2008 Mini Cooper problems
Mini Cooper may refer to:
- Performance Cars of the original Mini series with uprated drive train and brakes, called the "Mini Cooper", made by the British Motor Corporation and its successors 1961–1971, and 1990–2000
- Cars of the Mini (marque), including a number of different models produced by BMW since 2000 with the "Mini Cooper" title: MINI Hatch, introduced in early 2000, second generation from 2006, third from 2014
See also
- Cooper Car Company
Social links
Common 2008 Mini Cooper problems
The 2008 Mini Cooper has been known to have several common problems, primarily related to the engine, airbags, and power steering system.
One of the most significant issues is with the timing chain and tensioner, which can cause a rattling noise while the car is in motion and potentially lead to engine stall. This problem has generated 120 complaints, which is the highest number for any category of issues in the 2008 Mini Cooper.
Another common problem is with the engine cooling system, with 56 complaints related to smoke coming out from under the hood, accompanied by oil, coolant, and engine warning lights, as well as loss of engine power. This issue may be connected to the car’s timing chain problems.
The 2008 Mini Cooper has also generated 69 complaints related to the airbags, with drivers reporting the warning lights popping on without explanation, although there have been no airbag recalls as yet.
Additionally, there have been reports of power steering pump failure, which can cause stiffness or sluggish responses when turning the wheel during a test drive. This problem has caused a number of vehicles to be recalled, and it could be a potential deal breaker for those considering purchasing a second-hand Mini Cooper.
The front radiator is another area of concern, with a well-known weakness in the front unit of the 2nd generation Mini Cooper, where the whole assembly that supports the fan and condenser is made out of plastic. Even the slightest knock can cause major problems with this supporting structure, and the coolant hose sits at the bottom of this array and is especially vulnerable.
Water pump and thermostat housing leaks are also common in the Mini Cooper, with the water pump and thermostat commonly known to leak in the vehicle. If there are more than 40,000 – 50,000 miles on the clock, but the original part is still in the vehicle, it may be one to avoid.
Clutch failure is another issue that can occur in the Mini Cooper, particularly in inner-city environments, where the tough and demanding nature of driving can cause premature part failure. Look for a tell-tale smell of burning paper and a sticky clutch, often known as a death rattle, upon cold start up.
Transmission issues are not so much a failure with the mini itself, but rather a fault with the manufacturer’s communication. Contrary to some of the instructions the previous owner might have received with your mini, the transmission fluid needs changing every 30,000-40,000 miles. This could cost you hundreds of pounds in repairs.
Variable valve timing is another problem related to regular oil changes, where without a regular supply of clean oil, this intricate system can become full of sludge, blocking the tiny passages. This is quite a common problem in the mini as it’s very easy for this build-up to occur in a couple of thousand miles.
Electric power steering problems are also common in the Mini Cooper, with every car having recalls over the years. It is essential to check the service history of your second-hand Mini Cooper if you cannot locate a fault on start up.
In summary, the 2008 Mini Cooper has several common problems, primarily related to the engine, airbags, and power steering system. These issues can be costly to fix, and it is essential to perform all the right checks and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchasing a second-hand Mini Cooper.
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.
What year is bad for Mini Cooper?
According to Consumer Reports surveys, Mini Cooper released from 2006–2012 is considered the worst years. Having said that, there have been problems in the earlier 2000's as well. First and second-generation MINI's had quite a few problems, of which the most significant was the transmission malfunction.
What is the common problem of Mini Cooper?
The 1st generation (R50/R53) Mini Cooper is known for premature clutch wear and failure. This typically occurs between 40,000-60,000 miles on vehicles built from 2001-2006. The root cause is due to an under-designed single-mass flywheel and weak factory clutch that cannot handle the torque of the supercharged engines.
How many miles can a 2008 Mini Cooper last?
How Long Will the 2008 Mini Cooper Last? 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, but it's worth holding out.
