MINI Hatch Cooper S Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK MINI Hatch Cooper S engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines to secure the most cost-effective solution for your vehicle.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers

From £3,200 to £4,500
Used from £1,400 · Reconditioned from £2,500 · Common codes: W16B16A, N14B16A, N18B16A, B48A20A, B48A20B
From £1,400
Tested, bare/short engine
From £2,500
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain

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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best MINI Hatch Cooper S Replacement Engineto Finding the Best MINI Hatch Cooper S Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
MINI Hatch Cooper S - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
When the MINI Hatch Cooper S launched, it established the benchmark for hot-hatch performance in the MINI range, evolving from a supercharged 1.6L unit to a highly efficient 2.0L turbocharged powerhouse.
MINI Hatch Cooper S - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
When the MINI Hatch Cooper S launched, it established the benchmark for hot-hatch performance in the MINI range, evolving from a supercharged 1.6L unit to a highly efficient 2.0L turbocharged powerhouse.
MINI Hatch Cooper S
Engine History Timeline
W16B16A 1.6L Supercharged Petrol, 170 hp (R53 generation launch)
N14B16A 1.6L Turbocharged Petrol, 175 hp (R56 generation, architecture changed from supercharged to turbocharged)
N18B16A 1.6L Turbocharged Petrol, 184 hp (R56 LCI update, revised timing chain and engine management)
B48A20A / B48A20B 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol, 189-192 hp (F56 generation, increased displacement for improved torque and reliability)
Key Specs Snapshot
Every engine fitted to the MINI Hatch Cooper S is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
MINI Hatch Cooper S Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMINI Hatch Cooper S Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
1.6L Petrol (2002-2006)
Compatible Trim Levels
- Cooper S
- Cooper S Convertible

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,200-£1,800
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£2,200-£3,000
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£3,000-£4,000
Common Failure
Supercharger snout failure and timing chain stretch, typically occurring between 70,000 and 90,000 miles.


The MINI Hatch Cooper S has a well-documented reliability profile, with the N14 and N18 1.6L turbocharged engines dominating replacement demand due to timing chain and fuel system vulnerabilities. Rebuilt engines through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing these original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Why the MINI Hatch Cooper S N14/N18 Wears Prematurely
Affected Vehicles
MINI Hatch Cooper S (N14B16A, N18B16A, 2006-2013)
Typical Failure Mileage
60,000-90,000 miles
Root Cause
The original timing chain tensioner lacks sufficient hydraulic pressure, allowing the chain to stretch and slap against the guide, creating a "death rattle" on cold starts and eventually leading to catastrophic engine failure.
Why It Happens
The original timing chain tensioner lacks sufficient hydraulic pressure, allowing the chain to stretch and slap against the guide, creating a "death rattle" on cold starts and eventually leading to catastrophic engine failure.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£800-£1,200
Specialist (parts + labour)
£500-£800
What it involves
Replacing the chain, tensioner, and guides before catastrophic failure.
Suitability
Good if caught early (no engine knock), extends life by 40k+ miles.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£4,500-£6,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£3,200-£4,500
What it involves
Supply & fit of a rebuilt unit with upgraded timing components and a 12-month warranty.
Suitability
The only viable option once the chain has jumped or caused internal damage.
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preventative Chain Kit Replacement Minor | £800-£1,200 | £500-£800 | Replacing the chain, tensioner, and guides before catastrophic failure. | Good if caught early (no engine knock), extends life by 40k+ miles. | |
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine Best Value | £4,500-£6,500 | £3,200-£4,500 | Supply & fit of a rebuilt unit with upgraded timing components and a 12-month warranty. | The only viable option once the chain has jumped or caused internal damage. |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical MINI Hatch Cooper S (2006-2013) is currently valued between £2,500 and £6,000 depending on condition and mileage [THIRD-PARTY]. If your vehicle is worth under £4,000, a full rebuilt engine may approach or exceed the car's value, making a quality used engine or preventative repair the more financially sensible route. For vehicles valued over £6,000 (e.g., low-mileage LCI or F56 models), a reconditioned or rebuilt engine is strongly justified by the warranty and restored reliability.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If you hear a rattling noise on startup but the engine still runs smoothly, invest in a preventative timing chain kit replacement immediately. If the engine has already suffered a chain jump or severe oil starvation, a full replacement with a rebuilt unit featuring upgraded components is the only reliable long-term solution.

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your MINI Hatch Cooper S
Whether you are dealing with the notorious N14 timing chain rattle or an N18 fuel system issue, replacing your engine with a rebuilt unit from EnginesMarket ensures the original weak points are addressed with upgraded components. You get a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty, nationwide delivery, and prices that are significantly lower than main dealer premiums.
Compare rebuilt N14B16A MINI Hatch Cooper S engine prices
Important Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific MINI Hatch Cooper S. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
MINI Hatch Cooper S Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a MINI Hatch Cooper S engine replacement cost-
The cost to replace a MINI Hatch Cooper S engine varies by condition and engine code. Used engines typically range from £1,400 to £2,500, while reconditioned units cost between £2,500 and £3,800. A fully rebuilt engine with upgraded components and a 12-month warranty generally ranges from £3,200 to £4,500, excluding labour.
- Used engines are the most budget-friendly but carry higher risk.
- Reconditioned engines offer a balance of reliability and cost.
- Rebuilt engines provide the longest lifespan and best warranty coverage.
Question 2What are the signs of timing chain failure in a MINI Hatch Cooper S-
The most common early warning sign is a loud rattling or "death rattle" noise from the engine bay, particularly during a cold start. Other symptoms include the check engine light illuminating, rough idling, loss of power, or metallic ticking sounds that worsen with engine speed.
- Do not ignore a cold-start rattle; it indicates tensioner failure.
- Continuing to drive can cause the chain to jump, leading to catastrophic valve and piston damage.
- Immediate inspection by a MINI specialist is strongly advised.
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine in a 2008-2012 MINI Hatch Cooper S-
It depends on the vehicle's overall condition and current market value, which typically ranges from £2,500 to £5,000 for this era. If the rest of the car is in excellent condition with low mileage, a reconditioned engine can extend its life reliably. However, if the car has high mileage, rust, or other major faults, the cost of a rebuilt engine may exceed the vehicle's value, making a used engine or vehicle replacement more sensible.
- Evaluate the car's bodywork, suspension, and service history first.
- A used engine is often the most financially viable option for lower-value examples.
- Always get multiple quotes to ensure you are getting a fair market price.
Question 4How long does a MINI Hatch Cooper S engine replacement take-
A professional supply and fit of a MINI Hatch Cooper S engine typically takes 1 to 3 working days, depending on the specialist's workload and whether any ancillary components (like the clutch or flywheel) also need replacement.
- The engine removal and installation process itself usually takes 6-10 hours.
- Additional time is required for ECU coding, fluid flushing, and road testing.
- EnginesMarket specialists provide clear timelines before you commit to a quote.
Question 5What is the difference between the N14 and N18 engines in the MINI Hatch Cooper S-
The N14 (2006-2010) and N18 (2010-2013) are both 1.6L turbocharged engines, but the N18 is a significantly revised and more reliable version. The N18 features an updated timing chain tensioner, a revised thermostat housing, and a different high-pressure fuel pump, which collectively reduce the likelihood of the "death rattle" and overheating issues that plagued the early N14 units.
- The N18 also produces slightly more power (184 hp vs 175 hp).
- Both engines still require diligent maintenance, including frequent oil changes.
- If upgrading from an N14, ensure the ECU and wiring harness are compatible.
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