2009 MINI Cooper S Clubman engine problems

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine · NV

I am writing to formally request reimbursement for a timing chain replacement performed on my vehicle, which was the subject of a specific safety recall issued by BMW. The timing chain defect in this vehicle represents a severe safety hazard, as a failure can cause an immediate and total engine stall while the vehicle is in motion. This loss of power in traffic creates an 100% avoidable risk of collision. Despite BMW recognizing this defect through a prior reimbursement program, they are refusing to compensate for a safety-critical repair on a low-mileage vehicle (58,XXX miles) simply based on the car's age. At the time of repair, the vehicle had approximately 58,XXX miles. Although the vehicle is older, it was in storage for several years because the previous owner was unaware of the recall and lacked the financial means to address it. Despite the period of storage, the car remained in excellent condition, with the timing chain being the only mechanical requirement at the time. The repair was completed by a local independent shop and paid for out-of-pocket. While BMW has recently honored a different recall for an electronics panel on this same VIN, my request for timing chain reimbursement was denied based on the vehicle's age. I believe this denial is inconsistent, as the safety defect identified in the recall existed regardless of the car's age or storage history. I am seeking compensation for the parts and labor costs associated with this safety-critical repair

Filed May 26, 2020 · Engine · 55,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 mini cooper s clubman. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated she was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact's son had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with total engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to bmw of hudson valley (2068 south rd, poughkeepsie, ny 12601) where the diagnosis was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to pay 50% towards the part. The failure mileage was 55,000.

Filed Feb 12, 2020 · Engine · 117,000 miles · OR

Driving car to work and died as I was going through an 4 way intersection, car was in motion with multiple vehicles around me. I had to get out and push the car out of the intersection and off the road. Tried to start with no success. Car was low on fuel so suspected it to be empty. Called insurance to send someone with gas but still wouldn't start. Got the car towed home and investigated fault. Found the chain tensioner to have failed causing timing of engine to change and cause piston to hit valves and break the rocker arms.

Filed Dec 27, 2019 · Engine · 52,000 miles · TX

2009 clubman mini coop fuel pump keeps trying to die when driving.this can be very dangerous when driving on the freeway. It die on me trying to take it to the dealership on l45. Then when I get there they tell me it's older then 10 years.its still 10 years old. Now it won't even idol right when I start it unless I mess with gas pedal and give it more gas. I have a extended warranty letter that say 10 years or 120,000 miles this issue has been going on with mini coop for weeks. I've talk to about 7 different people that tell me something different every time I call them. They just won't honor their extended warranty. They just don't care.

Filed Apr 25, 2016 · Engine · CA

I am the second owner of a mini cooper clubman s 2009. It had about 50k miles when I first purchased this car. New to this make of vehicle, I did not put much attention to the nocking noise in the engine compartment. I came across a comment at the mini forums where someone stated that this cars had a common diesel sound. In the two years that I have had this car, I have done a few repairs and people that have heard the sound have told me the same thing. "there is something wrong in the engine." " that sound is not normal." you got to take your car to the dealer to have a specialist check what's wrong in there." I did not take them seriously because they were not familiar with these cars. I would tell them that it was a normal diesel sound. Sometime in february I received a letter regarding this issue. It is not a recall letter but instead is a "timing chain tensioner class action settlement claim form." I have not had any repairs done to the car. If I spend over $1k to get it fixed, I may get refunded. Chances are that I won't. I have scheduled an appointment with my local dealer and they will checking the car for this issue. They did not tell me that they will make the repairs at no charge. Since it isn't a recall yet, I doubt the dealer people will be responsible for all cost. Let's see what happens but I am really unhappy about all this. First, valve cover. Then, fuel feed line, after that, vacuum pump, then the thermostat housing. Right now, tensioner chain along with vanos solenoid. I wish I had not sold my toyota mini truck I had back in the 80's. Not much technology. Which was ok. Just add gas, do regular oil changes and good to go with no worries of sensor, codes here and codes there. No recalls either. Make this mini chain tensioner a recall and have bmv responsible for correcting their bad engineering. Why should the consumer have to pay?

Filed Feb 18, 2016 · Engine · 45,000 miles · TX

In only 8 months of owning my mini: rattling at a cold start and during slow driving, then began making a hesitating, jerk type movement when I accelerated, then began making a louder noise. No indicator lights ever came on and there was never any indication of any type of leak (no lights, no fluid on the ground, all fluid checks indicated proper levels). No maintenance was due. 41,817 miles on it when I purchased it, I put under 4,000 miles on it since, only drive 20 minutes daily to work and back. Timing belt tensioner failure and guides, parts fell into oil pan and oil leaking. Cost me out of pocket $3,000 in repairs since the extended warranty I bought from 'warranty solutions' refused to pay, claiming it was negligence on my part. 'warranty solutions' is a scam too, but that is a whole other complaint by itself. The turbo heat sheild was also missing on my car. Mini dealership is horrible, so backed up, waited a week just to find out what the problem was and then would have had to wait another week for repairs. Had repairs done in 2 days at an independent shop. A call to mini finds they do not acknowledge any defective timing belt system even though this has happened to numerous other mini owners. Mini is well aware of this defect, yet they are not issuing a recall. There is a class action lawsuit against them for this. We all need to be reimbursed.

Filed Jun 1, 2015 · Engine · 49,000 miles · MA

Car had a rattlle when cold. Had an appt. To have it checked on 5/19. Drove approximately 1 mile. Stopped at red light and car just died. I was in the left hand lane in heavy traffic. Car had to be towed. Dangerous situation. Timing belt broke. Told I need a new engine at a cost of $6,000. Have since read of many identical problems despite a good maintenance record. So far, mini has not acknowledged knowing the timing belt was defective despite the fact it has occurred in cars one year after purchased new.

Filed Feb 24, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 46,504 miles · TX

Took in for oil change, burning smell, and rattling sound when engine cold. I was given a list after they had a few days of: material failure of oil pan gasket, oil filter housing leak, turbo oil feed line leak, material failure of thermostat housing, material failure of water pump, and material failure of timing chain, timing chain guides, tensioner. I ended with a total repair cost of $4,666.30. Two weeks later I again have a burning smell and the trim covering the turbo charger cracks. I am told this is normal and it is just out of the 5 year warranty on this even though I have an extended cosmetic warranty. In december the check engine light comes on but goes off after I call dealer. I am told if it is off, may just be emmisions error. On 2/20/2015, my oil pressure light goes on, dealer has no openings until 2/23/15. I take in and now it has more issues, stems and valves, which will be another $2k in repairs. It is still not due for oil change but I had requested one since I was there. It is low on oil due to valve and the engine issue. All of these issues are identical to a those vehicles with the tensioner,water pump, turbo feed line recall.....but yet I am told mine does not have the recall on it.

Filed Nov 16, 2014 · Engine · 100,017 miles · VA

Smoke began coming from hood vents, inspected and found oil leaking onto exhaust manifold and the turbo heat shield from the oil tube feeding the turbo where it was crimped together. I was close to home and continued, when the engine cooled I found that I could remove the oil line from the fitting just by touching it. I am surprised this thing didn't go up in flames! When I took it to the mini dealer they refused to repair the oil tubing leak unless I also committed to a new head cover at 2k. Mini denies any issues with the design or fittings.

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Engine · 68,000 miles · VA

Turbo oil line leak, dealer wants $3300 to repair.