The 1.6-liter Mini W11B16A engine is a turbocharged powertrain that was used by BMW on the supercharged versions of the Mini in R52 and R53 bodies from 2001 to 2008. It was installed on the Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, which are characterized by their high performance and sporty character.
The main feature of the W11B16A engine was the use of an Eaton M45 mechanical supercharger, which provided high power and torque. This compressor allowed the engine to develop up to 218 hp in the John Cooper Works version, which made these cars popular among fans of active driving.
Mini W11B16A engine specifications
The engine had a number of key characteristics that made it highly efficient and at the same time quite reliable.
| Characteristics | Modification Cooper S | Modification John Cooper Works |
|---|---|---|
| Determined displacement | 1598 cm³ | 1598 cm³ |
| Power system | Distributed injection | Distributed injection |
| Power | 163 – 170 hp | 210 – 218 hp |
| Torque | 210 – 220 Nm | 245 – 250 Nm |
| Cylinder block | Cast iron R4 | Cast iron R4 |
| Cylinder head | Aluminum 16v | Aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder diameter | 77 mm | 77 mm |
| Piston stroke | 85.8 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Compression ratio | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Hydrocompensators | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission timing | Chain | Chain |
| Fasoregulator | No | No |
| Turbocharger | Eaton M45 | Eaton M45 |
| Oil volume | 4.8 liters 5W-30 | 4.8 liters 5W-30 |
| Environmental class | EURO 4 | EBRO 4 |
| Example service life | 250,000 km | 220,000 km |
Engine features
- The Eaton M45 compressor is a mechanical supercharger that provides high boost pressure and engine power. Despite its high efficiency, the compressor was a source of problems and often required replacement at mileages over 100,000 km.
- Chain-driven timing – the timing system was equipped with a chain drive, which increased reliability, but by mileage of 150,000 km there were often problems with the chain stretching, requiring replacement.
- Reliable cast iron cylinder block – this material guaranteed durability and resistance to high loads.
Cars on which the engine was installed
This power unit was used in the following Mini models:
- Mini Cabrio R52 (2004 – 2008)
- Mini Hatch R53 (2001 – 2006)
Both models were characterized by a sporty character and were popular among fans of active driving style.
W11B16A Engine Problems and Weaknesses
Despite the high power and torque, the W11B16A engine had a number of shortcomings that owners complained about:
- Eaton M45 compressor – the compressor was not very reliable and could fail at mileages of up to 100,000 kilometers
- High oil consumption – especially on the charged versions of the Cooper S and John Cooper Works. Owners were often faced with the need for regular oil top-ups.
- Electronic Throttle – erratic engine performance was often attributed to electronic throttle problems.
- Transmission timing chain stretching – by mileage of 150,000 kilometers it was often necessary to replace the chain, which required serious expense.
- Failures of the gasoline pump and power steering – owners also noted the weakness of these components, which required replacement at high mileage.
- The expansion tank – could crack or leak coolant, causing additional problems.
W11B16A engine – good or not?
The W11B16A engine is a powerful and interesting unit from an engineering point of view, which gave the Mini Cooper S and John Cooper Works models sporty performance and emotional driving. However, owners had to pay for the high dynamic performance with frequent reliability problems with key components, especially the compressor and timing system.
Engine Rating 3+