MINI Countryman (2010 – 2016) Review
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MINI Countryman (2010 – 2016) At A Glance
Golf sized MINI has five seats and a 350-litre boot. Available with BMW's chain cam 1.6 diesel engine. Option of diesel automatic with 4WD.
Styling isn't a universal success and divides opinion. Top models are expensive. Handling of 2WD versions is unexciting.
The 'MAXI' sized Countryman is a major new chapter in the MINI success story. In a nutshell, it offers four or five-seat practicality and a 350-litre boot in addition to the usual MINI trademarks such as sharp steering, fun handling and that all-important quirkiness.
It's impossible to think of this as any other car than a MINI. The Countryman might well be Golf-sized but the styling shares many MINI hatchback details, such as its large, round(ish) headlamps, floating roofline, and down-in-the-dumps radiator shape. That might make it easy to accept for existing owners, but those looking for an alternative to their Qashqai they may well find it a little too wacky.
The Countryman is actually considered to be a crossover by MINI and as such, there is also a four-wheel drive option, otherwise it's powered by the same low emission chain-cam diesel and petrol engines as the standard MINI hatchback. There are no shortage of versions to choose from - it's offered in One, Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper versions with 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines.
The big news for MINI owners looking to trade up is that the Countryman has a large and usable boot. There is plenty of room for four adults and thanks to plenty of carried-over controls and shared styling, they will feel very much a home. In 2010, the Countryman received a new centre console and - for the first time - electric window switches mounted in the doors.
Reviews for MINI Countryman (2010 – 2016)'s top 3 rivals
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MINI Countryman (2010 – 2016) handling and engines
- Engines range from One D to Cooper SD Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 23–55 mpg
Unless you choose to buy your MINI Countryman with large alloy wheels, the ride is smooth and comfortable on uneven roads thanks to supple suspension and the raised ride height. Plus, the high driving position means general visibility is good.
The car is based on an extended version of the Clubman and that means that MINI has been able to give the much larger Countryman some of the standard hatch's dynamic pizazz. The steering is light, communicative and very direct. That means the driver can confidently place the Countryman in bends and really feel what's going on. Sadly, although it has the smaller car's tidy steering, it does not have its overall body control.
In bends, there's a disappointing amount of body roll, while the grip levels, even in the ALL4 version are lower than you might expect. It's all to do with the 10cm of additional height, which raises the centre of gravity and makes it all feel a little ponderous in bends. But wind it back and it's still a good car to drive, especially in town.
Performance is okay, rather than exceptional. The best way to a fast Countryman is to go for the Cooper S or John Cooper Works, which with 185PS and 215PS respectively are brisk. Both are quick in a straight line, but suffer slightly from the Countryman-typical lack of enjoyment factor in the bends. We'd say that's probably more down to the excellence of the smaller car that it's trying to emulate.
The 2.0-litre Cooper SD version boasts 140PS, but it's not quite enough to justify the 'S' moniker. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 9.3 seconds and while it's smooth and refined with good mid-range pull, it doesn't feel like a sporting model. If you want a diesel, the 1.6-litre Cooper D, with 110PS is a far better all-rounder - it's not much slower, far more economical and is also even more refined.
The ALL4 system works well and is a good bet if you're someone who lives in the country, or likely to find yourself in areas of low grip on a regular basis. It variably splits the power to all four wheels, somewhere between 50/50 front/rear to 100 per cent at the rear - all dependent on the conditions. It's worth bearing in mind that ALL4 is standard on JCW models, but is optional on the Cooper S, Cooper SD, and Cooper D Countryman.
