If you look a little, you can find rust on the body of the earliest Mini Coopers. It most often appears on the weld seams and on the tailgate. In fairness, it should be said that with the restyling of the Mini Cooper, this problem was dealt with. So the updated Mini looks preferable in terms of corrosion protection. However, more recent copies have another problem - the chrome trim on their body, after a few years of operation, is covered with unsightly black dots. Quite often, Mini owners also complain about jammed door locks. It will not hurt to check the operation of the wipers before buying. Their hinges wear out too quickly.
There is a lot of hard plastic inside the Mini, which starts to creak over time. But if it is easy enough to come to terms with this, then it will not work with the "blinded" climate control display. As well as with failures of electric drives of glass and sunroof. There are also complaints from Mini owners about the backrest folding mechanism, which has a habit of jamming at the most inopportune moment.
A 1.6-liter gasoline engine of the Pentagon series (on the Mini it bore the W11B16C index), which in the atmospheric version could develop 90 and 115 Horse power, turned out to be quite successful. With proper maintenance, it can withstand a mileage of 250-300 thousand kilometers without any problems. This power unit deserves a small comment only for some propensity to consume oil. Mini owners who prefer an active driving style have to top up about one and a half liters of oil for 10 thousand kilometers. There are no special complaints about the compressor versions of this engine. They are more powerful than the naturally aspirated versions (from 163 to 200 horsepower on the Cooper Works version), but only slightly lose to them in reliability.
But there are a lot of complaints about the gasoline engine of the same volume of the Prince series (EP6), which was installed on the Mini after restyling. This power unit was developed by BMW together with the French from Peugeot and Citroen, but as a result, the fruit of joint efforts turned out to be frankly "raw". Complaints rained down as soon as the owners of Mini with this power unit managed to drive the first 20-30 thousand kilometers. But if at first the new engine upset only with the loss of traction, then after another 30 thousand kilometers, many owners had to face the stretching of a seemingly eternal chain in the gas distribution mechanism. This is due to a too weak tensioner and progressive shock loads. Most often, it did not reach the point of breaking the chain, but many Mini owners had to face the "departure" of the valve timing. For the most inattentive, it came to the meeting of valves with pistons and the subsequent overhaul engine. In a word, problem followed problem.
The scale of the disaster turned out to be so great that official dealers soon stopped blaming poor-quality fuel and improper operation of the car and began to warranty repair change the chain, defective tensioner and damper, as well as the cylinder head. In turn, BMW has done a lot of work on the mistakes. Several dozen changes were made to the design of the ill-fated engine, which significantly increased its reliability.
Not all is well with the Mini Cooper gearboxes. In the "mechanics", which was installed on the car until 2004, after 80-100 thousand kilometers, wear of the synchronizers and gear shift forks was observed. After 2004, the Germans began to install a new Getrag manual gearbox on the car, which, in terms of reliability, turned out to be much better than its predecessor.
Installed on Mini and variator manufactured by the German company ZF. With a quiet ride, its resource is at least 200-220 thousand kilometers. But the problem is that rarely does anyone drive a Mini calmly. As a result, the CVT resource may well be halved. And when buying a car, this should be taken into account, since repairing a variator cannot be cheap by definition.
In 2005, the Mini began to offer a regular automatic transmission... Its main problem is an insufficiently efficient cooling system. For this reason, as a result of frequent overheating, the "machine" may suffer from oil starvation. In addition, I would like more reliability from the pressure regulator and solenoid valves in the valve body. The oil temperature sensor was also not very reliable.
The Mini Cooper's suspension is not only very stiff but also very weak. Already after 15-20 thousand kilometers, it will be necessary to replace the stabilizer bushings in it, after another 30-40 thousand kilometers, the turn of the stabilizer struts will come. Ball joints are not very reliable either. V best case they will withstand about 60 thousand kilometers. The service life of the steering rods and front shock absorbers of the Mini can be estimated at about 70 thousand kilometers. Rear shock absorbers on a hatchback, they can even hold out a little more than 100 thousand kilometers, but together with them, most often it is necessary to change the suspension arms that have practically exhausted their resource.
A lot of problems with the Mini. A funny little car, although it will delight you every day with its stylish appearance and excellent handling, in return will require you to regularly contact the service. And its repair and maintenance cannot be called cheap. Doesn't it scare you? Then feel free to go in search of a suitable car.
17.10.2016
Mini Cooper ( MINI Cooper) Is a legend of the automotive industry, whose history dates back to the distant 60s of the last century. This cute small car with its bright design, it evokes affection among the auto lady, and among young people, the car has an image sports car... However, this charming toddler is not doing as well with reliability as one would like. How expensive it is to maintain and maintain the second generation Mini Cooper with mileage, and what to look for before buying, I will tell you in this article.
A bit of history:
In 2001, after a huge hiatus, the company refurbished the Oxford plant, where they began to assemble the New Mini. In 2002, the updated car went on sale in the CIS. The second generation of the model belongs to the class of subcompact car and super mini, it is produced in two body types - a three-door hatchback and a two-door convertible. The first ones have been produced since 2006, the second ones - since 2009. Despite the fact that the second generation looks very similar to the first, these machines do not have a single interchangeable part. The dimensions of the Mini remained the same, except for the length - it increased by 60 mm. Three of the most noticeable changes can be distinguished: the legroom of the rear passengers has become much larger, the battery has migrated from a special niche in the trunk floor to a more familiar place, under the hood, instead of the ignition switch, they began to install the Start / Stop button. In 2010, a second light restyling was carried out, as a result of which the following were changed: front bumper, wheel rim design and multimedia system design.
