Which Mini Cooper petrol engine is the most reliable?

The F56's BMW engines, the 1.5 three-cylinder and the 2.0 four-cylinder, have a much better record than the R56's 1.6. On an R56, ask for proof that the timing chain has been checked or replaced.

Mini Cooper or Cooper S: which should I choose?

The Cooper is quick enough for daily driving and cheaper to run and insure. The Cooper S adds a turbocharged engine with much stronger acceleration, at the cost of higher fuel use and, on the F56, higher IUC.

What should I check on a used R56 Mini Cooper S?

Listen for a rattle on a cold start, a sign of timing chain wear, and check oil consumption between services. Carbon build-up on the intake valves can also cause rough running.

Cars

Used petrol Mini Cooper in Portugal

Found 290 cars

From €2,000 to €55,000, half under €15,900 · Typically 2015 with 110,000 km. Petrol is the Mini's natural fuel. The R56 used a 1.6 developed with PSA, whose early versions had timing chain and oil consumption problems; the F56 moved to BMW's 1.5 three-cylinder in the Cooper and a 2.0 four-cylinder in the Cooper S.