2013 Mini Cooper clubman problems
The Mini Clubman is a subcompact executive car engineered and manufactured by German automaker BMW and sold under the Mini marque. The first-generation Clubman was introduced in 2007, as a variant of the Mini Hatch (Hardtop in the US). A commercial version called Clubvan was added to the range in 2012. The current second-generation model has been in production since 2015 and available with front- and all-wheel drive.
History
The use of the name "Clubman" is a departure from Mini tradition. "Clubman" was originally the name given to the 1970s facelift of the classic Mini, which mostly resulted in a squared-off front end, whereas the classic Mini estates had traditionally been named "Traveller" or "Countryman". However, BMW did not initially purchase the rights to use those names, and so decided to call its larger-variant "Clubman", a name which it did own rights to.
Sketches of a new estate version of the Mini were shown at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, and a rendering of the estate concept (internally named EXT), wore the Clubman name on the licence plate. The Clubman started out in development based on the first generation Mini Hatch (R50) before changing to the second gen Hatch (R56).
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Common 2013 Mini Cooper clubman problems
The 2013 MINI Cooper Clubman is a compact station wagon that combines modern BMW engineering with iconic British style. While it is known for its fun-to-drive character and excellent fuel economy, there are some common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most common issues is related to the stiff suspension, which may be too uncomfortable for some drivers, especially on long trips. The ride quality is stiffer than that of most of its rivals, and this can be tiresome on long trips. However, the Clubman's quick handling and responsive engine make up for this shortcoming, providing an invigorating driving experience.
Another issue that has been reported by some owners is the noise level on the highway. The Clubman can be quite noisy, which can be a problem for those who prefer a quieter ride. This is due to the car's small size and lack of sound insulation.
The interior of the Clubman is also a source of some complaints. While it is highly customizable and features a retro-inspired control setup, some owners find the form-over-function design to be annoying and pretentious. The control setup, which is punctuated with toggle switches and anchored by an oversized speedometer in the center stack, may not be to everyone's liking.
The weak base stereo is another common complaint. The sound quality of the standard stereo is not as good as some owners would like, and upgrading to a better system can be quite expensive.
Additionally, the potentially high price is a concern for some buyers. While the Clubman offers excellent value for money, it can be quite expensive when compared to its rivals, especially when equipped with optional features and customizations.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the car's reliability. The 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman has been known to suffer from oil starvation, timing chain rattle, clutch wear, and start-stop malfunction. These issues can be quite expensive to fix and may require extensive repairs.
In conclusion, while the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubman is a fun-to-drive car with excellent fuel economy and a unique style, it is not without its issues. Owners have reported problems with the stiff suspension, noise level, interior design, weak base stereo, and potentially high price. Additionally, some owners have experienced reliability issues, which can be quite expensive to fix.
What issues does a 2013 Mini Cooper have?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Exhaust. Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks. ...
- Engine Minor. ...
- Noises And Leaks. ...
- Steering And Suspension. ...
- Fuel System/Emissions. ...
- Climate System. ...
- Transmission Major. ...
- Body Hardware.
What is the problem with the Mini Clubman?
The 1.5-litre petrol engine has been subject to a recall to deal with excessive crankshaft bearing wear; this problem is serious and could lead to considerable engine damage if not remedied. It's therefore worth checking with your local dealership whether the car you've got your eye on is affected.
Is 2013 a good year for Mini?
A 2013 MINI is lower than average when compared across all MINI generations but the most reliable when only compared against 2nd generation MINIs. Compared to other car brands, MINI is on par with the other german brands but below the reliability of a Honda or Toyota.
How reliable are Mini Cooper Clubman?
The recent 2022 and 2023 MINI Cooper Clubmans are well-reviewed and highly reliable, so these are great to get in new condition. If you're ready to start shopping for a used car and reliability is a priority for you, take a look at our list of the top 10 most reliable used sedans on the market today.
2013 Mini Cooper clubman car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mini Cooper clubman problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Mini Cooper clubman vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2013 Mini Cooper clubman complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Mini Cooper clubman.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-30
- VIN: WMWZG3C52DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Car is not starting when sitting over night or parked at a lot. Windows will not roll down. Blinkers will not work. Difficulty when transporting my special needs child places as it is difficulty when car will not function as it should. Near accidents have almost occurred due to blinkers not working. I have been told by two different mechanics after diagnostic that the Foot Wheel Module is the problem identified.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-02
- VIN: WMWZF3C52DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-13
- VIN: WMWZG3C51D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. 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 contact stated that moisture had caused corrosion to the fuse in the footwell control module. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-15
- VIN: WMWZG3C52DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper S Clubman. 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, all four windows failed to open as needed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with footwell module malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,200. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-17
- VIN: WMWZF3C57DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlight failed to illuminate and the turn signals failed to engage. Additionally, the contact stated that the interior lights failed to turn off causing the battery to drain. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with electrical system failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure . The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-14
- VIN: WMWZF3C59DT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that the driver’s side backup light was inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test and stated there was a failure with the driver’s side backup light, and a defective footwell module. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,747. The contact stated the defective footwell module was a recall and never informed of the recall.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-15
- VIN: WMWZG3C52DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the exterior lights started flashing. The contact attempted to turn off the lights however, the lights failed to turn off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The VIN was included; however, the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 62,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-22
- VIN: WMWZF3C51DT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: UNKNOWN I was informed in July about the recall for my vehicle for the footwell control module. I have since taken my car in twice, the most being December 22, and they informed me that the fix for the recap was still not available. The recall was initially issued in May of last year, so it has been almost 8 months without being able to resolve the recall.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-30
- VIN: WMWZF3C58DT
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: PLEASE REFER TO UPLOADED DOCUMENT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-02
- VIN: WMWZF3C58DT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: DRIVING DOWN 680 FROM BERKELEY, CA AT AROUND 2:30PM: I WAS HEADING HOME AND TEMPERATURE LIGHT APPEARS ON DASH. I NOTICE IT AND TRY TO PULL OFF FREEWAY TRYING TO GET TO SAFE AREA TO STOP. BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER TO SAFETY, THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING (ENGINE SHUT OFF). IMMEDIATELY STEAM WAS COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND I COULD NOT GET ENGINE TO START AGAIN. I CALLED TOW TRUCK AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO PLEASANTON, CA MINI DEALERSHIP/SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WAS UNAWARE THAT MINI HAD EXTENDED THE TEMPERATURE HOUSING PART OF ENGINE TO 10 YEAR WARRANTY DUE TO THE PART BEING FAULTY. THE FIRST AND LAST TIME THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED WAS THE LAST TIME I WAS ABLE TO START OR DRIVE THE CAR! NO WARNING.... NONE! THE CAR OVERHEATED AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE REQUIRING A NEW ENGINE THAT WILL COST MORE THAT THE CAR IS WORTH. THE CAR IS A 2013 MINI CLUBMAN AND THE TEMPERATURE HOUSING PART OF ENGINE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I WAS DRIVING IN THE SLOW LANE OF THE FREEWAY AND IF I HAD NOT BEEN, THE CAR WOULD HAVE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF FREEWAY! I OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE PART IS A KNOWN DEFECT YET THE ONLY REMEDY FROM MINI CORPORATION WAS TO EXTEND WARRANTY FROM 3 YEARS TO 10 YEARS. THAT DID NOTHING FOR ME. I HAD NO WARNING, NO LIGHT, NO NOTHING TO MAKE ME AWARE THAT THE CAR WAS GOING TO GET SO HOT THAT THE ENGINE WOULD FAIL NEARLY IMMEDIATELY. THE FAULTY TEMPERATURE HOUSING PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED RATHER THAN EXTEND WARRANTY. AGAIN, I WAS ON FREEWAY AND NO WARNING INDICATING THE ENGINE WAS GETTING DANGEROUSLY HOT. NOT ONLY A SAFETY ISSUE BUT CLEARLY AN ISSUE FOR THE ENGINE AND CAR BEING WORTHLESS DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE. WE REGULARLY GET THE CAR SERVICED AND HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THE ENGINE AND CAR. THE LAST TIME IT WAS SERVICED WAS MARCH 2020 AND THIS OCCURRED OCTOBER 2020.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-31
- VIN: WMWZF3C56DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION COIL FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO DISABLE WHILE MOVING ON A 4 LANE PARKWAY. THERE IS A "LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION" ON THIS PART (THE IGNITION COIL) FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL, SUGGESTING THAT A DEFECT IS KNOWN, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN DECLARED A RECALL (YET) THE PART FAILING BLEW THE FUSE FOR THE COIL CIRCUIT AND ALSO TOOK OUT THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT, CAUSING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN DAMAGE, FOR WHICH THE MANUFACTURER ONLY CONSIDER THE IGNITION COIL TO BE COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THIS PART FAILING CAUSED AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE SITUATION IN THAT MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY DISABLED BLOCKING A LANE OF TRAFFIC. I THEN WAITED IN THE RAIN FOR NEARLY 2 HOURS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE FOR A TOW TRUCK. I WANT OTHERS TO KNOW THAT THIS PART CAN POTENTIALLY FAIL TO HOPEFULLY KEEP THEM FROM HAVING THIS SITUATION. I AM STILL WAITING FOR INVOICE FROM REPAIR SHOP BUT WILL UPLOAD IT LATER.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-27
- VIN: WMWZG3C59DT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I HAVE A 2013 MINI CLUBMAN S WITH ONLY 8K MILES ON IT. AS I STARTED IT TODAY AND WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY GARAGE THE BRAKES WOULD NOT FUNCTION AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY HARD, (LIKE STEPPING ON A BRICK) AND WAS UNABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP USING THE BRAKE PEDAL? LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITH THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER BEFORE I HIT ANYTHING... (THANK GOD MY WIFE WASN'T DRIVING...) AS IT, OF COURSE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY IT IS GOING INTO THE DEALER TOMORROW, BUT THEY CLAIM "THEY HAVE NEVER HERD OF THIS PROBLEM"? THIS WAS VERY FRIGHTENING AND AM NOW CONCERNED ABOUT A RECURRENCE OF THE BRAKES FAILING AGAIN AND CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT WERE TO REOCCUR ON THE HIGHWAY AND HIGHER SPEEDS... THE CAR, (BRAKES) WERE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY WHEN I PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE THE NIGHT BEFORE... I'M CONFIDENT THE DEALER WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM, BUT I'M VERY UNNERVED BY THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS INCIDENT... *TR
2013 Mini Cooper clubman recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2013 Mini Cooper clubman.
- 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.
Negative 2013 Mini Cooper clubman car reviews
Positive 2013 Mini Cooper clubman car reviews
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The Mini models have a lot of great features, but some customers have expressed concerns about the base seats. However, I found that investing in the best seats available, such as the ones in the JCW Clubman, was well worth it. These seats are much more comfortable, even on long trips. When I attend club meetings with other Mini owners, I feel grateful for the investment I made in my seats. Overall, this car is a lot of fun to drive and has plenty of cargo room, although it's important to plan ahead when packing. With some creativity, there is actually quite a bit of space available in the back.
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It sounds like you have a really fun and exciting car! From your description, it seems like it's sporty, handsome, and even a bit sexy. The ride is speedy and go-kart like, which must make it a blast to drive. It's great to hear that it has more acceleration than you would expect from a 4cyl engine, and that you're still getting 25 mpg even with lots of stops on your short drive to work. The split rear seats, awesome sound, quirky designs inside and out, Bluetooth, sunroof/moonroof, and barn door back doors all sound like fantastic features. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your used Cooper Clubman - it's clear that you really enjoy it!
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This is a really practical car with excellent power and handling. You'll receive compliments often, although you might prefer something other than 'cute'. The car delivered everything you could want when you bought it and it's really fun to drive. In 2017, you updated to a new Giulia TI, but you already miss your Mini. In 2018, the Giulia is still fun, but it's probably a little big for you. Maybe there's another Mini in your future?
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I have been driving my first Mini for a year now and have a love/hate relationship with it.First the Love: Yes, it is a blast to drive (and park ), it has the best seat heaters on the planet, and the milage/fun can't be beat !Now for the Hate: Some of the controls are just plain maddening, the rearview mirror and the barn doors create the worst blind spots ever. Overall I love the car, a year later and I still smile every time I get behind the wheel, but I wish Mini would not be quite so quirky with those controlls, it's just maddening.Fun car to drive, and still get 30 MPG ave, sure you could get more driving a Prius, but if you want to drive a car with personality ...
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Extras include a mini luggage rack and a super hidden Class 1 trailer hitch.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2013 Mini Cooper clubman problems:
I bought a 2013 Mini Cooper S, have anyone experienced any car ...
Jul 27, 2019 ... The 2013 is basically the most bulletproof of the second generation cars. If you keep on top of maintenance like oil changes (7k miles) and ...
R55 Any common Clubman problems/quirks? - North American ...
Dec 15, 2011 ... Any common Clubman problems/quirks? · 1. timing chain guide broke around 75k (death rattle) and based on many other notes, should probably be ...
