KNOWN FAULTS · MINI

MINI MINI (R56/R55/R57) Cooper S / JCW 1.6 turbo (N14/N18) common problems.

2006–2014 · Petrol

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

2 known faults with sources

1.6 THP chain and tensionerValve timing

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.

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.