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MINI Cooper R56 BMW N47 (Cooper D and Cooper SD) problems

The MINI Cooper R56 used the BMW N47 from 2010 to 2013 (Cooper D and Cooper SD). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “rear timing chain stretch and breakage” (critical severity, very frequent). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the MINI Cooper R56, the safest option is the 1.4/1.6 VTi.

MINI Cooper R56 (2006–2013) — Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.

Engine score on this car

1.3 out of 10Very low reliability

Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the Cooper R56. How we calculate it

Overall score for the MINI Cooper R56

4.7 out of 10Low reliability

Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown

Reviewed on 29 October 202613 sources How we work

BMW N47

BMW N47 (N47D20 / N47C16 / N47C20) · Diesel

In the Cooper R56: 2010–2013^[1][2][3]
Names: Cooper D · Cooper SD
Faults that affect it: 5 · 3 of high or critical severity

Risk index on this car

Very high risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

N47C16 90-112 hp (MINI Cooper D, 2010-2016)2010–2016 · 90–112 hp · N47C16A
With caution
It shares its architecture and the rear chain design with the N47D20, so the same caution about the timing history is recommended.^[1]
N47C20 112-143 hp (MINI Cooper SD, 2011-2016)2011–2016 · 112–143 hp · N47C20A
With caution
It shares the same block and the same rear timing design as the rest of the N47 family, with the same documented risk.^[2]

Faults that affect the Cooper R56

Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingRear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
Critical severityFrequency: CommonIntakeBroken intake manifold swirl flapsYes: the N47's intake manifold has plastic swirl flaps that, with diesel soot and the passing years, can crack, come loose and be sucked into the cylinder, with a risk of seriously damaging the piston, cylinder head and valves.
High severityFrequency: CommonTurboTurbo and wastegate valve failureThe N47's turbo does not usually fail from general wear, but because of failure of the wastegate valve, which regulates boost and can seize or lose adjustment, sending fuel consumption soaring; oil leaks from the turbo itself are also common.Repair (garage): €900–€1,800
Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged or seized EGR valveYes, as on most diesels of its generation: the N47's EGR valve seizes or clogs with carbon, especially on cars used in town, causing an unstable idle, jerking and loss of power; it is not usually a serious fault if it is cleaned or replaced in time.Repair (garage): €400–€1,500
Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchDual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions)Yes: on manual-gearbox BMW N47s, the dual-mass flywheel can wear, especially after a lot of town mileage or driving in high gears at low revs; the typical symptoms are vibrations, a metallic rattle at idle and jerking when pulling away.Appears at around 150,000 km

All versions and faults of the BMW N47

The MINI Cooper by year

Which engines were sold each year and which faults affect the cars of that year.

2010
2011
2012
2013

What to check before buying a used MINI Cooper R56 BMW N47 (Cooper D and Cooper SD)

Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.

If it has the BMW N47 (2010–2013)

Rear timing chain stretch and breakage

Critical severity

Start the car from cold yourself and listen closely to the first few seconds: a metallic rattle at around 1,000-1,500 rpm that disappears as the engine warms up is the most cited warning sign.^[4][5][6]
Ask for the service history and explicitly ask whether the timing chain has been checked or replaced, with an invoice; on units registered before 2011 the documented risk is higher.^[7][8]
If possible, ask a BMW/MINI specialist workshop to measure the chain stretch with the specific tools before you close the purchase.^[9]
Be wary of cars with very long oil change intervals: degraded oil speeds up wear of the tensioner and guides.^[8]

Broken intake manifold swirl flaps

Critical severity

Ask whether the intake manifold or the flaps have been checked or deleted ("swirl flap delete"), especially on high-mileage units mainly used in town.^[10]
Pay attention to an unstable idle or a slight loss of power when cold: they are early symptoms that usually appear before a flap comes completely loose.^[10]

Turbo and wastegate valve failure

High severity

Accelerate progressively and check that the turbo response is linear, with no whistling or jerking; a whistle that grows with revs can indicate a leak in the turbo or the hoses.^[11]
Check the oil level and colour: a turbo with internal leaks burns oil and can leave bluish smoke at the exhaust.^[11]

Clogged or seized EGR valve

Medium severity

On the test drive, check the cold idle and any jerking when accelerating gently: they are among the first symptoms of a dirty EGR.^[11]
Ask whether the EGR has been cleaned or replaced and whether the car has mostly done short town journeys, which speeds up the problem.^[12]

Dual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions)

Medium severity

With the engine idling and the gearbox in neutral, listen for a metallic "clack-clack" rattle; it usually comes from the dual-mass flywheel.^[13]
Test pulling away: if the car jerks sharply when you release the clutch gently, it can indicate a worn dual-mass flywheel or clutch.^[13]

Other engines and gearboxes of the MINI Cooper R56

Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.