Weaknesses Mini Cooper with mileage
In the CIS, Mini Coopers were officially available with three petrol engines: 1.4 (89 hp), 1.6 (120 hp) and a turbocharged 1.6 (178 hp). On secondary market you can also find cars with diesel engines 1.4 and 1.6, brought to us from abroad in a second-hand condition. Buying cars with diesel power units is quite risky, since 99% of these cars have a non-native mileage. The most widespread was gasoline naturally aspirated engine 1.6 (120 HP).
Owners of a Mini Cooper with such an engine recommend changing the oil at least once every 10,000 km. If this is not done, closer to 70,000 km, the engine will begin to eat up oil, and the consumption can be quite serious, up to 1.0 liters per 1000 km. Unfortunately, motors are not long-livers, and even with proper operation they rarely live up to 200,000 km, the average engine service life is 150-170 thousand km. The design of the motors is such that at low speeds the valves open slightly, literally by a millimeter, and this is not enough for normal operation valve stem seals... This is the reason for the increased oil appetite and other problems with the power unit.
Timing chain drive. In principle, this unit is quite reliable, but if the oil level in the engine is below average, the chain can stretch after 60,000 km, so you need to check the oil every 1000 km. If, after starting the engine, you hear loud rumbling sounds from under the hood, this is a direct signal about the urgent need to replace the chain. Every 25,000 km, the thermostat needs to be replaced ($ 100), the pump will last 40-50 thousand km, replacement will cost $ 200. Over time, oil may begin to leak from under the oil filter, as a result, a burning smell appears in the cabin. On cars that are operated in megalopolises, the first serious repair of the power unit will need to run 70 - 80 thousand km, repairs will cost 1500-2000 USD, the cost of a new motor is 4000-6000 thousand USD.
MINI One was equipped with a 1.4 engine, such cars are a little less common on the secondary market. Structurally, this power unit is very similar to 1.6 engines, the only difference is in the design of the pistons; all the problems that are inherent in the 1.6 engine are also inherent in this engine. In the most powerful power unit, the turbine lives for a long time, thanks to an additional pump and cooling with antifreeze. The main problem of turbocharged engines is that with low mileage they begin to lose power: gasoline is not injected through the valves, because of this, over time, carbon deposits form on the valves, and they do not close completely. Injection pump lives about 50,000 km, replacement will cost 250-300 USD. As with an atmospheric engine, due to design features engine, on low revs there is a shortage of oil, which in turn leads to rapid wear of engine parts and mechanisms.
Transmission
Two gearboxes are available for the Mini Cooper: a six-speed manual transmission and an automatic transmission with the same number of gears. There are no special complaints about the reliability of transmissions, and their resource significantly exceeds the service lines power units... The clutch in a manual transmission takes care of 100-120 thousand km, replacement will cost 400-500 USD (in the official service). According to the regulations, both boxes are considered unserviceable, however, experienced owners recommend replacing the transmission fluid at least once every 60,000 kilometers.
Resource running Mini Cooper
Mini Cooper is equipped with independent suspension, front - MacPherson strut, rear - multi-link. It's hard to talk about the service lines of suspension parts, since many operate this car as a "sports car", as a result, the service lines of the suspension are significantly reduced. The stabilizer bushings, as in many cars, are considered consumables and serve, on average, 15-20 thousand km (8-15 cu, pcs.). Lever silent blocks will have to be changed every 40-45 thousand km ($ 30-60, pcs.), Wheel bearings - 60-70 thousand km ($ 80-120, pcs.), Shock absorbers will last 70 -80 thousand km (100-150 cu, units). Ball joints are quite hardy and can last up to 90,000 kilometers (30-50 cu, pcs.). The front brake pads change on average every 30,000 km, the rear ones - 40,000 km.
Salon
Before buying a used Mini Cooper, check that the hatch is working: if the previous owner did not service it, it may open and not close, or vice versa. If the hatch has never been lubricated during the operation of the car, then it is better not to do this anymore, because with a 90% probability, if you lubricate the hatch, the gears will begin to slip in the lubricant and you will have to change the entire mechanism. Windshield installed almost at right angles, so chips and cracks are present on most machines; if the glass is equipped with a rain sensor and heated, the replacement will cost 300-350 cu. Electrical problems are extremely rare.
Outcome:
Mini Cooper is unlikely to be of interest to the practical and family motorists, as there is very little space in the cabin, and only a medium-sized bag can be placed in its trunk. But if you are a young driver or a girl, have a good income and want to stand out in the stream, then the Mini Cooper is exactly the car that you should pay attention to. Considering possible problems, the cost of repair and the resource of the power units, I would recommend buying this car new and only from authorized dealer.
Advantages:
- Acceleration dynamics.
- Reliable transmission.
- Original design.
- Good build quality.
Disadvantages:
- Small service life of power units.
- Rigid suspension.
- Little legroom for rear passengers.
- Luke requires special attention.
If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you had to face during the operation of the car. Perhaps it is your feedback that will help the readers of our site when choosing a car.
Best regards, AvtoAvenu editorial staff
Oddly enough, most of those who consider themselves educated individuals associate everything with England, from heraldic dragons and knights to Elton John and Princess Diana, except for really unique items. I am talking, for example, of the subcompact Mini, an unprecedented phenomenon in the British car industry. Ingeniously assembled, elegantly assembled, this car has not only appeared in the right place at the right time - it has become a kind of symbol of Albion. For which he rightfully took "silver" in the competition for best car twentieth century.
Distant relative of Archimedes
Alexander Arnold Konstantin Issigonis was born in 1906 and came from the city of Smyrna (present-day Izmir). Alexander's grandfather moved there in the 19th century, fleeing the Ottoman occupation of Greece, and quickly became rich on the construction of the railway.
1 / 2
2 / 2
The innovative Lightweight Special car regularly earned Issigonis' leadership awards on the tracks until 1948, when the engineer had to give up his sports career.
