MINI USA Introduces Revised Engine for the 2015 MINI Cooper S
The EPA delays that MINI USA is dealing with may have roots in the fact that 2015 sees a new version of the Cooper S four cylinder. The B48 has quietly made way for the B46 – a variation of the 2.0L which is a classified as a super ultra-low emissions vehicle by the EPA (SULEV). What does this mean to potential owners? Read on.
For starters the 2015 Cooper S could have slightly better MPG numbers because of this change. But those hoping for more power will have to wait for the 2015 JCW. The B46 is rated at the same 189hp and 207 lb-ft. torque that the B48 had.
The 1.5L three cylinder remains unaltered for the 2015 model year.
<p>so are the ’15 Coopers also being held up or is it just the S’s?</p>
<p>Both are held up.</p>
<p>now I wonder, does this mean people like myself that bought a 2014 S will be limited on tuning options from either Mini or other tuner shops if at all since the engine had only a one model year use? This could really suck.</p>
<p>history repeats itself: never buy a first model year anything.</p>
<p>Any details available as to what the specific differences are between the engines? I can’t imagine it’s much, but it would be nice to know.</p>
<p>this just seems strange…. why come out with a brand new car, clean sheet redesign and 4 months later (maybe 6 but whatever) put in a motor that is different enough to carry a new designation and require what sounds like EPA recertification?</p>
<p>I don’t know how different it is but I’m sure glad I didn’t buy a 14, and I feel bad for those that did as this could impact them down the road in some way or another. Maybe this sounds worse to me than it is. I already had reservations about the F series cars after my very short test drive. Motoringfile’s recent experiences had rekindled some hope for me as they seemed to love it during MTTS’s the just pours cold water on me all over again though. Definitely taking a wait and see approach now. I want some miles piled up on THIS motor to see where things go from here.</p>
<p>Actually, I believe that EPA certification has to be regain for every production year. The delay is unlikely to be caused by the change in engine model.</p>
<p>TWIN TURBOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p>I don’t think this is any different than the “regular” and “SULEV” versions of the E46/E90 I6 engines (although the SULEV version of that model has a bit less spunk). No one who bought a 2014 F56 is “screwed” or out of luck or unfortunate … and the B48 engine is still used in the 2015 in some markets as well. When BMW did this with the 3-series, both motors were sold alongside each other and there was little to no distinction made to the customers. If you bought a 328i in Boston it could have the SULEV motor or not, and a 328i purchased in Denver would have the non SULEV motor. In fact, checking your “Dealer Communication Systems” or key reader print out would tell you and it would be required to list SULEV on the Monroney sticker.</p>
<p>E46 SULEV engines were only for the 325 sold in California… they had an integrated fuel pump into the fuel tank, which is a $6K replacement item… eventually BMW warrantied all of these for 15 years, so if you have one, better get it replaced soon under warranty if possible…</p>