Thinking about a 2013 Mini Cooper S, 88k miles for first car : r/MINI
Mar 27, 2021 ... N18 is definitely more reliable, you won't have the issues that famously plagued the 2007-2010 models. That being said, these cars are not as ...
2013 MINI Clubman Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2013 MINI Clubman? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2011-2013 R56 Mini Cooper S reliability - what's the verdict? | VW ...
Jan 19, 2017 ... The S still has some endemic issues (like the water pump and thermostat once over about 50k miles, the possibility of timing chain issues at ...
Other years of Mini Cooper clubman
Are you having problems with your 2013 Mini Cooper clubman?
Stone Hartmann 2025-03-09
I really like this car, but there are a few things that I find challenging. For example, the hesitation when pulling out in traffic, especially when it's cold, can be frustrating. Additionally, the acceleration is delayed, which takes some getting used to. Despite these issues, I've had the car for about three years and have only had to deal with weak brakes, which isn't a big deal since it's like driving a go-kart. However, during a mild winter, we discovered about two inches of water in the passenger side floor. After evacuating the water and drying it out, I thought the problem was due to my wife leaving the door ajar. Unfortunately, it happened again a few days later. It turns out that the sunroof drain came off during the winter while the car was sitting, causing water to leak down the front pillar into the electrical junction box and into the passenger compartment. While I'm frustrated with BMW's design, I'm glad I figured out the problem. The dealer offered me 5k for my 11k car, so I decided to fix it and trade it in. After fixing the car, I requested the repaired parts from South Shore Mini, but they gave me a bunch of parts that didn't go to the car. After threatening to sue, they dropped the repair cost to $1400, which is still high for a $400 part and two wire connections. It turned out that was all they replaced. I called Mini Regional, but they never called back. Despite these issues, I still enjoy driving this car.Mini also does not have any set pricing guides for repairs like most manufacturers have, so the dealer can charge you whatever they want. However, it's worth noting that there are many other options out there, so it's always a good idea to shop around before making a purchase. For instance, I traded in my repaired Mini for a Volvo C30 and it was a great decision. The Volvo is faster, quieter, more powerful, and about the same size. It also has better gas mileage on the highway and about the same around town. Even after factoring in the repair cost, I still got $4000 more than the Mini dealership offered. So, if you're considering a Mini, it's important to explore all your options and make an informed decision.
Axel Wintheiser 2025-03-07
This car is a blast to drive around town! However, it can be a bit noisy on the highway. Unfortunately, I have had some issues with repairs. It seems like everything that could go wrong with this car has gone wrong. But the good news is that there are plenty of videos and instructions available online to help you fix these issues yourself. This is because many people have experienced similar problems and don't want to pay the high Mini Cooper repair costs. Overall, the combination of BMW engineering and British craftsmanship makes for a unique car that requires some extra care and attention.
Alf Haley 2024-10-02
I purchased a used 2010 Clubman with 65,000 miles on it. Unfortunately, after 3 months, the engine developed a vacuum leak. Upon inspection by my mechanic, I noticed plastic parts attached to the engine and a stripped screw on the exhaust manifold that had been glued back in place. I was informed that BMWs also have plastic parts. I also discovered a crack in the windshield that started on the top edge while washing the car. The dealer quoted me $800+ for a replacement, but I found a mobile windshield company that will replace it for $230. Despite these setbacks, I have decided to sell the car when it reaches 85,000 miles. While I may not purchase another German car, I am confident in my ability to make an informed decision based on my experiences.
Charlie Thompson 2024-06-20
I bought a 2010 Clubman with the expectation of modern engineering and reliability, while still maintaining the original Mini's design and styling. Unfortunately, I have experienced some issues with the car's timing chain, water pump, oil consumption (1Q every 3,000 miles), clutch (needed replacement after 50,000 miles), water/oil seals, tires (needed replacement after 20,000 miles), stereo (completely failed after 2 years), brakes, shock absorbers (needed replacement after 50,000 miles), spark plugs, and fuel injection system. Overall, this has been the least reliable car I have owned since my first car in 1975.
Fred Crist 2024-05-08
I confidently drove my Clubman S, but unfortunately, it quickly became a financial burden due to various issues such as oil gaskets, plugs, and ultimately, a timing chain failure that resulted in engine damage. Regrettably, there was no warning from the check engine light to indicate the impending failure.