P0014 on MINI
Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
P0014 on MINI vehicles indicates exhaust camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 4 MINI models — most commonly on Cooper, Cooper S, GP. P0014 means the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is timed too far advanced — the variable valve timing (VVT) system has moved the cam beyond the position the computer commanded, or it's stuck in an over-advanced position. The engine uses VVT to rotate the camshaft and optimize valve timing for power, economy, and emissions; the computer compares the commanded cam position to the actual reading from the cam sensor and flags this code when they don't agree. Common results are rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, or a rattle at start-up. Oil flow and the VVT actuator are the usual suspects. Typical repair costs on MINI range from $200 to $3,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0014
- •Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation
- •Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid)
- •Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passages
- •Faulty camshaft phaser/actuator
- •Wiring or connector fault at the oil control valve
- •Stretched timing chain or jumped timing
- •Camshaft position sensor fault giving incorrect reading
P0014 on MINI by Model
MINI Cooper(2 issues)
- N12/N16 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure2007-2013
The R56 Cooper's N12 and N16 engines suffer from premature timing chain tensioner and guide rail failure. The plastic chain guides deteriorate, causing chain slack that leads to rough running, rattling on startup, and potential catastrophic engine damage if the chain jumps timing.
- Valve Cover and VANOS Solenoid Oil Leaks2007-2016
The valve cover gasket on N12/N16/N18 engines hardens and leaks oil onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning oil smell. VANOS solenoid seals also leak, causing oil to pool around the solenoids and potentially cause misfires.
MINI Cooper S(1 issue)
- N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure2007-2013
The R56 Cooper S N14 engine (2007-2010) is particularly notorious for timing chain tensioner failure, even more so than the naturally aspirated N12. The higher cylinder pressures from turbocharging accelerate chain stretch and guide rail wear. The revised N18 (2011-2013) improved but didn't fully resolve the issue.
MINI GP(2 issues)
- VANOS Solenoid Issues (N18/B48 Engines)2013-2023
The VANOS (variable valve timing) solenoids on both the N18 engine (GP2, 2013-2015) and B48 engine (GP3, 2020-2023) are susceptible to failure from oil contamination and varnish buildup. When the solenoids stick or fail, the ECU cannot properly control cam timing, resulting in rough idle, poor throttle response, and reduced performance. The high-output tuning of the GP engines makes them less tolerant of degraded VANOS performance compared to standard MINI models.
- Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle (N18/B48 Engines)2013-2023
The timing chain on the N18 (GP2) and B48 (GP3) engines stretches over time, causing a characteristic rattle on cold start and eventually triggering timing-related fault codes. The N18 engine is more prone to this issue than the B48. The chain tensioner cannot compensate for excessive chain stretch, leading to retarded cam timing, rough running, and in severe cases, the chain can jump teeth causing valve-to-piston contact. The high-RPM nature of GP driving accelerates chain wear.
MINI John Cooper Works(1 issue)
- N14 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Death Rattle)2008-2012
The N14 turbocharged engine in early MINI JCW models suffers from a defective timing chain tensioner that allows the chain to develop excessive slack. This produces a loud rattling noise on cold start (known as 'death rattle') that can progress to timing chain skip or breakage, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. BMW settled a $30 million class-action lawsuit and extended timing system coverage to 7 years or 100,000 miles for affected 2007-2010 models. The N14 was replaced by the improved N18 engine starting in 2011.
Looking for P0014 on a different make?
View P0014 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0014 mean on MINI?▼
P0014 stands for "Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)." P0014 means the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is timed too far advanced — the variable valve timing (VVT) system has moved the cam beyond the position the computer commanded, or it's stuck in an over-advanced position. The engine uses VVT to rotate the camshaft and optimize valve timing for power, economy, and emissions; the computer compares the commanded cam position to the actual reading from the cam sensor and flags this code when they don't agree. Common results are rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, or a rattle at start-up. Oil flow and the VVT actuator are the usual suspects. On MINI specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes P0014 on MINI vehicles?▼
Common causes on MINI: Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation, Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid), Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passages, Faulty camshaft phaser/actuator, Wiring or connector fault at the oil control valve. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0014 on a MINI?▼
Repair costs on MINI range from $200 to $3,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which MINI models have P0014 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0014 on 4 MINI models: Cooper, Cooper S, GP, John Cooper Works.