Mini Cooper problems
Mini Cooper may refer to:
- Performance Cars of the original Mini series with uprated drive train and brakes, called the "Mini Cooper", made by the British Motor Corporation and its successors 1961–1971, and 1990–2000
- Cars of the Mini (marque), including a number of different models produced by BMW since 2000 with the "Mini Cooper" title: MINI Hatch, introduced in early 2000, second generation from 2006, third from 2014
See also
- Cooper Car Company
Social links
Mini Cooper model years
Common Mini Cooper problems
Common Problems with Mini Cooper Cars
Mini Cooper cars are known for their unique design and speed, but they also have some common problems that owners have reported. These issues can affect the reliability and cost of owning a Mini Cooper.
- Front Radiator Support and Coolant Hose
Mini Coopers sit lower to the ground, making them more prone to hitting curbs. The radiator supports at the front of the car are made of plastic, which can sustain severe damage from regular impacts. Bigger bumps can also damage the coolant hose, which can be expensive to replace.
- Transmission Failure
The first-generation Mini Coopers were notorious for transmission systems that tend to fail. A lawsuit was filed against BMW, the parent company of the Mini Cooper brand, forcing them to provide a warranty specifically for the transmission. The manufacturer suggested that the owners not change the transmission fluid unless it’s time for the transmission oil change.
- Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Leaks
The first two Mini Cooper generations suffered from water pump and thermostat housing leaking. The thermostat housing is made of plastic and will eventually succumb to wear and tear over time. If your Mini Cooper has racked up about 50,000 miles or so, it’s highly recommended that qualified technicians replace the pump and thermostat housing.
- Loss of Power Steering
Several reports from CarComplaints.com suggest that Mini Cooper’s electric power steering is prone to failure. The issue was attributed to a low-power steering fluid and a failing electric cooling fan at 80k miles. The bulk of complaints about Mini Cooper’s loss of power steering came from 2006 Mini Cooper owners. With the severity of the issue, BMW had to issue a recall to resolve the problem.
- Timing Chain Issues
Mini Cooper vehicles seem prone to movement and loosening of the timing chain. Over time, the timing chain and assembly will wear down and can cause slack in the mechanism. This can lead to strange noises, engine vibrations, or power loss. It’s crucial that drivers get this issue repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the vehicle and the engine.
- Airbags
A recall issued in 2015 saw Mini Cooper fall prey to the widespread Takata airbag problem that affected a number of different manufacturers and models. The recall issued by Mini in 2015 saw 6,063 Mini Cooper models between 2013-2016 recalled for a Takata issue that may see the airbags not deploy properly. However, there are other reported issues with airbags in Mini vehicles. Owners report that their airbag warning light comes on and often intermittently. This was likely due to a failed from passenger seat sensor, requiring replacement.
- Power Steering
In April 2020, BMW faced a lawsuit for power steering problems in several of their Mini Cooper models. The issue saw an unexpected and often unpredictable loss of power steering while on the road which could lead to damage, injury or, in some cases, vehicle fires. The lawsuit involved a recall of the 2002-2005 Mini Cooper, the Mini Cooper S models, and the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible or Mini Cooper S Convertible.
These common problems with Mini Cooper cars can affect their reliability and cost of ownership. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become more severe and expensive to repair.
What is the most common problem and mini coopers?
Common Mini Problems and Their Symptoms
- Issue #1: Engine Overheating in Mini Cooper S (2007-2010) ...
- Issue #2: Clutch Failure in Mini Cooper (2001-2006) ...
- Issue #3: Power Steering Pump Failures in Mini Convertible (2005-2008) ...
- Issue #4: Timing Chain Noise in Mini Clubman (2007-2014)
Are Mini Coopers a reliable car?
Over the years, MINI Cooper has earned favorable scores from J.D. Power's Consumer Ratings, which use a 100-Point Score system. Recent MINI Cooper model years have consistently earned overall scores between 82 to 85, with verified MINI owners rating the Quality and & Reliability as “Great.”
What Mini Cooper to avoid?
The Mini Cooper Years To Avoid are 2001–2006, 2002–2008, 2007–2011, 2008–2010, and 2011–2016. Each troubled year had specific recurring issues such as power steering pump failures, transmission problems, timing chain tensioner failure, engine mount problems, and turbocharged engine issues.
Does the Mini Cooper have engine problems?
