Skip to content
MotorFiable

MINI carsAlso sold as MINI One

MINI Cooper F56 problems (2014–2024)

We have documented 4 engines for the MINI Cooper F56; the BMW B47, the BMW B48 / B38 and the BMW B38 / B37 have high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the BMW B38 / B37 in the B37 1.5 diesel 95-116 hp (B37C15K0 / B37C15U0), up to 2017, B38 1.5 136-140 hp from April 2015 (B38A15 / B38B15) and B37TÜ1 1.5 diesel 95-116 hp (from late 2017) versions, with a «Buy» verdict.[1][2][3]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the MINI Cooper F56 (2014-2024) has accumulated several one-off factory campaigns: a steering ball joint missing a washer in a 2019 batch, a poorly welded brake servo in 2023-2024 units, and two older airbag campaigns (2014 and 2016-2017). On top of these, with no campaign, come a manual gearbox that can become noisy and end up being replaced, and recurring Mini Connected infotainment faults reported by specialist workshops.[4][5][6][7][8]

MINI Cooper F56 (2014–2024)
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.2out of 10

MINI Cooper F56 rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 15 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. One of this car's engines has no documented faults in the versions it uses, but there aren't enough sources to call it reliable either, so it doesn't count towards the engine score. How it is calculated

  • Engine6.1From 2.7 to 8.0 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox7.91 fault
  • Suspension9.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.3 times the defects normal for its age
  • Brakes7.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering8.91 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Electrical system10.0No documented faults
  • Headlights and lights8.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment9.31 fault
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior8.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety7.11 fault

Ranked 22 of 29 among the city cars with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the MINI Cooper F56

  1. 1Critical severity: EGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fireBMW B47 engine · repair €500–€1,500
  2. 2Critical severity: Side and knee airbags may not work (2016 units) and the airbag warning light may stay on (2014)Airbags and safety
  3. 3High severity: Timing chain wear (improved, but is it really at the front?)BMW B47 engine
  4. 4High severity: Premature turbo wear from neglected maintenanceBMW B47 engine · repair €1,000–€2,000
  5. 5High severity: The 6-speed manual gearbox can become noisy and end up being replacedGearbox and clutch

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

3 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Missing spherical washer in the steering ball joint. See the campaigns for the MINI Cooper F56

24 sourcesHow we work

BMW B47

BMW B47 (B47D20 / B47C20) · Diesel

In the Cooper F56
2014–2024[9]
Names
Cooper D · Cooper SD
Faults that affect it
4 · 3 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
73
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

Faults that affect the Cooper F56

  1. Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlEGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fireYes: the EGR valve cooler can suffer internal coolant leaks which, mixed with soot and oil, can reach combustion temperatures; BMW has launched several technical campaigns since 2018 to inspect and replace it because of the risk of engine fire.Repair (garage): €500–€1,500
  2. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain wear (improved, but is it really at the front?)BMW improved the chain's tensioner, guides and oil supply compared with the N47, and failures take much longer to appear. But a specialist workshop insists the chain is still at the rear of the block, not at the front as is often claimed, so repairing it still means removing the engine or the gearbox.
  3. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboPremature turbo wear from neglected maintenanceThe B47's turbo does not have a design flaw as well documented as the N47's, but it can wear out early if oil changes are not respected, with repairs that usually run at around €1,000 to €2,000.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlParticulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban useYes: as on most modern diesels, the B47's particulate filter can clog with soot in cars used in town on short journeys, with cleaning or replacement costing from €500 to €1,800 depending on the condition of the filter.Repair (garage): €500–€1,800

Cooper F56 BMW B47 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW B47

BMW B48 / B38

BMW B48 (B48A20 / B48B20) / B38 (B38A15 / B38B15) · Petrol

In the Cooper F56
2014–2024[4][11][12]
Names
Cooper · Cooper S · John Cooper Works
Faults that affect it
4 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
24
Low risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the Cooper F56

  1. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingDeterioration of hoses and seals in the cooling circuit, with coolant lossYes: over the years and many heat cycles, the hoses, the expansion tank and some of the plastic seals in the B48/B38 cooling circuit can deteriorate and lose coolant, sometimes without any visible puddle under the car.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil leaks or seepage from seals and covers, near the turbo and the VANOSYes: over time, oil seepage or leaks can appear at seals, covers and crankcase ventilation connections, in an area of the engine close to the turbo and the VANOS system.
  3. High severityFrequency: RareTimingTiming chain on the early units (2014-2018), redesigned in the B48TUWe have found no documented cases of timing chain breakage on the B48. The one concrete fact that does exist is that BMW redesigned the chain as a single piece in the 2018 B48TU update, which points to an area for improvement in engines built before that date.
  4. Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)Yes, as on most direct-injection engines: because they are not washed by fuel, the intake valves on the B48/B38 build up carbon over the years, especially in urban use, with a loss of smoothness and a less stable idle.