The British, the owners of the enterprise, noted the intelligence and insight of Issigonis Sr., for which they granted him English citizenship. This is how an outstanding engineering dynasty was founded, in which the father of our hero, Konstantin, already held the position of director of a machine-building plant. Of course, when Alexander was born, his future was a foregone conclusion. However, the outbreak of world war soon ruled out the fate of Issigonis Jr. differently.
In 1922, due to the aggravated Greek-Turkish conflict, the whole family was forcibly evacuated to Malta. In the blink of an eye, the Issigonis were transformed from respected members of society into refugees, one of many. They lost all their property: a factory, a manor, savings. This directly affected the health of Constantine - having received a blow, he died suddenly. The young engineer was left with his mother almost without funds, and in order to receive help from the government, they moved to England.
Not to say that the Issigonis lived in poverty on the move - at least they had the funds to buy Alexander a Singer Tourer for £ 200, which was the same as the cost of a piece of land on the coast. At the same time, the young man did not even know what problems such a luxurious purchase promised! Having gone on a car rally on it, Alec learned the hard way what happens when the transmission wedges, why oil constantly flows from the engine, springs burst, etc. In a word, the architecture of the Singer car was far from perfect, which prompted Issigonis to invent best car yourself.
Alexandra's mother met her decision to become an engineer with hostility - she dreamed that her son would be an artist. But the young man was adamant, entering Battersea Polytechnic College. And although he studied there for only three, with grief in half, he still managed to get a bachelor's degree. And how the teachers rejoiced when, at last, they got rid of the arrogant C-grade student who told everyone that “he will change the world, even in spite of their damned mathematics”!
1 / 4
2 / 4
3 / 4
4 / 4
Alec Issigonis's "test paper", Morris Minor, although it was a tiny car, turned out to be his entrance ticket into a world of great engineering possibilities
Soon he entered a small London firm that was developing an automatic transmission as a draftsman. However, Alec did not succeed in the official field - all his attention was then occupied by the design of his own car, which he and a friend made on weekends in the garage. It was an upgraded version of the Austin 7 microcar with a plywood body and a modified engine. The car with the name Lightweight Special received the first authoring developments of Issigonis - in particular, the front independent suspension. Thanks to this, Alec consistently beat the rest of the engineers in sprint and ring races. One of these victories in 1946 was the beginning of a strong friendship with another bright head of motorsport - engineer John Cooper.
1 / 5
2 / 5
3 / 5
4 / 5
5 / 5
The famous Mini at the design stage. Even a rear-wheel drive version was planned, which the engineering group refused in time.
Meanwhile, the career of a Greek engineer is also developing. In 1938, he worked on the creation of an independent suspension for Humber, one of the largest car manufacturers in the UK. A little later, Alec will defend his diploma from the University of London, and his successes will lead the newly minted engineer to Morris. Here his innovative ideas are being introduced into serial developments.
The first glory of Issigonis was brought by the Morris Minor, a kind of design debut, which has been ensured by a successful combination of price, size and performance for 23 years of wide production. This model began to show Alec's signature style: cutting edge engineering solutions fit into modest (only 3.7 meters in length) dimensions. Here, for the first time, rack and pinion steering was used, as well as hydraulic brakes on all wheels. And the democratic price tag made the Morris Minor a truly popular car - for the first time in history, a British model has sold over a million copies!
1 / 5
2 / 5
3 / 5
4 / 5
5 / 5
“Simpler, lighter, faster, more compact and more spacious” - this is the logical chain that Issigonis built for the production of the new flagship of the Navy. British society thanked him heartily for completing each of these points, despite the ridiculous 10-inch wheels of the first Mini series and the disgusting waterproofing of the interior. Saving on the outer seams of the body did not benefit the model, but due to the low price, people were ready to put up with the fact that in rainy weather their car looked like a colander
Worldwide recognition
For some time, Issigonis, having become famous, wandered from studio to studio like a talisman. Everybody wanted the engineer to do new car, comparable in success to Minor. And Alec was glad to try, but his thoughts turned out to be too daring for the producers. So fate again brought the Greek inventor to the doorstep of Morris. Only now it was already a whole concern - British Motor Corporation, the result of the merger of several leading British firms.
1 / 11
2 / 11
3 / 11
4 / 11
5 / 11
6 / 11
7 / 11
8 / 11
9 / 11
10 / 11
11 / 11
Advertising in the 50s was a powerful lever of pressure in the automotive market. “In fact, people don't know what they want. It's my job to tell them about it, ”Alec argued from numerous Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor brochures.
Issigonis was welcomed with open arms and immediately entrusted with the development of a new model line. The idea of the leadership included a whole ensemble of three various cars – big sedan Maxi, Midi coupé and compact Mini. And Alec had to design everything in that order.
The prototypes of the first two models were ready in 1956. They were already trying to launch them in series when the Suez crisis broke out. Gasoline in Europe has risen significantly, and small cars like the VW Beetle and FIAT 500 suddenly became the kings of the market. The head of the Navy concern Leonard Lord told Issigonis to forget about all his previous projects, except for one - the city compact mobile. It was a serious test, the question was about the very survival of brands, but Alec was only happy to try, since he sincerely believed that a real car should not be more than three meters long.
1 / 10
2 / 10
3 / 10
4 / 10
5 / 10
6 / 10
7 / 10
8 / 10
9 / 10
10 / 10
Avtomobilchik rolled off the assembly line in various variations and was constantly being modernized. This is how a two-seater Mini Shortie, a doorless Mini Metro convertible, a full-fledged Mini Traveler station wagon, a Mini Pick-Up and even a Mini Van appeared. All options were reliable and well balanced. driving performance... For example, a four-seater buggy without a roof, Mini Moke, did not take root in the British army, but it became an integral part of beach resorts in the USA and Australia.
