2008 Mini Cooper s clubman problems

General information about Mini-Cooper s clubman
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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 2008 Mini Cooper s clubman problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S, several common problems have been identified:

Timing Chain/Tensioner: Another prevalent problem was related to the timing chain and tensioner. Issues with these components can lead to engine performance problems, including noise, reduced power, and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.

These problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of trouble to ensure the longevity and reliability of the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S.

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.

Was 2008 a good year for a Mini Cooper?

The excellent turbocharged engine in the Cooper S is practically overkill. The convertible is a different story, and with the drop top we'd stick with the supercharged Cooper S. Regardless of the generational differences between body styles, we wholeheartedly recommend the 2008 Mini Cooper.

How long does a 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman last?

Commuters who drive their MINI Cooper Clubman every day are far more likely to hit this issue than those who use it only every once in a while. Most owners will get around ten years of ownership before things start to fall apart. In the end, maintenance is vital.

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.

2008 Mini Cooper s clubman complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Mini Cooper s clubman.

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

2008 Mini Cooper s clubman recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2008 Mini Cooper s clubman.

2018-04-18

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

2012-01-11

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 MINI COOPER S, 2008-2011 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW CONVERTIBLE, AND 2011 COOPER S COUNTRYMAN PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2011. THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT COOLS THE TURBOCHARGER HAS AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT.
Consequence: THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGANDURING FEBRUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-275-6464.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2008 Mini Cooper s clubman problems:

R55 Any common Clubman problems/quirks? - North American ...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r55-clubman-talk-2008/221876-any-common-clubman-problems-quirks.html

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 ...

2008 MINI Cooper S Clubman Consumer Reviews | Cars.com

https://www.cars.com/research/mini-cooper_s_clubman-2008/consumer-reviews/

The car's first problem was a fuel pump failure, which left me stranded late at night. Then there was the timing chain/tensioner. It was downhill from there.

2008 Mini Cooper S : r/MINI

https://www.reddit.com/r/MINI/comments/xubywp/2008_mini_cooper_s/

Oct 3, 2022 ... This high consumption causes it to develop failures of the high-pressure fuel pump, timing chain, issues with the turbocharger, etc. None of ...

The MINI Cooper Clubman Years to Avoid - CoPilot

https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/mini-cooper-clubman-years-to-avoid/

Oct 18, 2023 ... Common Issues with the MINI Cooper Clubman · Overheating · Engine blowouts · Failures of the high-pressure fuel pump · Cracked engines · Thermostat ...