2008 Mini Cooper s 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 2008 Mini Cooper s problems
The 2008 Mini Cooper S is known for several common problems, many of which are related to its engine and transmission. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Coking of Inlet Valves: The R56 Mini models, including the 2008 Mini Cooper S, are prone to coking of inlet valves due to build-up of carbon around the valves and intake ports.
- Failing Coil Packs: Another common problem with the 2008 Mini Cooper S is failing coil packs, which can cause the engine to feel down on power and misfire.
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure: If you're looking at a Cooper S, you need to check that the high-pressure fuel pump isn't failing.
- Bypass Valve: The bypass valve on the 2008 Mini Cooper S is made of plastic and can fail, causing a range of problems, including poor acceleration and sluggish performance.
- Transmission Issues: The use of stronger German-made Getrag manual transmissions means manual transmission issues are nowhere near as common as they were in the first-generation Mini models, but the gearshifts can become sloppy, with the lever not sitting centrally when in neutral.
- Turbocharger Failure: The turbocharger on the 2008 Mini Cooper S is prone to failure, which can cause a range of problems, including poor acceleration and sluggish performance.
- Timing Chain Failure: The timing chain on the 2008 Mini Cooper S is also prone to failure, which can cause a range of problems, including engine hesitation or complete stalling while in motion or stationary.
In summary, the 2008 Mini Cooper S is known for several common problems, many of which are related to its engine and transmission. These issues include high oil consumption, coking of inlet valves, failing coil packs, high-pressure fuel pump failure, bypass valve failure, transmission issues, turbocharger failure, and timing chain failure. It's important to be aware of these issues and to check for them when considering purchasing a 2008 Mini Cooper S.
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.
Is Mini Cooper S engine reliable?
MINI Coopers are, for the most part, reliable vehicles. However, they do suffer from a high frequency of costly repairs, primarily due to the heritage of the powerplant nestled beneath the bug-eyed hood.
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.
What was the problem with the Turbo on the 2008 Mini Cooper?
One common issue is with the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, which is codenamed N14. This has a known issue with the timing chain tensioner. Another engine issue with the Mini concerns the turbocharger wastegate vacuum valve, which can fail and cause the car to run poorly.
2008 Mini Cooper s car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mini Cooper s problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Seats problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Mini Cooper s vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Mini Cooper s complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Mini Cooper s.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WMWRF33518T
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: PASSENGER UPPER SEAT HEATER BURNED HOLE THROUGH SEAT AND CHILDS JACKET WHILE DRIVING. THE HEATING ELEMENT IS NOW VISIBLE AND DAUGHTER RECEIVED A MINOR BURN TO FINGER, DO TO MELTED HOLE IN JACKET FROM SEAT HEATER.
SUSPENSION,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-15
- VIN: WMWRH33508T
- Components: SUSPENSION,SEATS
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT OR ABOVE 65 MILES PER. HOUR, VIBRATION IN FRONT END. HAVE HAD TIRES ROTATED, BALANCES AND FRONT END CHECKED OUT. UNKNOWN AT THIS POINT AND NOW MUST KEEP UNDER 65 MPH. UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT OR ABOVE 65.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMWRF33528T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MOVING MY MINI INTO THE GARAGE A FIRE CAUGHT UNDER THE HOOD AND THE STEERING WENT OUT, AFTER INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND TO BE THE POWER STEERING PUMP. INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER THE COST AS IT IS A MECHANICAL FAILURE. I HAVE READ ABOUT THE PREVIOUS MODELS BEING RECALLED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM AS WELL AS CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS. I BELIEVE MY MINI MAY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT BMW SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THESE REPAIRS.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-29
- VIN: WMWRF33568T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FAILED AND WAS UNABLE TO STEER CAR. POWER STEERING FLUID WAS FULL. INSPECTED AT GARAGE AND MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS NO CLEAR REASON AS TO WHY THE STEERING HAD FAILED. DID GET SOME STEERING ABILITY BACK BUT AM WORRIED IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND STEERING WAS GONE WHEN TURNED CAR ON FOR FIRST TIME.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-10
- VIN: WMWRF33548T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V205000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT FOR MONTHS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-09
- VIN: WMWRH33548T
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V20500 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS ENGAGED UNDER 10 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. UPDATED 08/25/15*JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-22
- VIN: WMWRF33598T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-19