Issigonis pored over the assignment for 2.5 years - a record time to translate a drawing on a napkin into a driving car. But the work team, subordinate to the engineer, and this time seemed like a hell of a vacation. After all, our inventor possessed a truly anecdotal pedantry and a cool, despotic disposition: for the slightest mistake, he could detain an employee's salary. Alec didn't care how his ideas would be implemented, but once he decided something, he wanted to see everything done exactly. Being by nature more an artist than an engineer, he could only outline the direction in which the executors of his will followed. But no matter how difficult it was for the latter, they preferred to solve unsolvable problems, just not to see on the horizon the grinning Issigonis, who patronizingly calls everyone and everything "darling" ... Perhaps that is why the success of the car, documented as XC / 9003, was so deafening ...
Work on the Mini project was based on the principle “the simpler the better”. The stumbling block in the new car was its size: at 3 meters in length, there was a phenomenal capacity for 4 people and their luggage, while nothing should have hindered them during the trip. Engineers had to dodge at every step, and the decree on the mandatory use of only those power units that were produced by the Navy, further complicated the task. As a result, the smallest of the then engines of the concern, the 0.9-liter Austin-A, was squeezed into the tiny engine compartment of the prototype. The engine not only had a transverse position, it also integrated a gearbox - the first of Mini's revolutionary innovations.
1 / 8
2 / 8
3 / 8
4 / 8
5 / 8
6 / 8
7 / 8
8 / 8
In 1964, the Mini rally team, represented by driver Paddy Hopkirk and co-driver Henry Liddon, took all three prizes at the Monte Carlo races. This success was repeated three more times, but in 1966 the panel of judges disqualified the British, allegedly due to the unregulated number of headlights. A classic example of the abuse of power that caused the "winning" driver Pauli Toivonen to refuse to accept the award and terminate the contract with his Citroen team.
Thanks to the front-wheel drive, the car significantly threw off its weight, but there was even more useful space inside it than needed. Trunk, seat structure, door pockets - all this could be filled with any useful little things. Looking at his creation, Issigonis was jubilant. All that remained was to obtain the approval of the head of the concern ... But Sir Leonard Lord was not so optimistic. Seeing this little misunderstanding, he grimaced and scurried away. Alec had to coax him into the prototype.
We drove around the territory of the enterprise, and I rushed like a madman. The lord, of course, was horrified by this, but was pleased with the way the car kept on the road. When we stopped near the office, he, leaving, threw me just two words. "Launching the series!" - he said.
Alec Issigonis, "father" of the Mini subcompact
The premiere of a new car from the Navy took place in 1959, and the concern presented to the public two models at once: Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor. They were almost identical, and such a split was only marketing in nature. So fans of both brands got the opportunity to buy the same ultra-fashionable car for a modest price of $ 800. It was a good investment not only for the middle class and low-income people. Soon the runabout became so popular that even English snobs were interested in it. In 1962, when its weekly production exceeded 3 thousand, it was decided to reduce the entire model range to a single denominator - Mini.
1 / 5
2 / 5
3 / 5
4 / 5
5 / 5
There were two main hobbies in the life of fashion designer Mary Quant - mini-skirts and Mini Clubman. Oddly enough, both of them went well with each other.
Charged to condition
The British were crazy about the cute little Mini. Its thoughtful design and low cost were like a balm to the soul for the people. But while Issigonis was happily resting on well-deserved laurels, his friend and first ally in the racing trade, John Cooper, did not sit idle. Seeing sports potential in the notorious runabout, he immediately set about pumping it up. Having his own atelier Cooper Car Company, the engineer was able to persuade the leadership of the Navy, and specifically George Harriman, to produce a limited racing series (1,000 copies).
In 1961, the result of the experiments of John Cooper (at that time, twice winner of the Constructors' Cup) became new model- Mini Cooper. It was equipped with a more powerful engine (997 cc, 55 hp), a double SU-carburetor and front disc brakes. In addition, the new Mini received a two-tone racing paint that soon became iconic. To test the car named after himself, Cooper announced him to participate in the Group 2 rally.
1 / 11
2 / 11
3 / 11
4 / 11
5 / 11
6 / 11
7 / 11
8 / 11
9 / 11
10 / 11
11 / 11
Mini cars have become an integral part of British culture. The exclusive color that celebrities have covered them, is counted in hundreds of options. Funny cars appeared on English postage stamps, painted ... and even became a walking advertisement for the Red Bull drink
The management of the British Motor Corporation looked at the tricks of the designer from behind closed eyelids - no one really believed that a funny car was anything on the race track. Imagine their surprise when the Mini Cooper S, a version with a more powerful engine (1,071 cc, 70 hp), won its class on the most difficult track in Monte Carlo in 1963, and a year later the crews of the Navy occupied the entire podium in the "absolute"!
The "mini-racer" achieved this success twice more, which made him a legend in motorsport. Soon the two-tone Mini Cooper S became a regular in the fashionable districts of London, and sales of this model for the entire production period exceeded 150 thousand units. Even Enzo Ferrari, a good friend of John Cooper, could not resist purchasing three copies of the racing subcompact. “If this car were not so ugly, I would have fallen in love with it,” summed up the Italian designer.
Culture shock
After Mini cars "flooded" London, and with it the streets of other British cities, the public shook as if in an epileptic seizure. It turned out that the tiny little car became a true catalyst for cultural life, personifying the craving for change dormant in people. Therefore, many future celebrities, be it a pop star or an artist, began their journey to fame behind the wheel of the Mini. For example, couturier Mary Quant, one of the 60s street fashion creators and personal stylist for The Rolling Stones, admitted that the idea for mini skirts came to her thanks to the car. Such bold experiments were brought to her by the Order of the British Empire, which might not have happened if Leonard Lord had become obstinate and at one time would not have put the project into production.