Customers often ask us, “Do MINIs have engine problems?” Just like any vehicle, a Mini Cooper can have some issues. Some models, including those produced between 2006 and 2012 tend to have lower predicted reliability scores. In particular, we often hear about 2010 Mini Cooper S engine problems.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mini Cooper years
We have researched Mini problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mini Cooper cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mini Cooper model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mini Cooper model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mini Cooper years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mini Cooper car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mini Cooper , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Steering problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mini Cooper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Cooper model years
A total of 90 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Cooper model years
There were a total of 182 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Cooper model years
There were a total of 100 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Cooper model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 3583 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mini Cooper . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mini Cooper vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mini Cooper 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: WMWXP3C04L2
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Originally problem started with a about five warning messages, a brake system one, a chassis stabilization one, Collision warning one, pedestrian warning one, and a drive train message. They were would appear while drive at any speed but, would go away after the car was shut off and restarted. A couple of months later the car started to shut off and put itself in park while driving, this problem has occurred multiple times and at speeds around 30mph. I started trying to get this fixed by a dealership in December of 2023. It went in and out a couple of times before they were able to replicate the problem. First they replaced the EME module and that worked for about 2000 miles before it started acting up again. Took it back to the same dealership in April when it started acting up. They updated the EME software and replaced a high voltage connector that was corroded. This repair took them until July 2nd. I went to pick up the car and made it about 3 blocks from the dealership it shut itself off on me. Took it back right away. They have had the car since then. Lastly I informed them about the most recent recall back on august 29th and it still shows as incomplete.
Mini Cooper 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: WMWMF3C56AT
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Airbag light is deployed when passenger is sitting in seat. Module under seat is not recognizing the passenger and airbags are turned off. This is a safety concern in likeliness of an accident the passenger could be injured.
Mini Cooper 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- VIN: WMWRF33526T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Power steering pump grinding. This was a recall on the 2002-2005 model but not the 2006. The same issue is happening with this car that happened with the recall vehicles and I would expect bmw to fix this problem. Thanks
Mini Cooper 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-08
- VIN: WMW13DJ08P2
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The problem/issue is with THE GLASS ON MY CAR ROOF/THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF. No insulation to protect me/others from heat or cold. The temp of roof gets 2-3 times the temp of the day. 200-300F. This can lead to discomfort/use of EXTRA energy/pollution etc. A child left in such car wd be in deadly danger. The car maker does not want to know or do anything about it. My Mini is not the only car. Almost all have the same design flaw, Tesla is the worst case with full glass roof no insulation at all, KEY PROBLEM/ISSIE Car makers hv remover insulation from car roofs and replaced it with glass but did not replace the insulation. Some as Tesla have nothing others just a simple net-like material with no insulation properties. Detailed analysis with proof attached. This is HUGE problem/issue/flaw that has serious consequences. I titled my analysis THE DARK SIDE OF GLASS ON OUR CARS,. Millions of these cars (Tesla esp over 2 M) are wasting 100s of Ms worth of energy both electric and fossil. Also contribute to additional environmental impact, for the wasted energy has to be made and then wasted by car engines to compensate for lack of insulation in car roofs. No house/homes wd be allowed to be built without insulation in attic/roof etc. So why are car makers allowed to do it with cars. Maybe the govt is not even aware of this. It is possible removing insulation from car roofs is illegal and/or against industry standards. The car makers did it and no one watched them. Many car owners think this is normal. It is not and should be stopped. Please look into this important issue. More details and proof in my analysis. Thank you. ps; I found solution for my car as shown on picture. I could not attach my analysis It is most important I send it to you. Pls send me an email where I can send it. The pictures show the roofs with no insulation and MINI with my solution for heat prevention.
Mini Cooper 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- VIN: WMWRE33473T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 68k miles on a 2003 mini cooper s and the power steering pump is whining. I feel as if this may be really early for it to be needing to be replaced.
Mini Cooper 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-12
- VIN: WMWMF33537T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated the key fob failed to lock and unlock the vehicle, causing the contact to manually lock and unlock the vehicle. The contact also stated that the radio would change stations or power off independently. The vehicle had been taken to an electrician who referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mini Cooper 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-11
- VIN: WMWMF33547T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The open recall for this vehicle has been open for 15 months now. Meanwhile my wife's car remains broken down with a bad footwell module due to the exact reason the recall is being issued. I contacted mini and they said I'd have to pay for repairs out of pocket and apply for reimbursement after they come up with a remedy. I have issues with this for a few reasons. First, the repair is costly. Second, it's already been over a year since the recall has been issued, and still no remedy so who knows when they'll actually have one. Third, they said that even if I pay for repairs out of pocket there's no guarantee I'd get reimbursed for them. In my opinion, for something as serious as this recall, the manufacturer should be on the clock to determine the remedy and repair customers cars. It would be nice if BMW/Mini would get some pressure to get this resolved so the my wife and the thousands of other people affected by this can enjoy the vehicles they spent their hard earned money on without worry that it might spontaneously burst into flames.
