MINI Cooper S grinding brakes problems

Filed Mar 31, 2020 · Steering · 156,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper s. The contact stated that while driving at attempting to make a turn, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the steering column. The contact also stated that there was a power steering fluid leak present. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to mini of stevens creek located at (4201 stevens creek blvd, santa clara, ca 95051), and diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.

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 Nov 3, 2015 · Engine · 45,000 miles · MI

When starting car, I get a grinding, rattling noise from the engine. I have been told this is the chain tensioner on the car

Filed Mar 18, 2014 · Steering · 52,000 miles · OH

I heard a loud humming/squealing type sound--unable to turn the car's steering without great effort while driving down a side street and pulling into a parking spot. I had wondered where the sound was coming from and having to make it home I struggled to keep the car in my lane and make left turns at intersections--making it home I noticed a dark stain where my car was parked and checked the steering fluid which was bone-dry. I have children--after reading these posts I am afraid to drive them and am afraid to be on the road even after putting more fluid in the receptacle am finding it on my driveway. I just purchased the car in november with 50,000 miles on it.

Filed Aug 30, 2013 · Engine · 75,000 miles · OH

Upon acceleration when the turbo charger engages there is a high pitched squeal which changes tone depending upon the acceleration. Afterwards smokes starts leaking from the hood scoop and sides of the hood itself. It smells of burned oil. I noticed oil pooling at a connection point near the turbo charger unit. In mid-august the car failed it's emissions test due to a cracked valve cover. I had the mini dealership replace the valve cover which was enough to pass inspection. However, the technician informed me that I had an oil leak in a line to the turbo charger that could start a fire and to watch my oil level closely. The cost to repair this (after nearly $900 on the valve cover) is simply beyond my means presently. Since learning about the possible dangers the car is no longer parked in the garage.

Filed Jul 5, 2013 · Engine · 105,000 miles · FL

While in idle and any RPM, a rattle/growling sound could be heard coming from under the timing chain housing of the engine. When shifting it was harder to place into gear without grinding and very easy to miss a gear when shifting. Master mechanic diagnosed this has a failing/failed timing chain. A new timing chain was installed, costing me $1,400. One week after being fixed the same sound is arising from the time chain housing and need to be taken back in for a new chain yet again. This is not the first time the timing chain has been replaced on this mini cooper, it is just the 1st while I have been the owner of the car and seems to be an ongoing issue with it.

Filed Jan 20, 2012 · Engine · 92,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper s. The contact heard an abnormal grinding noise when accelerating at any speed. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing but the manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who advised the contact to replace the super charger assembly, water pump assembly, bypass valve, and the anti freeze. No repairs were performed. The current and the failure mileages were 92,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2011 · Electrical, Steering · 46,901 miles · CA

The electric power steering pump failed... Saw smoke coming from engine area, even when power to engine was shut off and key removed. After several attempts to restart vehicle after talking with service mechanic, he advised to "restart" car until the power steering unit possibly turned back on. After 6 attempts (appox 3 mins apart), the system started to work again, but with a "stiff & grinding" noise coming from the pump being transmitted thru the steering wheel. Cause of failure is "power steering pump/fan unit". Very dangerous, as this happened at speed on freeway, and lost almost all control of steering.

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.

Filed Nov 29, 2009 · Steering, Transmission · 65,000 miles · CA

Failure of 2003 mini cooper manual transmission. My car has been under regular maintenance. I first noticed the car losing power going uphill, then it became difficult to put the car in gear. Next morning I was unable to get into reverse, was extremely difficult to shift and some gears could not be engaged. At a stop light I began hearing a very loud grinding noise, like metal in a blender, the car would not engage in gear, I had to be pushed out of the intersection. The dealer offered nothing. My private mechanic found metal shreds throughout the transmission. Said a bearing had come loose and destroyed the interior of the transmission, all at 65k miles. He also said the engine could have failed while on the freeway at high speeds and this could have been life endangering. Also the power steering pump went at 30k miles. Both very costly repairs and the transmission locking up a very serious life threat. The replacement costs for the transmission were $3k and that was from a private mechanic. Online research shows a plethora of consumer complaints and information that mini cooper knows about this. Neither the local dealer nor corporate office would offer any help in replacement costs.