2008 Mini Cooper car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mini Cooper problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Mini Cooper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2008 Mini Cooper
The NHTSA has received 283 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Mini Cooper. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2008 Mini Cooper vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-27
- VIN: WMWMF73518T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 , this recall was not for my vehicle. according to the numbers and years but, it was manufactured at the same time in 2007 . SAME AS CONVERTABLE BY THE SAME COMPANY... plus they have not fixed FRM.i boutght this car possibly 3rd hand but i regisdtered with Mini. so my codes are up and the wanring lights are there and i was wanting the information as to what the part number or serial number is for the recalled part, would that not be a way to confirm if it is part of a problem?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-10
- VIN: WMWMF335X8T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the rear headlight remained illuminated after turning off the vehicle. The contact was forced to put the key in and out of the ignition or disconnect the battery to resolve the issue. The contact then 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-03
- VIN: WMWMF73598T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the windows would roll down independently and the sunroof would fail to close completely. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the braking system; however, the contact stated that new brake hardware had been installed on the vehicle. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-04
- VIN: WMWMF33508T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 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. 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-01
- VIN: WMWMF73578T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-10
- VIN: WMWMF33508T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper Hardtop. 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 not contacted and determined that the parts were unavailable. 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 and confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure the contacts headlight went out. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-03
- VIN: WMWMF335X8T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-28
- VIN: WMWMF33568T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the electrical system became inoperable. The contact stated that the windows, headlights, radio, and other safety features were inoperable. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by a rusted footwell control module. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-01
- VIN: WMWMF335X8T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Occupant side airbag sensor is defective my mechanic put a code reader to verify it’s a 2008 hatchback and I see they have recalled all the convertibles but not the sedans I would think the same airbag sensor is in my car are there any updates to my car because the replacement is very very expensive and the airbag failure light is a pain to have displaying That contact added that the vehicle only had about 36,000 miles on it.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-19
- VIN: WMWMF73508T
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: While driving the car at aproximately 25mph, the engine and the car stopped running. All dashboard warning lamps were off prior to the engine failure The car rolled to the side of the road to get out of the way of other traffic. The service engine warning lamp was on after the engine shut off and stopped running. The car was towed to a service station, and they too could not get the car to start. The mechanic's troubleshooting ultimately found the engine's internal timing chain had broken, causing multiple of other internal engine components to become damaged. The engine required detailed repair to replace the damaged engine parts to get it to start operating again. The costs for the repairs were over $5000.00.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- VIN: WMWMF73548T
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Timing Chain and tensioner rattle. Known recall issue but not showing recall
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-25
- VIN: WMWMF73578T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Airbag Warning Light has come on indicating a malfunction with this safety system and consequently that the airbag safety system may not deploy in the event of an accident. This problem is not unique to my specific vehicle and appears to be a very common issue amongst BMW Mini vehicles as evidenced by much discussion on forums across the internet.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-23
- VIN: WMWMF73598T
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: This vehicle just went over 66,000 miles and the airbag warning light started appearing. An independent mechanic and dealership both diagnosed and said it's a defective front passenger seat occupant detection mat and I'd need to replace the entire system/seat. Several other vehicles with the same part have recalls however my specific 2008 model is not included in this recall. I believe it should be included in the recall as this is clearly a known issue and an obvious safety system/design flaw. No sort of crash or collision occurred and now the vehicle will not pass safety inspection and is unusable because of this until I spent roughly $2000 on the repair.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-01