The jacked-up suspension and optional ALL4 four-wheel-drive system means it's possible to take the Countryman off-road but it's not as good as the Mazda CX-5 in this area.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper | 39–48 mpg | 10.4–11.6 s | 137–168 g/km |
| Cooper ALL4 | 41–42 mpg | 11.5 s | 160–161 g/km |
| Cooper ALL4 Automatic | 39–40 mpg | 11.7 s | 164–169 g/km |
| Cooper Automatic | 40–41 mpg | 11.6 s | 159–164 g/km |
| Cooper D | 64–67 mpg | 10.9 s | 115–116 g/km |
| Cooper D ALL4 | 58–60 mpg | 11.6 s | 123–129 g/km |
| Cooper D ALL4 Automatic | 46–48 mpg | 11.9 s | 153–160 g/km |
| Cooper D Automatic | 49–50 mpg | 11.3 s | 149–153 g/km |
| Cooper S | 40–47 mpg | 7.5–7.9 s | 139–166 g/km |
| Cooper S ALL4 | 37–44 mpg | 7.7–8.3 s | 148–180 g/km |
| Cooper S ALL4 Automatic | 39–40 mpg | 8.1 s | 165 g/km |
| Cooper S Automatic | 40–42 mpg | 7.8 s | 166 g/km |
| Cooper SD | 60–63 mpg | 9.2 s | 122–124 g/km |
| Cooper SD ALL4 | 57–59 mpg | 9.3 s | 126–131 g/km |
| Cooper SD ALL4 Automatic | 46–48 mpg | 9.4 s | 150–160 g/km |
| Cooper SD Automatic | 50 mpg | 9.4 s | 150 g/km |
| John Cooper Works ALL4 | 39 mpg | 6.9 s | 169 g/km |
| John Cooper Works ALL4 Automatic | 37 mpg | 6.9 s | 179 g/km |
| One | 39–50 mpg | 11.9–13.9 s | 134–168 g/km |
| One Automatic | 41 mpg | 13.9 s | 168 g/km |
| One D | 64 mpg | 12.9 s | 115 g/km |
Real MPG average for the MINI Countryman (2010 – 2016)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
75%
Real MPG
23–55 mpg
MPGs submitted
696
MINI Countryman (2010 – 2016) interior
- Boot space is 350 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4097–4133 mm |
| Width | 1789 mm |
| Height | 1544–1561 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2595 mm |
There's plenty of room inside and standard Countryman models come with sliding seat squabs that are split 60/40. The back seats are easy to get in and out of and rear seat passengers have good knee room and leg room as well as exceptional head room - although we would describe it as a four rather than five-seater (even when specified as the latter).
In the front it's the same story. It's worth noting that the Countryman continues the MINI hatchback's provision for masses of seat travel, meaning even those with very long legs will get comfortable.
The Countryman's interior is just as quirky - if not more so - than its smaller hatchback cousin. Much is shared between the two which is good if you like the retro design. The overall quality feels decent but not overly premium given the price tag.
Still you can't accuse the Countryman of being boring inside. The dashboard still has its signature oversized centrally-mounted speedometer, but for those buying models higher up the range, there's a new high-definition colour screen in the centre. The same chrome toggle switches line the centre console and the roof panel, but new window switches in the doors make that arrangement a little less confusing.
The heating a ventilation controls remain the same - great if you're going for climate control, not so good if you've chosen the standard set-up with its poor direction control wheel. And for a lifestyle vehicle, there's a disappointing lack of storage cubbies. Four seats, rather than five, are optional, but choosing the former brings the benefit of an extended centre rail system that carries accessories.
You don’t have to glance across to the dinner plate-sized central speedometer because your road speed is also displayed digitally in the centre of the line-of sight rev counter. The steering wheel is fully adjustable in all directions and because the rev counter and speedometer move with the wheel you never obscure them.
The boot capacity is okay at 350 litres with the seats upright and 450 litres with the rears slid forwards. The split rear bench does not fold flat though and the loading lip is high. Bear that in mind, if you have an active lifestyle.
Standard equipment from launch:
* Roof rails that facilitate various attachments like roof boxes or roof racks
* Thatcham Category 1 alarm system,
* Air conditioning,
* Heated door mirrors and washer jets,
* Rear park distance control
* MINI Central Rail system.
* Multi-function rear seats - the five seat fitment being standard in the UK, although the four seat option will be at no cost.
* Dynamic Stability Control
* Electric power steering with Servotronic speed-related assistance
* Six airbags
* ISOFIX child safety seat mountings
* Tyre puncture warning system
* Standard Central Bass Hi Fi system with six speakers
* DAB digital radio with Radio Boost.
