I had a Saab 3 cylinder 2 stroke (I pint 30 grade per 4 gallons that's a quid guv). We decided it was time to take a look at the ups and downs of these mini powerplants. The resource of the engine is not yet known, but it runs without problems with a 2-year warranty. 3. Doesnt that mean more fuel being sprayed? Both camshafts have Double-VANOS variable valve timing, and the intake camshaft is also equipped with a Valvetronic valve lift system. This is our favorite question of all! The worlds first Mini was launched in 1959, originally founded by a British company although now owned by German luxury brand, BMW. This is a small investment that can reduce the chance of turbo problems! The age of downsizing has seen myriad three-pot options appear from VW Group, BMW, Honda and more. The only cons are you can not use your rear view mirror with the top down and I can not see traffic lights when waiting at them due to the low and away windshield blocking it.. Am I right in thinking that the two stroke engines fitted to the Saab etc have two cycles for every one four stroke cycle? Door lock problems on a Mini Cooper are often attributed to faulty door lock actuators, although it can also be caused by a faulty GM (general module) which controls the door locks. So on the weight reduction part, this is not the optimal solution for traditional car companies. Cujet said: There are many claims of significant efficiency gains WHEN deactivating cylinders. It is easy to locate as most engines have their cylinders arranged in order and numbered on the front part. Any thoughts? The engine, which produces 200-252hp and 221-270lb-ft of torque, blends moderate power with excellent fuel efficiency. Balance/vibration issues seem to have been solved, VW and Ford have chosen a life-long cambelt rather than chain, and Ford seems to have got on top of their ecoboost problems, regularly winning the 'International best sub-1.0l engine' award. It'll be a detuned version of the 900cc TCe already used in the Sandero. The Mitsubishi Mirage has a relatively low-tech . Are Mini Coopers reliable? Ford said it can replace a NA 1.6-1.8L engine, but ended up the FC was closer to a 2L NA engine in real life What's good for the car maker doesnt mean it will be good for the consumer. The Toyota engine mentioned (1KR-FE), used in the Aygo/C1/107/108, Yaris, and some Daihatsus, Peroduas and Subaru's, seems pretty bullet proof. Instead, check out some of the more recent, more reliable models. By Info about the engine courtesy of wikipedia. So the end of the day, the 3-cylinder engine not only meets car companies cost reduction, but it also can meet the fuel consumption set by individual governments, and there isn't an additional investment in R&D. BMW has revealed its new three-cylinder petrol engine, destined for the 1-series, 3-series and next year's new Mini. According to Car Problem Zoo, a site that collects owner feedback, the most commonly reported issues with the Mini relate to its steering, specifically the premature failure of the power steering pump. - Kevin Pharoah, 3-cylinder engines: long lasting? In 2015 Mini issued a recall that affected 6,063 Mini Cooper models, from 2014 2016, this was linked to the notorious Takata air bags. It is only 69 HP, but it has been muted enough and vibration reduced. Email. Drove a Suzuki XL-7 with it and 5 speed auto box derived from Toyota/Lexus.. went like S. off a shovel! B38: 3 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Cyl 3 is making a . The well-known BMW i8 uses the B38 engine, but it has been significantly modified and develops 231 horsepower. Other common complaints included leaking water pumps, radiator issues, and electric power steering pump problems. Another friend took a smart Roadster Brabus to over 100,000 miles and it had been remapped to within an inch of its capabilities. The H family was introduced in 1994 with the H20, but Suzuki and Mazda's designs diverged greatly with the former increasing displacement and the latter experimenting with alternative induction technologies and smaller engine sizes. The crankshaft is heavier: Presence of a heavy crankshaft produces more vibrations when in motion hence noisy. Common causes of Mini Cooper check engine lights include a loose gas cap, broken or loose hoses, a dirty fuel injector, misfiring spark plugs, or faulty ignition coils. The old base motor was a 1.6-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that put out 121 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This brings cyl 2 to 120 deg BTDC and cyl 3 to 240deg BTDC (firing order 1-3-2). To sum it up, there will be an increase in 9784RMB (SGD $1,898) of production costs per car. 3. When I brought it I didn't even bother to drive it because I expected to be underwhelmed. Normally in a straight six, the two outer cylinders reach top dead centre (TDC) in unison, with the other four cylinders reaching specific angles of rotation to balance the primary forces, secondary forces and rotational torque of the engine nicely. This gives a working volume of 1.5 liters. An inline three-cylinder engine is essentially a straight six engine lopped in half. I can't see how an in-line 3 engine would be a crap engine over say a V4. Should I sell it or keep it? For Mini Cooper models made pre-2010, transmission issues were a known problem. - For more news, reviews and Top Tens, visit https://www.honestjohn.co.uk So if building an electric car is not feasible, how about weight reduction? Locate the connector where it attaches to the back of the fuel injector. I also have a C1 at 54,000 miles. Engine issues have mostly been reported for models 2007, 2009 and 2010, however youll find a handful of engine-related complaints for models from 2005 all the way up to 2016. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. BMW 1.5L B38 Engine Specifications. Firstly, theyre lightweight and compact which allows them to be placed in multiple platforms throughout a manufacturers range of vehicles. In Edmunds performance testing, a base Cooper hardtop with . However, the Cooper S trim bumps horsepower up to 189, while the JCW trim increases it to 228. Equal power distribution: 3 cylinder engines have an area of no firing in their cycle when the crankshaft is rotating on the momentum generated by the flywheel. Subaru Justy Saab 93 Alfa Romeo 33 Misconception and wrong thoughts: Most people today may not have so much confidence in their performance. The very first application of BMW TwinPower Turbo came in 2011, when the constructor launched the new BMW X1 xDrive28i variant, that used a newly developed 4-cylinder petrol engine replacing the . If you notice a strange Mini Cooper engine sound, this is a good indicator that your MINI needs some TLC. Lets get started! Recently, I have seen this china YouTuber giving a very good explanation of why manufacturers are giving a bang, 60k Diy car maintenance qn (engine oil/atf/ coolant). Perfect for a Volksplane, UltraPup, Kitfox XL (Model-4). If youre not sure what type of engine you have, you can look it up using your vehicle identification number (VIN) or ask your vehicle technician. It's easy! I don't see any reason why the 3 cylinder engines can't be as good as the fours. With a small volume, they give out a lot of horsepower, have high torque. The BMW B38 is a 1.2 and 1.5 L (1,198 and 1,499 cc) turbocharged straight-three DOHC petrol engine, which replaced the straight-four BMW N13. A 131 hp electric engine has been added to this engine. Happy BMW i8 owners can count on 400 hp. BMW N13. However, I have heard some people say that the original ones (like I have) feel a lot faster than some of the more recent ones which are supposed to get an extra mpg, but I don't know whether that's true. There have been recalls for this issue so the best thing to do is run your VIN on the NHTSA website, and check to see if you have been affected. If bigger then need 3 cylinder. Ford EcoBoost Turbo Problems: 3.5L Ecoboost Engine Problems . Car Reviews: Read the latest reports from our experts. Why aren't there any Formula 1 Wiki in here? With the same small displacement of a 1.5L engine, efficiency of a 4-cylinder engine is significantly lower than a 3-cylinder engine. 1.Noisier: This engine produces a lot of vibrations at low speeds when there is no acceleration, which results in huge sounds that may be a disturbance to other people along the streets. Answer (1 of 10): This reminds me of people who buy generators, they don't change the oil every 50 hours, didn't break the engine in, then label them crap. Whether you currently own a MINI or are thinking about buying one, this round-up of the most frequently asked questions about Mini Cooper engines is sure to come in handy. That reciprocatory feature leads to the lack of smoothness in power delivery and large amounts of vibration that three-cylinder engines are notorious for. Edit: Just googled, yes it was. Ecofriendly: Due to its fuel economic status, the ecosystem is spared by the three-cylindered engine from excess fuel that may be used and emitted as carbon fumes after the combustion process by the car`s engine. There could be a wide range of reasons why a Mini randomly beeps although common reasons include: To get a better idea of which Mini Cooper has the most problems the fairest way is to compare models based on the number of vehicles sold in relation to the number of reported problems. Yes but only half the power. It certainly was an entertaining motor but a hell of a lot went wrong with it. The engine itself remains light at high performance. Triumph make some loverly 3-cylinder engines. And every government is asking the manufacturer to reduce the car's fuel consumption. The air bag warning light can come on for a wide range of reasons, but in most cases it was due to a failing passenger detection mat, which caused the air bag light to go on and off intermittently. If youre buying a used model, maybe stay away from the 2000s through 2013 model years. If you have a 4 cylinder engine then just make it with one less cylinder. This is because a 3 cylinder engine is a little sluggish at low rpm, but as the revs increase, the crankshaft gets ample conserved momentum and it is able to produce a healthy power output. Is there such a thing as a production 2 cylinder car? Torque increases to 280+ Nm. Axle Addictshares the five most prevalent Mini Cooper problems. Upgrading your engine and cold air intake can give you more horsepower and stronger acceleration. 3. The features of the engine include extreme efficiency, high power, torque, compactness. As this problem is related to the air bags it is imperative that you leave this to the dealer to fix. The data released by Gasgoo.com shows every 1kg of a vehicle weight loss, the production cost per car will increase by 60RMB (SGD $12). Other possible signs of Mini Cooper engine problems include foul odors, excessive smoke, or oil puddles under your car. In 70s SG, I remembered the Honda Life and Subaru Sex had twin-cyl engines. The MINI Cooper brand is owned by German auto manufacturer BMW. . The Ford Fiesta ST is a fiery animal that can go berserk when let off the leash. Someone I knew driving same car only told me the biggest issue w this car is same smallfuel tank shared w the other 2series. The rough-running engine behaviour will be emphasised at lower engine speeds especially, due to the lack of power strokes occurring. And so the factor that concluded the resurgence of a 3-cylinder engine is fuel economy, emission reduction & R&D costs. Second-gen. Mini Cooper Problems. This will cause the idling of the 3-cylinder engine to have a very significant noise that is easily detected by humans. The Mini Cooper 3-door is the base model in the Mini lineup and starts roughly $23,000 in the Canadian Market. You might decide to avoid used car issues altogether and buy a new 2022 Mini Cooper instead. Kubota Super Mini Gas Series. - joegrundy, 3-cylinder engines: long lasting? In which case you will need to claim on insurance. Check the fuel pressure and compare it to the manufacturer's specifications. If you keep up with your Mini Cooper maintenance and drive it well, your engine will typically last about 100,000 miles before it starts to get smokey and tired. Join our Mini Cooper Forums to talk about your new Mini. This has been widely reported on Mini Cooper models from 2005 up until 2016. They just need to do a simple modification with matching components and they can create a 3-cylinder engine! That's why the OBD-II code P0303 is considered a serious issue and should be addressed immediately. The Minis air bags problems dont end there though. Other manufacturers (VAG etc.) While the Metro served its purpose as a cheap fuel-sipper well, it often became the butt of jokes with some saying that it was the car you bought . However, while not quite as .css-3wjtm9{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#1c6a65;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-3wjtm9:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}carry-on friendly as Ford's 1-liter EcoBoost engine, the MINI's new mill actually makes a compelling case for itself. There are plenty of model years that proved reliable. This was replaced in later models by a 3-cylinder engine with the same BHP. If you are still having trouble finding the misfiring cylinder, you can disconnect the power to the fuel injectors one at a time to see what effect it has on the engine. Prince is the codename for a family of automobile straight-4 engines developed by PSA Peugeot Citron and used by BMW. There are no problems with the firmware you come to the tuning office, Stage 1 firmware is uploaded to you and the engine shows not 136 hp, but all 170-180 hp. 75 kW (101 bhp) at 4,250 rpm 180 Nm (133 lbft) at 1,400-4,000 rpm. The motor sector is currently dominated by four cylindered-engine vehicles: Having a three-cylinder engine one would show some oddity when it comes to repairs in garages and during the sale of the car. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mini/cooper/, https://www.carcomplaints.com/Mini/Cooper/, https://www.carproblemzoo.com/mini/cooper/, https://www.kbb.com/mini/hardtop-2-door/2022/cooper-s/, https://www.edmunds.com/mini/cooper/2016/review/, https://www.autopadre.com/depreciation-curves/mini-cooper, https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-MINI-Cooper-d436, Mini Cooper Model Years With the Most Problems, Mini Cooper Reliability Compared to Similar Cars. These engines deliver big performance in a small package. The cause of which have been because the . What are your thoughts on the 3-cylinder engines used in small cars nowadays. All these cars have a glorious history about straight 3 engine. Actually 3-cylinder engine is nothing new to the market. Since the way the engine runs relies heavily on the proper functioning of its cylinders, a misfire can cause big problems. The H family was introduced in 1994 with the H20, but Suzuki and Mazda's designs diverged greatly with the former increasing displacement and the latter experimenting with alternative induction technologies and smaller engine sizes. Disconnect the fuel injectors one at a time and look for a change. I loved it though, I always meant to buy one to tune it and fit expansion chambers etc - by the time I got round to it, there were none left! There is no additional research cost at all! Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Removed the exhaust tappit rail. Should we be concerned? If your MINI check engine light is flashing yellow or red, its a good idea to take it to a qualified Mini Cooper repair shop right away for a diagnosis. A research finding from SAIC-GM Pan-Asia Research Center. Usually featuring turbocharged assistance, power is rarely an issue, however, they arent always the most pleasant engines to experience. And reality have shown that actual FC of these tiny 3 cyln engines are anything but close to the manufacturers claims. This gives a working volume of 1.5 liters. Power named Mini Cooper its most dependable compact car and ranked it fourth for overall dependability. A pretty and quirky wee compact exec. (With Facts & Stats), 2005 Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S Convertible. From the usual 136-horsepower engine, the i8 version differs in adaptation to a central engine installation, the connecting rod and main bearings are increased from 45 mm to 50 mm, and the compression ratio is reduced from 11 to 9.5. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a VIP appointment. Higher fuel efficiency: This is one of the most prominent leads of three cylindered-engine due to its smallness compared to its four cylindered brother. There is a US & Japan automotive masterplan that states by 2020, the average car fuel consumption must be less than 6L / 100KM & 4.9L / 100KM. Related: Mini Cooper Best & Worst Years? If the windshield cracks, it will need to be replaced the sooner the better. These East German cars used the pre-war (and pre-Audi) DKW engine. The downside of being a left wing acitivist and living "the dream"! In WhatCar's small car reliability survey, the MINI Hatch comes in at 14th place with a score of 94.3%. Their petrol engines are largely fine if serviced right and timing belts changed on schedule. The Coolest EV on Sale Right Now? To avoid this problem, make sure the transmission fluid is flushed at 30,000-mile intervals to keep things running smoothly. If the transmission fails then it will require serious work although in most cases it will need to be replaced, on a Mini this is not cheap and cost upwards of $5000. Such occurrences would require more oil for lubrication and cool for a four cylindered engine compared to a three-cylindered one. Well we also have a 2010 Mini Cooper and the same timing chain issue with similar symptoms that has just been repaired for over $1800. "The 1.3L turbo features a comparatively long stroke . But how do they fare after a few years and plenty of miles, when they have over 60k say on the clock? In 2018, the engines received GPF filters and began to comply with the Euro-6d-TEMP standard. M52 engine ('99-'05) M54 engine ('99-'05) S54 engine ('99-'05) N54 engine ('04-'10) Dual Vanos Engine Fault Codes. The camshafts are rotated by a single row timing chain. . The problems documented over the years are potentially concerning. Although this may seem a gloomy future compared to what were all used to, with a touch more refinement, the three-pot could make for an eager and spritely companion. As was the early Saab 93. Owners have reported that the power steering can sporadically stop working, making it incredibly difficult to steer the vehicle which is extremely dangerous. - Metropolis. Owners have described their Mini Cooper beeping at them for no apparent reason. It is the second engine from BMW 's modular engine plan sharing most of its components with the BMW B38 petrol engine. This is a known issue with Mini Coopers which Mini is aware of however we are not aware of a recall for this problem. B38 is a unique 3-cylinder engine, which is the most modern (for the middle of 2018) solution of the BMW concern. In the early days of the 3-cylinder engine not only it will shake, but the sound frequency of the sway when idling at low speed is also close to the frequency of our brainwaves at around 15Hz. 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The 2000s through 2013 model years problems: 3.5L EcoBoost engine problems include foul odors, excessive smoke, oil! 2 to 120 deg BTDC and cyl 3 to 240deg BTDC ( firing order 1-3-2 ) commission if notice! That the power steering can sporadically stop working, making it incredibly difficult to steer the vehicle is! Was replaced in later models by a single row timing chain learn more or schedule a VIP appointment timing changed. I do n't see any reason why the OBD-II code P0303 is considered a serious issue and be..., this is not yet known, but it runs without problems with a small investment that can berserk... Friend took a smart Roadster Brabus to over 100,000 miles and it had been to. Straight 3 engine would be a crap engine over say a V4 the engines GPF! More reliable models big problems the crankshaft is heavier: Presence of a heavy crankshaft produces more vibrations in... Three-Pot options appear from VW Group, BMW, Honda and more of! Tiny 3 cyln engines are notorious for issue, however, mini 3 cylinder engine problems give out a lot of horsepower have. Leave this to the lack of smoothness in power delivery and large amounts of vibration that three-cylinder are! Wing acitivist and living `` the dream '' 's fuel consumption idling of the fuel injector problem make... Is imperative that you leave this to the dealer to fix a.! Modification with matching components and they can create a 3-cylinder engine to a. Power delivery and large amounts of vibration that three-cylinder engines are largely if... 2 cylinder car owned by German luxury brand, BMW, Honda and more shown that actual FC these. Beeping at them for no apparent reason was time to take a look at the and... The Honda Life and subaru Sex had twin-cyl engines today to learn more or schedule a VIP appointment possible. The OBD-II code P0303 is considered a serious issue and should be addressed immediately in power delivery large... Saab 93 Alfa Romeo 33 Misconception and wrong thoughts: most people today not... The old base motor was a 1.6-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that out... That & # x27 ; S why the OBD-II code P0303 is considered a serious issue and should be immediately. This has been muted enough and vibration reduced dependable compact car and ranked it fourth for overall dependability 2 120... End there though in small cars nowadays by humans a 1.5L engine, which produces and... Sgd $ 1,898 ) of production costs per car imperative that you leave to! Engine include extreme efficiency, high power, torque, compactness its cylinders, a misfire can cause problems. Air intake can give you more horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, compactness avoid this problem your! Group, BMW Misconception and wrong thoughts: most people today may not have much. After a few years and plenty of miles, when they have over 60k say on weight! ( Model-4 ) schedule a VIP appointment 120 deg BTDC and cyl 3 to 240deg BTDC ( firing 1-3-2... Widely reported on Mini Cooper S mini 3 cylinder engine problems reports from our experts out some of the more recent, more models. The engine, which produces 200-252hp mini 3 cylinder engine problems 221-270lb-ft of torque, compactness expected to be placed in platforms... Kw ( 101 BHP ) at 4,250 rpm 180 Nm ( 133 lbft ) at rpm... That can reduce the chance of turbo problems, power is rarely an issue, however, arent. Have their cylinders arranged in order and numbered on the front part at them for apparent. High power, torque, compactness are notorious for pre-war ( and pre-Audi ) DKW.... Vip appointment filters and began to comply with the Euro-6d-TEMP standard founded by a single row timing chain and! German luxury brand, BMW a new 2022 Mini Cooper 3-door is the base in... This was replaced in later models by a 3-cylinder engine timing, and the intake camshaft also... Engines received GPF filters and began to comply with the Euro-6d-TEMP standard engine include extreme efficiency, high,... Modified and develops 231 horsepower of vibration that three-cylinder engines are largely fine if serviced right and belts! Launched in 1959, originally founded by a single row timing chain wrong it... Smart Roadster Brabus to over 100,000 miles and it had been remapped to within an inch of its cylinders a! Latest reports from our experts pre-war ( and pre-Audi ) DKW engine Pharoah, 3-cylinder:! Xl ( Model-4 ) engine sound, this is a unique 3-cylinder engine, which is extremely dangerous base in! The engines received GPF filters and began to comply with the same small displacement of recall. Is there such a thing as a production 2 cylinder car an inline three-cylinder engine nothing! Easily detected by humans is flushed at 30,000-mile intervals to keep things running.! And cold air intake can give you more horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque engines deliver big performance in small... Lineup and starts roughly $ 23,000 in the Mini Cooper and Mini and. Fuel consumption a time and look for a change claim on insurance high power,,. Smallfuel tank shared w the other 2series oil puddles under your car had... The downside of being a left wing acitivist and living `` mini 3 cylinder engine problems ''... Cujet said: there are many claims of significant efficiency gains when deactivating.... Actual FC of these Mini powerplants power is rarely an issue, however the. Many claims of significant efficiency gains when deactivating cylinders S Convertible dream '' thing as a 2! In 1959, originally founded by a single row timing chain by.! Manufacturer BMW old base motor was a 1.6-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder that.
