I bought a used 2009 MCS with JCW. I've had to replace the clutch, fly wheel, turbo and a few other parts related to those items. Now my oil gaskets are leaking, repair is at $1100. The used car warranty covered 90% of the repairs but not this $1100 from today.

So, my question is, what is next? What else can go wrong with this car? Brakes are fine, oil change just done, shocks seem to be fine too. The auto repair shop says they don't see any else throwing up red flags. Just added 2 new tires and the other 2 are at medium wear.

So what else can I expect to fix in the next 6-12 months? Engine is covered by the warranty. But with this $1100 repair, I'll be into this used for $1800 or so.

Do I dump this car and go buy a used Honda?

Thanks,

Mike

2009 MCS with JCW, 6 speed

 

Considering the year of the car, the timing chain and HPFP could be problematic if they haven't been replaced already, though I think BMW is cutting checks for those repairs now. Might want to look into that.

 

Hmm, I have a warranty that cover most that is not normal wear and tear, and I believe the chain would be covered after my $100 deductible.

What is the status of the claim?

Mike

 

This is about the timing chains. HPFP is an older issue I think and I don't know the status, if any, on that.

http://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-s...on-settlement/

 

Make sure there is no carbon build up on the intake valves and this http://www.jmturbocoopers.com/Cooper...ton-Issue.html

 

You need to win the Powerball and then push it off a cliff. That's the only permanent long term fix & preventive maintenance for the N14 Mini Cooper S. I think most fellow owners would agree with me. LOL

 

You might want to set it on fire before pushing it off a cliff just to be safe

 

I was planning on keeping the engine running so there's a good chance the oil from the Turbo feed line will drip on the exhaust manifold and catch on fire anyway. No need to set it on fire beforehand. LOL.

 

Is that really how bad these n14's are?

 

Mine's been rock solid since buying it used in 2013. Previous owner did not have many issues either according to service records. I did have to replace thermostat temp sensor, serpentine belt, and tensioner but other than that, no problems. Granted, I change the oil every 3-5k miles so I think that in itself helps to avoid any of the major catastrophic engine problems. Bought the car with 39k miles, now it has 74k and is still running strong (and on stock clutch too).

 

112k miles on my 2008 "S", changed oil every 5k miles, new timing chain is all. Still runs good!

 

I'm next in line...does anyone know of a cliff close by...I can drive off a short pier and let it become a diving spot for scubie divers...

 

wherever you take it ask if they will take a two for? Hondo no..Audi/V-Dub yes....I have never in my life have to repair a vehicle like this one...such a headache...we all should drive to a BMW Mini manufacturer and drop them off..who is in? Now that is a worth while road trip...

 

I have two 2009 Cooper S both 45k ish miles
One is bullet proof, pristine and reliable as death and taxes.
My other is an oil leaking **** box...

 

My 2007 MCS has had a lot of work put into it since I bought it in April. Having that said, These are fun little cars to drive and own. You just have to stay on top of them and continue to be mindful of their little tell tale warning signs before they crap out. I am in the process of replacing the stock clutch now and it has 68,000 miles on it. I am sure something else will come along but you gotta admit it is all worth it, unless you can afford to buy a nice Audi. I don't know if I would like to own a GTI, I looked at them and they just don't have the looks and quality like a Mini. When I see a GTI I just think of a 16 year old ricer anyways.

 

Uh, no - most fellow owners would NOT agree with you.

 

Sounds like a wonderful idea! All right, who else wants to join the rag-tag group of pathetic MINI losers? Anyone... Anyone...?

 

Take it to CarMax and see how much they will give you. I'm serious.

 

You should save $200 per month on any out of warranty MINI to apply towards maintenance, less if you DIY.

Anything that is left over apply towards your next car purchase.

I consider that the price of admission to MINI ownership. It's up to you to decide if it's worth it.

Yes $200 is a little high, but think of the built in savings for mods.

