Bought a TGDI... 2016 Countryman S

[1JZ_E46]

Bought a TGDI... 2016 Countryman S

We picked up our first TGDI car over the weekend (here we go...). It's a 2016 Countryman S ALL4 (great little car). Oil recommendation hasn't been deprecated by CAFE yet (LL-01 or LL-01 FE). All of the MINI and BMW dealers have switched over to LL-01 FE, and that was this cars most recent fill. It's amazing how black the oil was after 3k miles.

I swapped it out for some Castrol EDGE 0w30 A3/B4 I had on hand to start with a clean slate (and so future oil changes are at easy to remember intervals 20k, 25k, etc...). Luckily, it uses the same oil and filters as our last MINI. Engine will be on a 5k OCI (depending on fuel dilution, if any), and I'll have this new fill analyzed. I'll post it up in 6 months or so.

I haven't heard of any LSPI issues with this generation of TGDI engine (BMW/Peugeot N18 engine). BMW and MINI still recommend full-SAPS, high-calcium oils. Any thoughts? Also worried about carbon buildup on the intake ports and valves... may just have to walnut blast every 40k or so.

Look at that clean engine bay!

 

[RooflessVW]

Those cars are a blast and rip awesome J turns.

Can't go wrong with LL01 Castrol and Mann filters!

 

[wemay]

Congrats! You made a great choice in both, vehicle and oil.

 

[DdDd]

The day my wife got rid of hers was the happiest day of my life!

Google r56 engine to see what you're you up against.

Plastic cooling system that leaks? Check.

Plastic water pump? Check.

Failed timing chains? Check.

A miserable feat of engineering that makes a $400 repair into a $5000 one because you have to remove the entire front end for anything significant? Check!

Srsly, you have to take the engine out to replace the clutch...

In short an excellent car to drive and lease. Get rid of it before 75k miles.

Also change the oil every 5k... Heck they consume so much oil I doubt there's anything in the pan by then.

 

[1JZ_E46]

Originally Posted By: DdDd
The day my wife got rid of hers was the happiest day of my life!

Google r56 engine to see what you're you up against.

Plastic cooling system that leaks? Check.

Plastic water pump? Check.

Failed timing chains? Check.

A miserable feat of engineering that makes a $400 repair into a $5000 one because you have to remove the entire front end for anything significant? Check!

Srsly, you have to take the engine out to replace the clutch...

In short an excellent car to drive and lease. Get rid of it before 75k miles.

Also change the oil every 5k... Heck they consume so much oil I doubt there's anything in the pan by then.


Well aware of this platforms shortcomings. This is our third Mini, and we own an R56 as well. The R56 has been an overall great car. I replaced the chain tensioner with the upgraded model as a preventive measure. However, the water pump and thermostat failed within 45k (water pump replaced under warranty). I do all my own work, so it’s been very cheap to maintain and repair.

 

[PimTac]

It sounds like you are familiar with these vehicles. That’s a big plus. I would run it and enjoy.

I was told way back when that Mitsubishi’s were junk. I took good care of both and put almost 300k on them before selling. Both had plenty of life left in them.

 

[MCompact]

Originally Posted By: 1JZ_E46
Originally Posted By: DdDd
The day my wife got rid of hers was the happiest day of my life!

Google r56 engine to see what you're you up against.

Plastic cooling system that leaks? Check.

Plastic water pump? Check.

Failed timing chains? Check.

A miserable feat of engineering that makes a $400 repair into a $5000 one because you have to remove the entire front end for anything significant? Check!

Srsly, you have to take the engine out to replace the clutch...

In short an excellent car to drive and lease. Get rid of it before 75k miles.

Also change the oil every 5k... Heck they consume so much oil I doubt there's anything in the pan by then.


Well aware of this platforms shortcomings. This is our third Mini, and we own an R56 as well. The R56 has been an overall great car. I replaced the chain tensioner with the upgraded model as a preventive measure. However, the water pump and thermostat failed within 45k (water pump replaced under warranty). I do all my own work, so it’s been very cheap to maintain and repair.


A BITOG Fact of Life: You can always count on a self-proclaimed "expert" to troll any thread where someone is happily describing the acquisition of a new vehicle.

 

[1JZ_E46]

Originally Posted By: MCompact
A BITOG Fact of Life: You can always count on a self-proclaimed "expert" to troll any thread where someone is happily describing the acquisition of a new vehicle.


Got that right!