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Mini Cooper 2nd BMW Generation (R55/R56)

2007–2013 · R55/R56 · hatchback

Second-generation BMW Mini. R56 = hatch, R55 = Clubman, R57 = convertible. Switched from the Tritec engine to the BMW-PSA 'Prince' family — N12 (base Cooper), N14 (Cooper S turbo, 2007-2010), and N18 (Cooper S, 2011-2013, revised). The 2011+ N18 Cooper S is the more reliable choice; N14 cars have well-documented engine issues.

Watch out: N14 Cooper S (2007-2010): timing-chain tensioner failure (rattle on cold start), carbon buildup on intake valves, high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures, water-pump failures — all common past 60k miles. N18 (2011+) addressed most timing-chain issues but carbon buildup persists. Cooper John Cooper Works versions of either are tuned harder and stress the same components.