Shop By Articles Forums

 Free Shipping over $99! Click for Details Help 310-626-8765Phones Open until 5 PM PST (4½ more hours)
MINI PARTS MINI COOPER R56 (2007-2011) TECHNICAL ARTICLES ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Search by Product, Brand or Part Number

My Cars Project List 

Engine Management Systems

 Jump to Photos  23 Comments

Applicable Models:

// R52 MINI Cooper Convertible (2007-08)

// R52 MINI Cooper S Convertible (2007-08)
// R56 MINI Cooper Hatchback (2007-11)
// R56 MINI Cooper S Hatchback (2007-11)
// R57 MINI Cooper Convertible (2009-11)
// R57 MINI See More
 Project Time: 1 hour

 Tab: $300

     Talent

 Tools: ECM flash tool, supplied with software

 Parts Required: DME flash tool and software

 Performance Gain: Fuel economy and performance

 Complementary Modification: Upgrade DME software

MINI R56 engine management systems--an overview

MINI R56 cars (2007 and later) are equipped with a 1.
6-liter, 4-cylinder engine with digital engine management systems called Digital Motor Electronics or DME. The engine control module (ECM) in these systems is programmed
with software for the control of fuel injection, ignition and other functions. BMW DME systems comply with second-generation on-board diagnostics (OBD II) standards.
The table below summarizes engine and Siemens engine management systems used in MINI R56 cars:
Model, Years Engine
Cooper
2007-2010 N12 normally aspirated, double VANOS, Valvetronic II (118 hp @ 6000 rpm)
2011 N16 normally aspirated, double VANOS, Valvetronic III (121 hp @ 6000 rpm)
Cooper S
2007-2010 N14 turbocharged, single VANOS (171 hp @ 5500 rpm)
2011 N18 turbocharged, Double VANOS, Valvetronic III (181 hp @ 5500 rpm)
John Cooper Works (JCW)
2009 N14 turbocharged (208 hp @ 6000 rpm)
Engine control module (ECM)
The engine control module (ECM) is mounted in the electronics-box (E-box) at the right rear of the engine compartment. The ECM has a total of 138 pins divided into 3 main
electrical harness connectors.
Fuel supply, fuel injection
An electrically operated fuel pump, located inside the fuel tank, supplies high-pressure fuel [approx. 3.5 - 5 bar (52 - 73 psi) depending on engine] to the engine fuel rail. The fuel
rail in turn distributes fuel to the electronically actuated fuel injectors.
The ECM meters the fuel output of injectors using pulse width signals. It varies the pulse width based on input signals. Inputs to the ECM include:
Air intake volume using mass airflow sensor signal.
Ambient and coolant temperature signals.
Accelerator pedal signal.
Crankshaft and camshaft position signals.
Knock sensor signals.
Fuel in the normally aspirated engines (N12, N16) is injected into the intake manifold (red arrow).
In turbo engines (N14, N18) fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber (red arrows).
Intake system (normally aspirated engines)
N12 and N16 (normally aspirated) engines use Valvetronic components to control engine load. Valvetronic, taking the place of throttle control, varies valve lift using an electric
motor and separate cams and intake rockers for each valve. This results in better engine breathing, lower emissions and higher power output.
The throttle housing is used as a back up and also to create a slight amount of intake manifold vacuum for crankcase ventilation and fuel tank evaporative loss canister purging.
Intake system (turbocharged engines)
Intake air is compressed in the turbochargers using power from the exhaust stream. The air becomes hot due to the compression. It is then routed to an intercooler, which acts as
a heat exchanger, thus cooling the compressed intake air. This air is then ducted to the intake ports.
In the N14 engine intake system there is an electronic throttle body, which meters the air depending on driver demand. In the N18 intake the throttle is kept wide open during
engine operation. Throttle function is performed by the Valvetronic system, which varies valve lift using an electric motor and separate cams and intake rockers for each valve.
This results in better engine breathing, lower emissions and higher power output.
Variable camshaft timing (VANOS)
MINI R56 cars are equipped with ECM-controlled variable camshaft timing or VANOS. The system uses engine oil pressure to adjust camshaft timing, offering the following
advantages:
Increased power.
Higher low end and medium speed torque. Improved idle and fuel efficiency.
Elimination of external EGR plumbing (internal EGR).
Quicker warm-up and lower emissions.
Two variants of the VANOS system are used (photo shows VANOS solenoid being removed):
Single VANOS adjusts intake valve timing only in 2007: 2010 MINI Cooper S with the N14 (turbocharged) engine.
Double VANOS operates independently on both intake and exhaust valve timing in the N12, N16 and N18 engines.
Throttle control, idle control
Only the N14 (turbocharged) engine uses an electronic throttle housing (red arrow) to control engine load (however, all engines are equipped with an electronic throttle housing),
speed and idle. Models with the N12, N16 and N18 use Valvetronic technology to control throttle function and idle. Idle speed is not adjustable in any of these systems.
Ignition and knock control
The ignition system uses one ignition coil per cylinder, each coil mounted above a spark plug. The ECM using an ignition spark "map" controls spark timing. Spark timing is not
adjustable.
The ECM receives the top dead center (TDC) signal from the crankshaft sensor (also called the engine speed or reference sensor). The TDC signal is then used as a reference
time for the firing of fuel injectors and spark plugs. The ECM also receives signals from the camshaft sensors. These signals indicate when cylinder 1 is in the firing position
(rather than valve-overlap position) and also exactly how the VANOS system is altering the valve timing.
To prevent engine damage in case of adverse conditions or poor fuel quality, knock (detonation) sensors are mounted on the engine crankcase. These are microphones tuned to
the frequency of engine knock and communicate such knock to the ECM. The ECM can respond to these signals by changing (usually retarding) ignition timing at one or more
cylinders.
Exhaust manifolds and oxygen sensors
N12 and N16 normally aspirated engines are equipped with conventional exhaust manifolds. As required by the OBD II standard, two oxygen sensors are installed, one ahead and
another behind the catalytic converter in the middle exhaust pipe.
In the N14 and N18 engines, the exhaust manifold leads to a turbocharger and then to a catalytic converter with a precatalyst and a post-catalyst oxygen sensor.

