New to RCZ, common issues?

[jgalan96]

I have purchased today this lovely looking RCZ 2011 petrol. 1.6 160bhp version

any issues I should be aware of? And how to prevent them from happening? Also any recommendations for fuel cleaners etc?

it’s currently at 85k miles, going for a trip to Scotland so hoping to enjoy it!

 

[Pedro]

Change the oil more often say 3.500-4000 or 5000 max as its high mileage &I would only put semi synthetic 5w 30 Ineo Quartz low saps 3 & depending on service history change the plugs & air filter also use shell V power if available near you as theses engines like 99 RON which helps to keep them internally clean & they run to their max performance on good clean fuel I personally don't use fuel cleaners as fresh fuel is recommended by some car journos
Issues you may come across are HPF pump- plugs- coil packs possibly the odd engine sensor plus the usual consumables like brakes tyres etc if they are serviced properly they cause little or no trouble but their are members on here who will help you out

 

[jgalan96]

Change the oil more often say 3.500-4000 or 5000 max as its high mileage &I would only put semi synthetic 5w 30 Ineo Quartz low saps 3 & depending on service history change the plugs & air filter also use shell V power if available near you as theses engines like 99 RON which helps to keep them internally clean & they run to their max performance on good clean fuel I personally don't use fuel cleaners as fresh fuel is recommended by some car journos
Issues you may come across are HPF pump- plugs- coil packs possibly the odd engine sensor plus the usual consumables like brakes tyres etc if they are serviced properly they cause little or no trouble but their are members on here who will help you out

Thank you for the tips mate! Really motivated with this car

 

[Valex]

From my experiences and from what these motors are famous :
-Timing chain issues = bed design (looks like a bike chain), and related tensioner and plastic guides that with time can broked = bye bye motor !
-Oil pipe that lubricates the turbo = bed design and is prone to leak.
-Oil consumption= check often the oil level and keep it always at the top notch. Especially at the beginning, every check week so you can estimate how much oil is using.
-Carbon deposits buildup on the intake valves = motor is direct injection so nothing is cleaning the valves.

Just search the points I mentioned on this forum but consider that the Mini Coopers and the Citroen DS3 (and many others of the PSA group) have the same issues.

 

[jgalan96]

From my experiences and from what these motors are famous :
-Timing chain issues = bed design (looks like a bike chain), and related tensioner and plastic guides that with time can broked = bye bye motor !
-Oil pipe that lubricates the turbo = bed design and is prone to leak.
-Oil consumption= check often the oil level and keep it always at the top notch. Especially at the beginning, every check week so you can estimate how much oil is using.
-Carbon deposits buildup on the intake valves = motor is direct injection so nothing is cleaning the valves.

Just search the points I mentioned on this forum but consider that the Mini Coopers and the Citroen DS3 (and many others of the PSA group) have the same issues.

Thank you mate really appreciate that!
Luckily, I made sure they had changed the timing chain prior to buying it. However, according to the invoice it cost them £400 to replace the chain kit whereas to my old BMW I had to pay £1200 to replace it!
I will make sure I check the oil as well. I did not know about the carbon buildup, what would be the best way of preventing this from happening? Would really appreciate any tips mate.

and thank you buddy it just looks like this car doesn’t have many dramatic issues as to be worried all the time, I love it!

 

[Valex]

Regarding the carbon buildup, the motor is direct injection, this means the injectors are after the intake valves and the sprayed petrol cannot clean them.


Together with the intake air, there are also the oil vapors coming from the head of the motor. The intake valves are hot and the carbon of the oil stick on them .
I have an oil catch can, (actually two) and this should catch part of the oil vapors.
But, as Pedro said, he is my "guru technician guy" on this forum, the best you can do is change the oil more often so there is less carbon in the oil.
Just search "walnuts blasting Mini cooper" on Youtube, There you can see the dirty valves and what they do to clean them.
As I said, the Minis have the same motor, only there are 100 Minies every 1 RCZ so you can find more information.

 

[jgalan96]

Thank you mate and yes I have been imvestigating about the mini s motors and what I’m gonna do is what you say. Change the oil more often but as I’ve purchased the car I’m gonna do this long trip to Scotland that should clean a but of the carbon buildup if there is any and then I’ll change the oil again right after! This should keep it a bit clean for now and then probably change the oil more often as you just said. Thanks for the advice mate