* Bluetooth telephone preparation
* USB connection.
* Passenger Airbag deactivation
* Preparation for a bicycle rack
MINI Countryman (2010 – 2016) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4097–4133 mm |
| Width | 1789 mm |
| Height | 1544–1561 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2595 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1265–1455 kg |
| Boot Space | 350 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 18000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit / Run-flat tyres | ||
| Alternative | Run-flat tyres | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £16,000–£30,915 |
| Insurance Groups | 8–30 |
| Road Tax Bands | C–I |
| Official MPG | 36.7–67.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until May 2017
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 Cooper 5dr | £18,725 | 47.9 mpg | 10.4 s |
| 1.6 Cooper ALL4 5dr | £19,960 | 42.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
| 1.6 Cooper ALL4 Auto 5dr | £21,045 | 40.4 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.6 Cooper ALL4 Auto 5dr | £24,290 | 38.7 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.6 Cooper ALL4 Lane 5dr | £23,090 | 40.9 mpg | 11.5 s |
| 1.6 Cooper Auto 5dr | £23,245 | 39.8 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.6 Cooper Auto 5dr | £19,865 | 40.9 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.6 Cooper D 5dr | £19,955 | 67.3 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.6 Cooper D ALL4 5dr | £21,155 | 60.1 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.6 Cooper D ALL4 Lane 5dr | £24,285 | 57.6 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.6 Cooper D Business 5dr | £21,275 | 67.3 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.6 Cooper D Business ALL4 5dr | £22,475 | 60.1 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.6 Cooper D Lane 5dr | £23,335 | 64.2 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.6 Cooper Lane 5dr | £22,120 | 46.3 mpg | 10.4 s |
| 1.6 Cooper S 5dr | £22,025 | 47.1 mpg | 7.5 s |
| 1.6 Cooper S ALL4 5dr | £23,260 | 44.1 mpg | 7.7 s |
| 1.6 Cooper S ALL4 Auto 5dr | £24,445 | 39.8 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 1.6 Cooper S ALL4 Lane 5dr | £26,090 | 42.8 mpg | 7.7 s |
| 1.6 Cooper S ALL4 Prk Auto 5dr | £27,350 | 38.7 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 1.6 Cooper S ALL4 Special Edition 5dr | £28,875 | 44.1 mpg | - |
| 1.6 Cooper S ALL4 Special Edition Auto 5dr | £29,915 | 39.8 mpg | - |
| 1.6 Cooper S Auto 5dr | £26,270 | 40.4 mpg | 7.8 s |
| 1.6 Cooper S Auto 5dr | £23,225 | 41.5 mpg | 7.8 s |
| 1.6 Cooper S Lane 5dr | £25,085 | 45.6 mpg | 7.5 s |
| 1.6 John Cooper Works ALL4 5dr | £29,010 | 38.7 mpg | 6.9 s |
| 1.6 John Cooper Works ALL4 Auto 5dr | £30,270 | 36.7 mpg | 6.9 s |
| 1.6 One 5dr | £17,125 | 49.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.6 One Auto 5dr | £18,265 | 40.9 mpg | 13.9 s |
| 2.0 Cooper D ALL4 Auto 5dr | £22,425 | 47.9 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 2.0 Cooper D ALL4 Auto 5dr | £25,555 | 46.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 2.0 Cooper D Auto 5dr | £24,605 | 48.7 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 2.0 Cooper D Auto 5dr | £21,185 | 50.4 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 2.0 Cooper D Business ALL4 Auto 5dr | £23,745 | 47.9 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 2.0 Cooper D Business Auto 5dr | £22,505 | 50.4 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 2.0 Cooper SD 5dr | £22,745 | 62.8 mpg | 9.2 s |
| 2.0 Cooper SD ALL4 5dr | £23,965 | 58.9 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0 Cooper SD ALL4 Auto 5dr | £25,295 | 47.9 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.0 Cooper SD ALL4 Lane 5dr | £26,885 | 56.5 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0 Cooper SD ALL4 Prkln Auto 5dr | £28,085 | 46.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.0 Cooper SD ALL4 Special Edition 5dr | £29,730 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| 2.0 Cooper SD ALL4 Special Edition Auto 5dr | £30,915 | 47.9 mpg | - |