Cooper F56 BMW B48 / B38 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW B48 / B38

BMW B38 / B37

Safest option

BMW B38 (1.5 gasolina) and B37 (1.5 diésel) de tres cilindros · Petrol

In the Cooper F56
2014–2024[4]
Names
One · Cooper · One D · Cooper D
Faults that affect it
3 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
20
Low risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • B38 1.2 (B38A12, MINI One)since 2014 · 75–102 hp · B38A12

    With caution

    We have found no reliability data specific to this variant: we cannot say it is free of defects, only that we have found none documented. Check the maintenance history.[14]

  • B38 1.5 136 hp up to April 2015 (B38A15)2014–2015 · 136 hp · B38A15

    With caution

    Both long-term tests with engine failure at 100,000 km involved a 218i from this period; if you are buying a unit from before April 2015, verify that the bearing has already been replaced.[2]

  • B37 1.5 diesel 95-116 hp (B37C15K0 / B37C15U0), up to 20172014–2017 · 95–116 hp · B37C15K0, B37C15U0

    Buy

    We have found no serious, widespread documented fault on the B37; the MINI Cooper D F56 in a 2026 feature clocked up a million kilometres on its original engine, although it is an isolated case.[1]

  • B38 1.5 136-140 hp from April 2015 (B38A15 / B38B15)since 2015 · 136 hp · B38A15, B38B15

    Buy

    BMW says the bearing change eliminated the problem, and we have found no other serious, widespread fault documented in the press or by official bodies for these units.[2]

  • B37TÜ1 1.5 diesel 95-116 hp (from late 2017)since 2017 · 95–116 hp · B37C15K0, B37C15U0

    Buy

    Same mechanical basis as the earlier B37, with no serious documented faults; adds AdBlue, which means checking the level and condition of the system.[3]

Faults that affect the Cooper F56

  1. Critical severityFrequency: RareLubricationB38 crankshaft thrust bearing failure (units before April 2015)The first units of the 136 hp 1.5 (up to April 2015) had a half-wedge crankshaft thrust bearing that failed in two long-term tests at about 100,000 km with heavy clutch use; BMW changed it to a 360-degree one.Appears at around 100,000 km
  2. Medium severityFrequency: RareCoolingCoolant leaks and water pump or thermostat failure on the B38Two sources point to the cooling circuit (thermostat housing, electric water pump and hoses) as the most cited wear point on the B38, with leaks from around 70,000 km. The data is scarce and of uneven quality, so it is treated as a risk to watch rather than a widespread fault.
  3. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeCarbon build-up on the B38's intake valves and injectorsAs a direct-injection engine, the B38 builds up carbon deposits on the intake valves and injectors, like other direct-injection petrol engines. The German press cites it as the point to watch in an otherwise trouble-free engine, and it is noticed mainly on short journeys.

Cooper F56 BMW B38 / B37 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW B38 / B37

BMW i3 / Mini Cooper SE

BMW i3 (I01): motor de 125 kW con baterías de 22, 33 and 42,2 kWh; el Cooper SE comparte el motor · Electrical

In the Cooper F56
2020–2024[15][16]
Names
Mini Cooper SE 184 CV · Mini Cooper SE Cabrio
Faults that affect it
0
Risk index on this car
0
Low risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • Mini Cooper SE F56, 135 kW motor (2020–2024)2020–2024 · 184 hp

    With caution

    The sources consulted record no motor faults or battery campaigns for this car. The i3 battery campaigns do not apply to it because it uses a different battery, but there is little data of its own: check the battery condition and the chassis-number campaigns anyway.[15][17]

Faults that affect the Cooper F56

None of the documented faults of the BMW i3 / Mini Cooper SE affects the versions and years that the Cooper F56 used.

Cooper F56 BMW i3 / Mini Cooper SE pageAll versions and faults of the BMW i3 / Mini Cooper SE

Faults of the MINI Cooper F56 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the MINI Cooper F56

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 2,665 inspections of 1,350 cars registered between 2014 and 2022, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.4%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3%.

    Average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 8.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 12%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.1%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 0.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.1%.

    Average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 3.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.6%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 15.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 15.1%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used MINI Cooper F56

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the BMW B47 (2014–2024)

EGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fire

Critical severity

Timing chain wear (improved, but is it really at the front?)

High severity

Premature turbo wear from neglected maintenance

High severity

Particulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban use

Medium severity

If it has the BMW B48 / B38 (2014–2024)

Deterioration of hoses and seals in the cooling circuit, with coolant loss

Medium severity

Oil leaks or seepage from seals and covers, near the turbo and the VANOS

Medium severity

Timing chain on the early units (2014-2018), redesigned in the B48TU

High severity

Carbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)

Low severity

If it has the BMW B38 / B37 (2014–2024)

B38 crankshaft thrust bearing failure (units before April 2015)

Critical severity

Coolant leaks and water pump or thermostat failure on the B38

Medium severity

Carbon build-up on the B38's intake valves and injectors

Low severity

Wear parts for the MINI Cooper F56

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a MINI Cooper F56?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Own a MINI Cooper F56? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the MINI Cooper F56 reliable?

