The 2006-2013 Mini Cooper is one of the most influential and successful cars ever built. First launched in 1961, this vehicle in its first iteration was so successful that it has a cult following to this day, proudly showcasing its British heritage. And it was not surprising why: The car was small, efficient, and had character.

The relaunch of the Mini Cooper achieved the unthinkable by ‘perfectly’ filling the shoes of its predecessor and was rewarded handsomely via its reception and sales figures. It is currently in its 3rd iteration and (unfortunately) has had its challenges concerning durability and reliability, bringing a lot of concerns and controversies regarding its ownership experience. This reality is particularly true with the 2006-2013 model years, where many unhappy owners have reported engine failures due to excessive oil consumption and starvation.

The Oil Consumption/Starvation Problem and Remedies

It is heartbreaking to realize that your vehicle consumes oil abnormally, and engine damage may result if not careful. Some BMW/Mini dealerships even sell these vehicles with a disclaimer of oil consumption of a quart every 1,000 miles, hinting to users of a worrying driving experience. However, most vehicle owners are led astray by the manufacturer’s maintenance plan. One is the proposed oil change intervals, usually between 8,000 to 15,000 miles. This oil change interval is too far apart for the N14 engines in these cars and ends up leaving clogged-up pistons rings and oil sludge. Difficulty reading the engine oil dipstick was also a contributory factor, as owners cannot ascertain the engine oil level until too late. Manufacturing defects like oil pump failures are also rife.

Addressing these concerns and preventing catastrophic engine failure means that you need to prepare yourself from the point of purchasing your vehicle. If you are buying your car used, endeavor to perform an oil consumption check. Read your manual on how to check your engine oil level and condition. Always have a quart of oil available to top off if the oil level is low. Reduce oil change intervals to alleviate the effects of carbon buildup and oil sludge.

Any sign of oil consumption or shortage should be addressed immediately and taken to a professional service center for diagnosis. At A1 European Auto Repair, we would ensure that this is done professionally by offering you world-class services. Give us a call and be assured of a trouble-free automotive experience.

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