Mini Cooper 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-06
- VIN: WMWXS5C54FT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: While driving the rear view mirror suddenly tilted downward (drooped). What happened, was that the tension ring popped off. As it turns out, this is a known issue per internet Mini Cooper pages. On hot days the ring loosens and, since the design does not include anything to prevent the ring from sliding off, it does slide off, resulting in the rear view mirror drooping. I reinstalled the ring. This occurred again the next day. I ended up uninstalling the rear view mirror, reinstalling the ring and gluing it in place. Thus far this has held.
Mini Cooper 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-16
- VIN: WMWMF33559T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mini Cooper 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-11
- VIN: WMW13DJ02N2
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The flap that protects the charging port would not open. I could not charge the car for 2 days. My husband was able to open it but now it won't close. The first time this happened was Nov 2023. Dealership told me it was the cold weather. But now it's July albeit very hot temperatures and this is happening again. Since bringing it to the dealership in Nov 2023 to fix this, the charging flap open warning light remained on even though the charging flap was clearly closed
Mini Cooper 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-11
- VIN: WMWMF73518T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 , this recall was not for my vehicle. according to the numbers and years but, it was manufactured at the same time in 2007 . SAME AS CONVERTABLE BY THE SAME COMPANY... plus they have not fixed FRM.i boutght this car possibly 3rd hand but i regisdtered with Mini. so my codes are up and the wanring lights are there and i was wanting the information as to what the part number or serial number is for the recalled part, would that not be a way to confirm if it is part of a problem?
Mini Cooper 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-09
- VIN: WMWMF33559T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: My car started acting up when it rains and all the electrical goes crazy, all the lights turning on and off and all the locks opening and closing and it seems to have short-circuit and drained my battery, car left me stranded twice in the middle of the street. No electrical wire seems to be exposed and was informed it might be a footwell module issue, I see there is a recall happening yet my vehicle doesn't seem to be included eventhough it fits the specs and the has the same issues.
Mini Cooper 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-02
- VIN: WMWRC33423T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was firm, and the vehicle was difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but failed to confirm if the parts were available for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the service center directly. The failure mileage was unavailable. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mini Cooper 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-28
- VIN: WMW13DJ09P2
- Components: TIRES,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, all four tires had been replaced several times due to each tire running flat. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a mechanic informed the contact that the tire failure could be linked to the weight of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to reach the full battery charge. The contact stated that the battery took one to two days to fully charge, and once fully charged the battery failed to provide more than 100 miles of driving. In addition, an error message was displayed while attempting to recharge the battery at a fast-charging station. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
Mini Cooper 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-27
- VIN: WMWMF7C50AT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The car showed a check vehicle light. Looks like a car being lifted up (red light). The windows do not move up or down, light switches do not work and the blinkers do not work. I was told by my mechanic it was the footwell module. I read there was a recall for this but my VIN wasn't on the list. Is it possible to check to see if it should have been on the list for the recall?
Latest 5 recalls Mini Cooper
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 52 recalls for different components of the Mini Cooper.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mini Cooper 2009
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-11
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- Model: Mini Cooper 2008
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-11
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- Model: Mini Cooper 2010
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-11
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- Model: Mini Cooper 2013
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-11
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- Model: Mini Cooper 2007
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-11
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Latest negative Mini Cooper car reviews
Latest positive Mini Cooper car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 2004
Debated for months about spending the extra 6k for a works kit. I finally did it and now I regret it... Why? Because after putting in 312 miles of twisty roads today, I can't stop smiling and my neck is a bit sore from all the fun I had. If you have been on the fence about this option, I highly recommend taking the plunge because it's an experience you won't regret!
-
Vehicle year: 2015
Mini Cooper offers a 3-year warranty on their cars, but unfortunately, BMW has refused to honor it. BMW manufactures the engine, clutch, and transmission for Mini Cooper, and to simplify logistics, they use the same clutch on all their Mini drive chains. As an engineer, I know that the first rule for choosing a clutch for a car is that it should be able to handle the torque produced by the engine. The Mini clutch was designed for the standard 140 HP Mini engine, but the JCW comes with 208 HP. To make matters worse, the Mini clutch is backwards from standard clutches, which means that the thrust bearing continues to rotate while handling a lot of load during shifting. The standard half-inch steel bearing cannot hold up to the 208 HP engine. However, there is an easy fix to this problem which engineers know about. You can replace the half-inch steel bearing with a three-quarter inch ceramic bearing made to handle the horsepower. Unfortunately, BMW decided not to do this to save less than $10 per car, which causes their clutches to wear out. The last time my clutch failed, about 2 years after purchase with a three-year warranty, BMW refused to pay for my warranty repair, and I was out about $2000. During this last repair, I asked my dealer to use a heavy-duty clutch which I would buy, but their contract with Mini Cooper doesn't allow them to use any parts but BMW parts. BMW tells me that I do not know how to drive a clutched car, but I have driven Saabs with standard transmissions and clutches for over 20 years and have never had a clutch failure. Currently, I drive a 1999 Saab 9-3 convertible with 150,000 miles on it, with the original clutch still working fine.
