In keeping with my yearly tradition of posting good news as opposed to just problems and complaints about my Mini, I would like to announce my third year of catastrophe-free ownership. Not a single mechanical breakdown!

My 2011 R56 has not leaked, burned oil, broke down on the road or caught fire! At 26,000 miles, it's still too "young" to exhibit issues, I know. But, I have read about Minis breaking down a lot sooner than that and I'm just glad mine is still trouble free.

It's not all rainbows and unicorns, I'm afraid. This year I had to pay for an AC line repair out-of-pocket. Beware of a high pressure A/C line routed underneath the car at the same level as the front lip! Details here. I maintain that this is a design flaw despite what my SA believes. Why would anyone route something like that very close to the ground and leave it vulnerable to road hazards?

In addition, various squeaks and rattles have been coming and going. Of course they don't reappear when at the dealership!

Apart from these non-essential issues, my 2011 MCS continues to be reliable and a fuel efficient daily driver.

(No pic this year. Sorry.)

 

You just gave me a reason to get the belly pan...to protect the AC line.

 

Cudos on posting positive experience, as opposed to only gripes....

I'll follow your lead and provide pro's & con's feedback on my 2009 MCS w/ 77,000 miles.

The Good:
- Still enjoy driving it and get lots of compliments (I think folks just like the mellow yellow color w/ black roof and black crown-spoke wheels).
- Does not consume oil between my 5K mile oil change intervals.
- Very enjoyable high speed hi-way cruiser w/ 17" wheels and non-sport suspension (I also replaced run-flats w/ Conti Extreme Contact DW's 215/45-17).

The Bad (so to speak):
- At ~71,000 miles all hell seemed to break loose. The following issues all happened around the same time
1) Massive coolant loss (failed thermostat housing)
2) Oil leaks from two places (1. oil filter housing, 2. turbo oil feed line)
Stealership wanted $2400 to repair all of above.
I had all of the above repaired at an independent shop for <$800

** replaced failed OEM turbo feed line with a Detroit Tuned stainless braided oil feed line.
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IMHO - While I don't think the above failures should have occurred, I do not consider $800 repairs after 4 years and 70,000 miles excessive.
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My 2011 r56 has been good to me, cross fingers, at the 30k mark right now. I've yet to get stranded in it, but I make sure the recalls and bulletins are done to it and do the oil every 5k myself.

There were a couple drips of oil coming from the oil pressure sender at 14k miles, that's a recall, engine wiring harness and sender unit replaced- no more leaks, under warranty.

High pressure fuel pump, I got a CEL for it only in real cold weather, thankfully never fully failed on me but got it replaced at the dealer free of charge because of the particular CEL code (high pressure fuel plausibility). You'll want to catch that ASAP before the pump fully fails and leaves you stranded, or car doesn't start.

Right rear endlink failed, they're made with plastic inserts, just a poor design, caused a clunking in rear....went to dealer and got a new one for ~$40 and replaced it myself since it's a 20min job and not worth booking a dealer visit.


other than that nothing major. I will say it's beginning to sound like 2011+ R56's are the way to go....