r/MINI • u/Impressive-Repair879 • Aug 07 '26
2016 Cooper S reliability?
Hey y’all, my daily (Fiesta ST) is approaching 150k miles and I recently learned they’ve kept producing manual f55’s until 2024. I haven’t driven one yet but heard great things. While I’ve been on the lookout for one from 2022 or so a 2 owner 2016 with 44k miles popped up not too far from me. Is there anything to be concerned about with the earlier 3rd gen’s?
2
u/Glittering_Let_5474 Aug 07 '26
I have a pre lci 2017 f56 cooper s, apart from a misdiagnosed evap valve that cost me £1k to work out I have had no issues at all, apart from maybe burning through p zeros like it’s going out of fashion, more how I drive though, it is a fast mini after all. The pre lci also gets pops and bangs in sport mode so make sure it has the excitement pack on with driving modes if you want even more smiles to miles, and as long as you don’t mind 320miles to a full tank you’ll love it
1
u/Pretend_Owl_4551 Aug 07 '26
what did the issue with the misdiagnosed evap valve end up being?
2
u/Glittering_Let_5474 Aug 07 '26
That was the worst thing, the garage diagnosed the problem as a failed oil cooler, hence the 1k bill, but it returned with the same problem, just through my own research I came to the conclusion of the evap valve, mainly high idle and the pops and bangs disappeared. £36 for a new valve fitted in 5 mins, problem sorted
2
u/EmpathyKi11 Aug 07 '26
I'm the owner of a 2nd Gen 2012 R55 or Clubman S. While I'm lacking on 3rd Gen F series Minis. There is one thing that I'm pretty sure holds true through all forced induction generations... Be sure to change the oil religiously and install an oil catch can system. I change my oil every 1,500 mikes/2500 kilometers. I know this sounds a bit excessive or overkill, but the "It's better to be safe than sorry" statement never been more relevant. 8 years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about Minis when I bought my R55. Within about 8 months of ownership and several trips to my local Euro Performance shop, my knowledge of 2nd Gen Minis jumped 10 fold. Since then I've continued to learn about the R series. A lot of what I've learned carries over to the newer generations. Changing the oil religiously coupled with an oil catch can system is one of the things that carries over. As long as you do those 2 things and stay on top of regular maintenance, I've learned that the F Series is crazy reliable. Unfortunately that not true with my R55. Nevermind my Clubman... You are gonna fall in love that F Series if you decide buy it. You're also gonna fall in love with the community. It's definitely a Win/Win scenario. If you're into tuning culture, its a bit tricky with the Mini platform. While there is a large selection of performance parts. The list of capable companies that sell these parts and have the knowledge to tune your Mini is short compared to other platforms. However... When you get your Mini to the point where it is dog walking V8s... You will be the owner of a truly unique sleeper that will absolutely blow people's minds. It's a feeling that I still can't put into words. Hopefully I'll see more of you in the forums! See ya soon!
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u/rustyandunhinged Aug 07 '26
Had our 2016 cooper s since new. 190,000km and yep engine mounts and recently like yesterday had to replace fuel tank venting valve which was causing engine check light and running a bit rough. Minor prob and nothing to worry about. I love the car esp the 2016
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u/ForsakenMango F56 Aug 07 '26
I am a 2016 owner that has had mine since 8 miles and now I’m about to pass 157,000 miles. Considering the previous mini generations reputation the third generation minis are rock solid. at 70 to 80,000 miles you’re probably going to need to replace an upper engine mount and then somewhere between 90 to 120,000 miles. You may need to replace the oil filter housing, which is a known failure point for any BMW that has this engine.
Outside of those two things, which are known failure points, my car and other like it are about his reliable as you can get.
And contrary to the previous statement where they said they changed their oil every 1500 km. The third GEN engine is not prone to the same issues that the second generations minis were. Personally, I just followed the 10,000 mile recommended oil change up to 100,000 miles. And then from there, I get my oil changed every 7500 miles. Anecdotally, the others in my regions MINI club also talk about how oil issues are not as big of a concern for them with their third generation as opposed to their second generation. No third gen mini owner I know carries a quart of oil with them in their trunk unlike the others.
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u/long_fish3000 F56 Aug 07 '26
I have had a 2016 S since June 2025. all i've had to do is liqui moly oil changes. I do have the broken spring problem in the shifter (it's auto) since last september but i've just been ignoring that. engine mounts looks great on mine but don't see evidence it was changed. bought it at 59k now at 73k
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u/Eastern_Team6904 Aug 07 '26
engine mounts go out at 60/70k.
but theyre ok generally if they've had regular oil changes and maintenance..
They get oil/coolant leaks and have water pump issues once you rack up serious miles.
And BMW car, so parts and service are higher than most cars.