| 2.0 Cooper SD Auto 5dr | £24,035 | 49.6 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.0 Cooper SD Auto 5dr | £27,120 | 47.9 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.0 Cooper SD Lane 5dr | £25,790 | 60.1 mpg | 9.2 s |
On sale until September 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Cooper | £17,495 | 47.1 mpg | 10.5 s |
| Cooper Auto | £17,495 | 39.2 mpg | 11.6 s |
| Cooper D | £18,810 | 64.2 mpg | 10.9 s |
| Cooper D ALL4 | £19,875 | 57.6 mpg | 11.6 s |
| Cooper S | £20,810 | 46.3 mpg | 7.6 s |
| Cooper S ALL4 | £22,030 | 42.2 mpg | 7.9 s |
| Cooper S ALL4 Auto | £22,030 | 36.7 mpg | 8.3 s |
| Cooper S Auto | £20,810 | 39.8 mpg | 7.9 s |
| One | £16,000 | 47.1 mpg | 11.9 s |
| One Auto | £16,000 | 39.2 mpg | 13.9 s |
| One D | £17,000 | 64.2 mpg | 12.9 s |
Model History
- January 2010: MINI Countryman launched
- February 2011: MINI Cooper SD goes on sale
- March 2012: MINI John Cooper Works Countryman announced
- June 2013
- July 2013: MINI Countryman Camp ALL4 Top Tent Camper Launched
- April 2014
- December 2015: MINI Countryman Special Edition launched
January 2010
MINI Countryman launched
Bridges the gap between the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. The MINI Countryman offers unique MINI driving pleasure to people who require more space and flexibility. The first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear hatch, the MINI Countryman provides a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offers additional capability.
As an option the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with permanent MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, an electrohydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process.
The wide range of customisation options on both the exterior and interior again typical of MINI are supplemented by new, model-specific features exclusive to the MINI Countryman. New combinations in the range of interior colours, trim strips and upholstery enable even the most discerning customer to create his – or her – very special car with truly unique character.
At launch the Countryman range will include three petrol and two diesel models, as well as two ALL4 all wheel drive models – the Cooper D ALL4 and Cooper S ALL4. The petrol engines are the new 1.6 litre power plants already announced for the Hatch, Convertible and Clubman models due in March 2010. 1.6 litre, chain-cam N47 diesel engines replace the previous PSA 1.6 diesels engines and are shared with the rest of the MINI range.
The petrol engines all feature Variable Valve Timing (VVT) similar to the BMW Valvetronic system that produces more torque low down and aids overall efficiency. The Cooper S model also features a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection that gives blistering performance with modest fuel economy and low CO² emissions. All engines meet EU5 emissions standards. The key performance data are listed below.
MINI Countryman One OTR Price: £16,000
MINI Countryman Cooper OTR Price: £17,510
MINI Countryman Cooper S OTR Price: £20,810
MINI Countryman One D OTR Price: £17,000
MINI Countryman Cooper D OTR Price: £18,810
The ALL4 models costs a modest £1,065 for the Cooper D and £1,220 for the Cooper S above the standard front wheel drive Countryman models and the penalty in terms of fuel consumption and emissions is smaller than one might expect.
16” wheels are fitted with 205/60 R14 tyres
17” wheels are fitted with 205/55 R17 tyres
19” wheels are fitted with 225/40 R19 tyres
February 2011
MINI Cooper SD goes on sale
The two litre four cylinder power unit follows the design philosophy of the familiar 1.6 litre engine but produces 143PS.