 HOT TIP
Use this info to better understand your MINI R56 engine





Comments and Suggestions
Axeis October 20, 2022
I have a 2008 mini clubman that wont start fuel pump doesn't turn on and engine wont crank scan tool reads RPM at 65 000 and pedal position at 255 and wont show selected
gears on scan tool when shifting from P to R

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

What fault codes are stored? - Nick at Pelican Parts

Primo October 20, 2022

I have a 2008 Mini Cooper that recently had clutch put in. Now that that job is done the car will not start. Checked the basics and no luck. To my understanding Mini Coopers
are full of sensors that said it turns but don't start so is there something or a sensor that won't let it start?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Many things can prohibit starting. I can't offer any helpful insight without knowing what is missing from the system when you are trying to start it. When your engine
doesn’t start you’ll want to check the basics. Check spark, fuel injector pulse and fuel pressure, volume, quality and engine compression. Are there any fault codes? Once
you figure out what is missing, it will be easier to diagnose. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Malcolm October 20, 2022

R56. Cleared codes after repairing misfire one month ago. O2 sensor monitor hasn't passed yet. Both 02 heater tests are OK. Need last monitor to pass for CA emissions test.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Could need a thermostat. If the engine isn't warming up fast enough, the monitor won't run. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at
1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Mayo October 20, 2022

Just replaced cylinder head on 2010 mini s. Checked numerous times to ensure it was in time. Crank no start. Replaced crank sensor started then stalled and now just cranks. I
have spark n rpm from crank but no puling on injectors. At 2 diff times got a p15e8 code

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Check engine timing. Usually no injector is due to cam and crank correlation being off. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Sara October 20, 2022

Do you have to reset the ECM after you replace parts? 2008 mini clubman had a valve seat fall out of the cylinder head. Got it fixed and replace the timing chain as well. Now it
throws a P115C code. we have done all the tests including vacuum issues and replaced multiple parts. Throttle body, PCV tubes, valve cover, MAF and the air filter. Someone
suggested resetting the ECM because it is adaptive.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Generally this fault sets from unmetered air leaks. If timing it OK, check if there is an air leak after the MAF sensor. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Cl Audio October 20, 2022

2008 Mini cooper n12 na 1.6, get code p113b, replaced maf, spark plugs, coil packs and valve seals. the issue im having is at 2500-3500 rpms car bogs and will not pass unless i
feather foot throttle.it i stomp on pedal will not pass 3000 rpm, any help? thanks

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I would check exhaust backpressure, as well as confirm the intake air ducts are properly sealed. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Moses alaca October 20, 2022

Ma throttle doesn't respond at all,I changed anew throttle but still ,the new one doesn't respond,the engine starts but after awhile it shuts off .what could be the problem,it gets
into limp mode and fails to start again.when this happens,there's no spark nor fuel delivery

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

What fault codes are stored? - Nick at Pelican Parts

Patrick October 20, 2022

I'm at my wits end. 09 R56. Replaced burnt valve, timing chain set etc. Took in to get smogcalifornia and now it idles roughsurging Mechanic said valve cover needed replaced
due to vacuum issue. I replaced valve cover and no change. Saw that cams were out of time. Redid timing with new bolts, rotated engine by hand 5 times and timing was good.
Started engine and ran good for a couple of minutes then started misfiring. Pulled valve cover and timing is off AGAIN. What is the issue here?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Likely a slipping bolt a a VANOS actuator or the crankshaft. B4e sure to properly torque them and replace each time they are removed. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Rob October 20, 2022

