2008 MINI Cooper: engine failure

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Engine · KY

About two weeks ago while driving on a major highway the mini cooper suddenly died without warning. The power steering quit making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. The car would not start. The only thing I could do was push it off the road which I did with the help of a person behind me.i had the car towed to my local import shop. They found that the motor had skipped time causing catastrophic engine failure. If I had been going faster my safety would be in jeopardy as well as other motorists. I have since learned that mini’s with the N14 engine regularly experience timing chain failure causing this. I have the invoice from the shop identifying the problem. I have checked for a warning or recall from Mini and found nothing. No warning light or msg was visible.

Filed Jun 18, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · PA

While driving the car at aproximately 25mph, the engine and the car stopped running. All dashboard warning lamps were off prior to the engine failure The car rolled to the side of the road to get out of the way of other traffic. The service engine warning lamp was on after the engine shut off and stopped running. The car was towed to a service station, and they too could not get the car to start. The mechanic's troubleshooting ultimately found the engine's internal timing chain had broken, causing multiple of other internal engine components to become damaged. The engine required detailed repair to replace the damaged engine parts to get it to start operating again. The costs for the repairs were over $5000.00.

Filed Sep 28, 2018 · Engine · 65,000 miles · PA

Purchased from carmax (11/18/17), never informed of class action lawsuit involving the timing chain with this vehicle. After only 4 months and only a few hundred miles, the problems began. First trip to mechanic, the engine valve cover was found to be cracked. Replaced for just over $700. Less than 10 months later and well under 2000 miles, I was in transit to work, on the highway off ramp and the mini shut down completely, would not start back up. Had to be pushed off the road. Towed back to auto mechanic and another $200 to find the guide to timing chain broke off, causing engine failure. Mini was towed back to carmax to find the engine needs replaced, but will have to be replaced with the same type of engine, which can cause the same problem to happen again and again. Senior team at carmax is currently evaluating my case. Possible buy back of vehicle, still awaiting a verdict.

Filed May 4, 2018 · Engine · 70,000 miles · OK

Timing chain failure (which LED to class action lawsuit) caused engine failure while driving on highway. Car stopped accelerating. 18 year old daughter was driving. Owners that were not aware of this lawsuit or did not vehicle at the time still affected by this defective part putting drivers in danger yet company has never issued recall.

Filed Jun 10, 2016 · Engine · 55,000 miles · WA

At 55000 miles started to hear engine rattle and rough running at idle. Took to dealer for service and they said the engine has multiple oil leaks, a faulty camshaft adjustment solenoid and faulty timing belt. The timing belt has caused the oil leaks and faulty solenoid. This will cause catastrophic engine failure. Mini will not cover even though this has been reported and is an obvious defect.

Filed Mar 27, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 92,000 miles · IL

I purchased a new 2008 mini cooper from autohaus west/mini of st louis. The mini cooper was designed, manufactured, assembled, distributed and sold by bmw of north america, bmw (u.s.) holding corp., and bayerische motoren werke aktiengellschaft. I experienced a progressive failure of the timing chain, timing chain tensioner and related tensioner rail, guide rail and support rail. The timing chain had previously been represented to have a useful life equal to the life of the car. The timing chain is located within the engine, consists of a metal chain, and is not subject to adjustment or routine maintenance. I experienced a progressive failure of the timing chain as follows: (a) death rattle or diesel noise from engine upon start up & at low speeds, (b) rough idling after highway driving, (c) power loss & engine stalls on highway exit ramps, (d) power loss & engine stalls on highway, & (e) catastrophic engine failure. The mini cooper was serviced by autohaus west on three separate occasions with repairs//replacement of spark plugs, battery, igniter coils, thermostat cover and other items totaling over $3,000. Autohaus west failed to identify the timing change as a problem. Autohaus west, bmw of north america, llc, bmw (u.s.) holding corp., and bayerische motoren werke aktiengellschaft have known about the timing chain tensioner defect since 2007 and have failed to warn consumers, issue a recall or provide extended warranty coverage.the loss of power & engine stalls are serious safety hazards & will eventually lead to accidents, injuries & even death. Technical service bulletin m110207 was issued in january, 2008. However, it is not widely known to consumers and fails to give consumers adequate warning. Bmw settled class action re n14 engine used in mini cooper s. However, it has ignored same problem with n12 engine used in mini cooper. Same issues.

Filed Aug 24, 2015 · Engine · 52,000 miles · MA

While traveling on the highway in dickson, tn my 2008 mini cooper lost all power without warning. I was able to make it to the side of the highway. This was during an ice storm. We had to wait hours on the side of a highway with no heat, and vehicles struggling to stay on the road, until a tow truck driver from aaa was able to pick us up, saying how lucky we were to have not been hit. When bringing the vehicle to a certified mini dealership I was told that it was due to low oil level. The incident occured in february, my oil was changed on december. Upon repair from my independent mechanic, the cause of failure was determined to be a catastrophic engine failure due to a faulty timing chain that collapsed. I have been made aware that mini cooper is aware of the timing chain defect, and in fact sent out a service bulletin but has done nothing to fix this problem. On behalf of current mini drivers and potential buyers I urge you to look at this issue in hopes of preventing potential injuries or deaths.

Filed Jan 6, 2015 · Engine · 30,000 miles · FL

"death rattle" noise coming from engine compartment as reported by many others on online forums. Now engine is throwing codes indicating crankshaft out of position. Obvious related issue to a defective timing belt or tensioner. Told by dealership not a covered repair, although I've read that similar repair has been covered by manufacturer for others and for other models. As this vehicle is being driven by my young daughter, out of state, I am very concerned about a complete engine failure whilst she is on the highways in the mountains where she lives, with the potential for tragic consequences. Please consider this issue as a serious potential life safety issue, as a failure at highways speeds could certainly endanger not only my daughter, but the lives of others on the highway. Thank you.

Filed Jan 3, 2015 · Engine · 63,000 miles · AR

Low mileage 2008 vehicle began making loud noises from engine compartment. Diagnosed as timing chain/tensioner failure. Appears to a common problem with this model. Estimated repair cost over $2000. Mechanics say not "if" but "when" this will happen to all 2008 mcs. I believe this should be repaired on a recall. Vehicle cannot be driven safely until repaired; delay will result in total engine failure.

Filed Jul 28, 2013 · Engine · 33,000 miles · CT

At less than 33,000 miles the engine began making a loud cranking noise. Oil was very recently changed, but checked the level anyway and found it was down about 2 quarts. Added oil and engine noise was reduced. Drove a few hundred more miles and engine noise returned. Oil was again low. Took car to our mechanic and they diagnosed timing chain tensioner problems. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The critical timing chain failure can lead to premature engine failure. This is a safety issue because the failing timing chain can also cause the motor to fail. Our mechanic in consultant with the mini dealer indicates that the only way to ensure this problem does not lead to engine failure is to replace the current engine with a new one that has the timing chain issues resolved. We have no choice but to have this repair done and it will cost approximately $7000 as the vehicle is not under warranty. This issue has been widely reported in other complaints in this database as well as across many mini owner forums. It appears that a recall order should be issued.

Filed Mar 21, 2013 · Engine · 70,000 miles · MD

Timing chain tensioner failure on 2008 mini cooper leading to large oil leak under pressure. Loss of all engine oil, oil spraying onto hot exhaust system, engine oil pressure loss and oil warning light. Could easily lead to complete catastrophic engine failure/seizure at highway speeds and accident.

Filed Jun 20, 2012 · Engine · 26,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the engine failed. The contact stated that the air condition was on and began to blow out warm air. The contact also stated that the engine began to shake so he pulled the vehicle over. Upon looking under the hood, the contact noticed that there was oil spilled everywhere. The check engine light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for an inspection and they stated that the engine had catastrophically failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that the vehicle was under warranty. The failure mileage was 26,000. The VIN was unavailable.