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MINI · Compact · 2006–2015

MINI MINI R56(R56/R57)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.9 / 5.0 · Based on 13 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

178–306 PS

2.0L Turbo Benzin

THE MINI experience!

Legendary!
Problem Engine

163–218 PS

1.6L Kompressor Benzin

12 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The MINI MINI R56 is available as Schrägheck and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Schrägheck
13 Engines 7× Stay Away!
view Schrägheck →
Cabrio
13 Engines 7× Stay Away!
view Cabrio →

Generations

Engine Overview

The MINI MINI R56 is available with 5 engine variants — from 75 to 306 hp. 4 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.6L Diesel · Diesel· 90–112 PS Engine Change
2007 2013
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2007 2013
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2010 2013
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2.0L Diesel · Diesel· 112–143 PS Engine Change
2011 2013
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2011 2013
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
1.6L · Benziner· 95–122 PS Engine Change
2006 2010
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2006 2010
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2010 2013
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2010 2013
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
1.6L Turbo · Benziner· 174–184 PS Engine Change
2006 2010
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses
2010 2013
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses
MINI John Cooper Works · Benziner· 211 PS
2008 2013
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses

The MINI 1.6L Diesel (Diesel, 90–112 PS) comes with 3 different engines: N47C16 (2007–2013, Stay Away!) und N47C16 (2007–2013, Stay Away!) und N47C16 (2010–2013, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L Diesel!

The MINI 2.0L Diesel (Diesel, 112–143 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N47C20 (2011–2013, Stay Away!) und N47C20 (2011–2013, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L Diesel!

The MINI 1.6L (Benziner, 95–122 PS) comes with 4 different engines: N12B16 (2006–2010, Be Careful) und N12B16 (2006–2010, Be Careful) und N16B16 (2010–2013, Be Careful) und N16B16 (2010–2013, 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 (2006–2010, Stay Away!) und N18B16 (2010–2013, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L Turbo!

The MINI MINI John Cooper Works (Benziner, 211 PS) has the N18B16 (1.6L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Water pump failed

The plastic water pump of the Prince engine commonly fails between 70,000 and 110,000 km, causing coolant loss and overheating risk. Metal pump upgrade recommended.

Symptoms: 'Coolant temperature too high' warning after about 10 minutes of driving, engine temperature rises sharply. On the R56 with friction-drive pump: pump only cools after reaching operating temperature.
from 80,000 km
Ad MINI R56 water pumpcoolant pump MINI R56 N12 N1611517648827
 Medium
✖Overheating due to cooling system problems

A combination of failed water pump and/or leaking thermostat housing leads to overheating. Delayed repair risks head gasket damage.

Symptoms: Engine temperature exceeds 90 °C and does not drop, coolant boils, white smoke from the exhaust is possible. Often caused by mixed coolant colours that block the channels.
from 80,000 km
Ad MINI R56 radiatorcooling system MINI R56radiator MINI R56 N12 N16
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
1,383 complaints · 2006–2015
Airbags
424 ⚠ 15
Engine
359 ⚠ 3
Engine & Cooling
194 ⚠ 1
Electrical
157 ⚠ 4
Steering
136 ⚠ 5

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (424 complaints)
⚠ Engine (359 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (194 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Successor

MINI MINI F56

Nachfolger (2014–2024)

Same Segment

Mazda 3 BM

Kompaktklasse (2013–2018)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz CLA C117

Kompaktklasse (2013–2019)

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)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 112 weaknesses have been documented for the MINI MINI R56 (2006–2015) — 94 engine-related and 18 vehicle-related. 7 problem engines: W11B16 (1.6L Kompressor), N14B16 (1.6L Turbo), N18B16 (1.6L Turbo), N47C16 (1.6L Diesel), N47C20 (2.0L Diesel), B37C15 (1.5L Diesel), B47C20 (2.0L Diesel). Typical issues affect Cooling, Steering, Body, Rust.

MINI (N47C16, 2007–2013) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain — Camshaft Sprocket Defect (Production Fault Pre-2011), Turbo Premature Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 90 PS.

MINI (N47C16, 2007–2013) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain — Camshaft Sprocket Defect (Production Fault Pre-2011), Turbo Premature Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 109–111 PS.

MINI (N47C20, 2011–2013) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Elongation — Known N47 Weakness, Turbo Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 136–143 PS.

MINI (N47C20, 2011–2013) — 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 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 Countryman (N47C16, 2010–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain — Camshaft Sprocket Defect (Production Fault Pre-2011), Turbo Premature Failure, Rod and Main Bearing Wear. Power: 111 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 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 (W10B16, 2004–2008) — Be Careful: Electric Power Steering Pump Failure, Head Gasket Failure After Overheating, Thermostat Housing Leak. Power: 116–120 PS.

MINI (W11B16, 2004–2008) — Stay Away!: Water Pump — Secondary Supercharger Damage, Supercharger Drive Gear Failure, Supercharger Nosecone Bearing Failure. Power: 163–170 PS.

MINI (N12B16, 2006–2010) — Be Careful: Chain tensioner failure — timing chain stretches, Oil filter housing gasket leaking, Water pump plastic impeller breaks. Power: 90–98 PS.

MINI (N12B16, 2006–2010) — Be Careful: Chain tensioner failure — timing chain stretches, Oil filter housing gasket leaking, Water pump plastic impeller breaks. Power: 116–122 PS.

MINI (N14B16, 2006–2010) — Stay Away!: Chain tensioner failure — notorious N14 problem, High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) defective, Oil pump undersized — low oil pressure at idle. Power: 170–174 PS.

MINI (N18B16, 2008–2013) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain and Chain Tensioner Wear, Turbo Oil Feed Line Coking — Turbo Damage, Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak. Power: 211–218 PS.

MINI (N14B16, 2009–2010) — 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 (N16B16, 2010–2013) — 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 (N16B16, 2010–2013) — 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, 2010–2013) — 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 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.

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 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.

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 R56 have? +
The MINI MINI R56 has 94 known engine weaknesses and 18 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used MINI MINI R56? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: W10B16 (1.6L), N12B16 (1.6L), 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: W11B16 (1.6L Kompressor) — stay away!
Which MINI MINI R56 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the MINI MINI R56 — 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 R56 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the MINI MINI R56 — 7 of 13 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the MINI MINI R56? +
The MINI MINI R56 is available with engine variants from 75 to 306 hp. Petrol: W10B16 (1.6L), W11B16 (1.6L Kompressor), N12B16 (1.6L), N14B16 (1.6L Turbo), N16B16 (1.6L), N18B16 (1.6L Turbo), B38A12 (1.2L Turbo), B38B15 (1.5L Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo). Diesel: N47C16 (1.6L Diesel), N47C20 (2.0L Diesel), B37C15 (1.5L Diesel), B47C20 (2.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee