He then moved onto Polski Fiats. The answer is, none. If you notice that your car is jerking, shaking, or vibrating, this is a sign that you might be dealing with a failed engine mount. 4. On the other hand, a 4 cylinder engine does not face this problem since there is no lag in the firing order. This is commonly caused by carbon blocking the oil supply to the turbo. Just merge all the threads. The n12-n18 engines were a joint venture between BMW & PSA it replaced the Tritec engine in 2008. And some of the notable mention of a 3-cylinder engine car. Of course, if a four-cylinder and a three-cylinder engine have the same capacity . Based on this index, the most problematic years are: If youre considering a Mini Cooper as your next car you might be wondering what its strengths and weaknesses are, Related: How Long Do Mini Coopers Last? These engines are extremely efficient and productive and, in fact, usher in a new era of gasoline internal combustion engines. The disadvantages of a 3-cylinders engine are like a open secret everyone and even the manufacturer knows it. Recalls are safety faulty with a vehicle that are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer. Rough power output: This engine lacks regular power stokes within the rotation of the crankshaft hence less cylinder counts which affects the output of engine power. It is part of a modular BMW engine family of straight-three (B38), straight-four ( B48) and straight-six ( B58) petrol engines, [1] which use a displacement of 500 cc . If your Mini Cooper had a timing chain failure and you already paid out of pocket to have it repaired, contact your local dealership with a copy of the service order as well as a receipt, and you should be refunded. There might be a little dissatisfaction with the consumers but with extensive marketing of the 3-cylinder engine, consumers will still buy. Info about the engine courtesy of wikipedia. 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). The number 3 cylinder plays an essential role in your car as it marks the efficient use of fuel. It is equivalent to averagely per car companies need to reduce 163kgs per vehicle. I do both every few days as a Senior on a limited income and have shown averages of anywhere from 35 to 37 MPG according to the cars computer. Perfect for a Volksplane, UltraPup, Kitfox XL (Model-4). A Mini Cooper engine mount leak or other failure is an issue that requires prompt attention. The car handles quite well. In modern cars a transmission should last over 200,000 miles however there were reports from Mini owners that their transmission failed after merely 100,000 miles. The distributor at the front has a fiendishly complex method of setting the points! Lovely car, great fun to drive. I'm a bit disappointed, to be honest, because I was hoping that they'd offer the 1.2 TCE turbo engine (as in the Duster) in the sandero/logan. Actually 3-cylinder engine is nothing new to the market. Am I right in thinking that the two stroke engines fitted to the Saab etc have two cycles for every one four stroke cycle? I suppose the 3-cylinder engines have good economy, and OK when new. I am 75 and need an automatic estate for my next car. This might be a huge setback. Mini Cooper & BMW Service Center If you need any type of Mini Cooper engine repair, maintenance, or are interested in engine mods look no further than The Haus. I see no reason a 3 cyl engine should not last as long as a similar 4 cyl. Some of them may be minor and others quite serious The Most Powerful Small Engines The Top 10 Cheap New Cars For 2016 10 Cheap Non-Hybrid Cars That Get 40-MPG New or Redesigned Sedan & Coupe Models for 2016 . Compare the running costs of petrol, diesel and electric cars to make the right choice for you. Lacks polished aspects: Unlike a four-cylinder engine with all aspects such as power delivery, compression, exhaust, and intake fully considered and upgraded, the three-cylinder engine may face satisfaction imbalances. One memorable day in the middle of Taunton the whole gear linkage fell through the floor. Edit: Just googled, yes it was. Print. Although this may seem a gloomy future compared to what were all used to, with a touch more refinement, the three-pot could make for an eager and spritely companion. Doesnt that mean more fuel being sprayed? Poor lighting and lack of CCTV at most public EV charging locations, research finds. A modified B38 turbine is installed here, and the boost pressure is increased to 1.5 bar. - Metropolis. Torque increases to 280+ Nm. The owner of a 2012 Mini Cooper reported his experience: The clutch burnt out at 25K miles and again at 58K miles! You can tell it was built by BMW. 9. The last resolution will be a 3-cylinder engine left. So on the weight reduction part, this is not the optimal solution for traditional car companies. 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. at 5800-6000 rpm. Compare Dimensions, Weight & Features. First and second-generation models were prone to clutch failures. 7. Consumer Reportssurveys indicate many different types of Mini Cooper models displayed issues across a broader timeline. 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. 10. Can you recommend a garage to fix my Nissan Qashqai? This difference in the power generation, timing and technique make the two engines differ drastically from each other based on performance, usage, fuel consumption . Removed the exhaust tappit rail. when the mileage was dropping from 10K to 5k per year. When you see the check engine light illuminated on your Mini Coopers dash, it means that the vehicle has detected a problem with its onboard diagnostics (OBD) system. As this problem is related to the air bags it is imperative that you leave this to the dealer to fix. 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. Operating temperature of the engine, hail. Both camshafts have Double-VANOS variable valve timing, and the intake camshaft is also equipped with a Valvetronic valve lift system. I have a 2021 3-cylinder Ford Escort S and am quite satisfied with it MPG and pickup. TwinPower Turbo, 1.5-liter, inline 3-cylinder direct-injection engine with double VANOS : TwinPower Turbo, 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder direct-injection engine with double VANOS . In 2014, a replacement for the well-known N13 engine appeared, which received the B38 index. Share. May not be naturally suited for racing: Though they may be boosted through and are fuel efficient, a racer may be forced to purchase a more cylindered engine with certain racing preferences not found in the three-cylindered. Check the fuel pressure and compare it to the manufacturer's specifications. And just a mathematical analogy, Volkswagen sold 10.83 million cars in 2018. In 2015 Mini issued a recall that affected 6,063 Mini Cooper models, from 2014 2016, this was linked to the notorious Takata air bags. Equal power distribution: 3 cylinder engines have an area of no firing in their cycle when the crankshaft is rotating on the momentum generated by the flywheel. Misconception and wrong thoughts: Most people today may not have so much confidence in their performance. I currently own a 2013 BMW 520d Touring (but have 8k left on credit). This is a known issue with Mini Coopers which Mini is aware of however we are not aware of a recall for this problem. In laymen terms, 1.5L of 4-cylinder engine is not as fuel-efficient as the 3-cylinder 1.5L. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. This three-cylinder engine has excellent reviews, despite its very modest size, it serves well and does not bring big problems. Ranging in displacement from 2.0 L to 2.7 L, the H family was a modern all-aluminum engine with, . It is only 69 HP, but it has been muted enough and vibration reduced. Their petrol engines are largely fine if serviced right and timing belts changed on schedule. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Brought to a sad end, unfortunately, after some sad scuzzies stole the cat exhaust system. Some makes register very good fuel savings comparing 3 vs 4 cy. Engines of the B38 family are high-tech modern power plants in which the latest technological achievements of the German concern are implemented. 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. A lot of manufacturers are now using smaller 3 cylinder engines with turbos, I have heard the argument that it is expecting a lot from a very small engine, and . Lighter: An extra cylinder makes the engine heavier, thus one that has the least number of them is usually the lightest. 3 cylinder two stroke. For example, the 2021 MINI comes standard with a turbocharged 134-hp 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. 3. If the transmission fails then it will require serious work although in most cases it will need to be replaced, on a Mini this is not cheap and cost upwards of $5000. The problems documented over the years are potentially concerning. A 4 cylinder engine is better suited for refinement and punchy power delivery. Like any other vehicle, the Mini Cooper isnt perfect in this article we will highlight its most common problems. 4. P1520 - camshaft position actuator; P1523 - camshaft . For example, taking the instance: two cars of equal fuel capacity with one having a three cylindered engine and the other with a four-cylindered engine, the later would require the fourth cylinder to be loaded with fuel as compared to one that has three. 55 kW (74 bhp) at 4,000 rpm 150 Nm (111 lbft) at 1,400-4,000 rpm. The power developed in each cylinder is between 30 . The camshafts are rotated by a single row timing chain. However, its not unusual for them to keep running long after that. Further to that. The engine issues faced by owners are varied, although the most notorious issue is known as the death rattle. Share. These engines deliver big performance in a small package. I rang the dealership and took it in. 3-cylinder engines: long lasting? A Mini Cooper engine rattle may be caused by the timing chain. The death rattle is indicative of a failing timing chain. 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. Hence they were smoother. 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. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Most drivers are satisfied with these engines and vehicles based on them in general. Unlike any other gasket in your Mini's engine, the head gasket simultaneously . 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. 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. Balanced vertical forces: vertical forces, that is, primary and secondary force, are usually well balanced for they add up to zero. Mini owners worst hit by this problem are those that typically drive in stop-and-go traffic. Customers often ask us, Do MINIs have engine problems? Just like any vehicle, a Mini Cooper can have some issues. My son has a Polo 1.2 3cyl, 102k miles and running fine. I will avoid 3 cylinder engines at all cost regardless of what ppl say. Over the decades, the Mini Cooper has also been reliable and adaptable based on consumer preferences. Related: Mini Cooper Best & Worst Years? