MINI F55/F56/F57 (2014-2024): known problems and buying guide

Built
2021–2024
Median price
€22,779
Listings
2,693
Running cost per month
€326–€483
Power
102–231 PS (75–170 kW)
Reliability
3/5
DIY
2/5

A usable small car with a few known engine and cooling faults. Check the B38 build date, the coolant parts and the Cooper SE battery recall.

All versions

VariantRunning cost per monthMedian priceListingsFuelEngine codesGearboxProduction years
3-Türer Cooper, 136 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€416€21,410516Petrol (98) B38A15FAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2021–2024
3-Türer Cooper, 136 PS, 6-speed manual Research€421€18,800326Petrol (98) B38A15FManual (6)2021–2022
Cabrio Cooper, 136 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, convertible Research€422€24,910321Petrol (98) B38A15FAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2021–2024
3-Türer Cooper SE, 184 PS, single-speed Research€326€20,590302Electric IB1P25BReduction gear2021–2023
3-Türer Cooper S, 178 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€435€24,440267Petrol (98) B48A20FAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2021–2024
Cabrio Cooper S, 178 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, convertible Research€436€27,990239Petrol (98) B48A20FAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2021–2024
Cabrio John Cooper Works, 231 PS, 8-speed automatic, convertible Research€466€31,200168Petrol (98) B48A20BAutomatic (8)2021–2024
3-Türer John Cooper Works, 231 PS, 8-speed automatic Research€483€28,700157Petrol (98) B48A20BAutomatic (8)2021–2024
3-Türer One, 102 PS, 6-speed manual Research€421€16,68096Petrol (98) B38A15AManual (6)2021–2022
Cabrio Cooper, 136 PS, 6-speed manual, convertible Research€426€22,98088Petrol (98) B38A15FManual (6)2021–2022
3-Türer One, 102 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€423€17,49054Petrol (98) B38A15AAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2021–2022

At a glance

  • Years: 2014 to 2024. The F56 is the 3-door, the F55 the 5-door, the F57 the convertible. The electric Cooper SE came in 2020.
  • Reliability: 3/5. Early B38 cars carry a crankshaft bearing risk. Coolant parts, injector coking and the B48 oil filter housing recur in the sources.
  • DIY: 2/5. Most repairs need a workshop. Fault codes need a scanner that reads MINI systems.
  • Biggest risks: the B38 thrust bearing (engine damage, manual cars built before April 2015) and the electric thermostat module with its water pump.
  • Prefer: a car built from April 2015 with service records, and proof of coolant and injector work. Avoid: manual B38 cars built before April 2015 with no bearing record, and any car with coolant loss.

Engines and gearboxes

  • B38 three-cylinder (B38A12A, B38A15A, B38A15F): prefer a car built from April 2015 with service records. Avoid manual cars built before that. Thrust bearing, coking and the coolant parts are in the table below.
  • B48 four-cylinder (B48A20A, B48A20F, B48A20B, B48A20E): Cooper S, John Cooper Works and GP. Check the oil filter housing, the coolant parts and the injectors. All are in the table below.
  • Electric Cooper SE (IB1P25B, 2020-2024): check that the battery recall update was done. The update is free.
  • 2.0 B47 diesel (Cooper SD, B47C20B): its own guide covers its faults. BMW B47 diesel

Known issues

Issue Affects Typical km Repair cost
B38 crankshaft thrust bearing B38A12A, B38A15A, B38A15F; manual gearbox; built 2013 to April 2015 Not stated No confirmed price
Cooper SE battery recall IB1P25B (Cooper SE); built November 2018 to January 2024 Not stated Free software update (Germany, 2024)
Electric thermostat module and water pump B38 and B48 Not stated No confirmed price
Injector coking and carbon build-up B38 and B48 Not stated No confirmed price
Plastic oil filter housing and coolant loss B48 (named in most sources) Higher mileage, no figure No confirmed price
Engine mounts Engine not stated in most sources Relatively low mileage No confirmed price

Before you buy

  1. Check the build date of any manual B38 built before April 2015. Ask for proof that the crankshaft bearing was checked or replaced. Bad result: no record.
  2. For a Cooper SE, ask a MINI dealer whether the battery software update was done, using the VIN. Bad result: no record of the update.
  3. Check the coolant level and look for coolant under the oil filter housing. Ask whether the pump and thermostat were replaced together. A scanner reads the module codes. Bad result: low coolant, an overheating warning, or codes 20A207 or 20F219.
  4. Ask for proof of intake valve cleaning (walnut-shell blasting). Bad result: no record, a rough idle, or high fuel use.
  5. Look at the plastic oil filter housing for cracks and dampness. Bad result: coolant on or under the housing, or a sweet smell.
  6. Start the cold engine and listen for a thud. Bad result: a thud at start-up or vibration in the cabin at idle.
  7. For cars built November 2013 to September 2014, check the nut in the spare-wheel well. Bad result: a loose nut or no self-locking screw.
  8. Ask a MINI dealer to check open recall campaigns for the car's VIN. Bad result: any open campaign.

Running costs

Operational€193
Workshop€118
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)€121
Total per month€432
New-car depreciation (not included)€80

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Market

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

Find offers on mobile.de

Listings
2,693
25th percentile
€19,650
Median price
€22,779
75th percentile
€26,440
Median mileage
37,365 km
Median first registration
2023
Dealer share
89.1%
Price at 100,000 km
€18,568

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.

Full guide with details