The 1.5-liter Mini Cooper B38A15A turbo engine has been assembled at the company’s factory since 2014 and is installed on all third-generation Mini models, but only in basic versions. This 3-cylinder engine was essentially one of the varieties of the BMW B38 series units.
B38/B48-series family: B38A12A, B38A15A, B48A20A, B48A20B.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2014 |
| Displacement, cc | 1499 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 75 (One First) 102 (One) 136 (Cooper) |
| Torque output, Nm | 160 (One First) 190 (One) 220 (Cooper) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R3 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 82 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 94.6 |
| Compression ratio | 11.0 |
| Features | Valvetronic |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | on both shafts |
| Turbocharging | Continental 7633795 |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.25 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 6 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mini Cooper 2018) — city — highway — combined |
6.1 4.2 4.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~270 000 |
| Weight, kg | 128 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mini Cabrio 3 (F57) since 2016;
- Mini Clubman 2 (F54) since 2015;
- Mini Countryman 2 (F60) since 2017;
- Mini Hatch F55 since 2014, Hatch 3 (F56) since 2014.
Disadvantages of the Mini B38A15A engine
- So far, most of the complaints are related to direct injection failures and valve deposits;
- The weak point of this motor is the thermal module, which is instead of a thermostat;
- The Valvetronic system, as well as the Vanos phase regulators, regularly throws up problems;
- Sometimes there is a destruction of the thrust bearing due to axial play of the crankshaft.
Frequently asked questions about the Mini B38A15A
How much power does the Mini B38A15A make?
Power output of the Mini B38A15A, hp: 75 (One First); 102 (One); 136 (Cooper). Torque, Nm: 160 (One First); 190 (One); 220 (Cooper).
How much oil does the Mini B38A15A take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.25 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Mini B38A15A have a timing belt or chain?
The Mini B38A15A uses a timing chain.
Is the Mini B38A15A turbocharged?
Yes, the Mini B38A15A is turbocharged (Continental 7633795).
Does the Mini B38A15A need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Mini B38A15A has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Mini B38A15A last?
The typical lifespan of the Mini B38A15A is ~270 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mini B38A15A?
Mini Cooper 2018: city 6.1, highway 4.2, combined 4.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mini B38A15A installed on?
Mini Cabrio 3 (F57) since 2016; Mini Clubman 2 (F54) since 2015; Mini Countryman 2 (F60) since 2017; Mini Hatch F55 since 2014, Hatch 3 (F56) since 2014.
What are the common problems of the Mini B38A15A?
So far, most of the complaints are related to direct injection failures and valve deposits. The weak point of this motor is the thermal module, which is instead of a thermostat. All known problems.
