The short version
- A MINI wheel bearing on the newest Cooper splits on stud thread pitch. Nothing else here does that.
- 513384 is cited for M12 x 1.5 threads, 513390 for M12 x 1.25, on otherwise similar cars.
- Body style splits it too, with the convertible and coupe taking 513309 while the hatchback takes 513384.
- The rear is simpler: 512427 across 2007 to 2015, then 512569.
Thread pitch is the distance between one thread crest and the next. It is normally something you check on a bolt, not on a hub.
Here it decides the part. The studs are pressed into the hub and must match the wheel nuts the car came with.
The thread pitch split
On the newer Cooper front, 513384 is cited for M12 x 1.5 and 513390 for M12 x 1.25.
Both are twelve millimeter studs. The pitch is the only difference, and a nut cut for one will not run onto the other.
Take a wheel nut off and measure it, or count threads over a known length. Guessing here is expensive.
Body style splits the earlier cars
On 2014 to 2015 cars, 513309 is cited for the convertible and coupe. 513384 covers the F56 hatchback.
513309 also covers the 2007 to 2013 range more broadly.
MINI wheel bearing part numbers
| Years | Detail | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Front, M12 x 1.25 | 513390 check price |
| 2014 to 2016 | Front, hatchback, M12 x 1.5 | 513384 check price |
| 2014 to 2015 | Front, convertible and coupe | 513309 check price |
| 2007 to 2013 | Front | 513309 check price |
| 2016 to 2017 | Rear | 512569 check price |
| 2007 to 2015 | Rear | 512427 check price |
| 2017 | Rear, Clubman all wheel drive | 512582 check price |
Price links lead to Amazon searches for that number. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases.
Cross referencing is on the cross reference page.
Short wheelbase, stiff ride, hard life
These are built firm, and a firm car passes more of the road into the hub instead of absorbing it.
Add small wheels, short sidewalls and a short wheelbase. Impacts reach the bearing readily.
On cars like these a failure usually traces back to an event rather than to mileage. Ask what it hit.
That is on the pothole page and the no play page.
The BMW connection
MINI is a BMW brand and the engineering reflects that, including run flat tires on a great many cars.
A run flat barely deflects, so more of an impact goes into the hub instead of into the sidewall.
The BMW overview is on the BMW page.
Diagnosing a MINI wheel bearing
- Check the stud thread pitch on a newer car before ordering.
- Note the body style, since the coupe and convertible are listed separately.
- Ask what it has hit, because impacts explain most failures here.
- Weave at road speed and note which side loads the noise.
- Rule out the tires before buying a hub.
Those are on the checking page and the tire noise page.
Common questions
Does thread pitch really change a MINI wheel bearing?
On the newest Cooper yes. 513384 is cited for M12 x 1.5 and 513390 for M12 x 1.25.
How do I measure the pitch?
Take a wheel nut off and check it, or count threads over a measured length.
Does the body style matter?
On 2014 to 2015 yes. The convertible and coupe are listed apart from the hatchback.
Do run flats shorten bearing life?
A stiff sidewall passes more impact into the hub. It is a mechanism rather than a measured figure.
Do I need a press?
On the modern range no. These use bolt on hub units.
Why did mine fail at low mileage?
Impact damage is the usual cause on a small stiff car with short sidewalls.
Should I replace both sides?
Only what is worn.