We have documented 4 engines for the MINI Cooper F56; the BMW B47, the BMW B48 / B38 and the BMW B38 / B37 have high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the BMW B38 / B37 in the B37 1.5 diesel 95-116 hp (B37C15K0 / B37C15U0), up to 2017, B38 1.5 136-140 hp from April 2015 (B38A15 / B38B15) and B37TÜ1 1.5 diesel 95-116 hp (from late 2017) versions, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the MINI Cooper F56 (2014-2024) has accumulated several one-off factory campaigns: a steering ball joint missing a washer in a 2019 batch, a poorly welded brake servo in 2023-2024 units, and two older airbag campaigns (2014 and 2016-2017). On top of these, with no campaign, come a manual gearbox that can become noisy and end up being replaced, and recurring Mini Connected infotainment faults reported by specialist workshops.

Which MINI Cooper F56 engine is the most reliable?

Among the 4 engines we have documented, the safest option is the BMW B38 / B37 in the B37 1.5 diesel 95-116 hp (B37C15K0 / B37C15U0), up to 2017, B38 1.5 136-140 hp from April 2015 (B38A15 / B38B15) and B37TÜ1 1.5 diesel 95-116 hp (from late 2017) versions, with a «Buy» verdict. We have found no serious, widespread documented fault on the B37; the MINI Cooper D F56 in a 2026 feature clocked up a million kilometres on its original engine, although it is an isolated case.[1]

What problems does the MINI Cooper F56 have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the MINI Cooper F56 (2014-2024) has accumulated several one-off factory campaigns: a steering ball joint missing a washer in a 2019 batch, a poorly welded brake servo in 2023-2024 units, and two older airbag campaigns (2014 and 2016-2017). On top of these, with no campaign, come a manual gearbox that can become noisy and end up being replaced, and recurring Mini Connected infotainment faults reported by specialist workshops. The most important documented faults are: side and knee airbags may not work (2016 units) and the airbag warning light may stay on (2014) (airbags and safety, critical severity), the 6-speed manual gearbox can become noisy and end up being replaced (gearbox and clutch, high severity), missing spherical washer in the steering ball joint (2019 batch) (steering, critical severity) and the Mini Connected multimedia system can freeze or lose functions (electronics and infotainment, low severity).[4][5][6][7][8]

What faults does the MINI Cooper F56 have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: EGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fire (BMW B47, critical severity), timing chain wear (improved, but is it really at the front?) (BMW B47, high severity), premature turbo wear from neglected maintenance (BMW B47, high severity), particulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban use (BMW B47, medium severity) and b38 crankshaft thrust bearing failure (units before April 2015) (BMW B38 / B37, critical severity).

What is the best year to buy a MINI Cooper F56?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2024, 2023, 2022 and 3 other years with the same rating (7.6/10); the worst rated is 2014 (6.3/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the MINI Cooper F56 have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 3 campaigns for the MINI Cooper F56, such as missing spherical washer in the steering ball joint (2019). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[7]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Project one M: MINI Cooper D F56 fährt eine Million Kilometer in 12 JahrenBimmerToday · Motoring press · published 24 June 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in German
  2. BMW Dreizylinder: Dauertest-Probleme des B38 behoben?BimmerToday · Motoring press · published 5 October 2017 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in German
  3. BMW Baukasten-Diesel: Mehr Infos zur TÜ1 für B47 und B37BimmerToday · Motoring press · published 20 November 2017 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in German
  4. Mini HatchWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Mini Mini (F56) 2014-2024 : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Mini Cooper: todas las llamadas a revisiónCar-recalls.eu · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Mini Cooper (2019): falta de arandela esférica en la rótula de direcciónCar-recalls.eu · Other source · published October 2019 · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Mini Cooper (2023-2024): soldadura defectuosa del servomotor de frenosCar-recalls.eu · Other source · published January 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. BMW B47Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. Motor BMW B47 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. MINI (BMW)Wikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. BMW B38Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  13. Motor BMW B48: defectos, mantenimiento y guía de compraRecambios y Accesorios BMW (blog) · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. BMW B38 (Wikipedia, alemán)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 4 October 2026 · in German
  15. Mini Cooper SEWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  16. Mini ElectricWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  17. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (R/2019/289, R/2022/322)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Official body · consulted 30 October 2026
  18. Motor BMW B47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  19. BMW B47 Engine Guide: Reliability, Efficiency, Tuning, Pros and ConsBMW BLOG · Other source · published August 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026
  20. BMW B48Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  21. BMW B38: fiabilidad y puntos débiles (Autoscore)Autoscore · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  22. BMW B38 engine reliability, efficiency and tuningBMWBLOG · Motoring press · published 18 December 2025 · consulted 30 October 2026
  23. BMW B38: Probleme, Schwachstellen und ZuverlässigkeitGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 2 November 2025 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  24. MINI Countryman F60: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German