KNOWN FAULTS · MINI

MINI MINI Coupé / Roadster (R58/R59) Cooper 1.6 common problems.

2011–2015 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

1.4/1.6 VTi chain and ValvetronicTiming / Valvetronic

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.

Corrupted FRM3 module (lights and windows)Electrical and electronic systems

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.