1 / 6
Some time ago, on our forum was: How does the MINI John Cooper Works actually differ from the “regular” MINI Cooper S, and is the price difference between the two cars justified? After trying to answer briefly, in a forum format, an active participant in our party, Makar, decided to translate this one article cMotoring File , which gives an exhaustive answer to the question asked.
Translator's note: all prices, as well as information on the availability of a bunch of used GPs on the market, indicated in the article, are relevant only for the United States, so do not pay special attention to this.
Yes ... actually what are we paying for?
A factory JCW (called Stage II, not to be confused with a dealer's Stage II rig) is a split personality. On the one hand (if we are talking about runoff), it is comfortable enough (adjusted for the quality of our roads) to move along ordinary streets and highways, i.e. no different from the rest of the MINI. On the other hand, it is the fastest and most vociferous MINI. It is clear that BMW tried to create this car so that it would become almost everything to everyone. But didn't that make JCW a less performance car?
If you just look at the absolute speed, then JCW easily tries on the crown. The feel is very similar to the 2006 JCW GP, with a whopping 260Nm of torque available across virtually the entire rev range. Well, everyone knows the power - it's 211hp. While the GP had roughly the same numbers, JCW stands aside in terms of recoil. And weight is not such a problem. The R56 chassis weighs about 9kg less, so the GP hardly has an edge.
So JCW is the fastest MINI ever produced. But is he the best? First, let's take a look at what BMW has done right with this car - the engine. MINI is making a huge effort to compare JCW as a brand with BMW's famous “M” division. But it should be noted that MINI never says who actually created the JCW engine. However, we can now safely say that the “M” division had a hand in the development of the new JCW engine. This is actually the first time that BMW Motorsport has done anything to develop a MINI.
So, the engine has received many modifications. For starters, the intake valves and valve seats are made of more durable materials to withstand the increased temperatures of a lighter-cranking engine. The piston (and this is one of the places where M worked) received reinforced walls, the compression ratio was reduced to 10.0: 1. Increased head wall thickness to reduce potential stress during peak loads.
The engine breathes easier thanks to the installation of a larger flow meter. Together with other refinements, this means better cold air throughput and lower power losses. Induction is also speeded up thanks to the larger intake. Finally, a reinforced and enlarged twin-scroll turbine, together with the addition of a different exhaust manifold, raises the boost pressure from 0.9 to 1.3 bar.
The outlet and catalyst have been redesigned and enlarged for smooth flow and reduced back pressure. All of this means a couple of things. The turbo lag has been reduced (and previously almost invisible), and the power and torque have increased. At the same time, Works has the same declared fuel consumption as a regular MCS and a liter capacity of 132 hp. Rumor has it that this engine could appear on the next generation BMW 1-Series in 2012.
But how does this all translate to the road? He's fast. This means it has power wherever and whenever you want it. With a sport button that allows the exhaust to “gurgle and growl” at starts just like the stock R53 did (MCS ‘05 and ‘06 had a similar gurgling exhaust sound). Sound enjoyment rivals that of the GP when we talk about factory MINIs. At one point, I ended up behind a JCW (open throttle) in my own car, and I must say that the sound makes the hair on the back of the neck stirring. It's just not like anything we've heard from a MINI before. The only drawback is that you can fully feel it only when you are outside.
All this is stopped by 4-piston Brembo. In theory, it should be better than the single-piston design on the regular MINI Cooper S or the previous JCW GP. However, many of us who have driven the Works and the regular R56 MCS feel that the stock brakes are more understandable than the Brembo on the ZhKV. It is a little easier to dose the effort with conventional brakes. But this is perhaps more a matter of habit.
With DSC completely deactivated and EDLC (Electronic Differential Emulation) active, the transfer of power to the tarmac is very consistent. While a mechanical diff can give more feel to the car, the EDLC turns out to be unusually adapted to aggressive driving style (unfortunately, it was not possible to enter the press car on the track) and this ability to perform its function so imperceptibly is simply amazing.
EDLC is triggered when accelerating hard out of corners and in tight bends. It electronically decelerates a slipping inner wheel to increase grip and ensure that all available power is transmitted to the road with as much grip as possible. Unlike DSC and DTC, which in such situations reduce the power delivered to the wheels, EDLC does not interfere with the operation with a loss of engine power, which gives the pilot more possibilities for control.
However, the feel of EDLC versus traditional LSD is quite different. So much so that some people start to miss the mechanical quality of the latter. The limited slip differential always gives a sense of traction and fire out of corners. Whereas EDLC is F1-style traction control (not yet banned) - power is bounced back and forth between the front wheels at a speed that sounds more like the speed of thought. Combined with the latest DTC (Work-exclusive Dynamic Traction Control), Work manages the power as efficiently as possible on the stock suspension.
But there are a few things that upset JCW. Obviously, this is a torque-steer effect, which is noticeable even for owners of simple MINI Cooper S R56. Personally, I didn't see this as a big problem. The car has a lot of torque, and sidetracking is quite expected. Personally, I prefer to have a margin of power and the ability to control the car myself.
Now the look. Unlike other markets, the specification for the US market does not include an air kit in the database. We've heard several explanations for this, and unexpectedly, cost isn't the only factor. On the other hand, it's hard to believe that a completely different model (which is $ 6k more expensive) does not look even a little different compared to the $ 21K MINI Cooper S.
However, the most conspicuous problem is the choice of suspension. MINI decided to equip the factory JCW with a conventional suspension. While it feels a little more aggressive than the standard suspension on a regular MCS, it's still inadequate to call a car really special. Roughly speaking, if MINI expects to make JCW similar to the M Division. With a philosophy aimed at true brand enthusiasts, they had to make the JCW suspension standard (currently only available as a dealer fitted option). Sure, it's more shaky than a regular one, or even a Sport Plus, but this is the line that MINI must follow to create a truly special car. Riding a JCW and a MINI Cooper S with JCW suspension head-to-head shows the difference very clearly. Honestly, you expect more from the car. Of course, the stock suspension is very good. But it lacks emotion and aggression compared to the optional JCW suspension.
