i thought that i would post some of the problems that i have had with my MINI S that i now have 25 K and will be 3 years old in May.
All issues have been resolved by Princeton MINI in New Jersey. Great dealership. Even with these problems I still love the car, it is so much fun.
1. Wiring problem with AC - replaced lug/cable
2. Hesitation when accereating - software update
3. Winter - Shift lever froze - replaced cable (2 times)
4. Winter - door latch froze - streched cable - replaced cable
5. glove box opens when hitting a bump - adjusted latch
6. Heater motor whines - replaced motor
7. driver side window will not open - replaced motor
8. I had also had tire problems: one flat that couldn't be fixed, one that could by the Goodyear dealer. One was a break in the sideway - they said that i hit a pothole? It is $250 for a new tire, think about the insurance that is available from the dealer or take your chances.
9. I also have the summer hard start problem. Dealer says that it is caused by ethanol in the gas. It only happens in warm months and goes away fall to spring. when sitting over night the car will stall when first starting, then will start on restart. sometimes it will stall when accelerating unless warmed up. It is annoying but I have learned to live with it. So far there is no fix from MINI. I have called and suggest others who have experience this problem to call 800-ask-mini.

question: Does this problem exist with new MCS's? I know someone in town who just got a MCS last Spring and said that they don't have the problem. I also don't recall this happening the first summer that I had the car. This was before I had the software upgrade for the hesitation problem. Fix a problem - create another?
I also changed octane as per service manager. I was using Premium/super, I use plus now, still runs fine and i save some $$. but still has the starting problem in the summer. I tried to find a brand that doesn't use ethanol in the summer, but couldn't find any.

 

Have a 2005 MCS - can't really comment on your question since you have an 2003, and each year car has slight design changes. 2005 has a passenger side oil filled engine mount for example. Fuse box positions change from model year also... but... just want to say Hi and Welcome to NAM.

We love our Mini's too !

 

I have an 05 MCS that I received in July of 04 and have not had any problems. I am sure you will get some answers to your question here. Welcome to NAH.

 

lotsoffun,

I have an 03 MCS also, will be three years old in 6 more days , and I have had a couple of problems you did not list. As for your problems:

#2 yes - Unichip

#5 yes - same latch adjustment

#8 just got my 4th set of tires (77,790 miles)

#3 and #4 - Winter what's that?? it was 88 degrees here yesterday

With the MINI being a new car I knew there would be some problems and the problems always get talked about.

Earl

 

I too have an '03 MCS. I got the crappy foam backed bonnet vents replaced, Am still trying to get a new key, the one I have quit working on me. It was covered under warantee, but the dealer is kinda far away and both the car and the key need to be in the same place at the same time to be programed. I had the outer black pieces replaced on the outside of the A-pillars, they developed some cracking issues. There was some hydraulic bushing that needed to be replaced and so far (knock on wood) one of the runflats.

Other than that, I have had no problems. I did have to reset the power window the other day, thanks for whomever put that little tidbit of information on NAM!

Lamon

 

I have had one more interesting event. the ABS, DSC and Tire warning lights all came on at once. The dealer found that the ground wire for the unit that controls the wheel sensors was frayed where it passes throught the body. They wrapped it with insulation and secured it so it wouldn't rub on the body. Just in case someone else sees the the same symptoms. As i said, I love the car. Would love to do some performance upgrades, but will wait until the warranty period is up, or maybe order a new Works?

 

I have the latch issue...

Now i feel dumb, never thought about adjusting it.

 

A lot of people have had the tire issue. I just drove mine with the bump until there was no tread left. I think it's because of the stiff sidewall, and the stiff suspension. Also, there's not a lot of sidewall at all, so it takes a big hit, and it gets pinched pretty bad.

Matt

PS welcome to the club....