Known faults for the MINI MINI Coupé / Roadster (R58/R59).

Engine / equipment

Naturally aspirated 1.4 and 1.6 VTi from the Prince family (EP3/EP6C), including the MINI One and Cooper 1.4/1.6 (N12/N16)

Period mentioned

2006–2017

Symptoms

Chain rattle on cold starts, unstable idle, stalling and an engine light with variable valve timing codes (P1030, P1062, P101A, P1025).

Possible cause described

The chain stretches and the tensioner fails early, often before 100,000 km. A stretched chain throws the timing out and makes the Valvetronic learning fail, which gets mistaken for a Valvetronic fault.

Check for the garage

Listen to a cold start and check the timing and chain condition before replacing Valvetronic parts or repeating adaptations.

Cost cited in the source

Tensioner and chain: approx. €750–1,700 (converted from dollars)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: up to 100,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

FRM3 footwell module (lights, indicators and windows): 1 Series E81 to E88, 3 Series E90 to E93, X1 E84, Z4 E89, X5 E70, X6 E71 and E72 and MINI R55 to R61

Period mentioned

2004–2015

Symptoms

After a flat battery, a battery change or disconnection, or a jump start: lights, indicators or windows stop working, side or dipped lights stay on and diagnostics cannot communicate with the module (for example code 00A3C1).

Possible cause described

The module's EEPROM gets corrupted by low or unstable voltage: a flat battery, jump starting, overcharging from a faulty alternator or loose terminals. It is a module software fault, not a wiring fault.

Check for the garage

Check the battery and charging and try communicating with ISTA. If the module does not respond, it can be repaired by rewriting its EEPROM (specialist services or programmers) instead of being replaced, then coded. Use a voltage maintainer when working on the car.

Cost cited in the source

Repair by a specialist service: from about €20–60 plus postage; new module with dealer coding: considerably moreA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

1.6 THP / VTi (EP6, PSA-BMW “Prince” engine): Peugeot 207/208/308/3008/5008/508/RCZ, Citroën C4/C5/C4 Picasso, DS 3/4/5

Period mentioned

Approx. 2007–2018

Symptoms

Metallic rattle for several seconds after a cold start; engine light for timing deviation.

Possible cause described

The chain stretches and the tensioner is soft. Later units have a revised chain and tensioner, which reduce but do not eliminate the fault.

Check for the garage

Listen to a cold start and check whether the chain was replaced with the revised parts.

Cost cited in the source

Approx. €800–1,500 (converted from dollars)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

N47 2.0 diesel (116d–123d, 316d–325d, 520d, X1/X3 18d-20d)

Period mentioned

2007–2015 (improved from 2011)

Symptoms

Rattling from the rear of the engine (gearbox side) on a cold start, getting worse over time. In extreme cases the engine cuts out while driving.

Possible cause described

The timing chain sits at the rear of the engine; its guides are poorly lubricated and the chain stretches. If it jumps or snaps, the valves hit the pistons and the engine is destroyed.

Check for the garage

Listen with the engine fully cold, ideally with a mechanic's stethoscope on the rear of the block.

Cost cited in the source

Approx. €2,000–4,000 at an independent garage (engine must come out)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database