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MINI · Compact · 2013–2016

MINI MINI Paceman R61

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 6 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!

Engine Overview

The MINI MINI Paceman R61 is available with 4 engine variants — from 75 to 306 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.6L Diesel · Diesel· 112 PS
2013 2016
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2.0L Diesel · Diesel· 112–143 PS Engine Change
2013 2016
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2014 2016
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L · Benziner· 122 PS
2013 2016
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
1.6L Turbo · Benziner· 184 PS
2013 2016
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses

The MINI 1.6L Diesel (Diesel, 112 PS) has the N47C16 (1.6L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The MINI 2.0L Diesel (Diesel, 112–143 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N47C20 (2013–2016, Stay Away!) und N47C20 (2014–2016, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L Diesel!

The MINI 1.6L (Benziner, 122 PS) has the N16B16 (1.6L) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The MINI 1.6L Turbo (Benziner, 184 PS) has the N18B16 (1.6L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Headlight misalignment

Incorrectly adjusted headlights are a typical weak point on the MINI Paceman according to MOT data. Alignment is frequently thrown off by vibrations and ageing.

Symptoms: Flagged as a fault at MOT: headlights aimed too high or incorrectly aligned. In everyday use: oncoming traffic is dazzled, own visibility deteriorates.
Ad MINI R61 headlightfront headlight MINI Paceman R61headlight bracket MINI R61 61119807303
 Medium
●Moisture in headlights

Headlights mist up from the inside due to seal ageing. Moisture damage can lead to contact corrosion and bulb failure.

Symptoms: Visible condensation inside the headlights that does not dry out by itself. Headlight appears dimmed or unevenly bright.
Ad MINI R61 headlight moistureheadlight seal MINI R61
 Low
●Window regulator defective

Electric window regulators fail with age. Noises when operating or complete failure are the symptoms. Replacement parts and fitting are moderately expensive.

Symptoms: Window regulator does not respond or window goes up and then partially drops back down. Often temperature-dependent or sporadically failed.
from 80,000 km
Ad MINI R61 window regulatorwindow regulator motor MINI Paceman
 Low
●Earth connection loose after gearbox repair

After gearbox repairs the earth connection is frequently not re-tightened correctly, causing various electrical malfunctions. Check repair history at purchase.

Symptoms: Car won't start despite working interior lights and radio, only a quiet click when pressing the start/stop button. Board voltage drops below 6 V.
Ad MINI R61 earth cableearth connection MINI Paceman gearbox
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 52 weaknesses have been documented for the MINI MINI Paceman R61 (2013–2016) — 44 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: N18B16 (1.6L Turbo), N47C16 (1.6L Diesel), N47C20 (2.0L Diesel). Typical issues affect Electronics, Interior, Body, Suspension.

MINI Paceman (N47C16, 2013–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain — Camshaft Sprocket Defect (Production Fault Pre-2011), Turbo Premature Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 111 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 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.

What to watch out for with the MINI MINI Paceman? 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 Paceman R61 have? +
The MINI MINI Paceman R61 has 44 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used MINI MINI Paceman R61? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N16B16 (1.6L), B38A12 (1.2L 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 Paceman R61 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the MINI MINI Paceman R61 — 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 Paceman R61 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the MINI MINI Paceman R61 — 3 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the MINI MINI Paceman R61? +
The MINI MINI Paceman R61 is available with engine variants from 75 to 306 hp. Petrol: N16B16 (1.6L), N18B16 (1.6L Turbo), B38A12 (1.2L Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo). Diesel: N47C16 (1.6L Diesel), N47C20 (2.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee