2009 Mini Cooper convertible problems

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The Mini (stylised as MINI) supermini range, marketed under various names such as Mini Cooper, Mini Hatch, Mini Hardtop, Mini One, and Mini John Cooper Works, are a family of retro-styled three-door hatchback, two-door convertible, and five-door hatchback (since 2014). The range was introduced in July 2001, following the acquisition of the Mini brand by German automaker BMW.

BMW first unveiled the Mini hatch concept car at the 1997 Frankfurt International Motor Show, when the Mini brand was still part of the BMW-owned Rover Group. Developed as a successor to the original Mini, the styling of the concept car was well received by the public and further developed. The new Mini range was launched by BMW in 2001, one year after their sale of the Rover Group in March 2000, and the classic Mini's discontinuation that same year. Under BMW ownership, the brand later grew its line-up by adding larger models such as the Clubman in 2007, the Countryman in 2010, the Paceman in 2012, and the Aceman in 2024.

The second generation was launched in 2006 and the third, adding a longer 4/5-door hatchback, in 2014. A two-door convertible version was added in 2004, followed by its second generation in 2008. With the launch of the fourth generation in 2024, the Mini Hatch has been renamed to Mini Cooper.

BMW also developed several battery electric versions of the Mini, starting with the Mini E in 2009 developed only for field trials, followed by the mass-produced Mini Electric in 2019, and succeeded by the Mini Cooper E/SE in 2023 which uses a dedicated electric vehicle platform.

Mini models under BMW ownership are produced in Cowley, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom at Plant Oxford. Between July 2014 and February 2024, 3-door production was shared with VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands. The Mini convertible was only assembled in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2024. From 2024, all next generation combustion engined Mini hatch and convertible production will be centred at Oxford. Since late 2023, the electric Mini Cooper is developed and produced in China at the Spotlight Automotive joint venture facility in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu.

2009 Mini Cooper convertible

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Common 2009 Mini Cooper convertible problems

The 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible has several common problems based on complaints from owners. One major issue is related to the engine, specifically the timing chain. Some owners have reported a random rattling noise from the car, known as the "death rattle," which is caused by problems with the timing chain. This issue can also lead to the car skipping gears, indicating potential transmission problems.

Another problem area for the 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible is the electrical system. Some owners have experienced issues with the Car Access System (CAS) module, which can result in the vehicle not starting or unexpectedly stalling while in motion.

The 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible's gearbox has also been reported to fail and require replacement, along with concerns about the clutch, which has been known to require expensive repairs.

The interior of the 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible has also suffered from rattles and creaks, with some owners insisting on having new dashboards fitted, but this doesn't always solve the problem.

Finally, the Convertible's upright windscreen is very susceptible to chips, which can lead to an MOT test failure if they are not repaired. Smaller chips can be repaired, but bigger ones will require a replacement windscreen.

In summary, the 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible has several common problems related to the engine, electrical system, gearbox, interior, and windscreen. Proper maintenance and regular servicing are crucial to ensure that these issues are identified and addressed before they become more serious problems.

2009 Mini Cooper convertible engine

Is 2009 a good year for Mini Coopers?

The 2009 Mini Cooper is surprisingly reliable, with drivers reporting around 250,000 miles before the more expensive repairs start to pile up.

What is the engine problem with the 2009 Mini Cooper?

The high-pressure fuel pump has been known to fail on the Mini Countryman and the 2007 through 2009 Mini Cooper S models. If it does, this can result in a lack of power, rough running, and significantly reduced performance. You may notice that your check engine light comes on and the engine goes into “limp mode.”

Are Mini Cooper convertibles reliable?

Is a used Mini Convertible sports reliable? The Mini managed to get a decent ranking result of ninth out of 28 value and small cars in our latest What Car? Reliability survey. Mini as a brand has risen up the rankings in recent years and finished in third place out of 32 car manufacturers; a great result.

What is the most common problem with Mini Cooper?

Issue #1: Engine Overheating in Mini Cooper S (2007-2010)

Oil cooler leaks have also been reported on some vehicles. These problems cause the engine to gradually overheat, leading to coolant loss and severe damage if left unchecked. Head gasket failure is a common result of the engine overheating in the R56 Cooper S.

2009 Mini Cooper convertible complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Mini Cooper convertible.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2009 Mini Cooper convertible recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 Mini Cooper convertible.

2009-04-30
  • Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: BMW IS RECALLING 12 MY 2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE DELIVERED WITH 15-INCH WHEELS INSTEAD OF 16-INCH WHEELS AS INTENDED, AND THE TIRE LABEL INDICATES 16 INCH WHEELS.
  • Consequence: THE WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE DO NOT CONFORM TO THE TIRE LABEL AS REQUIRED.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 15 INCH WHEELS WITH 16-INCH WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-646-4772.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2009 Mini Cooper convertible problems:

Known issues in 2009 to 2011 cooper S JCWs : r/MINI
Known issues in 2009 to 2011 cooper S JCWs : r/MINI
https://www.reddit.com/r/MINI/comments/14d61ww/known_issues_in_2009_to_2011_cooper_s_jcws/

Jun 19, 2023 ... Looking to buy a used convertible 2009 to 2011 mini cooper S john cooper works for the wifey. Any known issues to inspect for during the ...

2009 S Convertible... top issues, but I have a scanner!!! | MINI ...
2009 S Convertible... top issues, but I have a scanner!!! | MINI ...
https://www.mini2.com/threads/2009-s-convertible-top-issues-but-i-have-a-scanner.364187/

Dec 15, 2021 ... Ok, so my vehicle… 2010 R57 Mini Cooper S Convertible in Horizon Blue Metallic. 6-speed Manual transmission. Options include Harman Kardon ...

Test driving a 2009 Mini Cooper S this weekend - what should I look ...
Test driving a 2009 Mini Cooper S this weekend - what should I look ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/MINI/comments/o71p77/test_driving_a_2009_mini_cooper_s_this_weekend/

Jun 24, 2021 ... I bought a 2009 R56 with 80,000 miles in December 2019. I have done some maintenance on it (fixing some minor issues found during the test drive) ...

2009 Mini Cooper convertible, electrical problems. | MINI Cooper ...
2009 Mini Cooper convertible, electrical problems. | MINI Cooper ...
https://www.mini2.com/threads/2009-mini-cooper-convertible-electrical-problems.363085/

Aug 24, 2021 ... It now seems that you can start the car with relatively little issues, but as soon as you go above 10 mph (activating the central locking) the ...

Q&A: 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible - Common Issues, Footwell ...
Q&A: 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible - Common Issues, Footwell ...
https://www.justanswer.com/bmw/9qt2o-recently-bought-2009-mini-convertible-we-ve-put-300.html

Jun 8, 2016 ... There is a bcm ( body control module they are know of going bad and shorting out all kind of stuff in car , it will be on the left foot well , ...

Other years of Mini Cooper convertible

mini cooper convertible 2005 photo
Cooper convertible 2005
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mini cooper convertible 2006 photo
Cooper convertible 2006
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Cooper convertible 2007
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Cooper convertible 2008
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mini cooper convertible 2009 photo
Cooper convertible 2009
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2009 Mini Cooper convertible photo