1.4/1.6 VTi2007–2013 · 3 faultsCritical severity4.8 out of 10
1.6 THP2006–2013 · 5 faultsCritical severity3.6 out of 10
1.6 HDi2007–2009 · 5 faultsHigh severity3.0 out of 10

Faults of the MINI Cooper R56 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.

High severityFrequency: CommonGearbox and clutchNoise and premature wear of the manual gearbox and clutchIt is the most frequently cited non-engine fault of the Cooper R56: the manual gearbox can become noisy, whine or be hard to get into gear through wear of the bearings and synchromesh, sometimes with an oil leak; the clutch and, on diesels, the dual-mass flywheel also wear out early.
Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringPower steering faults: pump, play and electrical supplySeveral owners describe steering that becomes heavy or vague through wear of the power steering pump, play in the rack or occasional faults in its electrical supply.
Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalClimate controlAir conditioning leaks from the condenser and pipesThe air conditioning stops cooling over time on some Cooper R56s because of leaks in the condenser or rubbing of the aluminium pipes in the circuit, which end up losing the refrigerant gas.
Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemWindow cable fatigue on the electric windows, with water leaksThe cable in the electric window mechanism fatigues with use on some Cooper R56s and stops the window closing fully, which also encourages water leaks into the door.
Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesSeized rear brake calipers and damaged rear discs on the Mini Cooper R56Parkers warns that on poorly maintained R56s the rear calipers can seize and drag, and the German TÜV frequently flags the handbrake and footbrake on this model.

See the 9 faults outside the engine

Buying a MINI Cooper R56 BMW N47 (Cooper D and Cooper SD)?

Check the history before buyingMileage, inspection record (ITV in Spain), outstanding finance and accidents for the car you are interested in, from the registration number or the VIN.Request a report

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

The BMW N47 in other cars

MINI Clubman R55
MINI Countryman R60
BMW Serie 1 E87
BMW Serie 1 F20
BMW Serie 3 E90
BMW Serie 3 F30
BMW Serie 5 E60
BMW Serie 5 F10
BMW X1 E84
BMW X3 E83
BMW X3 F25

What are you noticing on your MINI Cooper R56?

Choose what you notice and we will tell you which faults of this car cause it.

Engine warning light8
Blue smoke5
Engine stalls5
Jerking5
Chain noise4
Vibrations3
Coolant level drops3
Uses oil3
Less power3
Noise on start-up3
Coolant leak2
Window/lock failure2

MINI Cooper R56 warning lights: what each light means

Frequently asked questions

Is the MINI Cooper R56 BMW N47 (Cooper D and Cooper SD) reliable?

What faults does the MINI Cooper R56 BMW N47 (Cooper D and Cooper SD) have?

The documented ones that affect this car are: rear timing chain stretch and breakage (critical severity), broken intake manifold swirl flaps (critical severity), turbo and wastegate valve failure (high severity), clogged or seized EGR valve (medium severity) and dual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions) (medium severity).

Which engine should you choose for the MINI Cooper R56?

None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.4/1.6 VTi, with a «With caution» verdict.

Own a MINI Cooper R56 BMW N47 (Cooper D and Cooper SD)? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

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

N47C16A MotorMotorinsel · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
N47C20A MotorMotorinsel · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
2012 Mini Cooper 1.6 D Diesel Engine N47C16A365 Engines · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
El problema de la cadena de distribución en los motores N47 de BMWSeis en Línea · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Problema cadena BMW motor N47, qué hacer y solucionesRecomotor Blog · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Precio sustitución cadenas motor N47 BMW MINIArroyo Auto, Especialista BMW MINI · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
BMW N47Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
BMW N47 Timing Chain Failure: Symptoms & How to Get a ResolutionFaultyCar.co.uk · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
Problemas con la Cadena de Distribución en Motores BMW N47Autotrac Vinaròs · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
5 Signs of BMW N47 Swirl Flap Problems You Can't IgnoreApexx Engines · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
Motor BMW N47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Problemas del motor N47 BMWEcorecambios · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Dual-mass flywheel BMW: symptoms, failures and when to replace itRecambios y Accesorios BMW · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026