- VIN: WMWMF33508T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Hello, An airbag sensor recall was issued in 2015 and Mini Cooper refuses to fix this safety issue. They are saying this recall is expired, but it has not been 10 years and the car only has 54,000 miles. This is a known defect. Car is currently broken. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15355121/bmw-recalls-91800-mini-coopers-for-airbag-sensors/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bmw-recalls-91-000-mini-coopers-over-air-bag-sensor-n344226 https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/minicooper-recall-81033/ https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2005-08-mini-cooper-recalled-for-airbag-problem.html This should be covered by the manufacturer. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-18
- VIN: WMWMF33518T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the headlights and taillights failed to illuminate as needed. The contact was able to drive safely to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with footwell (FRM) module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-01
- VIN: WMWML33538T
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: MY AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. THE MACHANIC SAID I NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE PASSENGER SEAT TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR. A NEW SEAT WILL COST $1500 AND LABOR WILL COST $500. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-26
- VIN: WMWMF33578T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG OCCUPANT SENSOR/MAT FAILED CAUSING AIRBAG LIGHT TO BE ON AND FOR AIRBAGS NOT TO DEPLOY INCASE OF A ACCIDENT . MINI DID NOT RECALL THIS ISSUES BUT PUT A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR 10YEARS FOR THIS DEFECT THEY ARE AWARE ABOUT. THIS HAS EXPIRED FOR MANY VEHICLES INCLUDING MINE . THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE THAT'S A POTENTIAL RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH INCASE OF A ACCIDENT AND THE FACT THAT MINI COOPER DOES NOT RECALL THIS MATTER IS INHUMAN . PLEASE HELP WITH THIS MATTER.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-13
- VIN: WMWMF33558T
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN PRESSING THE BREAK, THE ENGINE REVS. I TURNED ON THE CAR AND PRESSED THE BREAK. THE ENGINE REVVED. WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE AGAIN IT REVVED UP TO 7000 RPM. I TURNED OFF THE CAR. I DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. I WAS AFRAID TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD A MONTH AGO THE MINI ENGINE RPM RAISED AND THE CAR WENT FASTER EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT PRESSING THE GAS. I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-01
- VIN: WMWMF33598T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG SENSOR FAILS TO PASS THE VEHICLE'S INTERNAL SAFETY CHECK AND A WARNING LIGHT IS DISPLAYED. THIS LIGHT INDICATES THAT THERE IS A FAULT WITH THE AIRBAG, AND IT WILL NOT DEPLOY IF INVOLVED IN A WRECK WHILE THIS LIGHT IS ON. FOR THE PAST 9 MONTHS, THIS SENSOR HAS BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY AT FIRST, AND NOW IT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION. A SAFETY RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR OTHER MODELS/YEARS OF THE MINI COOPER, BUT WHEN I LOOK UP MY VIN IT SHOWS NO RECALL. IN ONLINE SEARCHES, I SEE MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SAME MAKE/MODEL OF MINI COOPER WHO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, ONE THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER, NOT AN EXPENSE I SHOULD HAVE TO INCUR.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-23
- VIN: WMWMF73528T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT SENSOR HAS FAILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS NOT ACTIVATE IN A CRASH WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED. RECALLS ACTIVE FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR THE SAME MAKE IN OTHER YEARS AND MODELS ARE CURRENTLY RECALLED HOWEVER OTHERS ARE EXCLUDED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-20
- VIN: WMWMF73528T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS OFF LINE. THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS DO NOT TURN ON WHEN A PASSENGER IS SEATED. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS THAT IT IS NOT TURNING ON WITH OR WITHOUT A PASSENGER. ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE TACHOMETER WHEN I START THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND STATIONARY.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-17
- VIN: WMWMF73528T
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TIMING CHAIN JUMPED OUT OF TIMING AND CAUSED BENT VALVES.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-15
- VIN: WMWMF33538T
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2008 MINI COOPER. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND ALWAYS STAYS ON. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT MINI HAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY/RECALL. I TOOK VEHICLE TO BMW/MINI DEALER IN BIRMINGHAM, AL AND WAS INFORMED THAT THIS PARTICULAR RECALL EXPIRED IN 2018, OR WITH VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 120,000 MILES. MINE HAS 123,000 MI. ALSO CALLED MINI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND RECEIVED THE SAME INFORMATION. MANY VIDEOS EXIST ON INTERNET/YOUTUBE ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR DEFECT AND HOW TO BYPASS PROBLEM BY INSTALLING A PART THAT BYPASSES THE SENSOR OR BY USING A SCAN TOOL TO ERASE THE CODE TO REMOVE THE WARNING LIGHT. NEITHER OF THESE SOLUTIONS SEEM SAFE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CAR'S PASSENGER AIRBAG WOULD FAIL TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. HERE IS A VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS THE PROBLEM AND A POSSIBLE UNSAFE FIX: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=GDLMTYGUIPM&T=615S