Hi 13 r56 cooper. Can’t resolve cylinder 1 misfire. Verified plugs and coils are ok. Problem does not leave cylinder 1. What am I overlooking ?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Fuel delivery and compression. - Nick at Pelican Parts

ramzflier October 20, 2022

My '09 R55 non-S indicates P0036 and P013A on my generic OBD reader. New downstream O2 sensor hasn't helped. Unplugged and probed the O2 sensor heater wire
connections from the car I get battery voltage on one pin, and something like 3 volts on the other when grounding to chassis. I thought one was supposed to be hot, and the other
a variable ground to controlled by the ECM. Any thoughts on this? Shorted wiring from ECM to O2 sensor? Bad ECM?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Check the sensor signal on the control side. it should be duty cycle controlled. If it is cycling at expected, you either have a defective new o2 or a faulty DME. Also,
wouldn't hurt to voltage drop test the power feed to the sensor. - Nick at Pelican Parts

brett October 20, 2022

does anyone know,,if a ecm unit can be tested outside the car. i can't get a mechanic out this far but I could bring it to a shop.? my rig is a 2008 clubman s

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Not unless you have a specialize equipment for electronics testing. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Trevor October 20, 2022

I have a 2009 Cooper S 1.6L T that suddenly died on me. It cranks but will not catch. I checked the fuel pump relay and fuse and replaced the relay as a matter of choice. The
battery was weak so it was replaced as well. I tried to connect to the OBDII but two different testers failed to connect. Am I wrong is thinking this could be an issue with the
DME and that it needs to be replaced?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I can't offer any helpful insight without knowing what is missing from the system when you are trying to start it. When your engine doesn’t start you’ll want to check the
basics. Check spark, fuel injector pulse and fuel pressure, volume, quality and engine compression. Are there any fault codes? Once you figure out what is missing, it will be
easier to diagnose. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Jim October 20, 2022

Hi i replaced my 2008 Mini Cooper S R56 N14 engine to N16 did some small modification but now i have loss in power car sometimes goes only 20km/h then off & restart again
the car work CC-ID 029& CC-ID 026.another tecknicien told me that the O2 sensor is the cause so had to place an order to see. what do you think ???

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

COuld be a component incompatibility issue, from one engine to the other. I would start by checking the DME for fault codes. If the system is not working properly, a fault
code will be set. This will be your best bet when diagnosing. - Nick at Pelican Parts

jbig October 20, 2022

So how can you tell an N14 from an N12 Block....Missing the head? Been offered a couple of blocks but cant find much info on how to distinguish between the deferent variant
from a bottom end perspective.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Look for a serial number, then cross reference it with parts info. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Madeo October 20, 2022

hello there I have a 2010 mini cooper S crank no start with no power to fuel injectors from DMEpin out check at DME scanner shows 26PSI KOEO low side & 725PSI high
side while cranking have good spark to coils good live data read from DME and no DTC's checked relays and fuses DME fuel control relay is Ok even bypassed and nothing
happens I can get the engine to run with carb cleaner I'm suspecting bad DME but the fact that I'm not getting any DTC's throws me off I can communicate with every module
footwell module drivers side bellow I/Pkeeps triggering codes for L & R high beam circuit for which I can tell bulbs work could be extended crank triggering DTC's? or related to
no injector power? I was hoping you could give me some direction as of where to check or verify bad DME sometimes engine will run for a very short time before stalling and
going back to crank no start even then no DTC's tried connection,grounds check realigning CAS/DME,reseting modules no change I think I already tried everything possible-
Nick! what am I missing..? thanks for the advice

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

If you suspect the DME is faulty, confirm all inputs for starting are present. CAS signal, crank signal, power and grounds. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Tony October 20, 2022

Nick, Thanks for the reply. There is power to the coils and injectors but no signal or ground signal to them from the DME. Crankshaft position sensor is sending out signal
because there is rpm being measured during cranking on live data from my Bosch scan tool.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Then you have a faulty DME. If you are confident of your signal testing. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Tony October 20, 2022

2007 Mini Cooper S. Bought non running. MIni dealership diagnosed as bad DME. Bought one from RPM Motorsport. Still no fuel signal or spark. No codes, cranks great, good
compression and get RPM when scanner is in live mode while cranking. What else could it be?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

No spark of fuel tells me the crank signal is either out of time with camshaft or you are missing power to the coils and injectors. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Miw4254 October 20, 2022

Any help would be appreciate, Just had an engine replacement on my 2010 N18 Cooper S, Engine fitted and running, Issue is I have no Boost and the fault code I’m
getting is 2C3F, Thought it was a fault with the HPFP so just been replaced, The engine was from a 2013 model so the fuel pump was different, Does it need configuring to the
ECU? After doing a bit of reserch the emissions on both engines are different, Could this be the issue

