Early examples could suffer water pumps leaking, but otherwise are trouble free. "The 1.3L turbo features a comparatively long stroke . It was co-developed with Mazda, which used a similar design in their 2.0 L KF V6. On Mini Cooper Models made from 2008 2014, there are a number of reports online from owners who have experienced Footwell Relay Module (FRM) failure. What Do Owners Like and Dislike About the Mini Cooper? However, cylinder 3 encounters some problems, such as misfire. While the Metro served its purpose as a cheap fuel-sipper well, it often became the butt of jokes with some saying that it was the car you bought . Was that the v6 that Mazda and Suzuki co-developed? This means, at lower RPMs, a 3 cylinder engine can't generate much power. After a 4 year battle with the NHTSA, BMW issued a recall which affected 86,000 Mini Coopers, specifically: To see if you have been affected by this recall its best to run the cars VIN using the recall lookup tool on the NHTSA website. This means that the primary and secondary forces are balanced vertically, but the torque over the reciprocating pistons is not matched in unison like in an I6. Just merge all the threads. The H engine i think its called. Were using Car Complaints PPMY index which means problems reported per thousand vehicles per Year. I can't see how an in-line 3 engine would be a crap engine over say a V4. The compression ratio is 16.5:1. As in any engine, the B38 has its own malfunctions typical of it. The engine issues faced by owners are varied, although the most notorious issue is known as the death rattle. 2621 Pico Blvd, Unit A document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()), Fuel consumption, l / 100 km (for 318i F30). Yes today's engine tech has largely eliminated the inherent buzziness of a 3 cyln engine (I will never forget the sheer crap sounds and feel from the 1988 Daihatsu Charade 1L), technologies couldn't overcome the fact that there's only 3 cyln to work with. the worst model years for the Mini Cooper Countryman, plenty of model years that proved reliable, check out some of the more recent, more reliable models. My BMW M240i 3.0,6 Cylinders,average 11.2Km/L,my Friend's 218i 1.5,3 Cylinders can only get 13Km/Lso 3 Cylinders,not really save Fuel. Options If your equipment is not listed, please call. All door locks will lock. This has been reported on Mini Cooper model years from 2002 up until 2017. This may have an effect on life, but not if otherwise driven sympathetically and well serviced (my Saab Aero is driven very hard its on 104k, and my previous Rover 800 Vitesse Sport, 200PS Turbo was similarly driven hard and I sold it on at 187k to an ROC member who was chuffed to bits with it). Balanced vertical forces: vertical forces, that is, primary and secondary force, are usually well balanced for they add up to zero. The Cooper S is the same 4-cylinder engine that BMW puts in the 2 and 3 series, but it has to move a lot less sheet metal. Economy is about the same mid . If you have theMini Cooper on your mind, youre not alone. For example, if your engine seems to be harder to start, or if it seems to stumble or . Its important to note that the SAE grade thats best for your Mini Cooper will depend on the driving conditions and climate where you live. In the last year Watchdog has heard numerous cases of total engine failure in the BMW 1-Series, 3-Series and 5-Series vehicles built between 2007 and 2009. The only thing is that fuel consumption in the city is not much different from 4-cylinder engine. They were introduced for the sake of economy and reduced emissions because there are fewer moving parts, less friction and they offer higher torque lower down the rev range than 4cyl engines of the same size. Other manufacturers (VAG etc.) Although not as serious as the previously mentioned problems, it is certainly very annoying. The old base motor was a 1.6-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that put out 121 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. We are thinking of chopping in the C1 for a Clio 1.2 turbo though. These engines, found in early Cooper D MINIs (2007 2014) can fail due to oil starvation. MINI 1.5L 3-cylinder . This problem has been blamed on Mini who advertised the cars automatic transmission as sealed for life, which basically means it doesnt need to be opened up if its not opened up it then its impossible to carry out transmission fluid flushes. If the car is very small then enough power. This is our favorite question of all! Since this BMW engine has only 3 cylinders, you cannot do without a balancing shaft, and it is also installed here. But why is that? Sporty S variants get a 189-horsepower 2.0-liter four (which is standard on the Clubman) while the performance-oriented John Cooper Works models step up to a 228-hp 2.0 four. 9. 