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.
The worst 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags3
- Seats2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags3
- Seats2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Suspension1
Recalls 1
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 15V205000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible 20
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years
- Aisin automatic transmisison: right side output shaft seal replacement
- This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014
- Mini: faulty software for the tank ventilation control displays engine throttle reaction when temperature...
- Mini: some vehicles have turbocharger noise and a lack or loss of performance, due to restriction of...
- Mini CVT
- Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle
- Mini: there is a procedural error in the removing and installing or replacing high pressure pump current...
- Mini: information provided regarding procedure of replacing fuel level sensor due to failure on the right...
- Mini: installation of a heat shield for the bonnet intake air grill
2008 MINI Cooper Convertible fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22-23 | 30-32 | 25-26 |
What 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper convertible. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.
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.
It appears that the passenger seat occupied sensor is not working.
Transmission failed (CVT). Vehicle has low miles and cost to repair is over $8,000.
Transmission is going on a 2008 car with only 47000 miles on it. Doesn't shift when needed therefore doesn't accelerate safely.
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.
Compare the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible
Other model years
Questions about the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible
Is the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible reliable?
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible, fewer than a typical Cooper Convertible model year.
What is the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible year score?
The 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible scores 82 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the MINI Cooper Convertible: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible?
Airbags, with 3 complaints. Next is seats (2).
How many recalls does the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible have?
1 recall, covering air bags.
Was there a recall on the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible airbags?
Yes, 1 recall: 15V205000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible get?
Official estimates for the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible range from 25 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-23 city and 30-32 highway.
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