Used MINI Clubman

What to know before buying: MINI Clubman

From 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The 192 hp 2.0-litre turbo Cooper S tested in 2016 felt kart-like on smooth roads, but its firm suspension did a poor job of absorbing bumps.[1]one source
• The front seats are comfortable enough, but of the three official rear seats, only two are really suitable for longer journeys.[1]one source
• The Clubman is a roomier, more practical MINI, distinguished by split rear doors and improved luggage capacity.[2]one source
• The split rear doors are handy for small items, though they can soil your hands after muddy or salted roads; hands-free access is also available via a foot gesture.[1]one source

Typical faults

• On the R55 with the 2.0 N47 diesel, the chain and guides can stretch; metallic noise at 1,500–2,000 rpm is a warning, and chain failure can damage the engine.[3]one sourceClubman R55

  80 000+ km · 2007–2014 · BMW N47 2.0 diesel

• The R55's N14 1.6 turbo has documented timing-chain, oil-consumption and high-pressure fuel-pump problems.[3]one sourceClubman R55

  N14 1.6 turbo

• The R55's DV6 1.6 diesel can suffer turbo-lubrication and DPF/EGR faults, plus leaking injector seals that cause whistling and soot deposits.[3]one sourceClubman R55

  PSA DV6 1.6 diesel

• The Powershift 6DCT450 paired with the DV6 1.6 diesel has reported TCM, solenoid, clutch and oil-leak faults; symptoms include jerking, skipped gears and limp mode.[3]one sourceClubman R55

  80 000+ km · PSA DV6 1.6 diesel

• On R55 N47 diesels, intake swirl flaps can break and enter a cylinder; the EGR and cooler may clog, while a cooler leak creates a fire risk.[3]one sourceClubman R55

  100 000+ km · BMW N47 1.6 diesel, BMW N47 2.0 diesel

Which engine and version to take

• For driving enjoyment, the 192 hp 2.0-litre turbo Cooper S tested in 2016 was lively and delivered kart-like sensations on smooth roads.[1]one source

What to avoid

• Choose an R55 2.0 N47 diesel only with convincing chain-service history: chain and guide stretching is reported from about 80,000 km.[3]one sourceClubman R55
• An R55 with the N14 1.6 turbo is risky without documented maintenance because the source reports chain, oil-consumption and high-pressure-pump faults.[3]one sourceClubman R55

What to check at the inspection

• Inspect an R55 with the engine fully cold: listen for chain rattle or metallic noise and ask for an invoice proving chain replacement.[3]one sourceClubman R55
• On the N14 and other R55 petrol engines, check oil level, cold-start rattle, timing faults and coolant leaks.[3]one sourceClubman R55
• For the DV6 diesel, run diagnostics and check the DPF, EGR and turbo oil-feed maintenance, plus any whistling or soot around the injectors.[3]one sourceClubman R55
• With a warm DV6 automatic, test pull-away, 1–2–3 shifts and reverse; there should be no jerking or delay. Read transmission faults and check for oil leaks.[3]one sourceClubman R55
• On an N47 diesel, diagnose the EGR, confirm completion of the EGR-cooler campaign and inspect the swirl flaps; verify recall status by VIN.[3]one sourceClubman R55

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]tvnet.lv — Pirmie iespaidi: MINI Clubman Cooper S · press
2. [2]lv.ecarstrade.com — Atklājiet 5 aizraujošus faktus par Mini Cooper automašīnu ... · press
3. [3]autoradars.lv — MINI Clubman Clubman R55 (2007 - 2014): problēmas un riski · press

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