Still a new member here, but a veteran forum member elsewhere.

I know that oftentimes forums like this one (and others) can skew a perspective with many negatives posted about problems and issues people are having with their products (cars or others). Understandable since many forums are great places to find answers to questions one may be having with their product.

Considering buying a Mini and loading it up with a lot of interesting options.

Being a 'researcher before buying type", there are a few things I've be seeing about the Mini that are of concern. Again factoring in the negatives which tend to surface on forums rather than the positives.

Hopefully some of the members can either confirm them or put my mind at ease before I write a $36K check to Mini.

1. The Cooper S 2.0 engine. Is it solid or does it have the same carbon build up issues of Mini's past? (see last comment at bottom)

2. Do the stock hood scoops actually melt or deform (bonnet stripes also) with the turbo heat?

3. Is the HK audio system amp really prone to failure as I've read. $1000 to replace at the dealership?

4. Any others recurring issue that's being reported with the 2015's that I may have not read about?

As I stated before, I'm new to Mini, but not to other car forums. So I do understand how one can misinterpret issues or problems. That being said, I'd never forgive myself knowing there are some serious issues and still going forward with a $36000 purchase. I want the car to be enjoyable and as trouble free as can be expected with anything man made.

Lastly, Free maintenance 3 years 36K miles. Best I can see is Mini scheduled oil changes every 1 year or 10K miles. Most other car manufacturers are half that. It would appear that to keep the car from having some serious engine issues down the road, a responsible ower would have to do an interim old change at around 5K even using a blended synthetic. I'd the interval was reduced from 15K miles which was totally insane. Could it be that the amount or warranty work Mini was having to do on engine drove that change to 10K miles?

Thanks to all who respond constructively.

 

1.) Don't know yet in the MINI, but BMW has been using that engine for years...


2.) Not anymore. But, make sure you get the heat deflector. It's good insurance.


3. No, it's not failure prone, but, stuff happens. And it's way better than the base stereo, but it's not really great. Integral Audio soundstage makes it great.


4.) Not really.