JUNK Mini Cooper S (BMW/Peugeot) N14 Turbo Engine Teardown. Why Do People Buy These?

I Do Cars26 minutes read

The BMW Mini Cooper n14 B16 engine from a 2010 Mini Cooper S has good power but is known for reliability issues tied to maintenance neglect, with common problems such as timing guides, fuel pump issues, and carbon buildup. Despite high value, potential water contamination and lack of proper lubrication can cause severe damage, with evidence of wear and tear, varnish buildup, and potential cylinder wall damage.

Insights

  • The BMW Mini Cooper n14 B16 engine from the 2010 Mini Cooper S is powerful but has reliability concerns due to maintenance issues, especially if factory maintenance intervals are not followed, leading to potential long-term problems like timing guide issues, fuel pump problems, turbocharger issues, and carbon buildup.
  • Water contamination appears to be a significant issue affecting various engine components, such as the turbocharger, camshafts, and crankshaft, leading to damage and wear, highlighting the critical importance of proper maintenance practices to ensure the engine's longevity and performance.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What are common issues with BMW Mini Cooper engines?

    Common problems include timing guide issues, fuel pump problems, turbocharger issues, and carbon buildup.

  • What is the value of a BMW Mini Cooper n14 B16 engine?

    Good engines are priced at $3500 or more, while bad cores are available for low prices.

  • What are the signs of poor maintenance in a BMW Mini Cooper engine?

    Signs include significant water contamination, varnish buildup, and deep damage on camshafts.

  • What are the potential consequences of water contamination in a BMW Mini Cooper engine?

    Water contamination can lead to damage on cylinder walls, crankshafts, and camshafts.

  • What are the implications of a burnt or broken valve in a BMW Mini Cooper engine?

    A burnt or broken valve can indicate lean running and potential damage to adjacent components.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

BMW Mini Cooper N14 Engine Reliability Concerns

  • The engine being discussed is a BMW Mini Cooper n14 B16 from a 2010 Mini Cooper S, with 172 horsepower, turbocharged, all-aluminum four-cylinder.
  • The engine is known for running well and producing great power, but its reliability is questioned based on maintenance issues.
  • Despite some positive experiences, there are concerns about the engine's longevity, especially if factory maintenance intervals are not followed.
  • The engine faces common BMW problems like timing guide issues, high-pressure fuel pump problems, turbocharger issues, and carbon buildup due to direct injection.
  • The engine's value is high, with bad cores available for low prices and good engines priced at $3500 or more.
  • The turbocharger is found to be locked up, likely due to water contamination in the crankcase.
  • The intake manifold is removed, showing normal wear and tear but no major damage.
  • The valve cover is removed, revealing significant water contamination and varnish buildup, indicating poor maintenance.
  • The camshafts and cam caps show deep damage, likely due to water contamination and lack of lubrication.
  • The head is removed, showing signs of water contamination and potential damage to the cylinder walls, with one piston appearing cleaner than the others.

22:54

Engine Inspection: Cylinder Wear, Valve Issues, Pump Damage

  • Cylinder four shows vertical wear but is relatively clean compared to adjacent cylinders.
  • Cylinder three appears wet, indicating a possible burnt or broken valve due to running lean.
  • High pressure fuel pump suspected as the cause of lean running, not recommended for sale.
  • Timing guide replaced in November 2016, evident from date stamps.
  • Oil pan removal process initiated by turning short block upside down.
  • Oil pan removal reveals caramel-colored sludge and no major metal chunks.
  • Oil pump disassembly shows wear but not severe damage, likely due to water cooling.
  • Bed plate removal complicated by caps that are part of the plate, not easily removable.
  • Crankshaft inspection reveals significant damage on main journal, likely due to water circulation in the engine.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.