R50/53 3 months of MINI ownership, but unfortunately....
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From: PDX
I already have several warranty issues since mid-January delivery. First was cracked windshield which was replaced under warranty. At the same time v37 software was flashed to correct the occassional yo-yos. Today, while doing an alignment and rattling repairs, the dealer also found a leak in the coolant system. Hence, they might not finish the repairs in time today, which means I might be MINI-less over the weekend. 
Although all the issues seem to be relatively minor, has anyone experienced so many problems with such a new car? Is this typical of MINI?
Although all the issues seem to be relatively minor, has anyone experienced so many problems with such a new car? Is this typical of MINI?
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0 problems with my '04 MCS, 9/2003 build. car has 7,200+ flawless miles. Has not been back to the dealer for anything in 7 months of ownership (With the exception to install the UJ roof flag decal and the stereo Aux input jack).
Very happy with the quality and reliability of my '04 MCS. Car is still bone stock, no engine mods done to date.
Our '02 Cooper CVT has also been fantastic. 22.3K miles in 20 months and no issues.
Both cars still have the original factory windshield.
Very happy with the quality and reliability of my '04 MCS. Car is still bone stock, no engine mods done to date.
Our '02 Cooper CVT has also been fantastic. 22.3K miles in 20 months and no issues.
Both cars still have the original factory windshield.
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I guess some people have had really tough luck when it comes to the reliability of thier cars. Our 2 MINIs have been extremely dependable, day in and day out. I am sure I am not part of a "minority" with troublefree MINIs as evidenced in the thread "Happy MINI owners: Post about your positive experience here".
There are good MINIs out there. Not all of them are bad apples...
There are good MINIs out there. Not all of them are bad apples...
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>>>>Yes
>>>>
>>
>>But the car is an 04.
BMW had 2 years to correct the recurrent problems like the yo-yo and coolant issues.
>>
You are the very first '04 owner that I have heard complaining about the coolant bottle leaking. No problems with my coolant bottle whatsoever.
This was a very old issue affecting mostly 2002 and early build 2003 MCS. It has been since corrected when a new plastic bottle was introduced in production.
You have had the JCW Kit and some mods installed........no suspects there?
>>>>
>>
>>But the car is an 04.
BMW had 2 years to correct the recurrent problems like the yo-yo and coolant issues. >>
You are the very first '04 owner that I have heard complaining about the coolant bottle leaking. No problems with my coolant bottle whatsoever.
This was a very old issue affecting mostly 2002 and early build 2003 MCS. It has been since corrected when a new plastic bottle was introduced in production.
You have had the JCW Kit and some mods installed........no suspects there?
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Coordinator :: PDX MINI
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From: PDX
Don't get me wrong! I totally LOVE my MINI, but just a little disappointed with BMW's quality. I've been a hard-core European car enthusiast ever since my first car years ago. However, after I was married, my wife made a convert out of me to Japanese brands. Now with all these mini problems on the MINI will only present more reasons for my wife to dissuade me from purchasing an European car in the future.
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Coordinator :: PDX MINI
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From: PDX
>>You are the very first '04 owner that I have heard complaining about the coolant bottle leaking. No problems with my coolant bottle whatsoever.
>>You have had the JCW Kit and some mods installed........no suspects there?
Actually it's not the coolant bottle, but a hose connection I believe. It's a very slow leak that I've noticed before addition of any aftermarket mods. I didn't think much of it at the time, but the problem persisted. As suggested, the hose connection could've possibly knocked loose during the installation of JCW kit. One thing I know for sure is that whoever installed the JCW kit did threaded out one of the screws on the IC cover.
_________________
>>You have had the JCW Kit and some mods installed........no suspects there?
Actually it's not the coolant bottle, but a hose connection I believe. It's a very slow leak that I've noticed before addition of any aftermarket mods. I didn't think much of it at the time, but the problem persisted. As suggested, the hose connection could've possibly knocked loose during the installation of JCW kit. One thing I know for sure is that whoever installed the JCW kit did threaded out one of the screws on the IC cover.
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2nd Gear
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From: brookfield NH
>>I guess some people have had really tough luck when it comes to the reliability of thier cars. Our 2 MINIs have been extremely dependable, day in and day out. I am sure I am not part of a "minority" with troublefree MINIs as evidenced in the thread "Happy MINI owners: Post about your positive experience here".
>>
>>
>>There are good MINIs out there. Not all of them are bad apples...
I agree to a certain extent. While my 2/02 build mcs has been the absolute worst new vehicle experience i've ever had, it's never left me stranded. I still love the car, and will probably keep it for quite a while, but they certainly have some quality issues. A lot of this is due to them not being a super high end car. My brother in law's 03 toyota matrix has the same peeling silver paint inside my mini has. But he doesn't have multiple rattles,suspension issues, driveability issues, broken windshields, broken sunroofs, etc. I guess I can't expect every vehicle to be like my old toyota pickup. 194k miles, original engine, runs great, not a squeak in it. I've never even put a tie rod end in it.
>>
>>
>>There are good MINIs out there. Not all of them are bad apples...
I agree to a certain extent. While my 2/02 build mcs has been the absolute worst new vehicle experience i've ever had, it's never left me stranded. I still love the car, and will probably keep it for quite a while, but they certainly have some quality issues. A lot of this is due to them not being a super high end car. My brother in law's 03 toyota matrix has the same peeling silver paint inside my mini has. But he doesn't have multiple rattles,suspension issues, driveability issues, broken windshields, broken sunroofs, etc. I guess I can't expect every vehicle to be like my old toyota pickup. 194k miles, original engine, runs great, not a squeak in it. I've never even put a tie rod end in it.
5th Gear
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I've got 30 k miles on my Dec 02 build 03 MCS.
Just completed inspection 1.
Warranty issues to date:
New speedo instrument cluster to replace defective temp gauge.
New window winder motor driver side and winder controller (window stopped working).
Replaced defective throwout bearing on clutch/tranny.
New steering column (bearings failed resulting in clacking sounds).
Have mild stumble and moderate yo-yo. Just received latest ECU software update, still evaluating how effectively this update cures these issues. Until now, I was running on version 32.
Interior trim paint was peeling off, re-painted myself.
Parts on order to deal with these minor issues:
Spacers to correct rattling windows when open.
Window winder controller on order for replacement, to deal with neverending need to reset window dip function (on average once per week).
Rear speaker covers on HK stereo system are rusting (!!!???) replacement covers on order.
However, none of these issues have kept me from driving the car, otehr than the time spent at dealer to corret issues (almost 1 month total now out of about 15 months of ownership).
Is this too much stuff for a new car? YES!
Do I still love my MINI? YES!
Just completed inspection 1.
Warranty issues to date:
New speedo instrument cluster to replace defective temp gauge.
New window winder motor driver side and winder controller (window stopped working).
Replaced defective throwout bearing on clutch/tranny.
New steering column (bearings failed resulting in clacking sounds).
Have mild stumble and moderate yo-yo. Just received latest ECU software update, still evaluating how effectively this update cures these issues. Until now, I was running on version 32.
Interior trim paint was peeling off, re-painted myself.
Parts on order to deal with these minor issues:
Spacers to correct rattling windows when open.
Window winder controller on order for replacement, to deal with neverending need to reset window dip function (on average once per week).
Rear speaker covers on HK stereo system are rusting (!!!???) replacement covers on order.
However, none of these issues have kept me from driving the car, otehr than the time spent at dealer to corret issues (almost 1 month total now out of about 15 months of ownership).
Is this too much stuff for a new car? YES!
Do I still love my MINI? YES!
dave-sorry to hear about your car. especially after modding it this week
kinda agonizing not to be able to play with it over the weekend.
well, the weather sucks here in Chicago this weekend so I guess I won't be
playing with my MCS either.
especially after modding it this weekkinda agonizing not to be able to play with it over the weekend.
well, the weather sucks here in Chicago this weekend so I guess I won't be
playing with my MCS either.