The MINIMALISM features include Brake Energy Generation, Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and demand-based ancillaries such as the alternator. Claimed economy is 65.7mpg on the EU cycle with CO2 of 114g/km.
|
SD Model |
Top Speed |
0-62 mph |
Consumption (mpg combined) |
Emissions |
OTR Price |
|
Hatch |
134 mph |
8.1 secs |
65.7 mpg |
114 grams |
£18,750 |
|
Clubman |
134 mph |
8.6 secs |
64.2 mpg |
115 grams |
£19,790 |
|
Convertible |
130 mph |
8.7 secs |
62.8 mpg |
118 grams |
£21,130 |
|
Countryman |
123 mph |
9.3 secs |
61.4 mpg |
122 grams |
£21,970 |
|
Countryman ALL4 |
121 mph |
9.4 secs |
57.6 mpg |
130 grams |
£23,190 |
March 2012
MINI John Cooper Works Countryman announced
Has ALL4 all-wheel drive system. MINI's six-speed automatic transmission is an optional extra. Body kit, lowered sport suspension, 18-inch light alloy wheels, sports stripes. On sale in Autumn 2012 priced at £27,800 in the UK. .
Newly developed 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and variable valve control based on BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology. Maximum output 218PS at 6,100 rpm and peak torque of 280Nm between 2,000 and 5,600 rpm. Overboost briefly pushes this up to 300 Nm. 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds with either manual or automatic transmission. Top speed 140mph.
ALL4 all-wheel-drive system uses electromagnetic centre differential to distribute drive seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal conditions ALL4 allows 50 per cent of power to the rear wheels, rising to anything up to 100 per cent when the going gets tough.
A Sport Button is also fitted, sharpening the engine's responses, retuning the exhaust note and adjusting the steering's power assistance. MINIMALISM technology - including Brake Energy Regeneration, Shift Point Display and Auto Start/Stop for models with a manual gearbox - means maximum efficiency. The result is fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures of 39.2mpg and 167g/km respectively (35.3mpg and 187g/km on the auto).
June 2013
ALL4 available for the MINI Cooper Countryman and the MINI Cooper Paceman in Europe from July 2013. The new models are also fitted with 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with 6-speed automatic transmission available as an option.
In the new models MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 and MINI Cooper Paceman ALL4, the all-wheel drive system distributes the power of a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine with an output of 90 kW/122 bhp between the front and rear wheels. Spontaneous forward thrust is guaranteed by the engine's maximum torque of 160 Newton metres (190 Nm with automatic transmission), at an engine speed of 4,250 rpm.
As a result, the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds (automatic: 11.7 seconds). The top speed is 184 km/h (182 km/h). Due to the high level of efficiency of both engine and drivetrain as well as extensive MINIMALISM technology, the boost in driving fun goes hand in hand with low levels of fuel consumption and emissions. The MINI Countryman ALL4 has an average fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres (automatic: 7.5 litres) on the EU test cycle and CO2 emissions of 167 (175) grams per kilometre.
July 2013
MINI Countryman Camp ALL4 Top Tent Camper Launched
Finding overnight accommodation can be a real headache, especially for drivers who have taken a spontaneous trip to a festival or beach. But there's no need to worry about finding the perfect place to bed down when travelling in this MINI. Even when completely off the beaten track, all the owner has to do is head upstairs.
The innovative roof-top tent is showcased above a MINI Countryman which, thanks to its intelligent all-wheel drive system ALL4, is well-suited to travelling over rough terrain. But this simple and practical sleeping solution can easily be mounted on a MINI or MINI Clubman. The upper half of the tent is simply folded out of its storage box. Plump up the pillows and two occupants are ready to relax, then wake up to a perfect view of the ocean, mountain or valley.
April 2014
MINI Countryman updated with styling changes and revised and improved engine range
|
Model |
Power |
0-62 mph |
Fuel Consumption |
CO2 |
|
One |
89 hp |
11.9 sec |
49.6 mpg |
134 g/km |
|
One D |
90 hp |
12.9 sec |
67.3 mpg |
111 g/km |
|
Cooper |
122 hp |
10.4 sec |
47.9 mpg |
137 g/km |
|
Cooper D |
111 hp |
10.9 sec |
67.3 mpg |
111 g/km |
|
Cooper S |
190 hp |
7.5 sec |
47.1 mpg |
139 g/km |
|
Cooper SD |
143 hp |
9.2 sec |
62.8 mpg |
119 g/km |
|
John Cooper Works |
218 hp |
6.9 sec |
39.8 mpg |
165 g/km |
December 2015
MINI Countryman Special Edition launched
Fitted with a Space Grey Metallic roof and mirror caps, teamed with 18-inch 5-Star Double Spoke alloy wheels in black and Absolute Black Metallic body paint, up to 250 MINI Countryman Special Edition models will be available for customers in the UK.
