2010 MINI Cooper S: engine failure

Filed Jun 29, 2018 · Engine · 106,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mini cooper s. The contact stated that the engine seized and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to tom bush mini (9881 atlantic blvd, jacksonville, fl 32225, (904) 371-4360) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 10, 2017 · Engine · 90,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mini cooper s. While parked, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. Updated 06/07/17*lj updated 07/12/2017

Filed Jan 2, 2016 · Engine · 55,000 miles · OR

My daughter was driving the mini cooper on hwy 101w when the car suddenly and with out warning lost all power. She was fortunate to not have been stranded on the highway. We had the car lifted and taken to a bmw dealer. They determined that there is a hole in the #4 cylinder that is responsible for the loss of power. The car has 55k miles on it and is 5k miles outside of full warranty. We have all service records well documented that exceed bmw \mc recommendations. We have since had the car lifted and taken to the mc dealer in camarillo ca. They with out explanation as to what happened state that the car needs a new engine at our cost of $6,500+. This is crazy given the low miles and the fact that it has been well maintained. There is much more information that we can provide however the site seems to time out and this is my third attempt at writing this notification. Please advise or contact me if you can help with this matter. Bmw is fraudulently selling these vehicles as reliable and they need to be taken to task. Regards, [xxx] 'information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Dec 29, 2015 · Engine · 80,000 miles · CA

Purchased car w/50,000 miles on it and have already had water pump replaced and now while driving down the road going about 40 MPH the timing belt broke and blew parts into the engine, so it pretty much needs a new engine already now 25,000 miles after we bought it. Lots of complaints about the timing belt/chain on these 2010 models. Seems odd to me.

Filed Aug 28, 2015 · Engine · 58,768 miles · CA

I was driving my 2010 mini cooper s 50-55 MPH when I heard a loud noise come from the engine compartment. From then on, the engine was making a rattling and clacking noise and the oil light eventually came on. Pulled over to the side of the road and got out to look at the car. Oil was all over the frontside and wheelwell of the car. All the oil had came out of the engine. Towed the car to a mechanic who told me the engine was seized and that the timing chain tensioner had broken lose and somehow that allowed all the oil to pour out of the engine. Had to have the engine replaced for a cost of a little over $5,000. A bmw specialist wanted $8,500 to do the same job. Now my new engine they just installed is leaking oil from somewhere and there's a light clicking noise coming from the engine. Im so afraid it's going to happen agian, and I know that mini USA will be of no help. It's a shame that I had to find out what a terrible company they are in this way. I needed a reliable car for my new job and ended up with the exact opposite, an unreliable vehicle from a manufacturer that has no integrity whatsoever. I loved these cars, now I just hope this doesn't happen to anyone else.

Filed Dec 31, 2014 · Engine · 68,000 miles · CA

The timing chain belt broke suddenly and flew up into my engine, destroying the engine completely. I got a new engine, but this new engine is also faulty (reason unknown) and now I need another new engine.

Filed Sep 4, 2014 · Engine · 50,500 miles · NC

Engine seized while driving on the 6-lane highway during rush hour traffic. Just a sudden complete loss of power, all vehicle operation stopped. Fortunately, I was on the outside lane, and I was at an exit that went down hill, so I coasted down the off ramp before it rolled to a complete stop. Some bystanders assisted me in pushing the vehicle off the side of the busy 4-lane road. Turns out it is the timing chain problem with many mini coopers, 2007 - 2012. There is a faulty or missing part, that if not addressed, results in "catastrophic engine failure". My vehicle had 50k miles on it; I purchased it new, so I have all vehicle records, all recommended maintenance performed; all recalls performed, and my records are 100% complete. The real kicker is - my service records clearly show that several times I reported a "rattle" from the engine (while under warranty) as far back as 2012. And the service records indicate that the dealership "could not duplicate customer complaint of rattle". The notorious "rattle" is the first symptom of this engine flaw that can result in catastrophic engine damage, and it was known by the auto industry in 2012. Cost - $8k, complete engine replacement required. Dealership and bmw deny any wrong doing, and deny any knowledge of the "engine" issue. Following the incident, I spent a month of my time trying to figure out what happened, why, had it towed to three places, lots of phone calls, research, etc. Luckily no one died. This was a very dangerous situation to be in, and the people that stopped to help me push the car were very brave. I looked pretty pathetic I am sure - lone, petite female trying to push a car on a very busy 4-lane road during rush hour, in 90 degree heat. Lucky for bmw/mini that no one died. I guess that is exactly what it will take to force them to recognize this problem.