The price is also not the strong point of the machine. On the one hand, it is clear that the entire package (including the brakes) is worth its money, but it becomes scary how the price grows when only a few options are added. Our press car only had a few options in the form of cruise control, bonnet stripes, sunroof, climate control and bluetooth / iPod adapter, which immediately raised the price to $ 31,800. Yes, that's $ 100 more than the 2006 JCW GP without the aero kit, JCW suspension, and the cosmetic touches that make the car so unique.
I won't be mistaken if I say that the factory ZHKV drives and stops better than any MINI. It sounds better and is full of gadgets. But MINI almost hit the mark by making this car in regular shape. The interior and exterior (at least in the US specification) do not offer the customer the flavor that makes the M products so desirable or that the GP had. But the worst thing in the eyes of true connoisseurs is the lack of a more aggressive suspension.
So is JCW worth the money? Our car with some options costs $ 31,800 - again $ 100 more than the GP. But is this the equivalent of a GP? In some respects, yes. Fast, sounds good and stops cool. Four seats and good music. In the end, it's a matter of personal preference. If you want the fastest MINI and don't worry about losing that extra $ 6,000, JCW is for you. But I want to love this car not only for the fact that every trip on it becomes special, but also for the fact that it must make certain demands on the driver - a la a real BMW M. Even with many attributes that one can only dream of , this car does not hurt me as much as the GP or even my previous MCS R53 with the JCW whale.
When choosing a JCW, you have to ask yourself what matters to you about MINI. On the one hand, there is a choice in the form of slightly second-hand GPs. On the other hand, there is the regular MINI Cooper S. Then there is the MCS with JCW's outboard and motor upgrade. It's a really tough choice and I'm not sure the factory JCW is actually the car that many of us dream of. There is no question that this is the most successful product from JCW, but it is not quite the complete package as it is currently offered. ”
Review of Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020: appearance, interior, specifications, configuration, parameters, security systems and price. At the end of the article, a photo and video review of the Mini Cooper S 5D 2018.
Contents of the review:
At different times and in different countries, compact and economical cars have always been in demand. Some models did not last long, but there are also models that created a whole cult of fans. One of such examples is the famous British Mini Cooper. For the first time, the car was presented in 1959, for that time it was a significant breakthrough and the novelty was quickly loved by drivers of all ages.
The classic model is the three-door version, with round headlights and rough roof shapes. Progress does not stand still and buyers always want more, besides, the fashion for two-door cars is gradually moving away in favor of a sedan or 5-door. The British manufacturer wasted no time in developing and presenting the 5-door Mini Cooper. Many will say that the same Countryman or Clubman already exist as 5-door options, but alas, this is a class of crossovers, and by no means compact hatchbacks... The first was the regular 5-door Mini Cooper and recently a charged version, also known as the Mini Cooper S 5D.
With the usual 5-door Mini Cooper, the differences are minimal, but still, the charged version of the hatchback looks much richer and more stylish. In addition to the standard Mini Cooper S variants, the manufacturer offers many options to emphasize and diversify the usual look of the hatchback. In the article, we will consider a charged 5-door hatchback Mini Cooper S 2018-2019, also named by the manufacturer as the 5D.
Exterior hatchback Mini Cooper S 2019-2020
The appearance of the 5-door hatchback Mini Cooper S 2018-2019 is almost no different from the usual 3-door brother. But if you look closely, there are still differences, both in the door frames themselves, and in individual details of the exterior. The front of the new charged Mini Cooper S is distinguished by a more evil radiator grill and an additional one at the bottom of the bumper. The radiator grille includes a large number of small parts, including sensors and sensors for security systems. The upper is crafted with a black mesh insert.
Below the grille is divided into two parts by a black glossy wide strip and a small chrome strip. In addition, the letter "S" has been added to the grille to identify the trim levels, indicating the charged Mini Cooper S. Depending on the wishes of the buyer, the edging of the grille can be glossy black or chrome. Another detail that says the model belongs to a special edition is the front bumper.
The lower part in the center is occupied by an additional radiator grill, divided into three parts. On the sides, the bumper is decorated with two round LED fog lights in a rectangular edging. To finally emphasize the bottom of the 5-door Mini Cooper S 2018-2019, it was decorated with black plastic protection, the same is installed around the perimeter of the entire body of the hatchback.
The hood of the new Mini Cooper S 5D 2018-2019 is quite peculiar, the designers tried to modify it minimally, leaving it the same as in the 3-door version. On the sides of the hood, as before, they placed oval optics, with a highlighted black edging. The optics itself, depending on the configuration, will be based on halogen or LED elements, but according to the standard, the circle is decorated with LED daylight running lights... For the maximum configuration, the Mini Cooper S 5D 2018 will be equipped with matrix headlights.
The central hood of the long Mini Cooper S is decorated with a small air intake and the classic company emblem. From inconspicuous parts of the hood, a small protrusion can be noted, behind the air intake, closer to the windshield. Thus, the designers hid some of the engine parts. Depending on the wishes of the buyer, on the hood of the Mini Cooper S 2018-2019 hatchback, you can apply two stripes of black or white, or even leave it without decorations. Essentially, the bonnet serves several functions, including the fenders and carrier, for attaching the front optics. The hatchback windshield remains the same, slightly rounded and slightly tilted. Depending on the configuration of the Mini Cooper S 2019 hatchback, the windshield is fully or partially heated.