Standard equipment includes MINI Navigation System, Voice Control, MINI Connected, Enhanced Bluetooth with USB audio and multi-function steering wheel. Front Seat Heating, Automatic Air Conditioning and Xenon Headlights are also included as standard.
Two trim levels, the MINI Cooper S ALL4 Countryman or the MINI Cooper SD ALL4 Countryman in either manual or automatic transmissions. Both model options are paired with MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system.
Inside, the MINI Countryman Special Edition has interior surfaces in Piano Black and leather upholstery in Gravity-Carbon Black.
What to watch out for
Solution to turbo dump valve problems. Gloucestershire-based Forge motorsport has launched a pair of dump valves for the R60 Mini Countryman: a vent-to-atmosphere ‘Blow Off’ valve and a recirculation valve. Both have been designed and precision CNC machined to offer a direct replacement for the OEM parts. Each unit is entirely hand-fabricated and uses motorsport-quality materials and fabrication methods to create a unit which is both hugely effective and aesthetically pleasing. These valves take into account the car’s electronically controlled bypass valves, where fitted, and are recommended where the car’s boost pressure has been increased by an ECU software upgrade or simply for those wanting an improved Blow off sound, a more efficient operation, or simply as a solution to the many failures that have occurred.
The most common complaint on the OEM solenoid valve is a split diaphragm preventing the valve from opening fully, or not at all. This doesn’t always result in a check engine light, as the valve can still be blown open by the boost pressure. Forge’s engineers have seen many valves with this problem during testing. The other common problem is that the diaphragm retaining ring is made from very thin plastic that goes brittle with heat cycles, and eventually fails. This may prevents the diaphragm from sealing correctly, causing the same problems as mentioned above. This particular failure has also been known to result in the valve falling apart upon removal from the turbo, though in extreme cases, bits of plastic can enter the turbo and destroy it. Forge’s alternative is a fully engineered solution offering both significantly improved reliability. The new vales are piston based, with no internal diaphragm to fail. Being of all aluminium construction, it replaces the original unit with a pressure/vacuum operated piston valve that still also retains the desirable OEM ECU control over valve actuation. This design of valve has been proved on VAG engines for many years. The spring is interchangeable for different levels of boost, and the solenoid is ‘plug and play’ with the wiring harness which is included. Priced from just £189.79 including VAT. For more information or to buy this part online, link to www.forgemotorsport.co.uk
11-03-2012:Now thought that low pressure in the fuel pump of the 1.6 petrol leads to low pressure in the oil pump, starving the timing chain of oil on start-up and leading to stretching of the chain. That could also be why they rattle on start-up.
01-04-2013:Short runs from cold and the ridiculous long-life service regime seem to lead to condensdation in the sump and rocker cover that emulsifies engine oil and leads to blockages of oilways in the turbo petrol engines. See above about Forge Motorsport modification.
28-05-2014:Extraordinary story of leaking MINI Countryman, purchased 27-7-2011 that leaked from new, with leaks identified as: 1,600 miles faulty windscreen seals; then 1,650 miles perished a/c pipe; 6,984 miles (12-9-2012) faulty door seals; 7,878 miles (26-10-2012) faulty door seals again. Car replaced with new Countryman All4 December 2012. That also suffered ingress of water, thought to be through rear door seals. Car returned to Stratstone MINI at 7,000 miles on 24-4-2014. Now seeking to reject 2nd car.
15-03-2015:Problem with oil solenoid seal of 55k mile 2011 MINI Countryman Cooper S. Solenoid seal leaked and via the harness contaminated the main control unit. BMW dealer quoted £2,250 to fix. BME MINI contributed 50% of parts cost, leaving a bill of £1,500.
