We also own the R55 S and it is a lovely vehicle...great fun to drive. Maintenance...key point....change the oil frequently (every 8k KM, 5W30 full syn.). As for storage...I did buy the Mini roof rack and a Thule roof carrier, for long trips. At 120k KM I did the timing chain + thermostat replacements ( I also changed out the turbo to a new one...we bought it used [60k KM] and I paid the price for that person's less than stellar maintenance habits). Plan on the timing chain and thermostat; do them together. Also, at 80~90k KM, drain and replace (do NOT flush) the lifetime automatic transmission fluid (incl filter kit replacement). It has been garaged for about 2 years, since I bought an R60 JCW ALL4 for daily commutes. During that period, I also changed out the valve cover in preparation for a full inspection this past May. The valve cover has an integral PCV, so it does need replacement at the 100k KM point, or thereabouts. In any event, with the current gas prices we are putting it back on the road as a daily driver. It's in such great shape and fully maintained; with all the key investments to keep it running well. It is such an attractive car (IMO) and great fun to drive. Sure, it requires someone who can take care of the maintenance (i.e. a DFI 4 cyl with turbo needs freq oil changes). If you do not do the freq oil changes...be ready for some serious issues. IMO.
The backseat upright setting is for larger suitcases, it makes the backside of the backrest 90 degrees instead of reclining into the bagage compartment. Now you can for 2 of those 100 ltr suitcases standing next to each other. This car has the seat heating on the mid console on the outer edges. Three stage heating. This car has a retro fit seat heater with the buttons under the handbrake lever. I love my 2008 chocolate brown and silver clubman. Keep up maintenance and you’ll love it as the much as the Mini loves oil. The ding is a hum which says Mi-ni Coo-per. It’s a stretch but ( can imagine it being so..). You can hear it good at 16:00 mins into the vid. I will never get rid of my Clubman.
Very accurate review - I owned a base 2009 from new to 100,000 miles and kids' early years spent in that car. Eventually traded it in. Currently looking for an S 2011 to 2014 manual.
I just bought a green s turbo one ❤ I get it Tuesday. Great video, and you made me smile when you said your wife smiles every time she gets in it. I drive for a living, but I also like to drive drive 😅 Can't wait to get it! Thank you! 🎉
Hello! Apologies for a random question but I am looking into buying an '08 Clubman but I have been spooked a bit by reliability concerns. Please may I ask how you have found ownership since you bought your green turbo last year?
Great review ,I got base r56 cooper, lots of fun to drive and good on fuel . It had lots of issues particularly with the engine side of things ,part from that it alright.
How is the maintenance, I have heard they can be a money pit whole, starting from engine petrol or diesel to transmission manual or automatic, I really do like this car it's perfect for me.
We also own the R55 S and it is a lovely vehicle...great fun to drive. Maintenance...key point....change the oil frequently (every 8k KM, 5W30 full syn.). As for storage...I did buy the Mini roof rack and a Thule roof carrier, for long trips. At 120k KM I did the timing chain + thermostat replacements ( I also changed out the turbo to a new one...we bought it used [60k KM] and I paid the price for that person's less than stellar maintenance habits). Plan on the timing chain and thermostat; do them together. Also, at 80~90k KM, drain and replace (do NOT flush) the lifetime automatic transmission fluid (incl filter kit replacement).
It has been garaged for about 2 years, since I bought an R60 JCW ALL4 for daily commutes. During that period, I also changed out the valve cover in preparation for a full inspection this past May. The valve cover has an integral PCV, so it does need replacement at the 100k KM point, or thereabouts. In any event, with the current gas prices we are putting it back on the road as a daily driver. It's in such great shape and fully maintained; with all the key investments to keep it running well. It is such an attractive car (IMO) and great fun to drive. Sure, it requires someone who can take care of the maintenance (i.e. a DFI 4 cyl with turbo needs freq oil changes). If you do not do the freq oil changes...be ready for some serious issues. IMO.
Really helpful comment 👌🏽
Well said, and thank you.
My daily is an F60, but every time I see an R55 I get a little jealous. I love these things so much.
The backseat upright setting is for larger suitcases, it makes the backside of the backrest 90 degrees instead of reclining into the bagage compartment. Now you can for 2 of those 100 ltr suitcases standing next to each other. This car has the seat heating on the mid console on the outer edges. Three stage heating. This car has a retro fit seat heater with the buttons under the handbrake lever.
I love my 2008 chocolate brown and silver clubman. Keep up maintenance and you’ll love it as the much as the Mini loves oil. The ding is a hum which says Mi-ni Coo-per. It’s a stretch but ( can imagine it being so..). You can hear it good at 16:00 mins into the vid.
I will never get rid of my Clubman.
Very accurate review - I owned a base 2009 from new to 100,000 miles and kids' early years spent in that car. Eventually traded it in. Currently looking for an S 2011 to 2014 manual.
I really miss my Clubman 2012. Perfect car for driving around kids, half door amazing!
I just bought a green s turbo one ❤ I get it Tuesday. Great video, and you made me smile when you said your wife smiles every time she gets in it. I drive for a living, but I also like to drive drive 😅 Can't wait to get it! Thank you! 🎉
Hello! Apologies for a random question but I am looking into buying an '08 Clubman but I have been spooked a bit by reliability concerns. Please may I ask how you have found ownership since you bought your green turbo last year?
Great video. I just bought my first clubman. And love it.The car is great and fun to drive.
Got mine today. Love it
Great review ,I got base r56 cooper, lots of fun to drive and good on fuel . It had lots of issues particularly with the engine side of things ,part from that it alright.
How is the maintenance, I have heard they can be a money pit whole, starting from engine petrol or diesel to transmission manual or automatic, I really do like this car it's perfect for me.
Great video 👍😊 Thanks 🙏
Thanks for the video. I'm trying to find a small car that has the potential to sleep flat in - is this possible with the seats folded down?
Actually, the "Prince" engine is a joint development between Peugeot-Citroen-BMW; for Mini its assembled by Mini-BMW.
Don't suppose you're still selling it 2 years later?😃
I reckon it was gone not much more than 2 weeks later!