2013 MINI Cooper S Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2013 model year · 12,100+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 12,100+ owner reports, the 2013 MINI Cooper S has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure ($1,500-$3,000 repair) and Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak and Turbo Failure ($300-$2,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure with 4,500 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $300 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 4 Known Issues

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Community Reported

4,500 owners

On the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S, 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.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Citroën DS3, Acura TL

Common Symptoms

Loud rattling on cold start
Check engine light
Reduced power
Engine misfire codes
Metal debris in oil

How to Fix

Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, and sprockets. N14 engines should have this done proactively at 50-60k miles. N18 engines are better but should be inspected at 80k. Replace oil pump chain at the same time.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 4,500+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip (Febi #47060)
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Tip
UpgradeComplete timing chain kit includes chains, guides, and tensioners (Cloyes Timing Chain Kit)
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UpgradeHigh-quality engine oil is critical after timing service (Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $3,000

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4,500+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence4,500 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

2,100 owners

On the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S, the turbo oil feed and return lines on R56 Cooper S develop leaks at the banjo bolt connections. Oil starvation to the turbo bearing leads to premature turbo failure. The oil return line can also coke up from heat cycling, restricting flow.

This issue also affects: Audi A3, Audi A6, Audi Q5

Common Symptoms

Oil leak around turbo
Blue smoke from exhaust
Whining noise from turbo
Loss of boost pressure
Turbo lag increasing over time

How to Fix

Replace turbo oil feed and return lines with updated parts. If turbo bearings are damaged, replace the turbo. Use high-quality synthetic oil (0W-30 or 5W-30 BMW LL-01) and change at 5000 mile intervals to prevent coking.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 2,100+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeTurbo gasket kit prevents boost leaks and oil seepage at the turbo flanges (Dorman Turbocharger Gasket Kit)
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UpgradeBoost gauge helps monitor turbo performance and catch problems early (AutoMeter Mechanical Boost Gauge)
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Typical repair cost:$300 - $2,500

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2,100+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence2,100 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

3,500 owners

On the 2007-2025 MINI Cooper S, all turbocharged direct-injection MINI engines (N14, N18, B46/B48) accumulate carbon deposits on intake valves since fuel is injected directly into the cylinder rather than washing over the valves. This reduces airflow and causes rough running.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Acura TL, Audi Q5

Common Symptoms

Rough idle
Hesitation on acceleration
Reduced fuel economy
Misfire codes
Loss of power

How to Fix

Walnut blast the intake valves to remove carbon deposits. This should be done every 40-60k miles as preventive maintenance. Install an oil catch can to reduce oil vapor reaching the intake.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 3,500+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip (Mishimoto #MMBCC-MINI-07)
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Tip
UpgradeBluetooth OBD-II scanner for reading engine codes and monitoring live data (BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool)
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UpgradeQuality synthetic oil and filter combo for engine maintenance (Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oil and Filter Bundle)
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Typical repair cost:$400 - $800

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3,500+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence3,500 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

2,000 owners

On the 2007-2020 MINI Cooper S, manual transmission MINI Cooper S models experience premature clutch and dual-mass flywheel (DMF) failure, often before 60k miles. The DMF springs weaken causing chatter and vibration, and the clutch disc wears prematurely due to the turbo engine's torque characteristics.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Acura ILX, Acura MDX

Common Symptoms

Clutch chatter on engagement
Vibration at idle in gear
Grinding noise from clutch area
Slipping clutch under boost
Difficulty shifting

How to Fix

Replace clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, and dual-mass flywheel as a set. Some owners convert to a single-mass flywheel for durability, though this increases NVH.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 2,000+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip (Valeo #52401225)
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UpgradeComplete clutch replacement kit with disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing (Exedy OEM Replacement Clutch Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$1,200 - $2,800

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2,000+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence2,000 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MINI Cooper S problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 12,100+ owner reports, the 2013-2013 MINI Cooper S has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure, Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak and Turbo Failure, Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the MINI Cooper S reliable?

The 2013-2013 MINI Cooper S has 4 known issues documented across 12,100+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure and Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak and Turbo Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common MINI Cooper S problems?

Repair costs for known MINI Cooper S issues range from $300 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure, typically costs $1,500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure?

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… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak and Turbo Failure?

The turbo oil feed and return lines on R56 Cooper S develop leaks at the banjo bolt connections. Oil starvation to the turbo bearing leads to premature turbo failure. The oil return line can also coke up from heat cycling, restricting flow. Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2025 MINI Cooper S Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves?

All turbocharged direct-injection MINI engines (N14, N18, B46/B48) accumulate carbon deposits on intake valves since fuel is injected directly into the cylinder rather than washing over the valves. This reduces airflow and causes rough running. Repairs typically run $400-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2020 MINI Cooper S Premature Clutch and Dual-Mass Flywheel Failure?

Manual transmission MINI Cooper S models experience premature clutch and dual-mass flywheel (DMF) failure, often before 60k miles. The DMF springs weaken causing chatter and vibration, and the clutch disc wears prematurely due to the turbo engine's torque characteristics. Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,800. Severity: medium.

2013 MINI Cooper S Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 4 Known Issues

2007-2013 MINI Cooper S: N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2007-2013 MINI Cooper S: Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak and Turbo Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2007-2025 MINI Cooper S: Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2007-2020 MINI Cooper S: Premature Clutch and Dual-Mass Flywheel Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other MINI Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MINI Cooper S problems?

Is the MINI Cooper S reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common MINI Cooper S problems?

What is the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure?

What is the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak and Turbo Failure?

What is the 2007-2025 MINI Cooper S Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves?

What is the 2007-2020 MINI Cooper S Premature Clutch and Dual-Mass Flywheel Failure?