2007 Mini Cooper s convertible problems

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

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.

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Common 2007 Mini Cooper s convertible problems

The Mini Cooper S Convertible 2007 has been reported to have several common problems, which include issues with the roof, parking sensors, alloy wheels, diesel engine timing chain, gearbox, stop-start system, interior, windscreen, water pump, and automatic transmission.

Roof problems are quite common in the Mini Cooper S Convertible 2007. The roof mechanism is expensive to replace, and leaks can occur if the seals are not in good condition. Therefore, it is essential to inspect the roof mechanism thoroughly and check for any leaks or damage to the seals.

Parking sensors are fitted to most models, but due to poor rearward visibility, parking damage can occur, which can be expensive to repair. Alloy wheels can also get damaged, and repairing them can be a hassle. Therefore, it is essential to check the alloy wheels for any kerb damage.

The diesel engine timing chain in the Mini Cooper S Convertible 2007 has been reported to have issues with premature timing chain wear, which can lead to expensive repairs. If the engine rattles at idle after start-up, it may indicate a problem with the timing chain, and it is essential to budget for expensive repairs since it is often a time-consuming, engine-out job to sort the issue.

The six-speed manual gearbox has been reported to fail, and concerns about the clutch have been raised, which can also be expensive to repair. The stop-start system has been known to malfunction and stall the car at junctions, and Mini dealers often struggle to diagnose the fault. The system has also been reported to stop working altogether, leaving an error message on the dashboard, which can only be fixed by a dealer.

The interior of the Mini Cooper S Convertible 2007 has suffered from rattles and creaks, and some owners have insisted on having new dashboards fitted, but this does not always solve the problem. The speakers can rattle and distort, and in some cases, fail completely and need replacing. Problems with the air conditioning system have also been reported, and it is essential to test the system by first setting it to maximum heat, then switching to cold and noting how quickly the temperature drops. If the system is working correctly, it should go from hot to cold in seconds.

The Convertible's upright windscreen is very susceptible to chips, so make sure there aren't any large ones in the area in front of the driver, because that could lead to an MOT test failure. Also, chips can develop into cracks. Smaller ones can be repaired, but bigger ones will require a replacement windscreen.

A small number of cars built between 20 August 2009 and 30 September 2014 had an additional water pump for the turbocharger that wasn't particularly robust. In extreme cases, it could even melt and catch fire. A recall was issued for dealers to replace the pump on affected cars with an improved one to prevent this from happening.

The Mini as a brand came in 22nd place out of 31 manufacturers, which is not a particularly stellar result. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of these common problems and check for them when buying a used Mini Cooper S Convertible 2007.

What problems do 2007 Mini Coopers have?

Are Mini Cooper S 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 coopers?

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.

How many miles do 2007 Mini Coopers last?

The MINI Cooper is the type of car that's designed to last a long time. A MINI Cooper that's well cared for can last anywhere between 75 thousand miles to 150 thousand miles. Depending on how much you drive the car, it can last a long time.

2007 Mini Cooper s convertible complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2007 Mini Cooper s convertible.

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

2007 Mini Cooper s convertible recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2007 Mini Cooper s convertible.

2015-04-06

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.
Consequence: An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury.
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

2007-11-20

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: CERTAIN CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.' THE STANDARD REQUIRES THAT THE TIRE SIZE AND CORRESPONDING TIRE PRESSURE BE INDICATED ON THE LABEL AND THE LABEL DOES NOT CORRESPOND TO THE ACTUAL TIRES MOUNTED ON THE VEHICLE.
Consequence: INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR AND TIRE DAMAGE WHICH COULD LEAD TO UNFAVORABLE DRIVING CONDITIONS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW TIRE INFORMATION PLACARDS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MINI AT 1-866-275-6464.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2007 Mini Cooper s convertible problems:

Buying a used 2007-2013 MINI Cooper - things to look for - Gen 2 ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm-YCfZbWZA

Jan 19, 2019 ... ... R56 R55. 796K ... Mini Cooper S Buyers guide R56 (including JCW) Avoid common faults ... Top 5 Problems Mini Cooper Hatchback 2007-2013 2nd ...

2007 Mini Cooper s with 77k miles reliable? worth it? : r ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/vmqq6f/2007_mini_cooper_s_with_77k_miles_reliable_worth/

Jun 28, 2022 ... Among turbo issues, I've seen the fuse boxes corrode like they were in a flood, key fobs stop talking to the car and just refuse to start, ...

MINI Convertible Top operation, lowering and raising and what to ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQDvwqt4Pbk

Sep 30, 2022 ... Mini Cooper Convertible Top Problems. Jason G•251K views · 13:14. Go to channel · MINI COMMON PROBLEMS! ... Mini Cooper S Convertible - the best ...

R52 what problems should i look for when buying a used mini ...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r52-cabrio-talk-2005-2008/209546-what-problems-should-i-look-for-when-buying-a-used-mini.html

May 2, 2011 ... quite a few complaints about the trannys slipping, glazing, failing within a short amount of miles. Also listen for alot of chatter or knocking ...