7 Best 3-Cylinder Cars; 7 Best 3-Cylinder Cars Back; Page 1 of 13 . . Instead, the engine is trying to naturally rotate and flip over on itself. However, the Cooper S trim bumps horsepower up to 189, while the JCW trim increases it to 228. P1520 - camshaft position actuator; P1523 - camshaft . I suppose the 3-cylinder engines have good economy, and OK when new. Honda's newest Civic hatchback features a 1.0-liter VTEC. The Wartburg Knight had a three cylinder engine; how many of you remember those, I wonder? Some of the lowest predicted reliability scores suggest 2006 to 2012 model years are the worst years for the Mini Cooper. Loose timing chains are one of the most common problems with this . Diagnosis: A cylinder 3 misfire can be caused by anything from faulty spark plugs to low engine . If youre not sure what type of engine you have, you can look it up using your vehicle identification number (VIN) or ask your vehicle technician. This engine makes anywhere between 84 to 153 horsepower depending on which car it is in. Normally in a straight six, the two outer cylinders reach top dead centre (TDC) in unison, with the other four cylinders reaching specific angles of rotation to balance the primary forces, secondary forces and rotational torque of the engine nicely. A number of Mini Cooper owners have reported that the windshield cracked without incurring any impact or damage. If BMW made a go kart, this is it (in fact, BMW DOES make this carsays so on the door plate). For Mini Cooper models made pre-2010, transmission issues were a known problem. Drove a Suzuki XL-7 with it and 5 speed auto box derived from Toyota/Lexus.. went like S. off a shovel! have done the same. Because other solutions have obvious disadvantages to car manufacturers. Dealer denied any knowledge of the problem.. The saved space is used to mount other car components hence more volumes of space for seats and cargo. - Steveieb, 3-cylinder engines: long lasting? In addition, MINI 1.6 engine problems are also quite common. Smelly things. Had a 2.0, a 2.5 and after that Mazda withdrew but Suzuki continued it and made a lovely 2.7 v6. According to the reviews of the owners on the relevant forums, it is impossible to single out any serious problems. Although this problem was far more prevalent on models made in the 2000s, you can still find owners complaining about steering issues on more modern Minis, albeit to a much lesser extent. Keep an eye on the cooling system, use only high-quality oil and good gasoline, service your car regularly, and the life of your B38 will be quite sane. Are there any known engine issues to be aware of when looking to buy a 3rd Generation MINI? A camouflaged new Volkswagen ID.7 has been revealed at the 2023 CES technology show in Las Vegas. The reliable Verner 5V radial can swing up to a 68 -72" prop! The Polo is a better car to drive all round, but thats because its larger capacity gives it more mid range. Firstly, theyre lightweight and compact which allows them to be placed in multiple platforms throughout a manufacturers range of vehicles. In many instances, owners report that their air bag warning light comes on. To be safe, youd be wise to avoid models in the early 2000s too, where problematic models were noted. Cheaper to repair: in case all cylinders and related parts broke down, the owner would encounter reduced maintenance and repair costs. at 5800-6000 rpm. BMW's i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupe will get a performance-tuned version of the 1.5-liter three-cylinder. But nowadays, one of the reasons why the comeback of the 3-cylinder engine is because every country has a stringent environmental protection law and emission guideline. #12. This limits its user-friendliness to the car owner. While seeing a check engine light can cause a bit of panic, its important to note that it could indicate a wide range of problems. Cheaper to purchase: due to the reduced amounts of raw materials used to build it. Inside neglected Prius engine after 500,000 km. Everyone says that the 3-cylinder engine is not good. The torque inbalance (shared with inline-five engines) makes for a rattling powertrain as the engine tries to rock from end-to-end, even when balanced as much as physically