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Dave, that really sucks if your coolant leak was indeed caused by an improperly connected hose during the JCW install. This is one of my "fears" about the JCW kit although the MINI head tech guy at my dealer is brilliant and an excellent mechanic (He is the only one that touches my cars) but still an oversight like that can still happen.
the JCW is MAJOR surgery. I wish BMW would offer it as special factory order.
>>>>You are the very first '04 owner that I have heard complaining about the coolant bottle leaking. No problems with my coolant bottle whatsoever.
>>>>You have had the JCW Kit and some mods installed........no suspects there?
>>
>>Actually it's not the coolant bottle, but a hose connection I believe. It's a very slow leak that I've noticed before addition of any aftermarket mods. I didn't think much of it at the time, but the problem persisted. As suggested, the hose connection could've possibly knocked loose during the installation of JCW kit. One thing I know for sure is that whoever installed the JCW kit did threaded out one of the screws on the IC cover.
>>
>>
>>_________________
>>
the JCW is MAJOR surgery. I wish BMW would offer it as special factory order.
>>>>You are the very first '04 owner that I have heard complaining about the coolant bottle leaking. No problems with my coolant bottle whatsoever.
>>>>You have had the JCW Kit and some mods installed........no suspects there?
>>
>>Actually it's not the coolant bottle, but a hose connection I believe. It's a very slow leak that I've noticed before addition of any aftermarket mods. I didn't think much of it at the time, but the problem persisted. As suggested, the hose connection could've possibly knocked loose during the installation of JCW kit. One thing I know for sure is that whoever installed the JCW kit did threaded out one of the screws on the IC cover.
>>
>>
>>_________________
>>
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Melbourne, FL
Fixed the rattling boot hatch myself, same with the leaking radiator expansion tank. Otherwise everything is golden.
Beats all hell out of my Evo 8, paying for a new clutch at 4500 miles after the dealership refused any warranty service turned me off on Mitsubishi for good.
Beats all hell out of my Evo 8, paying for a new clutch at 4500 miles after the dealership refused any warranty service turned me off on Mitsubishi for good.
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>>>>I guess some people have had really tough luck when it comes to the reliability of thier cars. Our 2 MINIs have been extremely dependable, day in and day out. I am sure I am not part of a "minority" with troublefree MINIs as evidenced in the thread "Happy MINI owners: Post about your positive experience here".
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>There are good MINIs out there. Not all of them are bad apples...
>>
>>I agree to a certain extent. While my 2/02 build mcs has been the absolute worst new vehicle experience i've ever had, it's never left me stranded. I still love the car, and will probably keep it for quite a while, but they certainly have some quality issues. A lot of this is due to them not being a super high end car. My brother in law's 03 toyota matrix has the same peeling silver paint inside my mini has. But he doesn't have multiple rattles,suspension issues, driveability issues, broken windshields, broken sunroofs, etc. I guess I can't expect every vehicle to be like my old toyota pickup. 194k miles, original engine, runs great, not a squeak in it. I've never even put a tie rod end in it.
Well, this is the risk one assumes when buying a first year car of a totally brand new design. The Japanese typically carry over "proven" components from previous generations of a certain model into a new one, thus assuring better reliability and reduced engineering and quality risks.
I have owned several Japanese made cars (mostly Hondas and Acuras) and the funny thing is that the more reliable ones were the Accords made right here in the USA. I always had some annoying problems with the Japan made Accords and Acuras I had.
I personally could care less how "good" Japanese cars are perceived to be. Most of them are challenged designwise (to my eyes) are boring are the same old thing and in most cases these once pristine products have also fallen to the auto industry trend of cost cutting and less than reliable componentry. Just take a look at the recent Honda Oddessey, Pilot automatic transmission recall. I have been hearing about Honda Automatic transmission problems since 1998. Oh and how about the Mitsubishi fiasco of the 1990's?
There are very few Japanese branded cars I would put in my driveway..very few..I can count them with the fingers of one hand.
To be honest I would give consideration, first and foremost, to either a Detroit or Munich product before anything made by Tokyo, Inc..
I have never owned a Toyota in my life, I have driven several of them including Lexus and to this day I don't ever regret not buying a single one of them...they are pretty forgettable appliances.
_________________
'02 Cooper CVT PW/B, MFSW, CD Boost, 15" 8-Spoke silver wheels.
'04 MCS CR/W, UJ Roof Flag, Aux Input, HK, Sport MFSW, Rain sensing, Auto dim mirror, 16" silver V-spoke wheels, Chrome grille, Chrome mirrors, OBC, front fogs.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>There are good MINIs out there. Not all of them are bad apples...
>>
>>I agree to a certain extent. While my 2/02 build mcs has been the absolute worst new vehicle experience i've ever had, it's never left me stranded. I still love the car, and will probably keep it for quite a while, but they certainly have some quality issues. A lot of this is due to them not being a super high end car. My brother in law's 03 toyota matrix has the same peeling silver paint inside my mini has. But he doesn't have multiple rattles,suspension issues, driveability issues, broken windshields, broken sunroofs, etc. I guess I can't expect every vehicle to be like my old toyota pickup. 194k miles, original engine, runs great, not a squeak in it. I've never even put a tie rod end in it.
Well, this is the risk one assumes when buying a first year car of a totally brand new design. The Japanese typically carry over "proven" components from previous generations of a certain model into a new one, thus assuring better reliability and reduced engineering and quality risks.
I have owned several Japanese made cars (mostly Hondas and Acuras) and the funny thing is that the more reliable ones were the Accords made right here in the USA. I always had some annoying problems with the Japan made Accords and Acuras I had.
I personally could care less how "good" Japanese cars are perceived to be. Most of them are challenged designwise (to my eyes) are boring are the same old thing and in most cases these once pristine products have also fallen to the auto industry trend of cost cutting and less than reliable componentry. Just take a look at the recent Honda Oddessey, Pilot automatic transmission recall. I have been hearing about Honda Automatic transmission problems since 1998. Oh and how about the Mitsubishi fiasco of the 1990's?
There are very few Japanese branded cars I would put in my driveway..very few..I can count them with the fingers of one hand.
To be honest I would give consideration, first and foremost, to either a Detroit or Munich product before anything made by Tokyo, Inc..
I have never owned a Toyota in my life, I have driven several of them including Lexus and to this day I don't ever regret not buying a single one of them...they are pretty forgettable appliances.
_________________
'02 Cooper CVT PW/B, MFSW, CD Boost, 15" 8-Spoke silver wheels.
'04 MCS CR/W, UJ Roof Flag, Aux Input, HK, Sport MFSW, Rain sensing, Auto dim mirror, 16" silver V-spoke wheels, Chrome grille, Chrome mirrors, OBC, front fogs.
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>>Fixed the rattling boot hatch myself, same with the leaking radiator expansion tank. Otherwise everything is golden.
>>
>>Beats all hell out of my Evo 8, paying for a new clutch at 4500 miles after the dealership refused any warranty service turned me off on Mitsubishi for good.
2Cool, I have never driven an EVO 8 but I keep hearing comments regarding the premature clutch wear on that car. Some people from my club (They are seasoned car buffs and AutoXers) claim that the main reason why EVO owners are burning thier clutches is because they don't know how to properly launch an AWD car which apparently is very different from the clutch technique on a FWD or RWD vehicle.
One of them tells me that whenever an EVO goes by in the track and smells like burnt out, he goes "there it goes another EVO clutch".
Is this true? Or is the EVO clutch true junk no matter how well you know how to drive an AWD car?
>>
>>Beats all hell out of my Evo 8, paying for a new clutch at 4500 miles after the dealership refused any warranty service turned me off on Mitsubishi for good.
2Cool, I have never driven an EVO 8 but I keep hearing comments regarding the premature clutch wear on that car. Some people from my club (They are seasoned car buffs and AutoXers) claim that the main reason why EVO owners are burning thier clutches is because they don't know how to properly launch an AWD car which apparently is very different from the clutch technique on a FWD or RWD vehicle.
One of them tells me that whenever an EVO goes by in the track and smells like burnt out, he goes "there it goes another EVO clutch".
Is this true? Or is the EVO clutch true junk no matter how well you know how to drive an AWD car?