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-29
- VIN: WMWMF73568T
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: WARNING MESSAGE FOR SEAT BELT TENSION/AIR BAG MALFUNCTION AND BOTH LIGHTS ARE ON. THE VEHICLE HAS 40+ THOUSAND MILES ON IT, I AM A SECOND OWNER. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED ON MAY 29, 2020. NO ACCIDENTS FOR THIS VEHICLE. COST FOR REPAIR IS OVER $2000 AND SO FAR THERE'S ONLY RECALLS FOR 2008 CONVERTIBLE WHICH I TOTALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND. THIS LOOKS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE MINI AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED DUE TO THE AIR BAGS BEING AFFECTED. I CURRENTLY HAVE NO PHOTOS BUT CAN READILY SUPPLY PHOTOS UPON REQUEST. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT/AIR BAG EMBLEM SHOWS ON THE DASH SCREEN WHEN ENTERING THE KEY WHILE STATIONARY, NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND DOES NOT GO AWAY WHEN OCCUPIED. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-06
- VIN: WMWMF33538T
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TIMING CHAIN DEFECTIVE. *TR
2008 Mini Cooper recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2008 Mini Cooper.
- 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.
Negative 2008 Mini Cooper car reviews
Positive 2008 Mini Cooper car reviews
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Hey there! So you've been reading up on the R56 engine and all the oil burning issues, huh? Well, let me tell you about my experience with the 2008 Mini Cooper S turbo. It's my absolute favorite car that I've ever owned (and I've owned quite a few!). Now, I will say that if you're not mechanically inclined, this might not be the car for you. But if you're willing to learn and do some research, it's an amazing little car. It's quick, easy to handle, and rides like a go-kart on steroids. Plus, if you're lucky enough to find a six-speed turbo and keep it in top condition, you'll beat just about any car off the line at a stop light (except maybe an exotic!). Yes, you'll need to change the oil and filter every 4000 miles, but it's easy to do if you have the proper tools. And trust me, it's worth it for the pure joy you get from driving this sports car. Plus, my Mini has over 300,000 miles on it and still gets 34 miles to the gallon on the highway! So, if you're up for the challenge, I highly recommend giving the Mini Cooper S a try.
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You have a really great car that has been a joy to drive for the past 10 years. It has performed exceptionally well on long road trips and in various conditions, proving to be both reliable and high-performing. While there have been some maintenance issues, they have been minimal until recently when the computer required a costly repair. It's important to keep in mind that the MINI is part of the BMW family, which can result in higher expenses. Despite this, I expected the quality to be top-notch given its pedigree. Unfortunately, there are some areas where the quality falls short, such as the plastic and rubber components which are not up to par. For example, the rubber windshield gasket deteriorated early on, but thankfully it did not affect the car's performance. This has been the case with other gaskets and seals around and under the car as well. Despite these issues, I plan to keep the car forever because I love driving it and it's worth it to me.
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The car is a real head turner with its slick styling. The supercharger whine, exhaust note, and g-force experienced when I punch it are absolutely addicting, not to mention illegal. Although the ride can be rough on bumpy roads, the amazing handling and control make up for it. The back seat is small, but that's to be expected from a MINI. With muscle car performance at 28 mpg, I'm not holding back. Whether commuting or having fun, this car is perfect for traveling fast and light. The leather, stereo, and ergonomics are excellent, even for someone as tall as me (I'm 6'3
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Hi there! It's great to hear that you're enjoying your Mini! I'm glad to hear that you haven't had any major issues with it, just some routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. It sounds like you really love driving it, especially on tight curves and ramps. I bet it's a blast! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
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Building my mini from scratch was such a fun experience! Throughout the process, Mini Marketing kept me updated and even provided me with some cute mini accessories. Living in the city and commuting 20 miles to work can be a hassle, but this car makes it all worth it. It always puts a smile on my face, not just because of the impressive 39mpg, but also because it fits into the smallest parking spots. This car truly oozes character!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Mini Cooper 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 ... The N14 deals with issues mainly related to high oil consumption, which also leads it to run pretty hot. This high consumption causes it to ...