possible. Since the way the engine runs relies heavily on the proper functioning of its cylinders, a misfire can cause big problems. On the other hand, a 4 cylinder engine does not face this problem since there is no lag in the firing order. It's pretty torquey from idle up to high revs and it'll do 60mph in 2nd gear. The worlds first Mini was launched in 1959, originally founded by a British company although now owned by German luxury brand, BMW. Power is usually produced after every 120 degree rotation of the crankshaft. There have been recalls for this issue so the best thing to do is run your VIN on the NHTSA website, and check to see if you have been affected. In the city, the engine eats 10-12 liters, on the highway 6.5-7 (this does not apply to the hybrid engine on the i8). In 2014, Ford recalled about 45,000 cars that had this 3-cylinder 1.0L engine made between 2011 to 2013. 5. - For more news, reviews and Top Tens, visit https://www.honestjohn.co.uk The engine block is normally made from cast iron or aluminum. So on the weight reduction part, this is not the optimal solution for traditional car companies. B38: 3 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. If you catch this problem early enough it can save the engine from incurring serious damage or failure. Yes but only half the power. With cheaper maintenance and lower fuel costs, it's hard to argue against the practicality of a three-cylinder. There is no additional research cost at all! When the 3-cylinder engine is running, although the internal interaction forces are just balanced, but the torque is unbalanced. The power developed in each cylinder is between 30 . Avoiding the 2000 through the 2013 model years of the Mini Cooper might be the smartest car-buying move. CoPilothighlights some of the worst model years for the Mini Cooper Countryman, including 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 models. It has 87,000 on the clock. Unlike any other gasket in your Mini's engine, the head gasket simultaneously . Higher fuel efficiency: This is one of the most prominent leads of three cylindered-engine due to its smallness compared to its four cylindered brother. Mainly is because of the 3-cylinder engine have this unrefined(wobbly) movement that is very annoying. . I don't see any reason why the 3 cylinder engines can't be as good as the fours. For example, newer cars will have fewer complaints simply because theyve been around for less time. You wont be disappointed with whatEdmundscalls a clever blend of quickness and fuel efficiency. Additionally, the configuration options seem endless for the Mini Hardtop, gas-powered, two-door, with the base Cooper, Cooper Oxford, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works (JCW) trim levels available, in addition to plenty of add-on packages, accessories, and amenities. - Kevin Pharoah, 3-cylinder engines: long lasting? VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. - SteveLee, 3-cylinder engines: long lasting? Experiences lag in firing: At lower revs, the engine toils to produce sufficient power unlike with a four-cylinder engine which works well at low revs. And so the factor that concluded the resurgence of a 3-cylinder engine is fuel economy, emission reduction & R&D costs. The timing chain problems have put me off looking for a 2nd Generation car. With lower-spec models in car line-ups often leaning towards three-cylinder powertrains, its probable that many first cars bought from new will feature these small engines, depending on how the expected move away from downsizing in the industry pans out. Have you ever owned a three-cylinder car? From the usual 136-horsepower engine, the i8 version differs in adaptation to a central engine installation, the connecting rod and main bearings are increased from 45 mm to 50 mm, and the compression ratio is reduced from 11 to 9.5. A new cylinder head casting was also used, a completely own intake system with an intercooler integrated into the intake manifold and a water-cooled throttle valve. Operating temperature of the engine, hail. at 5800 rpm, torque 570 Nm at 3700 rpm. The Chevrolet Beat diesel, Volkswagen Polo, and A-star are some examples of such vehicles. Their petrol engines are largely fine if serviced right and timing belts changed on schedule. #1. Installed on: Hyundai i10 II; Kia Picanto II / III The car handles quite well. There are 3 viable ways the car manufacturer can reduce fuel consumption. The overall weight of a car engine is essential as it adds up the total mass on