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>>Cooper4us, I need you to convince my wife when I'm ready to buy another European car. 
The truth be told....the Europeans (Germans in particular) have unrivaled driving experience in thier cars but the problem is that they like to overengineer but not to spend quality time testing and fine tuning things...that's what has been getting them in real trouble time after time...just look at the poor quality of new Mercedes products.
Tokyo, inc has the reliability equation more or less under control, but they don't have the looks or driving experience to match the best of Europe. maybe Infiniti and Mazda could come close but a real distant second
The truth be told....the Europeans (Germans in particular) have unrivaled driving experience in thier cars but the problem is that they like to overengineer but not to spend quality time testing and fine tuning things...that's what has been getting them in real trouble time after time...just look at the poor quality of new Mercedes products.
Tokyo, inc has the reliability equation more or less under control, but they don't have the looks or driving experience to match the best of Europe. maybe Infiniti and Mazda could come close but a real distant second
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 321
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From: Melbourne, FL
Cooper4us, all I heard from many Evo owners was that it was "operator error".
A neat idea, fostered by the dealerships, however; when ~50% of Evo owners ended up replacing the clutch before 10K miles, it was no longer a driver issue.
On mine I had never been to the track, no drag strip launching at all. I did autocross, but the launches there were much more controlled than any I would do at a track. Compare that to my '90 Mustang GT that I have been absolutely beating on, running twice the torque that the T5 is rated at and still on the stock clutch, no issues at all with 46K plus miles. Why is it than a cheap domestic car can be beat on hard, put away wet, and a $30K import has a glass clutch and needs repair in less than 1/10th the miles?!
It isn't operator error, it is a designed fail point to save the transmissions and drivelines of the Evo. Heard that one straight from a friend who is service manager at the local Mitsu dealer. He also told me Mitsu Japan directed no warranty repair for any clutch/transmission issues, period. Hence Mitsus continued decline into bankruptcy... the only failing Japanese car company.
A neat idea, fostered by the dealerships, however; when ~50% of Evo owners ended up replacing the clutch before 10K miles, it was no longer a driver issue.
On mine I had never been to the track, no drag strip launching at all. I did autocross, but the launches there were much more controlled than any I would do at a track. Compare that to my '90 Mustang GT that I have been absolutely beating on, running twice the torque that the T5 is rated at and still on the stock clutch, no issues at all with 46K plus miles. Why is it than a cheap domestic car can be beat on hard, put away wet, and a $30K import has a glass clutch and needs repair in less than 1/10th the miles?!
It isn't operator error, it is a designed fail point to save the transmissions and drivelines of the Evo. Heard that one straight from a friend who is service manager at the local Mitsu dealer. He also told me Mitsu Japan directed no warranty repair for any clutch/transmission issues, period. Hence Mitsus continued decline into bankruptcy... the only failing Japanese car company.
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>>Cooper4us, all I heard from many Evo owners was that it was "operator error".
>>
>>A neat idea, fostered by the dealerships, however; when ~50% of Evo owners ended up replacing the clutch before 10K miles, it was no longer a driver issue.
>>
>>On mine I had never been to the track, no drag strip launching at all. I did autocross, but the launches there were much more controlled than any I would do at a track. Compare that to my '90 Mustang GT that I have been absolutely beating on, running twice the torque that the T5 is rated at and still on the stock clutch, no issues at all with 46K plus miles. Why is it than a cheap domestic car can be beat on hard, put away wet, and a $30K import has a glass clutch and needs repair in less than 1/10th the miles?!
>>
>>It isn't operator error, it is a designed fail point to save the transmissions and drivelines of the Evo. Heard that one straight from a friend who is service manager at the local Mitsu dealer. He also told me Mitsu Japan directed no warranty repair for any clutch/transmission issues, period. Hence Mitsus continued decline into bankruptcy... the only failing Japanese car company.
Wow, thanks for the insight! yeah Mitsu Motors is a pretty troubled company as we speak.
>>
>>A neat idea, fostered by the dealerships, however; when ~50% of Evo owners ended up replacing the clutch before 10K miles, it was no longer a driver issue.
