Mini Cooper countryman problems
The Mini Countryman, also called Mini Crossover in Japan, is a subcompact crossover SUV, the first vehicle of this type to be launched by BMW under the Mini marque. It was launched in 2010 and received a facelift in 2014. The second generation vehicle was released in 2017.
Pre-production concepts
The Mini Crossover Concept previewed the design of the Countryman. It has four doors (2 right swing open, 1 left swing open, 1 left lift/sliding) and four single seats. It was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
The 2010 Mini Beachcomber Concept was based on the Crossover Concept and the Mini Countryman, with no doors and no conventional roof. It included ALL4 all-wheel drive and offroad wheels. It was unveiled at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.
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Mini Cooper countryman model years
Common Mini Cooper countryman problems
The Mini Cooper Countryman is a popular compact SUV known for its stylish looks, responsive handling, and competent engine power. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to problems. Here are some of the most common issues reported by Mini Cooper Countryman owners, based on complaints from platforms such as carproblems.com, carcomplaints.com, and Car Talk Community:
- Engine fires: Several Mini Cooper Countryman owners have reported engine fires, which can be a serious safety hazard. The cause of these fires is not always clear, but they can be related to electrical issues or other mechanical problems.
- Exploding sunroof: Some Mini Cooper Countryman models, particularly the 2013 model, have been reported to have sunroofs that can shatter or explode, often accompanied by a loud noise. This issue is typically caused by faulty glass or manufacturing defects.
- Transmission problems: Numerous Mini Cooper Countryman models are susceptible to transmission issues, which can manifest as abnormal noises, delayed shifting, excessive vibrations, or acceleration jumps. Regular transmission checks are recommended to address these problems.
- Engine overheats: The 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman has been reported to have an engine that tends to overheat, often due to faulty core plugs or coolant leaks. This can lead to symptoms like illuminated check engine lights, coolant leakage, or blown head gaskets.
- Internal oil leaks: The 2012 Mini Countryman has also been reported to have internal oil leaks, which can be hard to detect and may result in a short circuit and severe damage.
- Tie rods: A small number of Mini Countrymans made between 29 March and 8 April 2019 have an issue where the tie rods on the front suspension were not assembled correctly. This can lead to steering issues and may require a dealer check-up and rectification.
- Crankshaft sensor: Some examples built from 19 May and 9 June 2018 could have a problem with the crankshaft sensor, which could lead to the engine going into an emergency reduced power mode and limiting performance.
- Swivel bearings: A manufacturing flaw with the swivel bearings on the front suspension could lead to fractures in the part over time, affecting vehicles made between 24 April and 1 May 2018.
- Crash protection plate: 1.5-litre petrol models manufactured between 2 January 2017 and 25 May 2018 may lack a plate to protect the high-pressure fuel pump in the event of a collision. If your car is affected, it'll need to have this plate retrofitted at a dealer.
While these problems can be concerning, it is important to note that the Mini Cooper Countryman has a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability score from RepairPal, indicating that it is generally a reliable vehicle. Proper maintenance and regular checks can help ensure that your Mini Cooper Countryman remains in good condition and continues to provide reliable performance over time.
Is the Mini Cooper Countryman a reliable car?
With proper maintenance, the Mini Cooper Countryman can last over 150,000 miles with little to no problems. Some of the top Mini Cooper Countryman problems include transmission problems, clutch issues, and an exploding sunroof.
What are common faults with Mini Countryman?
MINI Countryman Common Problems and Solutions
- Fuel pump failure. Problem: The high pressure fuel pump on the 1.6L petrol engine is known for failing. ...
- Engine rattling noise. Problem: Have you been hearing a rattling noise coming from the engine? ...
- Temperature sensor failure. Problem: ...
- Erratic engine idling. Problem:
What year is the Mini Cooper Countryman to avoid?
Quick Answer: Avoid MINI Countryman Year Models 2011 - 2013
Even though most MINI Countryman models are highly reliable, the 2011, 2012, and 2013 models have serious safety hazards. We recommend avoiding these year models as they have been reported as having engine failures, fires, and other hazardous defects.
What is the life expectancy of a Mini Countryman?
131,000mi
What is Mini Countryman lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Mini Countryman is 131,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mini Cooper countryman years
We have researched Mini problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mini Cooper countryman cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Mini Cooper countryman model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mini Cooper countryman model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mini Cooper countryman years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mini Cooper countryman car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mini Cooper countryman , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mini Cooper countryman vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Cooper countryman model years
A total of 5 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 countryman model years
There were a total of 18 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 countryman model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 204 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mini Cooper countryman . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mini Cooper countryman vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mini Cooper countryman 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: WMWSU3C56DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Passenger occupancy sensor malfunctions all the time and there are hundreds of claims regarding this issue but was never addressed by the manufacturer The same issue prompted a recall in older models but has not been corrected in newer ones
Mini Cooper countryman 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: WMWZB3C59CW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: No warning lights have come on and the car is braking on its own. I try to push the gas and it doesn't want to go. The car has around 42k miles on it. I took it to tom bush mini last week, the said the front axle was leaking some fluid, they ordererd the axle, changed all brake pads, changed the brake fluid and said it was good to go, cost about $2300. Got the car back, doing the same thing. Now they said all calipers need to be replaced and the hydro unit dsc needs to be replaced which will cost around $6400 and they can't get the hyro unit dsc or 2 months. If this was the problem why didn't they know last week? It doesn't seem like the car has enough miles to have such a big issues and no part for 2 months. I don't know what to do.
Mini Cooper countryman 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-28
- VIN: WMWSU3C53DT
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: As per NHTSA there was a recall the replace OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT but I never received recall notice and just passed 10 years with 40K millage and started getting air bag light, dealer is not replacing it under warranty, if they was a recall they should have replaced my seat earlier so that I would not have this issue today. is there a way to extend warranty to longer time or recall all the cars and replace them so that we do not have to spend 2k to replace it? "01 11 16_OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES"
Mini Cooper countryman 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
- VIN: WMWZB3C54BW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Mini Copper Countryman. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the vehicle became flooded. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
Mini Cooper countryman 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-22
- VIN: WMWSU3C50CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I went to have my 2012 mini coopers footwell control module replaced because it was recalled. They did not replace it because they said they found no corrosion and then marked my vehicle as the recall being fixed. When I left the dealership my blinkers or highbeans would not turn on as well as my four way flashers either. And that is dangerous. When I got home I took the cover off the footwell control module and found corrosion on the plug for it. There was also 9 codes for that when I scanned the vehicle and now is trying to charge me for a recalled part that they did not replace!
Mini Cooper countryman 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
- VIN: WMWSU3C5XDT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Blinkers stopped working and windows are no long rolling down
Mini Cooper countryman 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-16
- VIN: WMWZB3C51CW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The fuel tank was a third of the way full. The trunk was locking and unlocking continuously while driving or while the vehicle was parked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical system). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a short in the footwell module due to water intrusion. The drain was also clogged in the sunroof. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 161,818.
Mini Cooper countryman 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-18
- VIN: WMWSU3C54DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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.
Mini Cooper countryman 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-11
- VIN: WMWSU3C5XCT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: We purchased this vehicle used. It is a 2012 Mini Cooper hardtop and was owned by several owners in the Canada, NY and NJ area before being brought to FL and ultimately sold to us. This defect has been known since May, 2023, yet BMW/Mini has done nothing to rectify the problem. The FRM module failed immediately after we got the car which rendered it undriveable because the power windows, power door locks, turn signals and key fob were inoperable. We called BMW/Mini about the vehicle being inoperable and unsafe to drive and were told to take it to a repair facility to get the module replaced, which we did. We had to tow it there because it was not safe to drive. We were told we would be reimbursed for the repairs, since this was in fact a documented safety recall #23V-337 Footwell Control Module-FRM. After paying $759.18 for the repairs, I submitted the invoice and the requested information to BMW/Mini just to have them deny my request for reimbursement because they say after an entire year since the notice that there is no remedy available. This is unacceptable!! I could not drive this car without having this module replaced and I am sure I'm not alone in this situation. BMW/Mini should reimburse me for the repairs they instructed me to get done. They point blank LIED to me by stating the repairs would be reimbursed due to this being a safety recall. This is going to turn into a class action lawsuit because BMW/Mini refuses to accept responsibility for their faulty vehicles! This will be just another lawsuit to add to their collection.
Mini Cooper countryman 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-06
- VIN: WMWZC3C58DW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The problem started with fog lights blinking on and off while the car was off. As I entered the vehicle I noticed a pool of water on the floor bed. The car has a sunroof which was closed at the time, as well as all of the windows - water came in from somewhere else. I proceeded to turn on the car to see what was happening and the car did not turn on. I thought maybe the battery is dead - tried to give it a boost and it did not work. I replaced the battery - it turned on the car but most lighting areas and power windows do not work. The two front windows are not working properly, they do not go up or down, only the back windows. I do not have control of the headlights - it just stays on one setting. The directional lights do not work. The console lights do not work. This puts myself and others at risk because I can’t aware other drivers when I making a turn or changing lanes. I can’t see the console panel at night, unaware of gas, speed, or radio functions. The car has been driven locally only during the day to avoid accidents and when I arrive at my destination - I notice smoke coming out of the hood. There is an active recall (23V-337) on the R55 & R56 models but not R60 models - which is my car. The exact description of defect (see below) is what is happening to my car and I’d like to have this model added to the recall. It is very dangerous to keep driving this car which I need for daily use. “This safety recall involves the Footwell Control Module (FRM), an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which controls various lighting and power window functions, and is installed near the bottom of the driver's side A-pillar behind an interior trim panel. Due to several contributing factors (environmental, certain US States' wintertime road treatment, vehicle design configuration and age), over time, the FRM could become susceptible to corrosion. For vehicles equipped with a sunroof, after a multi-year period involving large temperature changes, multiple freeze/thaw cycles..”
Mini Cooper countryman 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-11
- VIN: WMWZP3C58CT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The clutch has been a problem. The clutch wears out prematurely, causing loss of acceleration, which caused loss of power trying to merge into freeway traffic, which nearly resulted in a collision with a semi. Looking up repair or replacement information, it appears this is a common problem that Mini has, some people were replacing the clutch 3 times before 50,000 miles, and also refusing to honor their warranty, claiming it’s the user fault. I got a quote from Mini Cooper in Tacoma, to replace the clutch, and I was quoted $3400. I paid $12,000 for my Mini Cooper. To change it myself is about impossible due to ‘special’ tools required. I think this is scam set up to get money. It is very unsafe to lose acceleration in places where it’s vital like freeway merging. If people cannot afford to get these these fixed then that’s another safety issue. I’m now stuck figuring out how to get this fixed. Please look into this.
Mini Cooper countryman 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-30
- VIN: WMWSU3C57CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that whenever it rained, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the power windows failed to function as needed. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle and attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that occasionally the battery would become drained and required the vehicle to be jumpstarted. The contact had spoken to a service manager at the local dealer; however, the contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mini Cooper countryman 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-22
- VIN: WMWZC5C52DW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Battery module malfunction. No use of blinkers, windows, radio, or hazard lights. Alert comes up that says "Lighting System! Stop Vehicle!" And the vehicle periodically needs to be jumped.
Mini Cooper countryman 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-25
- VIN: WMWSU3C51CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 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 local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mini Cooper countryman 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMWZC5C52CW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: On the evening of [XXX] at approximately [XXX] my 2012 Mini Cooper S all 4 burst into flames. The car was parked in front of my building for 6 days (we don't use the car very much) in front of my building when the all of a sudden the head lights started flashing followed by the car cabin filling with grey smoke then followed by black smoke then there was a flash (spark?) and the entire cabin the became engulfed in flames. All of this has been captured by our building security camera. I reported the incident the following day to Mini/BMW customer care. I've been sharing emails with Thomas Lula who is investigating the "thermal event" INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Latest negative Mini Cooper countryman car reviews
Latest positive Mini Cooper countryman car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2011
Congratulations on your recent purchase of the Countryman S! It's great to hear that you've already put 1000 miles on it with no issues. This sporty little vehicle handles like a go-kart and has peppy acceleration. It's also super easy to park and maneuver around the city. The interior is surprisingly spacious for the vehicle's size and well thought out. It's worth noting that the ride is on the stiffer side, which may not be for everyone, but it's perfect for those who prefer a more responsive driving experience.
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Vehicle year: 2011
Congratulations on your new Mini Cooper Countryman S All4! It sounds like you made a great choice. I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the driving experience, and that the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires have made a positive difference in terms of comfort and noise level. It's great that you were able to customize the car with so many features, including Mini Connected, which sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
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Vehicle year: 2012
I absolutely adore my Mini! I was able to purchase a used one with all the features I wanted for half the price of a new one, which was a great deal. It's important to note that the ride is sporty and can be a bit bumpy at times, but I find it adds to the fun factor. The layout is unique and not typical of North American standards, which may not be for everyone. However, my family of three fits comfortably in the compact SUV. Keep in mind that a trip to Costco may require folding down one of the back seats. If you're a Mini enthusiast, then this car is definitely for you. But if you're unsure, it may not be the best fit for you.
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Vehicle year: 2011
I really enjoy driving our Mini, but unfortunately we've had some issues with it. We purchased it in June and it has been in the shop three times already. Two weeks after buying it, the trim below the windows peeled off and it took three weeks to arrive from Europe. The trim peeled off again two months later and was on backorder. At 10K miles, we had an engine light come on and had to replace the thermostat. At 14K miles, the car wouldn't start and we had to have it towed to the dealer. They found a 'DME error' and the car has been in the shop for eight days. They think the 'main communication circuit board' is bad, but they're still not sure if a new circuit board has fixed it. We're hoping to get the warranty extended. Despite these issues, I still love driving it when it's running!
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Vehicle year: 2012
This car is so much fun to drive! While it can be a bit noisy on the highway, it's perfect for town driving and always puts a smile on my face. It's a great all-around car, even for long trips. However, I did have to replace both the alternator and fuel pump, which was a bit pricey. Additionally, I learned that the spark plugs need to be replaced periodically, which was a surprise. Despite these maintenance costs, I still love driving this car. Just make sure to get the extended warranty for maintenance and tire repairs if you decide to get one!
Are you having problems with your Mini Cooper countryman?
Saige Schoen 2025-03-28
Vehicle year: 2012
The car is a lot of fun to drive, but unfortunately it requires constant and expensive maintenance. Despite being owned by BMW, it lacks the standard quality elements seen in BMW engineering. The computer can be quirky and cause the car to go into 'limp mode', while the transmission is sealed and can only be maintained by the dealer at a high cost. Chronic alignment issues on the rear camber have been reported, and Mini of North America has been notified of the flaw in the rear control arms. The car also has continued issues with random warning lights, such as the low tire warning that cannot be turned off. Additionally, the car does not come with a spare tire, which can be frustrating in the event of a flat tire. The run-flat Pirelli tires are also not economical. The car is slippery in snow and ice with the ALL4, and there are better all-wheel-drive vehicles available for the price. It is difficult to service the car yourself, and it is not worth the constant maintenance required. It is important to note that Mini of North America is aware of the alignment issues, but has not taken any action to address them. The engine has also been known to require expensive repairs, with estimates ranging from $1500 to $4000. It is not recommended to purchase this car due to the high cost of maintenance and frequent issues.The Mini has proven to be a challenging car to maintain, requiring frequent repairs and little support from the manufacturer. In contrast, Honda has a reputation for producing cars that can run for over 300,000 miles with minimal maintenance. Unfortunately, my experience with the Mini has been quite the opposite. Despite replacing the main computer and other components, I have been unable to resolve persistent issues with the car. The timing belt, in particular, has been a known issue and ultimately led to catastrophic engine failure. As a result, I have decided to sell the vehicle in 2019. While my experience with this car has been frustrating, I remain confident in Honda's ability to produce reliable and long-lasting vehicles.
Alessandro Lebsack 2025-03-23
Vehicle year: 2012
I purchased the 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman when it was first released. I previously owned a Mini Cooper Coupe in 2008, which was an excellent little car, but unfortunately too small for my needs. However, I have encountered a few issues with my new car. Firstly, it only gives me 380 miles to a full tank, compared to the 500 miles I got with my previous car. I consulted the dealer, who advised me to drive it for more than 10,000 miles so the engine can open up and this would change, but unfortunately it did not. Secondly, I have noticed that every bump on the road can be felt, even after purchasing more expensive tires. Thirdly, the car stalls when I initially start driving after a full stop. I have found that using the 'Sports' button helps, but it stays revved, which can be a little scary to stop. Finally, the windows become extremely foggy when the heat is on. Despite these issues, I have decided to return the car, even if it affects my credit, as it is not suitable for my needs.
Mekhi Harber 2025-03-04
Vehicle year: 2012
Hey there! I have a 2012 Mini Countryman S AT FWD and I absolutely love it! Although, I did notice that Edmunds doesn't seem to have an option for the automatic transmission model. The car looks amazing and drives really well, but I did find the runflat tires to be a bit harsh. Unfortunately, there's no spare tire and no space for one either. I also wish it had a backup camera. The cupholders are a bit small and oddly placed, and the rail system can cause some rattling. However, if you opt for the three across back seat, you can avoid the rear rail. The AC could be better, but overall it's still a great car. The navigation system and interior design can be a bit confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad.
Sydney Braun 2025-02-27
Vehicle year: 2011
I've been a mini owner since February and unfortunately, I experienced some issues with my fuel pump even before I made my first payment in April. I ran out of gas with a quarter tank left in the tank and had to wait for a month since the part was not available and had to be imported from Europe. Although the car was working great after the repair, I faced another issue when I ran out of gas again. The fuel pump and water pump had to be replaced. While I understand that they are still working out the kinks on this new model, it would have been better if these issues were resolved before selling to consumers. Despite these setbacks, I am hopeful that the car will perform better in the future.
Jamil Bogisich 2025-02-13
Vehicle year: 2012
As someone who has owned 2 other Mini's, I had high expectations for the build quality, power to weight ratio, and reliability. Unfortunately, my experience with the Mini Countryman has been less than ideal. The performance has been so-so, and the valve train sounds like a handful of bolts in a coffee can. Additionally, I've had to make a trip to the dealer 20 miles away in limp home mode, and the chrome along the belt line is shrinking and peeling, with the end caps falling off in parking lots. After a 3 day stay in the shop, I am now attempting to have Mini USA replace the vehicle. I'm disappointed that the car did not meet my expectations or what I paid for.