19-01-2016:Significant oil leaks from 2010 MINI Countryman ALL4 at 44,000 miles and ABS wheel sensor dropped off.
28-04-2016:Clutch and DMF of 'approved used' MINI Countryman failed after 6 months at 30,000 miles.
11-10-2016:Report of clutch of 2014 MINI Countryman All4 John Cooper Works failing at 11,500 miles.
31-10-2016:Complaint of clutch failing on NINI Cooper S Countryman All4 at 37,000 miles requiring replacement of clutch and Dual Mass Flywheel at a cost of £2,000. Warranty claim turned down.
30-01-2017:Report of strong fuel smell both outside and in the cabin of a 2014 petrol MINI Countryman Cooper S. Local Mini dealership has looked at the car and said there is nothing wrong, and that Cooper S Minis on their forecourt were 'a bit fuelly'. Fuel economy is not quite what it used to be either. See 11-3-2012 and 1-4-2013.
30-01-2017:Problems with 2013 MINI Countryman 2.0d ALL4 bought used at 14,780 miles and now at 22,500 miles have included: a jolting feeling when reversing or going forward with full (or near) lock at slow speed. Dealer spent a lot of money under warranty trying to rectify the problem. They now feel what is left is “acceptable” to MINI and normal. The day it was due to go in to have this work done it broke down after the EGR valve failed also see bills below. It is a low mileage car having done only 22,500 miles to date but only 14,780 when bought it. Owner assued EGR failure was due to previous lots of short journeys and therefore coked up. Also a vibration noise coming from the engine bay when initially setting off and it sounds louder outside.
19-10-2017:Report of clutch and DMF failure on 2012 MINI Countryman ALL4 at 22,500 miles. Quoted £2,000 to replace. Might get a Goodwill reduction, but £2k is the standard price.
11-01-2018:Report of failure of transfer box of 2013 MINI Cooper D ALL4 Countryman at 28,000 miles. Owner not warned that a disparity of more then 3mm between the tyres can cause this. Quoted £2,114 to repair.
12-03-2018:Report of centre clutch of 2014 MINI Countryman 1.6TD ALL4 failing at 26k miles. MINI wants £2,467 to replace because car had been serviced independently and centre clutch fluid and filter had not been changed.
23-05-2018:Report of sudden failure of N47 diesel engine of MINI Countryman SD ALL4 at 85,000 miles. BMW dealer ran up a bill of £1,000, then quoted £13,500 for a replacement engine in a car worth £7,500.
11-06-2018:Report of 2014 MINI Countryman Cooper S needing new waterpump, housing and pulley at 26k miles because the parts had developed surface cracks.
05-07-2018:Report of N47 engine of 2012 MINI Countryman 2.0SD "blowing up" at 48,000 miles. At first, dealer quoted £10,000 to replace it. But after a contribution from BMW cost reduced to £1,400.
23-08-2018:Report of engine failure of 2012 MINI Countryman at 71k miles, all servicing ahving been done on time by the MINI dealer. Had started to use more oil two months previously. Local garage could not work out why. Amber warning light lit up whern driving on M25. Nowhere to stop. Then engine cut out on slip road to M11. Dealer first thought head gasket had failed. Has now condemned engine as irrepairable.
19-03-2019:Report of failure of transfer box of 2014/64 MINI Countryman Cooper S All4 at 20,850 miles. We queried whether it could have been caused by a tread depth disparity of more than 3mm between the tyres.
16-06-2019:Report of engine problem with 2014/64 MINI Countryman (didn't say which engine) at 55k miles. Auto electrician reported that the timing chain was not turning the camshaft. Possibly due to a stretched timing chain.
08-11-2019:Report of stop/start stopping working on MINI Countryman diesel. Suspect battery.
20-11-2019:Report of timing chain of N47 2.0 diesel engine of MINI Countryman failing at 54,000 miles, at slow speed and without any warning. Car had been serviced at the (BMW) 'correct' intervals. (See: 23-5-2018.)
01-07-2022:Report of timing chain failure on 2013 MINI Countryman. Car has N47 2.0 diesel engine. Chain snapped and destroyed the engine.