- VIN: WMWRF33538T
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: IT APPEARS THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPIED SENSOR IS NOT WORKING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-14
- VIN: WMWRH33548T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. THE SERVICE DIAGNOSED FAULTY PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR AND QUOTED $1,880 TO FIX. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS COMMON FOR THIS MAKE BASED ON FORUM WEBSITES. THE CAR HAS ONLY 28K MILEAGE AND SPORT SEATS. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-09
- VIN: WMWRF33578T
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED (CVT). VEHICLE HAS LOW MILES AND COST TO REPAIR IS OVER $8,000. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION IS GOING ON A 2008 CAR WITH ONLY 47000 MILES ON IT. DOESN'T SHIFT WHEN NEEDED THEREFORE DOESN'T ACCELERATE SAFELY. *TR
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-01
- VIN: WMWRH33538T
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: MY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT, WHICH HAS A WEIGHT-SENSOR TO DETERMINE AIR-BAG OPERATION (ON/OFF, FULL FORCE, PARTIAL FORCE) IS FAULTY, AND WITH A 110 LB PERSON SEATED IN THERE, THE SENSOR STILL BELIEVES THE PERSON WEIGHS BELOW 25 LBS, AND AS SUCH, DISABLES THE AIRBAG. THIS IS CONCERNING TO ME AS I DRIVE WITH A PASSENGER MUCH OF THE TIME, AND MOST OF THE TIME THE AIRBAG IS DISABLED. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY-RECALL ISSUE TO ME. I HAVE ALSO DONE MUCH RESEARCH THROUGH THE VEHICLE MAKE FORUMS SCATTERED THROUGH THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS ISSUE EXISTS ON MANY OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME GENERATION. THANK YOU. *TR
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WMWRH33568T
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE SEAT HEATERS IN MY 2008 MINI COOPER S GET WAY TOO HOT. THEY HAVE TWO TEMPERATURE SETTINGS (ONE IS HOTTER THAN THE OTHER) AND EITHER ONE GETS TOO HOT AND YOU HAVE TO TURN OFF THE HEATER. IF YOU DON'T TURN IT OFF IT WILL CONTINUE TO HEAT UNTIL IT BURNS YOU. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM CERTAIN THAT WITHOUT TURNING THE HEATER OFF THE PASSENGER COULD BE BURNED AND/OR THE WIRING TO THE HEATER COULD MELT OR CATCH ON FIRE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH BMW/MINI AND THEY HAVE ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT VIA A WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED IN-LINE WITH THE HEATER TO CONTROL THE VOLTAGE, BUT THIS FIX DIDN'T WORK ON MY CAR. THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL DUE TO SAFETY. *TR
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-26
- VIN: WMWRH33528T
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DEFECT. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMWRH33578T
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE. WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS IN THE PROCESS OF INVESTIGATING THE FAILURE. HE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-15
- VIN: WMWRH33598T
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MY 2008 MINI CONVERTIBLE HAS A BAD VIBRATION THAT STARTS AT 70MPH. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SEVERAL SERVICE VISITS WHERE THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REBALANCED TWICE, TIRES REPLACED TWICE, FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT, AND INSPECTION OF THE SUSPENSION. NONE OF THESE ACTIONS HAS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. BMW / MINI ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND CLAIM THE CAR IS BEHAVING AS DESIGNED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HAVE STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT FURTHER DAMAGE IS BEING DONE TO THE SUSPENSION AND DRIVE TRAIN AND COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. *TR
2008 Mini Cooper s recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2008 Mini Cooper s.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
- Summary: BMW IS RECALLING 28,450 MY 2007-2008 MINI COOPER S VEHICLES. THE CENTRALLY LOCATED TAILPIPE EXTENSION PROTRUDES SLIGHTLY BEYOND THE REAR BUMPER. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR INADVERTENT CONTACT TO OCCUR WITH A PERSON'S LEG.
- Consequence: IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAILPIPE WITH A NEW SHORTER TAILPIPE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-275-6464.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Mini Cooper s problems:
R56 Buying a 2008 Mini Cooper S - what to look out for? - North ...
Jun 29, 2010 ... The issue that is the most troubling is the "cold start rattle". This is a nasty noise that often first occurs when starting the car after an ...
2008 Mini Cooper S : r/MINI
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 ...
2008 Mini Cooper Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top 2008 Mini Cooper Problems · Clutch May Wear Prematurely. 170 people have reported this · Electric Door Locks May Malfunction. 163 people have reported this.
Mini Mk2 (R56) common problems (2006-2013) | Haynes Publishing
One common issue is with the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, which is codenamed N14. This has a known issue with the timing chain tensioner. Another engine issue ...
2008 Mini Cooper Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Jun 12, 2023 ... The 2008 Mini Cooper can last 250,000 miles or longer with adequate maintenance. Finding one in great condition might be easier said than done, ...
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