B38 1.5 (Cooper) vs N18 Prince (LCI)
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
B38 1.5 (Cooper)
ACCEPTABLE
72/100
+10 points over N18 Prince (LCI)
0
/ 100
ACCEPTABLE
B38 1.5 (Cooper)
MINI
0
/ 100
CAUTION
N18 Prince (LCI)
MINI
Specifications
B38 1.5 (Cooper)
N18 Prince (LCI)
Brand
MINI
MINI
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
CAUTION
Reliability
72
62
Years
2013--present
2011--2014
Displacement
1499 cc
1598 cc
Layout
I3
I4
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Turbo
Power
102--136 hp
184--211 hp
Known Issues
0
6
Total Risk Cost
€0--€0
€2,150--€5,100
Character
B38 1.5 (Cooper)
"Same BMW B38. Cooper base engine. Reliable, adequate. Not exciting."
N18 Prince (LCI)
"Improved Prince. Fixed N14 timing chain (mostly). Still has carbon buildup + thermostat. Better but not problem-free."
Issues Comparison
B38 1.5 (Cooper) 0
No documented issues.
N18 Prince (LCI) 6
▲ HIGH
High-pressure fuel pump failure
● MODERATE
Carbon buildup on intake valves
● MODERATE
VANOS solenoid failure
● MODERATE
Thermostat / housing failure
● MODERATE
Water pump failure (electric)
● MODERATE
Timing chain / tensioner wear