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It's pretty hard to take exception to MINI's third generation F57-era Convertible model. Larger and slightly more practical than its predecessor, it was also more efficient and media-savvy. Best of all, the stiffer chassis makes it much better to drive than the previous R57 model. Let's check it out as a used buy.
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History
The Convertible is a key part of the MINI line-up. It's always offered just the right blend of retro charm, mixed in with the appeal of a good looking and fully retractable fabric roof that previously has rather restricted this car's day to day practicality. In 2016 with the third generation F57-era MINI Convertible range, the brand aimed to address that issue at the same time as developing this model's premium feel.
So familiar are we with the idea of open-topped MINI motoring that it's almost a surprise to discover that this variant is primarily an invention of BMW, rather than the British motor industry. Yes, there were drop-top variants of the original Alec Issigonis design, but these were largely the work of specialist coachbuilders. Only in the final years of the early version did Rover commission a short production run of Mini Convertibles and even then, only 300 were sold.
BMW had no such reticence when it came to the idea of a cabrio model and shortly after the new generation MINI model's launch at the turn of the century, the first proper Convertible version joined the range in 2004. This car, known as the 'R52' series model in MINI circles, proved hugely successful, quickly accounting for over 20% of all MINI sales, with over 164,000 examples sold over a production run that lasted until 2009. The 'R57' series MK2 design that replaced it was equally well received, stiffer, faster and more sophisticated than its predecessor, but by 2015, it was beginning to struggle against newer rivals like the DS3 Cabrio and Volkswagen's second generation Beetle Cabriolet.
Hence the need for the MK3 model F57 generation MINI Convertible we're going to look at here. Like the previous two versions, it was based on its hatchback sister, which meant that it had to grow slightly in size - no bad thing given that need for greater rear seat and boot space. The electric fabric hood was more sophisticated too, as were the engines and the degree of media connectivity. And there were also some fashion-orientated options that might bring a smile to your face. There was a light update in 2021. And a limited-run all-electric version joined the range in 2023. This F57-era design was replaced by a fourth generation F67 model in 2024.
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What you get
The look and feel many not be dramatically different with this third generation MINI Convertible, but it still carries a cute, compact and quite up-market demeanour, especially when optioned up. Get out the tape measure and you'll find that in MK3 F57 model form, the car is longer, wider and just fractionally taller than its predecessor, but the differences are subtle, as is the design execution of the electric fabric folding roof.
Settle into the firm but supportive cushioning of the driver's seat and the first thing that might be apparent is how low you're sat in the car. If you've come to this third generation model from an older MINI Convertible, your next impression might well be to appreciate your more spacious surroundings. The extra length, width and height of this car really tells from this perspective in additional levels of head, leg and shoulder room that give this version has a much more grown-up feel than previous models could offer.
When it's time to take a seat in the back, with the roof up, squeezing in isn't that easy.. and it's pretty claustrophobic once inside. With the roof down though, things are of course very different. Obviously it's easier to get in and once in place in the back, with the car in 'al fresco' guise, you can better start to appreciate the extra space that's offered by this MK3 model.
The increase in body length didn't only increase rear passenger space: there was more luggage room too. The boot is around 25% bigger than it was with the previous R57-era model, but don't get your hopes up too much with regards to what's available. Whatever the hood positioning, you can free up extra carriage room by pushing forward the 50:50 split-folding rear backrests.
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What to look for
Obviously, the first thing to check is the electric hood mechanism. And the hood itself; running the car through a car wash with the hood up is always a good idea so you can check for leaks. There aren't many reported issues with this F57-series MINI Convertible mechanically. The only one we came across related to a batch of cars with the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that suffered from oil leaks. This came from the rocker-cover gasket which in the case of these rogue models, had somehow managed to bulge out from between its mating surfaces, spraying oil everywhere. If the car you're looking at had such a leak, tell-tale signs include rough running and a poor idle. A new gasket is the ultimate fix.
