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2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible problems

The most common problem on the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical Cooper S Convertible model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
1223 warranty
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
28-30mpg

The worst 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    2
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    2
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 1

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/superchargerReported April 18, 2018 · 47,806 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V248000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible 122

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 122 bulletins for the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible

2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cylFWD25-2633-3428-30

What 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 8, 2025 · Electrical · IL

FRM Footwell module failed leaving car stranded Problem identified by certified mechanic. Similar models (R55 & R56) in the same age range of my vehicle have been issued a recall, but the convertible model, in the same year, (R57) is not covered. All electric switches in the vehicle failed. Symptoms began with the ABS and parking brake warning lights lighting. Other warning light was a service light.

Filed Jul 20, 2024 · Electrical · NC

The Footwell Module, referred to by the manufacturer as the FRM, has corrosion inside. The module is currently staying active and drawing power from the battery at all times. It appears to the same issue as 23V337000, but this chassis number is not included in the recall. I believe that this vehicle has as large a fire hazard as other vehicles involved in the recall.

Filed Nov 2, 2020 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · NH

Coils caused problem with ecu - recall is out for some models but not this one. Now it needs new coils and new dme.

Compare the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible

Other model years

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Questions about the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible

Is the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible, fewer than a typical Cooper S Convertible model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible?

Electrical system, with 2 complaints. Next is transmission (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible have?

1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.

What gas mileage does the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible get?

Official estimates for the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible range from 28 to 30 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 25-26 city and 33-34 highway.

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