-
Vehicle year: 2015
I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your car so far! The build quality and design really make it a great deal to own. The 16-inch run-flat tires provide a firm ride, but it's more compliant than the previous model you had. I understand that on deteriorated pavements at low speed it's not where it shines, but otherwise, the drive is rewarding. The leather seats are really nice and comfortable, and I'm glad you're finding the green setting to be zen. It's impressive that you're getting an average of 35 mpg in mixed driving so far, and after one year and 10,000 miles, a real average of 33.6 mpg on mostly city driving is quite impressive. I do understand that the non-tilt adjustable sports seats with leather option can be a major issue, especially since leather and sport seats are a $2,000 option. While the technology is basic and there's no backup camera, I hope you continue to enjoy driving your car. At the wheel, you're in another world!
-
Vehicle year: 2005
I purchased my 2005 Cooper S used, with only one year of use and 12,000 miles on it. Although I don't drive it very often, it is still driven most days. I did have to make some repairs when it reached 25,000-30,000 miles, which indicated that some of the components were not the most durable (such as the wheels, tires, and suspension parts that needed replacement, as well as multiple oil and power steering fluid leaks). However, after the repairs were done, it felt like a brand new car, and I plan on driving it for as long as possible!
-
Vehicle year: 2006
The Mini is amazing in the snow! Don't bother with a big 4-wheel SUV, this little car handles the snow better than any other car I've owned. And in the summer, the Mini is just begging to be driven on the open road. Plus, I've never come across a parking spot that my Mini couldn't fit into. When I went to New York in the winter, the parking garage initially said there was no room, but when they saw my Mini, they magically found space for it! I haven't even needed to use my husband's truck for grocery shopping because my Mini can hold it all and then some!! Overall, I've had nothing but great experiences with my car. Just seeing it makes me smile and say
Are you having problems with your Mini Cooper?
Carmel Simonis 2025-09-08
Vehicle year: 2004
I purchased my 2004 Mini Cooper in the summer of 2008 as a used car. I am the second owner. It is a fun car to drive and definitely turns heads. However, it has had some issues. Recently, the engine started making a strange noise and after consulting with two mechanics, I was informed that I need a new transmission. This was surprising to me since it is a manual car and I drive it carefully. Additionally, there have been some other minor issues such as power windows breaking, airbag sensor light turning on, squeaky brakes, and it can be difficult to drive with the A/C on. The maintenance costs have been quite high. I am currently considering trading it in before any further issues arise. While it has had its problems, it has been a fun car to own. I would recommend doing your research before purchasing one.
Edmond Luettgen 2025-09-07
Vehicle year: 2007
In my experience living in CT, I have found that the MINI Cooper brand may not be the most reliable option and the maintenance costs can be quite high. It's important to consider these factors, especially if you plan on owning the vehicle for more than three years or if it will be your primary car. I would recommend doing thorough research and seeking advice from others who have owned a MINI Cooper before making a decision. It's important to weigh the fun of driving a MINI Cooper against the potential costs and frustrations that may arise. While there have been consistent issues with the brand, it's important to note that there are also many satisfied owners. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what is best for your situation.
Casper Rice 2025-09-03
Vehicle year: 2002
This car is so much fun to drive, rivaling other imports I've had. It has plenty of power to give you confidence when passing and approaching on ramps, corners on a dime, and has awesome gas mileage without sacrificing performance. However, I've unfortunately experienced way too many costly repairs such as the engine wire harness, intake valve module, cooling fan module, power steering pump, etc. It's time to cut my losses. Unfortunately, I have to admit defeat.
Colten Parisian 2025-08-25
Vehicle year: 2014
Hi there! I am the original owner of this car and I have taken great care of it since day one. Although I have had a few issues with it, I have always made sure to address them promptly. Unfortunately, I recently experienced a problem with the clutch at just over 18,000 miles. Despite my disappointment, I am grateful for the loaner cars that BMW provided me during the repair process. However, after some consideration, I decided to trade in my BMW for a 2018 Honda Fit. While I will miss my BMW, I am excited for this new chapter with my Honda. Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience.
Giles Haley 2025-08-23
Vehicle year: 2003
I am sorry to hear about your experience with your Mini. It must have been a scary situation when the car suddenly stopped while you were driving. The cost of fixing the transmission is quite high, and it is understandable that you are worried about it. It is unfortunate that the dealer is not taking responsibility for the issue and attributing it to your driving. I hope that you are able to find a solution to this problem soon.