oil change intervals — change no later than every 10,000 km.

  • !! Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Premature Wear from 70,000 km

    The B48's dual-mass flywheel (DMF) wears out from 60,000 km with spirited driving. Juddering on take-off and rattling noises at idle are early signs.

    Symptoms: Juddering on take-off, rattling noises at idle, vibrations at low RPM
    1,200–2,500 $
  • !! Coolant Vent Line Breaks — BMW Service Action from 80,000 km

    The original plastic coolant vent line between the cylinder head and expansion tank becomes brittle from turbo heat and breaks at the quick-release fitting. Coolant loss can be gradual or sudden. BMW issued service action SI B17 01 21 — replacement with rubber hose (part no. 17129845173) free of charge on affected vehicles.

    Symptoms: Sweet maple syrup smell in the cabin, whitish residue at the top of the engine, dropping coolant level without visible puddle, coolant temperature warning
    200–800 $
  • !! Increased Oil Consumption from 80,000 km

    The B48 shows increased oil consumption with spirited driving and higher mileages. Up to 0.3 l/1,000 km is considered normal by the manufacturer. With heavier use, piston rings can wear.

    Symptoms: Frequent top-ups needed, blue smoke on acceleration, oil level drops quickly
    1,500–4,000 $

+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
107 complaints · 2015–2023
  1. 01 Engine
    19 ⚠ 4
  2. 02 Electrical
    19 ⚠ 2
  3. 03 Powertrain
    18 ⚠ 2
  4. 04 Fuel System
    13 ⚠ 1
  5. 05 Other
    11 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

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

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the MINI MINI F57 (2015–2023). 3 problem engines: B37C15 (1.5L Diesel), B47C20 (2.0L Diesel), IB1P25B (Elektromotor).

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 (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 (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 (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 (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 F57 have? +
The MINI MINI F57 has 34 known engine weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used MINI MINI F57? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 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: IB1P25B (Elektromotor) — stay away!
Which MINI MINI F57 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the MINI MINI F57 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 192 hp in the open MINI — turbo thrust with the wind in your hair on every B-road. The most emotional F56 variant of all.
Is the MINI MINI F57 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the MINI MINI F57 — 3 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the MINI MINI F57? +
The MINI MINI F57 is available with engine variants from 75 to 306 hp. Petrol: B38A12 (1.2L Turbo), B38B15 (1.5L Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo). Diesel: B37C15 (1.5L Diesel), B47C20 (2.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee