2008 MINI Cooper: engine stalls while driving

Filed Aug 2, 2019 · Engine · 58,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to stall without warning. The contact pulled into a left turn lane as the vehicle completely failed. The vehicle was towed to mini of the woodlands (16675 I-45, conroe, tx 77385, (936) 344-1258) where it was diagnosed that the dme (engine computer) failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 58,000.

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 Mar 25, 2014 · Engine · 37,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact own a 2008 mini cooper. The contact stated that she started the engine and before she could shift into gear, the engine made a loud tapping noise before it stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,000. Updated 10/18/16*lj updated 10/27/16.

Filed Jan 12, 2014 · Engine · 70,000 miles · OH

I took the vehicle to the mini dealership after I heard a noise from the engine and the engine light came on. From online descriptions, I suspected it was the timing chain tensioner. I contacted mini corporation and opened a report. The check engine light came on about a week later and I took the car to the dealership. I was told by the dealership that the timing chain tensioner needed replaced. It was a $3500 fix. The dealership contacted mini to see if they would cover the repair and they refused saying the vehicle had too many miles. They changed the oil and the check engine light went off. About two weeks later my son was at a red light, stopped and the cars stalled. We had it flat-bedded to a repair shop. The timing chain had snapped and the engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $5700. I just saw where mini issued a recall for the timing chain tensioner and I contacted them but they have not replied.

Filed Dec 16, 2013 · Engine · 48,500 miles · WA

The car starts very rough especially in colder weather. I was told by a mini dealership that could have been due to lack of oil, which is not the case as the oil was just changed. Also when in traffic coming to a stop the car will drop idle and stall out. The car will stall in neutral or with clutch fully pressed in. Researching online and watching some videos, it seems much like the timing tension/chain issues known but not yet having much done with them. It would be nice if bmw/mini would sort out the issue especially if its a design flaw. Kinda disappointed as its not that old and has fewer then 50k miles on the engine.

Filed Sep 26, 2011 · Engine · 64,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper. The contact stated that when driving approximately 45 MPH the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they advised him that he needed a new engine due to the vaccuum pump failing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 64,000.

Filed Jan 11, 2010 · Engine · 29,335 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper which was purchased in august 2008. He stated that the vehicle would not start. The check engine light illuminated on the instrument control panel. Previously, the vehicle began stalling and losing power. He also observed smoke emitting from the engine compartment and smelled oil burning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a loss in pressure and one of the four cylinders had failed. They also found a dilapidated timing chain and possible emissions failures. The dealer was not sure what caused the failures to occur. The dealer also confirmed that the vehicle was burning oil excessively and the fuel injectors had failed. The contact was awaiting repairs to date. The contact assumed all repairs were to be made under warranty. The failure and current mileages were 29,335.