>>
>>On mine I had never been to the track, no drag strip launching at all. I did autocross, but the launches there were much more controlled than any I would do at a track. Compare that to my '90 Mustang GT that I have been absolutely beating on, running twice the torque that the T5 is rated at and still on the stock clutch, no issues at all with 46K plus miles. Why is it than a cheap domestic car can be beat on hard, put away wet, and a $30K import has a glass clutch and needs repair in less than 1/10th the miles?!
>>
>>It isn't operator error, it is a designed fail point to save the transmissions and drivelines of the Evo. Heard that one straight from a friend who is service manager at the local Mitsu dealer. He also told me Mitsu Japan directed no warranty repair for any clutch/transmission issues, period. Hence Mitsus continued decline into bankruptcy... the only failing Japanese car company.
Wow, thanks for the insight! yeah Mitsu Motors is a pretty troubled company as we speak.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 151
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From: California
>>>>Cooper4us, all I heard from many Evo owners was that it was "operator error".
>>>>
>>>>A neat idea, fostered by the dealerships, however; when ~50% of Evo owners ended up replacing the clutch before 10K miles, it was no longer a driver issue.
>>>>
>>>>On mine I had never been to the track, no drag strip launching at all. I did autocross, but the launches there were much more controlled than any I would do at a track. Compare that to my '90 Mustang GT that I have been absolutely beating on, running twice the torque that the T5 is rated at and still on the stock clutch, no issues at all with 46K plus miles. Why is it than a cheap domestic car can be beat on hard, put away wet, and a $30K import has a glass clutch and needs repair in less than 1/10th the miles?!
>>>>
>>>>It isn't operator error, it is a designed fail point to save the transmissions and drivelines of the Evo. Heard that one straight from a friend who is service manager at the local Mitsu dealer. He also told me Mitsu Japan directed no warranty repair for any clutch/transmission issues, period. Hence Mitsus continued decline into bankruptcy... the only failing Japanese car company.
>>
>>
>>Wow, thanks for the insight! yeah Mitsu Motors is a pretty troubled company as we speak.
>>
My 95 Mitsubishi Eclipse has the transmission go out at 5,600 miles. Supposedly when it was shipped the the dealer it was never filled with oil. My MINI made it to 5,100 miles before it lost 5th gear. I had both cars in the shop equally in the first 6 months which was over 30 days.
>>>>
>>>>A neat idea, fostered by the dealerships, however; when ~50% of Evo owners ended up replacing the clutch before 10K miles, it was no longer a driver issue.
>>>>
>>>>On mine I had never been to the track, no drag strip launching at all. I did autocross, but the launches there were much more controlled than any I would do at a track. Compare that to my '90 Mustang GT that I have been absolutely beating on, running twice the torque that the T5 is rated at and still on the stock clutch, no issues at all with 46K plus miles. Why is it than a cheap domestic car can be beat on hard, put away wet, and a $30K import has a glass clutch and needs repair in less than 1/10th the miles?!
>>>>
>>>>It isn't operator error, it is a designed fail point to save the transmissions and drivelines of the Evo. Heard that one straight from a friend who is service manager at the local Mitsu dealer. He also told me Mitsu Japan directed no warranty repair for any clutch/transmission issues, period. Hence Mitsus continued decline into bankruptcy... the only failing Japanese car company.
>>
>>
>>Wow, thanks for the insight! yeah Mitsu Motors is a pretty troubled company as we speak.
>>
My 95 Mitsubishi Eclipse has the transmission go out at 5,600 miles. Supposedly when it was shipped the the dealer it was never filled with oil. My MINI made it to 5,100 miles before it lost 5th gear. I had both cars in the shop equally in the first 6 months which was over 30 days.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
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I'm glad my 03 MCS has been trouble free, because I live about 5000 miles from the selling dealer 
I bought the Mini from Mini of Hawaii when I lived in Ca, now the MCS calls Okla home.
I have not had any issues to speak of so I guess I'm one of the lucky owners.
I bought the Mini from Mini of Hawaii when I lived in Ca, now the MCS calls Okla home.I have not had any issues to speak of so I guess I'm one of the lucky owners.