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MINI · Hatchback · 2006–2015

MINI MINI R56 Schrägheck

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.9 / 5.0 · Based on 11 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

178–306 PS

2.0L Turbo Benzin

THE MINI experience!

Legendary!
Problem Engine

170–174 PS

1.6L Turbo Benzin

9 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The MINI MINI R56 Schrägheck is available with 5 engine variants — from 75 to 306 hp.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the MINI MINI R56 Schrägheck have? +
The MINI MINI R56 as Schrägheck has 88 known weaknesses, 13 vehicle-related.
Which engine is recommended? +
Be Careful: N12B16 (1.6L), N16B16 (1.6L), B38A12 (1.2L Turbo), B38B15 (1.5L Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'.
Is the MINI MINI R56 Schrägheck worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the MINI MINI R56 Schrägheck — 6 of 11 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee

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