The side of the new Mini Cooper S 5D hatchback 2019-2020 received significant differences. In particular, as mentioned, now the new car is designed for 5 doors, two on each side and one behind (trunk lid). Another nuance - there are frames around the side windows, front and rear doors. Previously, there were no frames, due to their uselessness, and the entire load fell on the roof and body pillars. The characteristic color of the racks around the perimeter of the Mini Cooper S 2018-2019 remained unchanged, as before it is black, optionally, for an additional fee, the buyer can choose an individual color, although in most cases black is still suitable.
The door windows of the new Mini Cooper S 2018-2019 hatchback turned out to be rougher, one might even say square. The lower part of the glasses around the perimeter of the 5 doors was highlighted with a chrome edging, which was previously only optional. The manufacturer did not touch the door handles of the new charged car, leaving them the same as before and simply copying them to the back door. Side mirrors of the new Mini Cooper S 5D 2018 attract special attention, at the request of the buyer the reverse side of the mirrors can be painted in black or white, you can also leave the standard color to match the body color.
The mirror fixing leg is painted black, as standard, the set of mirrors includes an electric adjustment, heating and automatic folding. Whether there will be a memory function for several tuning modes, the manufacturer has not yet specified. Otherwise, the side part for the charged five-door Mini Cooper S 2018-2019 and the regular version will be the same.
The body color of the Mini Cooper S 5D 2019 is still striking:
- olive;
- beige;
- dark grey;
- Orange;
- Red;
- silver;
- Gray;
- black;
- green;
- blue;
- blue;
- Navy blue.
The rear part of the new Mini Cooper S 5D 2019 hatchback turned out to be more interesting. The designers modified the feet of the hatchback, making the LED elements in the shape of a half of the British flag. Depending on the equipment, there will be black or chrome edging around the feet. As for the boot lid, the upper section is adorned as standard with a small sports spoiler with LED stop indicator. The trunk glass was tilted more than in the usual three-door Mini Cooper S, but the dimensions of the lower part of the trunk became slightly smaller.
The recess for the Mini Cooper S 5D 2018 license plates looks pretty good, rectangular with rounded corners. The upper part can be decorated with a black or chrome insert with the company logo, a rear-view camera and license plate lighting are also located here. The minus noted by the fans of the model is the same step in luggage compartment, which is not so convenient when loading bulky items. Like the front, the defining feature of the charged Mini Cooper S 2018 from a regular hatchback is the bumper. Mesh inserts were placed in two levels, the upper two were placed on the sides, but the two lower ones were placed in the center. Here, two tips were placed in the center. exhaust system Mini Cooper S 5D 2018 and two LED fog lights.
The last element in appearance of the new 5-door hatchback Mini Cooper S 2018-2019, of course, the roof. As already mentioned, there are three options for the roof color available for the buyer's choice: white, black, or to match the body color. Naturally, the exception will be the black color with the general black color and the white roof color in the case of the beige color of the Mini Cooper S 2019. In most cases, the roof of the charged 5-door is solid, but in the top configuration you can add a panorama for a fee, like those what's in the Clubman or Countryman. The very rear of the roof is decorated with a small antenna in the form of a shark fin, a kind of mini fin.
As before in the three-door, the buyer of the new Mini Cooper S 5D 2018-2019 is not limited in the choice of additional options, in addition to standard options. According to the manufacturer, the new five-door Mini Cooper S 5D 2019 is waiting for an order of magnitude more demand than the classic three-door. A similar situation was with the main competitor of the Audi A1, after the release of the 5-door hatchback, now in the near future German manufacturer plans to remove the 3-door from the conveyor at all. By design, the new Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020 inherited the recognizable features of the early model, only some of the exterior details were updated.
Interior of the new Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020
In the exterior of the 5-door charged hatchback, the changes are clearly visible, in the cabin, practically nothing has changed. All the same round shapes, the same trim and design details. The characteristic style can only be found in this car, most of the interior elements are round, with rather large numbers. The central part of the Mini Cooper S 5D 2018 panel is occupied by a small 6.5 "touchscreen display of the multimedia system. The system works on Apple CarPlay, but it is not yet known whether Android Auto will be available. shape, moreover, the shape contour is made on the basis of LED backlight, at the request of the owner, the backlight can change color. A similar lighting is installed along the perimeter of the interior of the Mini Cooper S 5D 2019.
Sinking lower along the central part of the Mini Cooper S panel, there is a climate control panel with three selectors, a small panel with buttons for heating the front seats, side mirrors and a couple of other security systems. Most of all, the last panel, made in the form of toggle switches, is striking, it houses the Start / Stop button of the Mini Cooper S 5D 2018 engine, control of safety and comfort systems. Finishing off the center of the console is a small set of USB, 12V and Qi wireless charging, hidden behind a decorative cap.
Like the front console, many of the interior details of the 2019 Mini Cooper S are round. The center tunnel between the front seats is no exception, from its semicircular shape to the cup holder for the second row of seats. The hatchback tunnel begins with two round cupholders and a gear lever. To save space, but set the functionality as much as possible, a panel of buttons was made around the gear lever of the Mini Cooper S 5D to select the travel mode. A little further added a multimedia control panel and a selector. The hatchback handbrake in most variants of the Mini Cooper S 5D 2019 will be mechanical due to safety measures, optionally an electromechanical one can be added.
Most of the inconvenience fell on the second row of seats of the Mini Cooper S 5D 2019. The manufacturer, although it notes that three passengers can be accommodated there, but in fact only two, but the third will have to be very awkward. The center tunnel ends on the second row, with a large round cup holder in the middle. Thus, the average passenger, when boarding the Mini Cooper S 5D 2018, constantly needs to be careful, or after a while the cup holder will dry out completely.
Despite such a well-known and solid brand, the seats of the new 5-door hatchback Mini Cooper S 2018 will depend on the selected configuration. The front seats are sporty as standard, with a high backrest and good lateral support. The second row of seats of the Mini Cooper S 5D 2019, as already mentioned, is designed for seating 3 passengers, the folding ratio is standard 60/40. This is evidenced by the three head restraints of the rear seat.