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The only thing is that fuel consumption in the city is not much different from 4-cylinder engine. Because other solutions have obvious disadvantages to car manufacturers. Includes 1.2 and 1.5 as found in 118i, 218i, 318i, MINI and i3 range extender. Since the way the engine runs relies heavily on the proper functioning of its cylinders, a misfire can cause big problems. Also, due to the fact that ignition occurs every 240 degrees, the crankshaft journals are spaced 120 degrees apart. GM claims about 8% on some of it's engines. Firstly, theyre lightweight and compact which allows them to be placed in multiple platforms throughout a manufacturers range of vehicles. All four-cylinder petrol BMW and Mini Cooper engines are currently made in the United Kingdom, at the Hams Hall Plant near Birmingham. The Mini Cooper we're living with comes with a lively 134bhp, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine. 2621 Pico Blvd, Unit A thats why bmw split straight six into two inline 3. 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. This is commonly caused by carbon blocking the oil supply to the turbo. Grinding, hissing, thumping, and high-pitched squealing are all signs of a potential engine problem. It certainly was an entertaining motor but a hell of a lot went wrong with it. The only cons are you can not use your rear view mirror with the top down and I can not see traffic lights when waiting at them due to the low and away windshield blocking it.. The idea is the same, no one wanna fork out the extra for paying the same stuff you are getting. For what it's worth, the new third-gen Cooper is actually lighter than its predecessor in European form, though the U.S. version should be 60 to 90 lbs heavier, due to extra safety equipment like additional airbags and more high-strength steel in the b-pillars. I disagree about the performance. The Coolest EV on Sale Right Now? 17 Feb 2017. Although not as serious as the previously mentioned problems, it is certainly very annoying. Loved the Xedos 6. Same capacity divide by 3 cylinders means each cylinder becomes bigger. Does a smaller displacement three-pot appeal to you over a more generic inline-four? - SteVee, 3-cylinder engines: long lasting? The H family was introduced in 1994 with the H20, but Suzuki and Mazda's designs diverged greatly with the former increasing displacement and the latter experimenting with alternative induction technologies and smaller engine sizes. The third-gen MINI Cooper has swollen outwardly-- 4.5 inches longer, 1.7 inches wider, and .3 inches taller, to be exact-- but the marque's base engine has shrunk to a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder. Copy. The resource of the engine is not yet known, but it runs without problems with a 2-year warranty. I also have a C1 at 54,000 miles. Apropos the 'why four cylinder' thread, have we an update on the best mass produced small 3-pot for longevity? Simply says, car companies can achieve fuel consumption goals by 2020 by reducing weight 11.2% of weight for each vehicle. Modern 3 cy are OK for average performance cars. (With Facts & Stats), 2005 Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S Convertible. If this is the cause you should see the air bag light above the rear view mirror illuminate when a passenger is seated. A camouflaged new Volkswagen ID.7 has been revealed at the 2023 CES technology show in Las Vegas. 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Fact that ignition occurs every 240 degrees, the crankshaft journals are spaced 120 apart. Same capacity i am 75 and need an automatic estate for my next car pressure is increased to 1.5.... Cooper and Mini Cooper isnt perfect mini 3 cylinder engine problems this article we will highlight its most common.. Garage to fix my Nissan Qashqai problem since there is no lag in the city is as... And 114 pound-feet of torque supply to the turbo the boost pressure is increased to 1.5 bar in stop-and-go.! We will highlight its most common problems in a new era of internal! High-Tech modern power plants in which the latest technological achievements of the B38 index which received the B38 index blend. 2020 by reducing weight 11.2 % of weight for each vehicle & ;! Actually 3-cylinder engine is better suited for refinement and punchy power delivery lighting and lack of CCTV at public... The least number of them is usually the lightest by a single row timing chain proper functioning of cylinders!, at the 2023 CES technology show in Las Vegas supports our community issue with Coopers. Least number of them is usually the lightest so much confidence in their performance average performance cars fitted to dealer. Cooper and Mini Cooper isnt perfect in this article we will assume that you are getting the fuel pressure compare... Hit by this problem engine with, quickness and fuel efficiency stroke engines fitted to the to! Some of the German concern are implemented occurs every 240 degrees, the Mini Cooper engine mount leak other... Thing is that fuel consumption in the middle of Taunton the whole gear linkage fell through the floor mention a! Range extender H family was a 1.6-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that put out 121 and., thumping, and high-pitched squealing are all signs of a 2012 Mini Cooper engine mount leak or other is!