2007 MINI Cooper: engine overheating

Filed Jun 29, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 35,000 miles · PA

Driving pa turnpike when my 2007 minicooper temp light came on, immediately followed the oil and engine light. As the lights appeared, the car was losing power. It lost power as I was pulling off the road. 3 minutes total. Smoke poured out. I opened the hold to see a 3 inch hole melted away. I closed the lid. Contacted mini roadside service who would not honor the tow. Called aaa who did. Called mini of pittsburgh, jason thompson, who only serviced my mini for 4 years and 35,000 miles when he first diagnosed needing a new engine. I asked manager chris lasko about any recalls? Could it be a lemon? No this is unusual for a mini, was the answer. Before authorizing repairs I asked about the electrical system and the effects of overheating. No electrical issues where found. They felt confident recommending replacing a new engine & parts. I okayed to put in all new starter, starter core, engine, engine core, engine harness, collar screw, ping sensor, intake manifold, core return gasket, ignition coils, collar screw, screw with washer, core return with heat pr, srp belt, and coolant, a water pump pulley, and few other 20 some parts to get it back on the road. A month later, I received a letter revealing a potential problem with the durability of a vapor recovery diagnostic pump on 07. Federal emissions defect warranty covers 10year or 120k miles. I called the dealer, they said that it did not pertain to my vehicle. 2015 deja vu at 64k miles. I was driving, commuting when the engine light came on again. I drove 2 miles to my mini dealer. They said they could fix it by putting in a new engine. I had it towed home. I have called & left email's with bmw/mini customer service. I have had zero reply from then. They claim to be the ultimate driving machine. As an advertising associate creative director, I think the more honest and real claim would be the ultimate farse machine.

Filed Apr 8, 2016 · Engine · 83,000 miles · LA

My 2007 mini cooper started to overheat, displaying both the yellow and red indication light simultaneously. I stopped, looked at the manual and it suggested that I turn the car off and let it cool off. I let my mini "cool down" and when I went to start my car it would not start up. My car immediately shut off, I called mini cooper which is 75 miles away and got my car towed. I was told my engine needs replacement for 11k. My mini was checked less than one month ago and I received no warning that my engine was failing. My 2007 mini only has 83,000 far from the expected over 100,000 life expectancy. I was told my engine failed due to low compression and the replacement of a thermostat; a thermostat that haven't been in stock for months. After googling this issue, I found hundreds of complaints for the same issue. Bmw refuse to recall the thermostat or engine, and it's an outrage. To make matters worst, a fair condition, running 2007 mini w/83,000 miles and packages value is less than 5k, a clear sign of the worth of a mini. Super sad customer.

Filed Oct 22, 2012 · Engine · 87,000 miles · FL · fire

Traveling with no warning, thermometer light came on, turned yellow to red almost immediately, pulled over and called dealership, advised there was recall on water pump for overheating, had car towed immediately; dealership replaced recalled water pump (exterior), but paid $600.00 for thermostat; left dealership and engine light came on within 30 minutes,had to have it towed again; now car ran hot again, no antifreeze in car, refilled and light went off, 1.5 days later same occurrence but engine smoking,very badly, towed again to dealership, now states it is water pump #2 (interior) , and timing change which was already supposedly performed on car, now stating I must pay for water pump, tensioner on timing change, valve sensor, and valve cover gaskets another $1000.00, all of which pertain to the same occurrences over and over and over and over again. I called mini cooper call center and they only refer you back to dealership, stating they have no technical knowledge and are unable to assist me, they have no knowledge of the recall items. Wow I thought this problem only belonged to a saab I previously owned and eliminated for same reasons.. !

Filed Jan 18, 2012 · Engine · 33,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns 2007 mini cooper. The contact was driving 30 MPH when the vehicle started to overheat. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the dealer advised the contact that the vehicle needed anti-freeze. The dealer added anti-freeze to the vehicle but the failure recurred shortly thereafter. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer numerous times before it was found that the thermostat was the cause of the failure. The thermostat was replaced. The failure mileage was 33,000.

Filed Nov 28, 2011 · Engine, Locks · 49,025 miles · CA

I had this car serviced about 4 times during the 4 yr warranty period. Just after the warranty period, the car was checked for brake job and I was informed that the water pump leaks. I think the coolant provable was leaking prior to expiration of warranty but I was not informed. I bought 3 cars in 2007 (honda and lexus) and none of them has this issue. 1. Engine coolant leaks. Replace water pump. 2. Engine hood latch won't open. Failed remote latch. The mini cooper estimate will cost me $800 to replace the water pump. I also overheard from one of the mini owner last sat, 26nov2011 during my visit to the dealer that he also has the same issue leaky water pump.