2009 MINI Cooper S: check engine light

Filed Jul 20, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 55,000 miles · CT

My 2009 mini cooper s made rattle noise and the whole timing chain got replaced plus the thermostat house and water pump! The engine light still keeps on after trouble-shooting by my mechanics, which might be the computer issue which has to be figured out soon! The timing chain issue should be under fully-covered by manufacturer since too many mini cooper owner have the same problem and paid thousand of dollars to fix it! My mini is only about 55k miles and already has timing chain issue!

Filed Feb 2, 2016 · Engine · 55,000 miles · WA

At 30000 miles the timing chain was replaced due to a recall. Car rattled for a few months prior to replacemen. At 55ooo mile my car engine light came on and lost power. I was able to limp it in to work about another 5 miles. My husband drove it to mini dealership another 10 miles away and they stated that it blew a valve or a piston quoting him a head replacement of $5000 or replacement of engine for $10000. I purchased this car new and I have maintained it to a t. Reading on line this seems to all be related to the timing chain issue. Mini is not standing by their car and refusing to take responsibilty. Hopefully if we all continue to squeak we can get them to take responsibilty for faulty vehicles. I have a nice looking non running worthless car sitting in my driveway...anyone want it!

Filed May 6, 2015 · Engine · 95,000 miles · MA

Engine ceased while traveling on highway. Previously took car to mini dealer when engine light was on and was told that the engine light was probably on because of the gas cap and their was nothing to worry about.

Filed Jul 31, 2014 · Fuel system · 44,000 miles · CA

While idling at a red light, vehicle rpms varied dramatically and the engine shut off. Vehicle was able to be restarted and moved with the check engine light illuminated. Upon further investigation the valve cover was found to have a vacuum leak, which has become a common issue with mini cooper s models.

Filed Jul 22, 2014 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · CO

During light acceleration at interstate speeds, the engine lost some power and the service engine light came on. The dealer first replace the vacuum hoses. It happened again, the dealer replaced the vacuum pump. It happened again immediately, the dealer replaced the turbocharger unit because the wastegate won't close completely. The turbocharger and wastegate should last much longer than 5 years (the car was delivered in april 2009) or 70,000 miles.

Filed Mar 1, 2014 · Engine · 48,000 miles · CA

Driving on 405 fwy in southern california turning out of freeway off ramp in the pouring rain. The car dead stopped. Very dangerous, cars coming off freeway behind me was a 911 situation. After someone pushed me off to the side of the road had car towed. No engine light warning to indicate problem of tensioner (timing chain breakage). Entire engine was replaced/rebuilt because of extensive damage to engine. Bmw apparently is aware of the timing chain defect and has not issued service bulletin or recall. I'm hearing there is a class action suit because of the many complaints. The fact that I could have very easily been killed or seriously injured is why I am issuing a complaint (not to mention my bill for $6200.00 I have on my credit card) and the three weeks it took to fix. Naturally I was 6 months out of my warranty.

Filed Dec 30, 2013 · Engine · PA

Known issues: timing chain and intake valves. Engine light came on at approx 40,000 miles. Dealership diagnosed 2 issues that seem to be known recurring issues for this make/model: carbonized intake valves requiring cleaning, and replace timing chain. This bill will cost over $2600. Several complaints have appeared for intake value buildup and also for the timing chain issues. Internet searches show this as a common issue and also a known issue by bmw mini. This should have been a recall as they knowingly sold these defected cars in 2009. With only 40k miles to date, I plan to keep this car for at least 4 more years. May not be possible with bills like this one.

Filed Nov 26, 2013 · Engine · 30,000 miles · PA

I started the car and a loud rattling noise came from the engine. I drove about 5 miles and the oil check light came on. I decided to take it to a jiffy lube that was within 2 miles and then the engine light came on. By the time I got to jiffy lube the car didn't have any oil left. The car was serviced by the mini dealer only 4 months prior. Had the car towed 1 1/2 hours to the nearest mini dealer. Most of the damage was caused by the timing tensioner chain. The dealer said mini would cover those repairs but the turbo oil feed line was leaking too and I would have to pay for that. It cost me $900.00. I asked if the car had a heat on it and he said no but that I don't really need one. I thought there had been a service bulletin put out specifically because of the heat from the turbo causing this issue but he said it had nothing to do with it.

Filed Nov 11, 2013 · Engine · 31,059 miles · AZ

Check engine light came on....excessive carbon build up. Happened again at 68k miles ....

Filed Sep 10, 2013 · Engine · 70,000 miles · TX

Check engine light came on. Checked it and its the thermostat. I had replaced the thermostat 1 year ago and now again. Went to the dealership here in san antonio, tx and they told me their on back order. Apparently 17,000 on backorder! Its almost been a month and a half and my car is still in my garage with no definite answer from mini. There has to be a bigger issue that is being covered up by mini.

Filed Jul 10, 2013 · Engine · 55,008 miles · TX

This is the second complaint I've made within six months of purchase: I was driving along the highway at 70mph when the reduce speed engine light came on. Before I had a chance to reduce speed the car came to a complete stop on the fast lane of the highway. The car behind me swerved as I managed to restart my 2009 mini cooper s and pull into the slow lane. I managed to avoid collision and placed hazards on. I got my mini to brady's auto repair. The mechanic told me that the loss of engine power was due to turbocharge failure on an original mini part. He said that bmw done a recall for the same part which is in the 2009 mini cooper s and couldn't figure out why they hadn't done it for mini. The turbocharge was completely replaced on my mini at the expense of $2778.47. I contacted mini which stated that there is no recourse and nothing they can do. I'm responsible for the repair. I am not happy with this at all as I had my two children in the mini when this incident happened and it could have lead to loss of life if the driver behind me hadn't taken action. I hope the federal safety agency does investigate this matter in all mini coopers.

Filed Jan 2, 2013 · Engine · 81,000 miles · FL

Turbo oil lines leaking oil. No check engine light has being activated.