As a material for upholstering the interior of Mini Cooper S 5D 2018-2019, the manufacturer offers high-quality fabric, leather, as well as a combination of leather and fabric. The fabric upholstery is presented in black shades with different patterns, as for the leather upholstery, the buyer is offered:
- black;
- black with perforated inserts;
- White;
- dark brown;
- Brown;
- beige.
Small changes were made to the driver's seat of the new 5-door hatchback Mini Cooper S 5D 2019. The instrument panel remained the same, a large round speedometer, a small tachometer looks out to the left of it, and a pair of sensors, fuel level and engine temperature to the right. Unlike previous models, new hatchback Mini Cooper S 2019 received a small head-up display that hides behind the dashboard at unnecessary time. It displays information about the state of the engine, speed and part of the navigation system.
The changes also fell on wheel Mini Cooper S 5D, the designers made it in a sporty style, in some models with a flattened bottom. The side knitting needles are occupied by the function buttons as standard, while the lower knitting needle is more decorative. Only leather is used as upholstery, soft plastic is not provided. When it comes to adjusting the Mini Cooper S handlebars, there are vertical and horizontal adjustments available.
The salon of the new 5-door Mini Cooper S 2019 practically did not receive any changes, but the build quality and space did not become worse. The manufacturer took into account many wishes regarding a charged three-door, introducing them into the new Mini Cooper S 5D 2018. They promise that with the growth of production, the optional list will expand, thereby offering more and more new interior design options.
Specifications Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020
The characteristics of the 5-door Mini Cooper S 2019 are not the most diverse, one might even say the ship. There is only one available to the buyer Gas engine, although there are three gearboxes: a mechanic, an automatic and a sports automatic, typical only for the S series hatchbacks.
| Features of the new Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020 | |||
| Engine | petrol 4 cylinder | ||
| Volume, l | 2,0 | ||
| Power, h.p. | 192 | ||
| Torque, Nm | 280 | ||
| Drive unit | front | ||
| Transmission | 6 tbsp. Manual transmission | 6 tbsp. Automatic transmission | sports 7 tbsp. Automatic transmission |
| Maximum speed, km / h | 232 | 230 | 230 |
| Acceleration to 100 km / h, s | 6,9 | 6,8 | 6,8 |
| Fuel consumption Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020 | |||
| Around the city, l | 7,9 | 7,1 | 7,1 |
| On the highway, l | 4,9 | 4,7 | 4,7 |
| Mixed cycle, l | 6 | 5,5 | 5,5 |
| CO2 emission, g / km | 140 | 129 | 129 |
| Dimensions Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020 | |||
| Length, mm | 3982 (4005 for sports equipment) | ||
| Width, mm | 1727 | ||
| Height, mm | 1425 | ||
| Wheelbase, mm | 2567 | ||
| Front wheel track, mm | 1485 or 1501 | ||
| Rear wheel track, mm | 1485 or 1501 | ||
| Clearance, mm | 124 | ||
| Tank volume, l | 44 | ||
| Trunk volume, l | 278 (with folded second row seats 941L) | ||
| Curb weight, kg | about 1295 | ||
| Full weight, kg | about 1750 | ||
| Wheel disks | 16 "(tires 195/55), 17" | ||
The suspension of the new Mini Cooper S 5D 2019 has not changed, it is the same as before. An independent McPherson is installed in the front, and an independent multi-link is installed behind. The brake system of the hatchback is a ventilated disc in the front, a conventional disc in the back. There is no information yet whether the new Mini Cooper S will be replenished with other units or a drive, most likely that the manufacturer will leave the current technical characteristics unchanged.
Safety and comfort Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020
The manufacturer added a small variety to the safety and comfort systems of the Mini Cooper S 5D 2018. Since the Mini is one of the BMW companies, it is natural that the safety systems will be repeated. Among the main active and passive systems hatchback Mini Cooper S 5D 2019 can be called:
- front and rear airbags;
- side airbags;
- a pillow in the area of the driver's knees;
- safety curtains;
- immobilizer;
- standard alarm;
- active cruise control;
- emergency braking system;
- collision avoidance;
- adaptive matrix optics;
- light and rain sensors;
- central locking;
- remote engine control (for automatic transmission);
- projection display;
- traffic information system;
- navigation;
- parking assistant;
- Bluetooth;
- traffic sign and pedestrian recognition system;
- multi-tasking multimedia system;
- driving assistant (to help inexperienced drivers or driving in the city);
- dynamic traction control;
- monitoring of blind spots.
Configuration and price of Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020
It would seem that no variety in technical characteristics and a minimum of choice in the interior of the Mini Cooper S 5D 2019 will not present a large number of trim levels for the buyer. In fact, the opposite is true, depending on the country of delivery, this figure will change, but the main document lists 4 configurations.
| Configuration and price of Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020 | ||
| Complete set | Transmission | Price from, USD ($) |
| Base | 6 tbsp. Manual transmission | 27550 |
| Regular | 6 tbsp. Automatic transmission | 28800 |
| Sport S | sport 7 tbsp. Automatic transmission | 29300 |
| John Cooper Works | sport 7 tbsp. Automatic transmission | 32410 |
The starting price is indicated for each complete set of Mini Cooper S 5D 2018-2019, as they additionally offer to install many decorative details, both inside and outside. In general, the changes in the charged 5-door hatchback Mini Cooper S 5D 2018-2019 are not significant, but quite noticeable. The car has taken on a more British style and improved interior. It is assumed that sales of 5 doors will be an order of magnitude higher than that of a similar three-door.
Video review of the new Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020:
Other photos of Mini Cooper S 5D 2019-2020:
