Mini Hatch R56 Cooper S 1.6T 175bhp — Ignition Coil Pack Failure
Coil packs break down internally with heat and age, causing severe misfires under load.
Severity
ModerateDIY Difficulty
Easy
Est. Cost
£50–£150
OBD Codes
P0300P0301P0302P0303P0304Engine
Typical layout and location for the Engine assembly.
Symptoms
- Engine hesitates and jerks when accelerating hard
- Flashing EML light during misfire
- Rough, lumpy idle
- P0301-P0304 fault codes
Root Cause
The insulation inside the pencil coil breaks down due to engine heat. The spark then jumps to the cylinder head instead of crossing the spark plug gap.
How To Fix
- Read OBD codes to identify which cylinder is misfiring (e.g., P0302 = Cyl 2).
- Swap the coil pack to another cylinder and re-read codes to confirm the coil is at fault.
- Replace coil pack (£30-60 each).
- Advised to replace spark plugs at the same time.
Estimated Repair Costs
| Repair Option | Est. Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| DIY (parts only) | £20–£60 |
| Independent Garage | £50–£150 |
| Main Dealership | £80–£240 |
Other Faults on This Variant
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (N14 Engine)
CriticalThe BMW-designed N14 1.6T engine in the R56 Mini Cooper S has a plastic timing chain tensioner that fails prematurely. This is the most serious known fault on the R56 generation.
Carbon Build-Up on Intake Valves
ModerateThe N14's direct injection system means fuel is injected directly into the cylinder, bypassing the intake valves. Oil vapour from the PCV system coats the valves with carbon, causing power loss and misfires.
High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
SevereThe High Pressure Fuel Pump on the N14 engine fails frequently. It is one of the most well-known and expensive failures on the R56 Cooper S.
Disclaimer: Repair cost estimates are indicative and based on community data. Always get a quote from a qualified mechanic before proceeding with any repair.