Petrol · 2010–2016
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the MINI Countryman (R60)All about the 1.4 / 1.6 VTi (EP3 / EP6, also MINI N12 / N16) engine
The 1.6 VTi (EP3 / EP6, also MINI N12 / N16) engine was fitted to the MINI Countryman (R60) (2010–2016). In the EU that is 18.9 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.6, 1.6 122 hp, 1.6 98 hp.
The most expensive known risk is high oil consumption (rings, valve stem seals): it usually appears at 60,000–200,000 km and costs €150–3,000 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Rattle after a cold start, camshaft timing codes, rough running; a jumped chain bends the valves
Fix: Replace the chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets (with the VVT gears if worn); keep the oil level and change intervals short
Signs: Oil needs topping up between services, blue smoke on start or under load, oily spark plugs and carbon in the intake ports
Fix: Rule out leaks and the crankcase breather first; then replace valve stem seals (and guides), or rings / bore work if compression is low
Signs: Engine light, rough or hunting idle, loss of power and higher fuel use, valve lift or camshaft timing codes
Fix: Diagnose the Valvetronic motor, eccentric shaft sensor and VVT solenoids; check oil level and pressure first; replace the faulty part
Signs: Coolant level drops, traces at the pump or housing, temperature warning; overheating can damage the head gasket or head
Fix: Pressure-test the system and replace the leaking water pump, thermostat housing or expansion tank; do not drive while it overheats
Signs: Misfire on one cylinder that comes back after new plugs and coils, low compression on that cylinder, flashing engine light
Fix: Do a compression or leak-down test before buying more coils; the head must come off for valve seat / valve repair; check the cooling system too
Signs: Oil traces on the engine and under the car, burning oil smell, oil level drops without smoke
Fix: Replace the leaking gasket or seal; on 2010-2011 engines check the chain tensioner seal and tightness
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
Signs: Delayed engagement of D or R when cold, jerky shifts or slip when warm, shudder at 60-80 km/h under light throttle, eventually limp mode
Fix: Check adaptation and pressure values; renew the mechatronic seal sleeves, change fluid and filter pan (flush), replace the torque converter if shudder persists
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,500–5,550. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the MINI Countryman (R60) with the 1.6 VTi (EP3 / EP6, also MINI N12 / N16) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 10,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 Petrol1,598 cm³ | 22.9 % | 2010–2014 | — | — |
| 1.6 Petrol1,598 cm³ · 90 kW (122 hp) | 4.5 % | 2011–2015 | — | — |
| 1.6 Petrol1,598 cm³ · 72 kW (98 hp) | 2.7 % | 2011–2015 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (5). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: persistent misfire: valve seat or cylinder head damage (80,000–220,000 km, €700–1,500); timing chain stretch / tensioner wear (60,000–200,000 km, €600–1,300); high oil consumption (rings, valve stem seals) (60,000–200,000 km, €150–3,000); valvetronic (variable valve lift) or VVT fault (80,000–200,000 km, €200–900).
Chain.
5W-30 / 0W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / BMW LL-04 · ~4.25 L · every 10,000 km.
1.6d / 2.0d (BMW N47)1.6 THP (EP6 turbo, also MINI Cooper S)1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v)
MINI Hatch (R56) 2006–2013Peugeot 207 2006–2014Citroën C4 II 2010–2018Peugeot 308 I 2007–2013Citroën C3 Picasso 2009–2017
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026