Mini Cooper S Turbo reliability

[msm]

Over the last few days I've heard a few guys complaining about turbo issues on their Mini Cooper S's and was wondering if this is a common problem with them. While I'm not currently in the market for a car (or a Mini), I'm just curious on how these cars are doing in terms of overall reliability.

I had my previous Cooper S (R53) for a few months only, but at 160K KM on the clock, it was relatively problem free (except for the rattles).

How does the turbo Cooper S rate in terms of problems, maintenance, etc, especially once the mileage starts clocking up?

 

[ANiMOSiTY]

Avoid 07 models, if you can.
08+ should be fine.

Whatever R56 you get, make-sure that it has had the timing chain recall.
There were also a few carbon-buildup issues on them as well - check this too.
And finally, the bolts that mount the cat to the turbo are prone to coming loose as well - there was a recall for this.

 

[Sleeper135i]

Def make sure its had the timing chain tensioner recall,
I owned an 08 from new and had constant issues with the timing tensioner.