Very few cars invoke a sense of style, driving enjoyment and street cred like a MINI. Transcending three generations, the modern BMW-developed MINIs, or BINIs, as they’re sometimes called, have carved out a niche both among petrolheads and lifestyle-centric buyers alike.

The Mini hatch is as much of a pop culture icon as it is a motor vehicle. In its third generation, the F56 Mini 3-dr Hatch, to give it its full name, brought about a new design - though still beautifully conveying its retrospective proportions - more space, and an entirely new range of engines. 

First launched in 2014, early F56 MINI 3-dr Hatchs trade around RM 100k in today's money, making that chic dream far more affordable for a larger range of buyers, but as always, how do we balance this against the maintenance and upkeep? Let's take a closer look. 

The F56 MINI Cooper 3-dr range in Malaysia

During its launch in 2014, the F56 Cooper was introduced in the usual Cooper and Cooper S forms. In total though, there were 4 variants if you include the upgrade packs for each, cheekily dubbed Chilli and Wired in typical MINI speak.

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The biggest upgrades with the third-gen MINI are the new engines pinched from BMW that replace the notorious (Peugeot-sourced) Prince engines that were known for leaks and loss of performance after a while. 

In the F56 MINI 3-dr, power was derived from a 1.5-litre three-cylinder Mini TwinPower Turbo engine in the Cooper. A variant of the B38 BMW mill found in the BMW F30 318i, it made 136 PS and 220 Nm of torque. All that was good for a scant century dash in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h.

Stepping up the big boy Cooper S sees a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from BMW’s B48 range. Here, it delivers 192 PS and 280 Nm of torque; good enough to dispatch the century sprint in 6.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 233 km/h.

While the engines were new, the transmissions were retained, them being the same Aisin six-speed automatics with the Cooper S getting a unit dubbed the Sports Auto version that also incorporated Launch Control.

Wheels were 16-inch Loop Spoke Silver designs on the Cooper and 17-inch Tentacle Spoke Silver wheels on the Cooper S.

Things were paired back in the Cooper with fabric upholstery and manual air-conditioning but did get a Sports steering wheel.

The Chilli kit added leather sports seats, dual-zone climate control and a 6.5-inch screen with MINI’s take on BMW’s iDrive with a six-button layout, the Wired package added a larger 8.8-inch unit with a touch-sensitive controller built into the central rotary dial.

Safety was adequate with the usual array of ABS, traction control, stability control and four airbags across all variants. No ADAS safety features were offered on the F56 MINI 3-dr.

In 2015, BMW (Group) Malaysia introduced the hottest and fastest (at the time) MINI 3-dr variant, the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) which featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 231 hp and 320 Nm, priced at a smidge under RM 289k. 

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Roughly four years after its first introduction, in 2018, the facelifted F56 MINI 3-dr (LCI) Hatch was introduced. BMW Malaysia dropped the base Cooper variant, choosing to retain only the Cooper S and Cooper JCW variants, which were priced at RM 227k and RM 284k respectively. 

Besides the typical aesthetic updates - which crucially features the Union Jack taillight graphics - the F56 LCI featured a new 2.0-litre turbo four-potter with an updated turbocharger, engine electronics, exhaust and cooling system for better response and efficiency (though power remained the same). The F56 LCI also ditched the ageing 6-speed automatic in favour of a 7-speed (wet) dual clutch transmission (DCT). 

Safety was improved marginally - with all models now offering 6 airbags as standard, but still no ADAS features. ADAS was finally offered on the heavily updated (but not all-new) 2021 MINI 3-dr Hatch. 

The variant to buy and current market prices

In focussing on the pre-facelift 2014 - 2018 units of the F56 MINI 3-dr, it boils down to that need for speed, since there are essentially two powertrain variants. 

Bear in mind, 136 HP in something this small is plenty of punch so if you’re purchasing a used MINI for the lifestyle element, the regular Cooper is plenty sufficient.

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Though limited in numbers, we do strongly recommend you score yourself a Cooper Chilli though. Those LED headlights, sports seats, dual-zone climate control and a 6.5-inch infotainment screen are kits that are well worth the premium.

For more oomph and driving enjoyment, the Cooper S is just what the doctor ordered. Here though, you’ll sleep just fine without the extra bits from the Wired pack but if you do come across one that’s priced right, go for it.

Pre-facelift variants of Cooper range between RM 90k to RM 140k depending on specification and condition. The Cooper S variants get the ball rolling at just over RM 120k and rise up to RM 165k for low mileage, and well-cared-for examples. 

Here’s a shortlist of the basic running costs between the two models.

With regards to the F56 MINI 3-dr look for examples with a comprehensive service history and the overall quality of the exterior, interior and driving feel of the vehicle. 

Alternatively, check out these immaculate MINI models for sale on Carsome, which are offered with cash discounts and exclusive tint packages for a limited time only.

Maintenance and common issues of the F56 MINI 3-dr Hatch

For the most part, according to Mr Owen of Munich Precision, F56 MINIs are very reliable if maintained well. Many owners note pleasant ownership experiences even after 4-8 years of ownership with proper maintenance.

From his experience as well as some sleuthing around owner forums, the F56 MINI is relatively problem-free and dependable in either form. The key to ensuring the longevity of that is timely maintenance.

Thus far, the B38 and B48 engines have been proven to be reliably solid performers in the MINI, with some owners going so far as to daringly call them bombproof.

There have been some reports of turbo failures with the B38 and if you’re one of the unlucky few to encounter it, you’ll be looking at around RM 3,800 for a replacement unit.

Apart from that, you're looking at basic maintenance that doesn't stray much from any other BMW with the B38 or B48 lump.

Remember, before you put pen to paper, you can always get Munich Precision or any other specialist workshop to perform an overall inspection.

In the case of Munich Precision, that'll set you back around RM 200, but it's pennies on the dollar versus buying a lemon that hasn't been maintained well, or has sustained damage previously.

These are a few other issues prospective buyers should know about if you're in the market for a used F56 MINI 3-dr:

Also read: Used Porsche Panamera (970) - How much to maintain and repair, can you join the big boys club for just under RM 200k?

Conclusion

Head-turner, B-road carver, nostalgia inducer or just as a plain old people mover, the world is definitely a better place with the timeless MINI in it… just don’t make the mistake of calling it cute, because it's equal parts a pocket-rocket on the right road. 

The F56 MINI Cooper should rank highly for buyers who are looking for a weekend car that doesn't have to do the very heavy lifting on a daily basis. Or a stylish second car for the missus, that will perfectly compliment the Honda CR-V or Mercedes-Benz C-Class that is already sitting in your driveway. 

Also Read: Used F10 BMW 5-Series - An easy way up executive alley from RM 52k? What to look out for and how much to repair?

At current prices, having past the highest years of depreciation, you're getting an utterly lovable style icon that is rather reliable for the price of a new Honda HR-V.

And there’s little wonder which of the two, will turn more heads when you park at your local high street or kopitiam. As always, take your time in looking for well presented and maintained car, or leave it to the experts at Carsome, when finding your next dream car.