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.
2008 Mini Cooper Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Jun 12, 2023 ... The mini is a very awesome car! It is small enough that you always find parking, it does not need a lot of fuel and is great for around cities.
Mini Mk2 (R56) common problems (2006-2013) | Haynes Publishing
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 ...
Other years of Mini Cooper
Are you having problems with your 2008 Mini Cooper?
Fausto Borer 2025-03-23
I purchased my 2008 Mini brand new with the intention of having a fun car to drive. Unfortunately, I have had to visit the dealer quite frequently for various issues. Although they are not major problems, they are quite bothersome. The windows do not function properly, and the engine indication lights come on randomly. I even had to replace the valve cover gasket at only 28,000 km, and since getting the car back from the dealer, it sounds like a diesel. I attempted to have it looked at right away, but was informed that I would have to wait three weeks, which could potentially cause further damage. While I appreciate that the repairs are covered under warranty, it is still frustrating to have to take time out of my day to continuously bring the car in for repairs.
Mike Schmeler 2025-03-05
Hey there! If you're considering buying a car, I wanted to share my experience with the Mini. While I was initially excited about its go-kart handling and impressive fuel efficiency, I did run into some issues shortly after purchasing it. Unfortunately, I experienced some engine overheating, windows that wouldn't roll up, and various engine lights coming on. While the dealer was able to help me resolve these issues, it was a bit of a hassle to arrange alternative transportation for unscheduled maintenance, especially since the dealer was about an hour away from where I live. Ultimately, I decided to sell the car and go with a more reliable Nissan. Just wanted to share my experience with you! Let me know if you have any questions.
Barton Sipes 2025-02-01
When I was in the market for a new car, I came across a Mini Cooper S Convertible that caught my eye. I have always been a fan of Minis, and this car seemed to fit my personality perfectly. However, after about a month, I noticed an issue with the brakes squeaking and had to take it to the shop. It turned out that I needed new front brakes and there were about $3000 worth of repairs that my car needed due to holes in the oil line and other issues. Although I blame myself for not taking it to the dealership before buying it, I had to make two trips to the dealership to get everything taken care of. Over the next two years, I had to take my Mini to the dealership over a dozen times for various repairs, including fixing the wiring, installing a new throttle body, and realigning the entire front end due to rain coming into the convertible top. There was also a strange episode where my tachometer was telling the rest of my lights and functions to freak out and come on at random. Although it breaks down at random, I still love driving it when it works. However, if you are the type of person who wants to know if you are going to make it from point A to B, this car may not be the best choice for you. I purchased my car in Jan 2014, and it is now Sep 2016. I have paid for my car more than twice now. Therefore, I would advise you to think twice before buying it.
Nathaniel Will 2025-01-26
We purchased this car too quickly and unfortunately found it to be quite small inside, making it difficult to access anything in the back. After only six months, the dealer offered us a trade-in value of only 19,000 for our loaded Mini which we had purchased for 33,800. We were told that the Mini was hard to come by and had a good resale value, but it seems that these were just lies to get us to buy the car. If you don't mind a bumpy ride and limited space, or if you're willing to lose 15,000 on your car in just six months, then this might be the car for you. I learned my lesson the hard way, so I hope this helps you.
Roscoe Sawayn 2024-10-03
I had a Mini Cooper S (6 speed auto) that ran at 226 degrees. The thermostat is computer-controlled and works to keep the temperature hot. However, this causes the oil in the Turbo models to coke up, leading to a lot of build-up in the engine from carbon. I noticed that my Turbo model had excellent fuel economy until I factored in the amount of high-quality synthetic motor oil I had to constantly replace. Some people claim that their Mini doesn't use oil, but if you look at the exhaust pipe on any of them, you'll see that they use plenty of oil. I sold mine at 77K after a series of replacements. Heat kills, and every trip is a risk after you get significant mileage on these.