the wheels hence slowed performances from the car. Print. That's characteristic of turbocharged engines, and is a signal to shoppers that they'll benefit from strong pulling power at lower revs. This would lead to a 3-cylinder engine undulating wavelike motion on both ends. Well we also have a 2010 Mini Cooper and the same timing chain issue with similar symptoms that has just been repaired for over $1800. I am 75 and need an automatic estate for my next car. Simply says, car companies can achieve fuel consumption goals by 2020 by reducing weight 11.2% of weight for each vehicle. ", 3-cylinder engines: long lasting? This problem is specific to manual transmission Minis only, the repair of this problem can be quite expensive. Disconnect the fuel injectors one at a time and look for a change. A 131 hp electric engine has been added to this engine. The disadvantages of a 3-cylinders engine are like a open secret everyone and even the manufacturer knows it. The Most Common BMW S63B44 Engine Problems. For Mini Coopers from around the 2005 era, the air bag issue was commonly linked to a failed front passenger seat occupant detection mat sensor which will need to be replaced. This helps to reduce the R&D costs for a 3-cylinder engine. Other notable improvements to performance include a low sport-tuned suspension, reinforced chassis, and powerful, responsive brakes. The basic advantage of a three-cylinder engine over a four-cylinder is that it is inherently more fuel efficient (as there's one cylinder less of volume of fuel to burn). Each of these oils has an API rating of SM or higher and meets MINIs long-life rating. Some makes register very good fuel savings comparing 3 vs 4 cy. Nimble handling, better than my 135i. I loved it though, I always meant to buy one to tune it and fit expansion chambers etc - by the time I got round to it, there were none left! The cylinder is the part of the engine where combustion takes place. I would expect a 3-cylinder engine to be revving and straining more than an equivalent 4-cylinder engine. However, the Cooper S trim bumps horsepower up to 189, while the JCW trim increases it to 228. Grinding, hissing, thumping, and high-pitched squealing are all signs of a potential engine problem. These engines deliver big performance in a small package. The Mini Cooper was fully redesigned in 2014, and modern Mini Coopers are quite reliable. The owner of a 2012 Mini Cooper reported his experience: The clutch burnt out at 25K miles and again at 58K miles! In terms of performance, one less cylinder than a standard inline-four engine makes for a decrease in frictional losses from the moving components. The idea is the same, no one wanna fork out the extra for paying the same stuff you are getting. The downside of being a left wing acitivist and living "the dream"! Consumer Reportssurveys indicate many different types of Mini Cooper models displayed issues across a broader timeline. Owners have reported that the crack starts out small and gradually gets bigger moving across the windshield. 4. 2. - mike hannon, 3-cylinder engines: long lasting? So once again, the manufacturer re-introduces the 3-cylinder engine. P0303: Cylinder #3 Misfire. No oil consumption was noticed, there were no rpm dips or other problems. This popular model continues to impress with its fuel economy ratings, compact size, stylish personality, and super-quick dynamics. I currently own a 2013 BMW 520d Touring (but have 8k left on credit). Put the car in "sport mode" and it flies. Related: Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Santa Monica, CA 90405, Copyright 2019-2020 | Automotive Repair Shop - The Haus Serving: Van Nuys, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Canoga Park, Culver City, Encino, North Hollywood, Reseda, San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Tarzana, Santa Monica, West LA, Culver City, Venice, What You Need to Know About MINI Cooper Engines. Includes 1.2 and 1.5 as found in 118i, 218i, 318i, MINI and i3 range extender. Wide range of choices for individual personalization. Can you recommend a garage to fix my Nissan Qashqai? Turned out to be an easy fix. Ecofriendly: Due to its fuel economic status, the ecosystem is spared by the three-cylindered engine from excess fuel that may be used and emitted as carbon fumes after the combustion process by the car`s engine. To avoid this problem, make sure the transmission fluid is flushed at 30,000-mile intervals to keep things running smoothly. 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