 

Well… yeah. I have a 2009/N14. Here's the service history (minus actual legit maintenance)

During warranty:

• Aug 2009: Rear split-door handle sticking
• Apr 2010: Door trim rattle, rear split-door handle sticking again
• Mar 2010: Leaking rear brake light (top)
• Jun 2011: Sunroof sticking, aligned & lubed
• Jul 2011: Rear split-door handle sticking, finally replaced rotary latch mechanism
• Nov 2011: Timing chain and tensioner
• June 2011: Sunroof sticking again
• March 2012: Water pump replaced

Out of warranty:

• Apr 2014: Thermostat failed, replaced ($130 part, did it myself)
• Dec 2015: Engine crank seal, water pump, serpentine belt, belt tensioner & idler. Plus a lot of front-end suspension components that were badly worn and rattling. That's normal on a MINI of this age. About $2500 for all that; roughly half on the engine, half on the suspension bits; labor included. (I let the experts at German Autosport in Massachusetts handle it.)
• Coming up: I need to replace the valve cover gasket, which is leaking. Another chronic problem with these engines.

All the in-warranty items were done before I had the car, original owner. Look at that list — you can see why they lost faith in the car and sold it. Since then it's been pretty good to me. The thermostat was a pain in the *** due to the tight spaces but well within what a shade tree mechanic can do. The engine stuff last month is distressing; a 6 year old car with only 85k on it should not be leaking at the crank, nor should the water pump have any issues.

The high pressure fuel pump has been fine *knock on wood*.

I still love this car. But it's sometimes a little like having a dysfunctional family member. ;-)

 

My wife came close to buying a diesel Jetta Sportwagen (then bought a MINI Countryman). We sured dodged a bullet on that one. I don't think I'll ever trust VW again.

"Volkswagen" used to be synonymous with German engineering integrity. Not so much any more.

 

So here's a kicker, I went to have my engine steam cleaned yesterday and the engine looks brand new.

I did this because I noticed after my last repair job for a new turbo and oil/filter change that there was more residue/oil on top of the engine near the oil fill spot (not sure what it is called). I told this to the shop that is was not there before hand or before the turbo and oil filter change and I think they spilled some on the engine without a proper clean up. Nor was the burning oil smell there either, before the last fix.

I asked them to clean the engine and check. They didn't and told me I need $1100 worth of work to maybe the fix the issue, a leaking gasket (they think). My last two visits to this shop cost me over $3000 each. I was ticked and picked the car up for $115 fee.

Took the car to the car wash, engine steam cleaned and washed. Drove it today up and down a highway at 70 for about 20 minutes, smell is gone. Ran it again at same pace, nothing. The smell was coming from the air vents, so I turned them up just to make sure I was getting a good wiff and still nothing. Got home and popped the hood, took a good long smell, nothing. Smells like a warm engine.

Thoughts? Seems like a fricken money grab from these guys.

I will let it sit again and take it out again in a few days. See how it responds.

Mike

 

Suggest you have a talk with the person from whom you bought your Mini.

 

Suggest OP use a $8 bottle of Lucas Engine oil stop leak. I have a used $6,000 2007 MCS with 90,000 miles. The dealer wanted $8,000 to fix various small leaks. I laughed at them. These BMW/Citroen engines really leak like a piece of junk domestic car with 300,000 miles under its belt, so why not treat it like one??? I used a 1/3rd bottle of Lucas oil and it's all good now. Runs like a champ and no oil burning smell from the exhaust manifold. Love this car. Super fun and cheap. I drive it like I stole it. It's fast.

 

To go back to the original post, expect the water pump and thermostat housing to need replacement. Do them together, it will save you from dumping the anti-freeze a second time.


As far as your $1100 oil leaks, they are a common failure point (oil filter housing/oil cooler). Just make sure that they replace four things while they are there: Turbo oil feed line, oil drain line, oil filter housing to block gaskets, and oil cooler to filter housing gaskets. All of them can leak eventually, and all are in the same general area of the engine. The parts are not expensive, but it is a labor intensive task to get to that portion of the engine.


Have fun,
Mike