Clubman Reliability

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally Posted by tigermann

I bought mine mid April 2008 and now have about 14K miles. Here's my list of issues or concerns:

1. Oil changes - I paid the dealer to do mine at about 5K ($130), then got the second one free after a year went by (11K). And they didn't reset the service interval so I will get another free change at 18K. Otherwise, I will continue to pay for extra ones myself and try to keep it changed every 5-6K miles.
2. Window dipper issues - first re-initialization lasted a week, second time lasted a month. Third time must have been the charm, it's been OK since and was not enough trouble to return to the dealer except for oil or other issues.
3. After the first few week I noticed a front window pillar plastic molding cover did not fit right, and the front inner wheel liners were trimmed too short and did not fit right - both fixed at first dealer visit
4. Missing driver door lower rubber molding that a lot of early Cubmans had - paid $17 and just put it on myself.
5. Door sills started coming unglued after 6 months, dealer replaced for free with ones that have upgraded glue

That's about it - everything else working perfectly. SO, basically I'm out about $150 so far, but been back to the dealer 4 times, so if you are far away from yours you might consider that.

Then there are a few annoyances:

1.The car (at least a stick) needs to be driven with the SPORT button on all the time to work well - but you have to push it down every time you re-start,
2. The seatbelt buckles catch between the seat and door - just a pain
3. Mini's come with some sort of anti-corrosive stuff that's between the metal pannels under the hood and in the door jams - which oozes out over time and requires frequent cleaning
4. The black plastic/rubberish components around the outside of the car (wheel well covers, moulding, etc) get wax on them and tough to clean
5. Mini's have serious brake dust - every car wash requires a lot of time on the wheels to look good
6. If you get run-flats and pick up a nail, the dealers won't fix them due to liability issues - need to find a tire shop with a run-flat mounting machine, most will patch if the nail is not on the side walls

and...it is too easy and too much fun to drive fast and I find myself way over the limit all the time (ouch!)

But the cars are a hoot - just get one and enjoy, and with the resale value and gas savings, if you decide you don't like it, you won't be out that much anyway.

2 The seatbelt issue is easily remedied. Just push up the plastic piece on the belt itself. I had that issue until I watched the owner's video.

[tattedXB]

Originally Posted by tigermann

I bought mine mid April 2008 and now have about 14K miles. Here's my list of issues or concerns:

Then there are a few annoyances:

1.The car (at least a stick) needs to be driven with the SPORT button on all the time to work well - but you have to push it down every time you re-start,
2. The seatbelt buckles catch between the seat and door - just a pain
3. Mini's come with some sort of anti-corrosive stuff that's between the metal pannels under the hood and in the door jams - which oozes out over time and requires frequent cleaning
4. The black plastic/rubberish components around the outside of the car (wheel well covers, moulding, etc) get wax on them and tough to clean
5. Mini's have serious brake dust - every car wash requires a lot of time on the wheels to look good
6. If you get run-flats and pick up a nail, the dealers won't fix them due to liability issues - need to find a tire shop with a run-flat mounting machine, most will patch if the nail is not on the side walls

and...it is too easy and too much fun to drive fast and I find myself way over the limit all the time (ouch!)

But the cars are a hoot - just get one and enjoy, and with the resale value and gas savings, if you decide you don't like it, you won't be out that much anyway.

Wow, those ARE annoyances - I guess i'll just get my car cleaned each week at the car wash place in my parking lot at work, LOL - anyways, going in Tomorrow at 2pm for a test-drive, hopefully my credit has improved the past year and a half.

[jcoop36]

I bought a MINI S in Oct 2007, had a few concerns prior because, like you, I became a bit fixated by the seemingly endless stories about MINI problems. The thing to remember is that folks with problems will write in to mention them, while a lot of folks who are satisfied won't, so the picture tends to get skewed. Anyhow, I drove my MINI S for 34,500 miles, and just traded it in for a 2009 Clubman S - I loved my MINI S, and now I love my Clubman - almost 700 miles in one week already! I really do like the boot barn doors! I say go for it!

[mellocooper]

25K on our 08 Just passing the 1-year mark. Worst problem was the old window dipper problem, which wasn't that bad; we lived with it for about 2 months (since it was winter) until first service. Other than that it's perfect. Our 03 Civic that came before it had far more problems. +1 on changing your own oil.

[BLAUGRANA]

What is the window dipper problem?

[mellocooper]

Originally Posted by BLAUGRANA

What is the window dipper problem?

Just look for it over in the R56 section -- a lot of the 08 MC had a problem where the auto-up function wouldn't work correctly, which usually also took out the dip (windows go down slightly when doors are opened, then go back up when doors are closed)

It was fixed with a software update in most cases.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally Posted by mellocooper

Just look for it over in the R56 section -- a lot of the 08 MC had a problem where the auto-up function wouldn't work correctly, which usually also took out the dip (windows go down slightly when doors are opened, then go back up when doors are closed)

It was fixed with a software update in most cases.

So I'm confused. Is the dip a good thing?

[schatzy62]

Originally Posted by BLAUGRANA

What is the window dipper problem?

This is where the windows do not go back up the correct place when after the door is closed.

I.E. when the door opens the window dips down about 1/2" and when the door closes the window goes back up that 1/2"

Some people have had strange things happen including:

window goes down to half open
window does not dip
window does not go back up
window will go u and then down all the way

and others.

As for the reliability issue. please remember that for every bad thing you hear there are 1000's that do not have these problems. We really only complain about the problems and never comment about the good.

As for the reliability listed on many websites these are really not acurate they are only form a sampling of complaints and do not take into consideration all the good vehicles out there.

Consumer Reports is about the most accurate but again this is only if people that have not had a problem fill out the survey.

As humans we all tend to nor comment on the good or fill out reports if everything is going well. but will most likely make sure we fill out a report or comment on the bad.

So as i see it even the reports from Consumer Reports are flawed to show higher rates of failure than the real world is.

[miniclubwoman]

Been shopping around for a Mini Cooper Clubman for a while and haven't found the perfect new one and I need a car ASAP (Old car was totaled 3 weeks ago, and I have to give up rental soon.). The dealer has a 2008 with low miles and every option I want. Salesman just faxed over service records and it turns out the cable harness was replaced. Otherwise no other problems. Should I be worried?

[MINIxB]

Originally Posted by Tall Mini

It's sort of cube shaped with these little tiny wheels... Looks rather odd

Sorry I could resist, just poking fun.

LOL I know what most of them look like. I have two of them

Originally Posted by tattedXB

Well no, I’d say it’s more box or toaster shaped. It looks like a mix between a box, a toaster, and possibly…POSSIBLY a cube :-P

Actually, it’s an 04, 130k miles, lowered on espelir springs (1.5 inch) with stock rims. Got chrome trim rings and wheel caps so it’s bling on a budget. AEM intake, trd exhaust – and a few dings in the window/body from 130k miles of lovin :-D

Oh cool. I've got an 06 Camo Metallic with 60,000 miles on Tanbe DF-210 springs and front sway bar with 17" wheels..

The other xB is just a stock 08 Super White.

(sorry...I'm going off topic)

[jcoop36]

Miniclubwoman, I say go for it. Dealers generally don't hold onto used cars that aren't good sellers, so I suspect that if they didn't think it was a good unit, they would've auctioned it off. The other thing is that it still has a good amount of the original warranty left, so that alone should give you peace of mind.

Originally Posted by miniclubwoman

Been shopping around for a Mini Cooper Clubman for a while and haven't found the perfect new one and I need a car ASAP (Old car was totaled 3 weeks ago, and I have to give up rental soon.). The dealer has a 2008 with low miles and every option I want. Salesman just faxed over service records and it turns out the cable harness was replaced. Otherwise no other problems. Should I be worried?

I say go for it. These harnesses are quite a bit smaller (more segmented) and easily replaced compared to older cars, and I would not have an issue with knowing one was bad and replaced. I had a recall on my Dodge Ram for a harness replacement on the blower for the A/C, and sure enough, right when summer hit, I put the fan on high, and no air blowing! Ran it to Dodge, and they put a new harness in, and it's worked great for years since. Welcome to NAM, and post pics of your new ride!!!

[tattedXB]

btw, thanks all for your feedback so far :-D Appreciated!

[carman63]

I've owned my Clubman S for just about a month now, with close to 4K miles on it. My only problem is a bushing for the clutch pedal, and I have an appt for that. It's my only car, and I have no regrets A blast to drive!

[tattedXB]

Oh sorry If I missed that question - and I think I might go with TattedCLubbyS, or something like that - haha

Oh, the tranny - um, The plastic guard underneath got damaged and torn off when somebody jacked up my car incorrectly - bc of that, rocks or debris bounced up and damaged the transmission good. I was able to get a cheap replacement through through a friend that owns a body shop.

[MINIxB]

Oh ok. I was wondering if it was a manufacturer defect or something. I've got an 06 xB and an 08 xB and a 77 Mini...

[Mike1968NM]

Originally Posted by Alphawave

Stick with your ricer! j/k

Seriously, change your own oil (we have a guide here with the proper lubricants listed, and cheap sources to MINI branded filters) after the freebies, and it will be no more expensive to do so than any other car, using the same quality materials.

Alphawave....could you post a link to the guide you are referring to? Much appreciated!

Originally Posted by tigermann

I bought mine mid April 2008 and now have about 14K miles. Here's my list of issues or concerns:

Then there are a few annoyances:

1.The car (at least a stick) needs to be driven with the SPORT button on all the time to work well - but you have to push it down every time you re-start,
2. The seatbelt buckles catch between the seat and door - just a pain
3. Mini's come with some sort of anti-corrosive stuff that's between the metal pannels under the hood and in the door jams - which oozes out over time and requires frequent cleaning
4. The black plastic/rubberish components around the outside of the car (wheel well covers, moulding, etc) get wax on them and tough to clean
5. Mini's have serious brake dust - every car wash requires a lot of time on the wheels to look good
6. If you get run-flats and pick up a nail, the dealers won't fix them due to liability issues - need to find a tire shop with a run-flat mounting machine, most will patch if the nail is not on the side walls

and...it is too easy and too much fun to drive fast and I find myself way over the limit all the time (ouch!)

But the cars are a hoot - just get one and enjoy, and with the resale value and gas savings, if you decide you don't like it, you won't be out that much anyway.

As BLAUGRANA stated, the Mini video showed how to fix the seatbelt thing by pushing the plastic up and I never would have considered it myself until he pointed that out...the vids are entertaining to watch! You can find them HERE.

In response to Tigermann's info:

1. Agreed on the Sport button but it is NOT a necessity. The Sport tightens up your steering and, for lack of a better term, increases the throttle sensitivity....I like it alot and the SPORT push is second nature for me now.
2. See above on the vids.
3. Tigermann is right about the anti-corrosive stuff. It is called Cosmoline and is used to prevent corrosion. It can be a pain to keep it in check by wiping it down alot...the MINI folks use a TON of this stuff. Keeping it off of the plastic trim is kind of a pain but I have found that Simple Green does a great job of removing it and by applying "BLACK WOW" (shameless plug for a great product from OctaneGuy) once clean really helps if the cosmoline happens to come back out on the trim.
4. Again spot on. Simple Green did the trick for removing the wax/cosmoline and once the Black Wow is on it is not an issue for me to keep it clean.
5. The brake dust is an annoyance. It is VERY evident, not hard to clean off but is still kind of a pain. I have found that if you clean the wheels thoroughly and then apply some nice paste wax to your wheels (not the tires mind you) it is MUCH easier to clean that dust off....great tip from the Detailing 101 section here!
6. I have never owned run-flats before but again he is spot on. There are shops that will repair the problem, if encountered, but if you get the sidewall damaged you are pretty much out of luck according to the tire shops around town here. I will be switching to non runflats and purchasing a Slime Kit with the compressor once the runflats are gone.

From our own experiences:

This is simply the most fun car I have ever driven, HANDS DOWN! Some folks do not like the Clubman look but I think it is unique AND has the added space we needed for our dogs and for vacations/trips where we need to put some luggage in the car.

Roof Rails....we love em! Something to consider if you want to put on aftermarket Thule type luggage carriers OR you can secure soft luggage carriers with the factory roof rails.

Rear visibility with the barn doors takes some getting used to. The "blockage" is dead center in the rearview mirror....so if you are like me and drive a bit fast, you may find that you have to adjust your "Crosscheck" to really include the side mirrors more.

No issues for us to date with 6 weeks and 1600 miles on it. Great MPG (mid thirties for us) with it being driven "sportily".

Great Car so far for us and I would definitely recommend it to anyone in the market for a sporty, great MPG for the performance, and the added benefit of the extra room!

Originally Posted by Mike1968NM

Alphawave....could you post a link to the guide you are referring to? Much appreciated!

Hereyago Mike...started and finished by yours truly!
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...intenance.html

There's also an infinitely helpful link for the coupes(virtually identical) in post #20.

[cloud10]

I've had my Clubman since Feb. 2008 after a 25-month wait on the list for it. Love it more than any car I've owned and I've had a few.

Just bought a used Porsche Cayenne S for the dogs. Such an amazing difference in the driving. The Cayenne is a great car, but feels so heavy compared to the MINI.

Driving the MINI is so easy, it responds to the slightest touch and has all the speed I could ever use. I only have 3,500 miles on it in 16 months, but it has convinced me to always drive a MINI.

When I think of what people pay for a new Porsche or lots of other high-end vehicles I just think to myself--"Geez, I could by 3 or 4 MINIs for that amount."

I can't think of one car I would rather have than the Clubman. If I keep it past the warranty I can always have maintenance work done by a local foreign car shop. The 110-mile drive to the dealer is a bit much otherwise.

Hope you buy one. I don't think you will regret it.

[Mike1968NM]

Originally Posted by Alphawave

Hereyago Mike...started and finished by yours truly!
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...intenance.html

There's also an infinitely helpful link for the coupes(virtually identical) in post #20.

MANY THANKS ALPHAWAVE!!!! Virtual beer sent your way!

Originally Posted by cloud10

I've had my Clubman since Feb. 2008 after a 25-month wait on the list for it. Love it more than any car I've owned and I've had a few.

Just bought a used Porsche Cayenne S for the dogs. Such an amazing difference in the driving. The Cayenne is a great car, but feels so heavy compared to the MINI.

Driving the MINI is so easy, it responds to the slightest touch and has all the speed I could ever use. I only have 3,500 miles on it in 16 months, but it has convinced me to always drive a MINI.

When I think of what people pay for a new Porsche or lots of other high-end vehicles I just think to myself--"Geez, I could by 3 or 4 MINIs for that amount."

I can't think of one car I would rather have than the Clubman. If I keep it past the warranty I can always have maintenance work done by a local foreign car shop. The 110-mile drive to the dealer is a bit much otherwise.

Hope you buy one. I don't think you will regret it.

I don't think I could have said this better! For the sheer FUN of driving the Mini is the way to go for me....and for the price....heck, folks that have not tried these puppies are missing out! I am a VW fan (own a 2005.5 Jetta TDI that is now in the high 40's for MPG in spirited driving) so when the latest issue of Das Auto (vw owner's mag) arrived yesterday my wife said that that this looked cute......HERE...now we will probably never see this in the states but the stats are impressive! I believe it weighs 2600 lbs AND its a DIESEL!!!!!!

I would simply KILL to have a DIESEL MINI "S" here in the states!!!!!!!

Back on track though....you will LOVE the MINI.

[zsqure]

Diesel mini S you bet! I'll dump my A4 for a MCCS D!

[tattedXB]

Well, In case you guys are wondering -

I went for the test drive and loved it, Will be ordering one the next few weeks once I figure out exactly what I want, and save 1-2k so I won't be upside down on my current car loan when I sell it.

Amanda: GREAT sales person, not pushy at all - honest about the features she likes, and doesn't like. She made the point of telling me that she's SUPPOSED to be upselling me on stuff, but she would not recomend stuff that she would not like/or think it's worth it for her mini.

I Live 4 miles from Crevier, I'm glad I drove the 35-40 miles to SouthBay - Amanda is recommended.

Anyways, still not official yet - haven't placed my order yet, but I plan to the next 2 weeks, if all goes well. :-)

Thanks for all your input folks, and I hope this thread helps others as it has me.

Jeff

[jpp_zoso]

i'll just chime in to say after almost 8 months and 14k miles, my only complaints are the nicks and chips on the bonnet and windshield. 3/4 of my mileage is 55mph+, my previous car ('96 mazda mx-6) had the same issues. it's these damn wi roads and the constant construction!!!

and i agree on the original sport button sentiment...1st thing i do after starting the car is hit the sport button.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally Posted by jpp_zoso

i'll just chime in to say after almost 8 months and 14k miles, my only complaints are the nicks and chips on the bonnet and windshield. 3/4 of my mileage is 55mph+, my previous car ('96 mazda mx-6) had the same issues. it's these damn wi roads and the constant construction!!!

and i agree on the original sport button sentiment...1st thing i do after starting the car is hit the sport button.

No nicks or chips yet, but it's only been two months. Also, the roads here in Milwaukee are largely finished (at least as far as the freeways go). Still I need to look into the invishield.

[BluePalasky]

TattedXB, I researched what car I was going to buy for over a year. I test drove many, looked at many forums and read reviews after reviews. I have seen the good and bad in all makes and models......and mind you, they all have the bad. I decided I would go with fuel economy as my first requirement, followed by reliability, service, an then lastly style. I also decided I did not want a hybrid because I do not feel the technology is worked out as of yet (read on the replacement costs of the batteries for the Toyota Prius). I ended up deciding between a Honda Civic EX with Navi or a Mini Cooper Clubman. I didn't want the S version because I truly don't need the extra boost and I don't plan on doing too many Mods. The Mini came with good reliability and proof that BMW is working on fixing their issues with each model, and the fact that the service plan offered with the vehicle. The MPG for both was the same. The style was close, but the Mini was definately the unique choice. Since I am here typing on this site, you must've assumed I got the Mini......well, I did. It was the right choice for my daily commuting. The Clubman is roomier than the Cooper; 4 adults fits comfortably in all the seats. I did the work, and got the best car. I am very happy, with no regrets.....except I am annoyed more Mini drivers don't wave when I wave at them! Go with your gut feeling. Do the research, but be wary, all vehicles have their problems.....otherwise there wouldn't be so many auto repair places around the country. Happy Motoring!