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I don't have info on non-US models to be sure. BUT - you can check engine part numbers, if they don;t match, you may have to add all your components to the engine,
using only the long block. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Maki October 20, 2022

Thanks Nick I fechecked everything even sent the ECU to be repaired at G7 computers in NY same story eng diesn’t start initially it attempts for 2 sec 3 times
afterwards just cranks I’m beginning to think it’s the imobilizer since it’s a new eng: or the key FOB is not recognized I’m gonna order new
key Exhausted all possibilities Thanks jor any help you may provide,, Joe

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

If it were immobilizer, there would be a fault code stored. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Maki October 20, 2022

Hi Nick Thanks for your comments Engine has good compression it has spark when removing spark plug it has fuel press to the rail but I don’t know if injectors are
pulsating fuel What happenned from the prior engine to the swap all plugins are the same could it be the ECU not opening injectors then I did try swapping injectors to no avail ;
You say the sensors don’t hv to be programmed? I lost hope Tnx for your help ,,Joe

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Sounds like you have everything for good combustion. I would check again, because something has to be wrong, or the engine would start. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Maki October 20, 2022

Replaced Mini 2009 eng No Start No fault codes only Zero Gear that shouldn’t prevent starting? Replaced Crankshaft sensor checked fuel press./ compression all good
replaced injectors / fuel pump I’m running out of options Do these new parts have to be relearned by the ECM ? Please help Regards ,Joe

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

No relearn needed. Do you have fuel injector pulse? What is spark Kv? What is compression on all cylinders? - Nick at Pelican Parts

AlexG October 20, 2022

You guys sound to know a lot about this cars and mught be able fo help me out. I bough a 2008 mini cooper n12 engine not long ago. And its been giving me lots of problems. It
was giving me a o2 sensor 1 code and went into limp mode. I thought it was probably dirty and i took it off and cleaned connections and sensor. When i went to start it it ran
rough for about 10 minutes. It gave me differnt codes about missfiring and fuel rail pressure but not o2 sensor anymore. Then it died and havent been able to start it since then. I
was really low on fuel but not completely empty when it happened. I put more fuel in it. got spark but looks kinda of weak to me. Hope you guys can give me some clues. I will
appreciate it!

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I can't help without knowing what is missing from the system when you are trying to start it. When your engine doesn’t start you’ll want to check the basics. Check spark,
fuel injector pulse and fuel pressure, volume, quality and engine compression. Are there any fault codes? Once you figure out what is missing, it will be easier to diagnose. -
Nick at Pelican Parts

Omar October 20, 2022

My O2 Sensor 1 on my N14 engine gives no voltage even after replacing the sensor. I want to trace the wire to the ECM to see if there's a break but I can't seem to find where
the wires lead to. Is there a diagram for this? Also if the wires are good, could my ECM be bad? It's the only issue I've noticed so far.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I would assume a short if there is fault code. I don’t have wiring to share. I would suggest you grab a repair manual, you should own one. It will have the procedure, special
tools and torque specs. Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Add a New Comment

MESSAGE: (2,500 CHARACTER MAX)

Write your comment about this article and our team will respond.

YOUR NICKNAME:

Your Name

YOUR EMAIL (OPTIONAL): Provide to get notified when a staff member responds to your question. Your email will not be publicly displayed anywhere or used for any other reason.

Enter your email

Upload a Photo: CHOOSE A FILE

* I have read and agree to abide by the Comment Submission Guidelines.

SUBMIT COMMENT

 Got more questions? Ask any of our automotive experts.

TECHNICAL FORUM MESSAGE BOARD READER QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS ARTICLE

Pelican Parts specializes in performance and OEM-quality replacement parts for Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI and other European marques.
310-626-8765
Mon-Fri: 7am - 5pm (PST)

 1600 240th Street

 Harbor City, CA 90710
OUR CATALOG
All Product Brands

All Categories

Porsche Parts

BMW Parts

Mercedes-Benz Parts

MINI Parts

Audi Parts

Saab Parts

Volkswagen Parts

Volvo Parts

QUICK LINKS
Accessories

Shop by Brand

Shop by Category

Classifieds

Events

Tech Articles

Forums

About Us

Careers

RESOURCES
Track Your Order

Shipping Options

Return Policy

Shipping FAQ

Gift Certificates

Contact Us

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

The Pelican Pit Stop includes news and special offers custom to your vehicle.

Select a Vehicle Type

Enter your email

By subscribing, you agree to the Pelican Parts privacy policy and terms of use.

SUBMIT

CONNECT WITH US


© 2022 Pelican Parts LLC. - DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy