Do Minis Have BMW Engines?

BMW debuted the third-generation Mini in November 2013, and sales began in the first half of 2014. The new vehicle is 28 mm larger in wheelbase, 44 mm wider in front and 34 mm wider in the rear than the current model, measuring 98 mm longer, 44 mm wider, and 7 mm taller. The bigger interior and 211-liter boot are the results of the size increase.

For this Mini, there are six brand-new engines available, four petrol and two diesel. There are two models of a 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol with either 75 PS or 102 PS, a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol with 136 PS, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol with 192 PS for the Cooper S, a 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel with two levels of power output (95 PS and 116 PS for the Cooper D), and a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel These motors can be coupled with a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, or 6-speed sports automatic transmission.

The MINI 5-door is a brand-new vehicle that MINI has just announced. It is advertised as the new third generation Hatch’s 5-door variant. Similar in terms of performance and having more interior and storage space than the 3-door MINI Hatch variants, the MINI 5-door’s base model is 6 in (152 mm) longer and 190 lb (86.2 kg) heavier.

The 1.5L 3-cylinder Mini will go from 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 7.3 seconds with an automatic transmission, and the 2.0L 4-cylinder Mini will do it in 6.4 seconds.

In 2015, the Cooper S was quickly joined by the more effective John Cooper Works model.

All models, with the exception of the Cooper SD and JCW, were equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in 2018, replacing the Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) and 6-speed Steptronic torque-converter. These modifications enable marginally greater performance, better emissions test results in the WLTP cycle, and enhanced efficiency.

The Mini Electric (also known as Cooper SE), a battery-electric variant, was introduced in 2020.

Andrew*Debbie

BMW produces the MINI Hatch and Clubman, two compact front-wheel drive vehicles. For BMW, Magna in Austria manufactures the bigger MINI Countryman.

Models of the MINI Cooper SD are propelled by BMW N47 motors. The 118d by BMW also employs this engine. These vehicles are not currently offered for sale in the US.

Versions of the Prince engine family power other MINIs. Together with PSA Peugeot Citroen, BMW developed these engines. Despite using BMW technology like Valvetronic and Efficient Dynamics, the engine is based on a PSA motor. The engine includes several French-made parts.

BMW’s Hams Hall factory in England is where the motors are manufactured. For both BMW and MINI, Hams Hall makes 4-cylinder gasoline engines.

For MINI, BMW Swindon creates body parts and subassemblies. One of the remnants of the former Rover Group that BMW kept after selling MG-Rover is BMW Swindon.

The Body Shop, paint, and assembly lines for the Hatch, Convertible, and Clubman are located in the BMW Plant Oxford. Across the street from the former Mini facility in Cowley lies Plant Oxford. Both Oxford and South Carolina, which we’ve visited, resemble BMW factories…

The e90 3 series and current MINIs have similar electronics architecture. When you drive both vehicles, you’ll see certain similarities. Though few, if any, of the pieces are interchangeable.

Generation 3 MINI Cooper models

Sales of the newest Mini Cooper models began in the beginning of 2014, and they were bigger than the previous models in every way. either an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission is offered.

The engines that were available for launch were as follows:

  • 75 BHP/55 kW in a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 102 BHP/75 kW in a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 1.5-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine, 136 hp/100 kW

These are variations of the direct injection, variable valve timing, and turbocharged BMW B38 engine. Additionally, these engines are found in a variety of BMW vehicles.

2.0 liters, 4 cylinders, gasoline.

This BMW B48 engine is used in the Cooper S model as well as many other popular BMW vehicles.

  • 95 BHP 1.5 liter, three-cylinder diesel
  • 116 BHP in a 1.5 liter, 3-cylinder diesel

The Cooper D’s engine is the BMW B37 turbo diesel, which is also found in several other BMW vehicles.

2.0 liter, four-cylinder diesel.

For the Cooper SD, this is the common B47 BMW engine found in millions of BMW vehicles, including, but not limited to, the 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 series models.

In case you’re unsure what TwinPower is, let me explain. Because BMW has been a leader in developing engines with two turbos, and occasionally three, this can be perplexing. It is a single turbocharger known as a “dual scroll” turbocharger if the words TwinPower Turbo are written on your engine.

The exhaust gases from “normal” turbos are used to drive a fan, which in turn drives a second fan to draw air into the engine. The TwinPower Turbo, also known as the dual scroll turbo, is a single turbo fed by two exhaust down tubes and two pairs of alternating cylinders, which results in a smoother power delivery.

Your MINI will be able to get a ZF 8 speed automatic gearbox for the first time. Auto boxes have advanced significantly in recent years, and this one is arguably the greatest. It can be found in many high-end vehicles, including Alfa Romeo, Rolls Royce, and Volkswagen.

The majority of automatic gearboxes transmit power using an oil bath (or fluid coupling). This indicates that historically, automatic transmissions have been slower and less efficient than their manual equivalents. This is where the ZF unit excels; with quicker shift times and more ratio, this gearbox allows cars to accelerate more quickly and efficiently than manual counterparts.

8 ratios may seem excessive and awkward at first, but in reality, you just select “drive” and the gearbox takes care of the rest. Truthfully, it doesn’t matter what gear you are in because you never truly know it.

Are the engines of MINI and BMW similar?

Who makes engines for Mini Coopers? German automaker BMW is the owner of the MINI Cooper brand. At the Hams Hall Plant near Birmingham, all four-cylinder petrol engines for BMW and Mini Cooper are currently produced in the United Kingdom.

Are MINIs essentially BMWs?

Although you may be familiar with Mini as the British manufacturer of spirited, go-kart-like compact hatchbacks, convertibles, and SUVs, BMW really owns the Mini name. Despite having Germanic roots, Mini’s lineup, particularly the Mini Cooper and Mini Clubman, keep the original British Minis’ cheeky style from the 1960s.

When did the Mini Cooper receive a BMW engine?

The 2006 Mini was equipped with a new generation of engines that BMW and Peugeot jointly developed. They took the place of the Chrysler-provided older 1.6-liter units. They were paired with a conventional 5- or 6-speed manual transmission depending on the engine variant.

BMW parts for Mini Coopers?

No of their age, everyone adores the legendary Mini Cooper. Given its lengthy history, a common query is: Who currently owns the Mini Cooper Brand? And is that a German or British automobile?

Given that many of their paint schemes feature the Union Jack flag, you could argue that Mini is a British brand. Yes, the Mini brand has British roots, but it is currently owned by the German automaker BMW Group.

Two BMW factories—one in England and the other in the Netherlands—manufacture the Mini Cooper.

In 2000, BMW Group bought the MINI nameplate. MINI nevertheless has a very British brand character. This is also apparent when Mini is promoted in print or on television. Even while the Mini Cooper is a very distinctive vehicle, it does share many components with other BMW vehicles.

What made BMW purchase MINI?

BMW aimed to increase the variety of its model lineup in the 1990s by introducing tiny cars and SUVs. This inspired the business to develop several compact automobile concept cars in the early 1990s. The first were the 1100 cc BMW motorcycle engines installed at the back and an electric motor, respectively, in the E1 and Z13.

Beginning in early 1994, BMW bought the Rover Group from British Aerospace, which also controlled brands like Mini. To retain the standards and reputation of the firm, BMW stipulated that even a compact model must have conventional BMW features (such as rear-wheel drive). However, the “MINI” brand did not adhere to these requirements, and BMW saw this as an opportunity to produce a superior, reasonably priced compact car. This helped shape BMW’s strategy for releasing the mid-range Mini and the premium BMW 1 Series.

Around this period, Rover was also developing a replacement for the original Mini. The ACV30, which was debuted at the 1997 Monte Carlo Rally, was its initial concept. Anniversary Concept Vehicle was part of the name, and the number 30 stood for the 30 years since the first time a Mini won the Monte Carlo Rally. The car itself was a two-door coupe with an MG F engine positioned at the rear.

Only a few months later, Rover unveiled a new concept—a pair of vehicles dubbed Spiritual and Spiritual Too. These cars were a more practical attempt to build a contemporary Mini and were released at the same time that BMW formally launched the Mini project. The two-door and four-door pair were both branded as Minis, although they were still only concepts.

BMW began work on the production Mini in 1998. The design, which was picked from 15 full-sized design concepts, was taken into account initially. Five of these designs were created by BMW Germany, five more by BMW Designworks in California, four by Rover, and one by an independent Italian company. Frank Stephenson, an American designer, submitted the winning design to BMW Designworks. Stephenson wrote the new Mini One R50, and Mini Cooper headed the Munich-based team that created the E50 vehicle. Due to its status as a city car, this design also complemented BMW’s goal to produce two small models, leaving the supermini segment to the BMW 1 Series. Stephenson stated to the auto magazine Autocar following the introduction of the new Mini:

When you approach the car, we wanted you to immediately think, “It could only be a Mini.”

What types of engines are in MINI Coopers?

The 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine that comes standard in this compact, light-weight, front-drive car produces 134 horsepower, which is more than enough power. We favor the S variants, which have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged with 189 horsepower.

Do MINIs experience engine issues?

The best car-buying choice might be to stay away from the Mini Cooper from 2000 to 2013. The issues that have been reported over the years could be problematic. Do Mini Coopers hold up well? Although the majority of Mini Coopers are generally dependable, owners of those model years’ vehicles frequently had engine troubles, cooling problems, and even electrical failures.

Five of the most frequent Mini Cooper issues are listed by Axle Addict. Models from the first and second generations frequently suffered clutch issues. Significant transmission problems were also present in the first-generation Mini Coopers. Leaky water pumps, radiator troubles, and faults with the electric power steering pump were among the other frequent concerns. Numerous of the aforementioned issues resulted in recalls or legal actions, such the BMW transmission lawsuit covered by Top Class Actions.