2008 MINI Cooper S: check engine light

Filed Mar 6, 2024 · Electrical · 111,000 miles · IN

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jan 12, 2020 · Body, Electrical · 144,000 miles · CA · fire

My car caught fire while driving. I had been driving for about an hour on the highway. There was no warning. No cel or errors on the dash display. Car was running normally. I noticed some smoke. After pulling to the side of the road flames started coming from under the hood. The car was still running normally. I shut off the motor and got out. Bystanders emptied an extinguisher through the front grille but within minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed. Car was almost completely destroyed. Fire burned through the firewall and consumed the interior.

Filed Oct 26, 2015 · Engine · 69,362 miles · PA

Purchased at 61,000 miles 9/9/14; had synthetic oil change 5/15; 9/29/15 car began to have a rattle but unsure if it was front of car or back of car. Rattling stopped on acceleration. No warning lights came on. 10/4/15 car died at 69,362 miles while driving on a two lane road on a curve. Was able to coast to getting half the car off the road. Bypassers pushed me off the rest of the way. Towed to mechanic who said it was the timing chain guard that split off. Called mini they said their dealership service dept had to look at it. Had it towed to oh 70 miles away. They told me I had an oil leak which caused the following to be damaged - crank shaft, harmonic balancer, cylinder head, timing chain and guard and maybe other stuff but they couldn't tell without further examination. Told $5,000 plus to fix, but I see mini estimate states $3,500-4,500. My local mechanic found no evidence of an oil leak causing the trouble, nor did I have an oil spot where I parked my car in the garage or work parking lot. No oil or engine light came on.

Filed Jul 2, 2015 · Engine · 62,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper s. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate after the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was powered off and back on and was able to be driven; however, the vehicle would not accelerate past 55 MPH on a 70 MPH highway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that one of the cylinders failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2015 · Acceleration, Engine · 64,000 miles · PA

When the car accelerating on the first and second gear, there was a small jerking motion. Took it to the shop and they didn't find any problem with the car. One the day of the incident date, 01/08, when I started the car, the car have a loud engine sound, sounds like the car is chocking for air. The engine light is on with the RPM pointer running up and down (gas paddle is untouched). Took it to the dealer and the next day and they found there is oil leaking from the oil feed line to the turbo. $1200 to replace the part. Did some research online and found many mini owner had the same problem.

Filed Sep 30, 2014 · Transmission · 111,000 miles · CA

Leading up to incident car wasn't shifting smoothly and would become stuck I third gear with yellow gear light with exclamation illuminated. If you stop and turn engine off then start again the light turns off and car drives normal. Yesterday the car slammed into park while driving 25mph. Gear selector was in drive the whole time. Yellow gear light came on with exclamation mark and trip computer said cruise control malfunction. Check engine light also came on. Car would not start. Had to be towed.

Filed Oct 25, 2013 · Engine · 29,976 miles · TX

While driving my mini the check engine light came on. I took it to a local repair shop that specializes in mini's. The manager told me that the crankcase valve needs to be replaced and it is built into the valve cover. Upon inspection the mechanic also discovered my timing chain is almost ruined also. I have been hearing the timing chain rattle upon start up.

Filed Feb 22, 2012 · Engine · 49,492 miles · CA

Water pump melted - thermostat housing replaced at 49,492 miles. My engine light lit up yellow and by the time I arrived at work it was red. I tried pouring coolant and it just spilled out onto the ground. I took it to mini to get it serviced and they said the heat from my engine caused the thermostat housing to melt and was replaced under warranty. They replaced it with a new pump but not with the one that is now the february 2012 recall that mini is doing on all 2007 - 2011 s models for (the electric auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat). See next complaint from 01/27/12, as the cause of the old faulty water pump this has now caused my turbocharger to go out and mini tried to charge me $3,700 to replace it. But I reminded them that my water pump was previously defective and that has caused the current problem with the turbocharger and now they are replacing it under warranty along with replacing the recalled electric auxiliary water pump.

Filed Nov 18, 2010 · Engine · 59,000 miles · TN

Noticed a strange sound, almost like wheel bearings were grinding. On november 11, 2010, when starting the vehicle, check engine light came on, and engine did not seem to have as much power as it should. Took to the mini dealership and they said the engine light was on because the turbo was damaged. Apparently the oil supply hose to the turbo was either blocked or cut, and was not providing oil to the turbo. As a result of the lack of oil, the bearings in the turbo were ruined. Had to replace the entire turbo. After the turbo was replaced we were told the timing chain was going bad. Was told the timing chain, tensioners, and guides needed to be replaced. I've read where the timing chain has been a continuing problem with mini coopers, and that, if fixed, it will go bad again and could cause a severe engine problem, resulting in failure. I also wonder if the timing chain is already damaged enough to cause the oil supply hose to the turbo to be damaged.