2009 Mini Cooper s convertible problems
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 2009 Mini Cooper s convertible problems
The 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are the detailed issues:
- Electrical Problems: Owners have reported various electrical problems, including brake lights flickering on and off, the petrol gauge going to zero, the speedometer stopping, indicators not working automatically, engine warning lights, service lights, and airbag lights coming on, central locking and roof not working, and the engine stalling while driving. These issues are likely caused by a faulty earth connection or a problem with the footwell ECU.
- Convertible Top Problems: The convertible top in the Mini Cooper S Convertible is susceptible to certain issues that affect its functioning. These problems include the top moving extremely slowly at the push of a button, not moving at all, or the storage compartment for the convertible top not opening when the button is clicked. These issues are often caused by problems with the retraction mechanism or limit switches.
- Gearbox and Clutch Problems: There are reports of the six-speed manual gearbox failing and needing to be replaced, along with concerns about the clutch, which has been known to require expensive repairs. The stop-start system has also been known to malfunction and stall the car at junctions, which can be fixed only by a dealer.
- Interior Problems: The dashboard and other interior areas have suffered from rattles and creaks, with some owners insisting on having new dashboards fitted. The speakers can also rattle and distort, and in some cases fail completely and need replacing. Additionally, there have been numerous reports of problems with the air conditioning system.
- Water Pump Problems: 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.
- Windscreen Problems: 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.
- Brand Reliability: Mini as a brand came in 22nd place out of 31 manufacturers, which isn't a particularly stellar result.
These common problems with the 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible can be expensive to repair and may affect the overall reliability of the vehicle. It is essential to thoroughly inspect and test the car before purchasing and consider the potential costs of repairs and maintenance.
What is the common fault with the Mini Coopers 2009?
Quite a common issue on the Mini is a failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. This manifests itself in several ways. There can be fuel in the engine oil, plus a number of fault codes (3E90, 4560, 4570, 4600, 4610, 4B90, A125).
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.
Are Mini Coopers 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.
2009 Mini Cooper s convertible complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Mini Cooper s convertible.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2009 Mini Cooper s convertible recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 Mini Cooper s convertible.
- 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.
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