We also came across a few 2.0-litre cars experiencing the odd clutch problem. The torque of the engine seems to be part of the problem, but some owners have reported that their clutch is slipping quite early in the car's life. Even then, it wasn't that straightforward. Apparently, the on-board sensor designed to be an early-warning system of clutch failure proved in some cases to be just too sensitive for its own good, throwing up a false warnings on the dashboard when there was actually no problem at all. Dealerships have tackled this by taking any car in question out on to the road and performing a series of full-throttle acceleration tests in both second and fourth gear. Any clutch slip meant a new clutch was needed, but if there was no slip, the software was recalibrated to prevent the false alarms. Either way, the acceleration test is one you should perform when test-driving any Cooper S with a manual gearbox.
The other thing to watch is for a car that has had skipped oil changes. Check the service handbook for any missed scheduled services and ensure the oil on the dipstick is relatively clean. The problem with skipped oil changes is most likely to show up in the variable valve-timing system these engines use, and dirty oil will foul the small oilways and filters quick smart. At which point, it's a pricey, expensive fix.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on a 2019 MINI Cooper Convertible 1.5 excl. VAT - autopartspro.co.uk) A front brake pad set costs in the £23-£33 bracket. A rear pad set is in the £15-£33 bracket. Front brake discs start in the £24-£54 bracket - it's around £22-£54 for a rear one. Oil filters cost in the £3-£17 bracket. A fuel filter costs between £2 and £24. An air filter is between £11-£16. A cabin filter is in the £11-£30 bracket.
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On the road
This third generation MINI Convertible is not only bigger than its predecessors but is also a much more solid-feeling thing. The adoption of BMW's UKL1 platform and extra strengthening made it feel impressively rigid and there's little of the juddering body flex that you used to get at speed over bumps with previous versions. The electrically-folding fabric roof can be raised or lowered in 18s at speeds of up to 18mph and most models come with a useful 'Rain Warner' app that monitors the weather and alerts you to climate changes ahead of time, so you don't get caught out by sudden showers. Cabin buffeting is also well managed, providing you're able to keep the side windows up and click the optional wind deflector into place across the rear seats.
That stiffer chassis helps the handling too, something further aided by direct steering and the perky responses from the various Twin Power Turbo powerplants on offer. Mainstream models get the brand's downsized three cylinder 1.5-litre engines, a 136bhp unit in the petrol 'Cooper' and a 116bhp variant in a diesel 'Cooper D' derivative capable of up to 74.3mpg on the combined cycle and 100g/km of CO2. Beyond that lie the pokier 2.0-litre petrol turbo models, either the 192bhp 'Cooper S' or the 231bhp 'John Cooper Works' flagship version. All of the models could be ordered with a six-speed 'Steptronic' auto (later replaced by a seven-speed auto) in place of the standard manual gearbox. Also optional on every version was the 'MINI Driving Modes' system that lets you choose between 'MID', 'GREEN' and 'SPORT' settings to fine tune to the car to your mood and the driving conditions.
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Overall
So, this F57 MINI Convertible looks great, is brilliantly designed, cheap to run and holds its value. It's even a bit more practical than you might be expecting. OK, you could perhaps complain about the premium pricing but in truth, there's not really much more than that to put off would-be Convertible purchasers who need a more involving drive than one of those hairdressers' cabriolets, but don't want a sports roadster either.
Making the third generation version of this open-topped MINI slightly larger may have moved it a little further away from the size and scale of earlier models, but this remains very much a small convertible for the modern age. Vitally, it still feels like a small car, thanks to alert steering, agile handling, better all-round visibility and peppy engines that offer a decent blend of performance and economy.
In summary, here we've a MINI Convertible that matured a little, but still knew how to have fun. Sure, some of its extra features - things like the 'Rain Warner' and the 'Always Open Timer' - can seem a little gimmicky but they're fun, and isn't that just the point of a car like this? If for you it is, then perhaps, just perhaps, another MINI Adventure beckons.
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